Page 158 of Trick or Stalk

The same black hoodie, black jeans, and heavy boots he wore the other night. And that bone-white skeletal face leaves no doubt that this is the man from the woods.

The masked man outside my bedroom.

He's here.

Right in front of me.

Close enough I could touch him if he wasn’t holding my arms.

I try to pull away.

He loosens his grip, ensuring I have my balance before fully letting go.

That surprises me enough that I stop and stare up at him.

Footsteps echo behind us.

His head turns.

So does mine.

Caleb enters the alley.

He stops. His gaze moves from me to the masked man.

The masked man steps in front of me, completely blocking me from Caleb’s view.

My breath catches.

He doesn't say anything. Doesn't threaten Caleb. Nor does he move toward him.

He simply stands there.

Tall. Broad. Silent. Terrifying.

Caleb pales. “Dude, I⁠—”

The masked man's head tilts.

Caleb takes a step backward, holding his hands up in surrender. “I wasn't doing anything.”

Silence.

Caleb takes another step, then turns and practically runs from the alley.

I stare after him.

For several seconds, the only sound is my breathing.

Then the masked man turns toward me.

I back against the brick wall.

My heart is still racing, but something has changed.

I'm scared. Absolutely.

Yet the fear isn't the same as it was last night.