Page 235 of Trick or Stalk

I reach a small clearing, and instead of continuing on the trail, I run into the thick forest. My legs are already aching. My lungs burn. And it feels like something is stabbing my side.

But I keep moving.

I slow, looking around for a spot to hide.

Then I hear his heavy footsteps behind me. And it stops being funny.

Shit. How is he so close already?

Fear and adrenaline combine as I pick up the pace, unwilling to let him catch me so easily.

Hades is fast. Really fucking fast.

My boots slam against the damp ground. Leaves crunch beneath my feet. Branches scrape my jacket as I push myself to run faster.

Why did I leave the path?

I'm an idiot. A horny idiot who apparently has no survival instincts.

I risk a glance behind me.

I don’t see him.

I slow.

A branch snaps somewhere to my right.

I spin around.

Nothing.

“Hades?” My breathless voice trembles.

Silence.

My heart pounds.

I turn slowly, searching between the trees.

Where the hell is he?

“Hades?”

Still nothing.

A nervous laugh escapes me. “This isn't funny.”

Nothing.

My pulse kicks harder.

He could be anywhere. Watching. Waiting.

The thought sends a delicious shiver through me.

Until I realize that maybe we aren’t the only ones out here.

A branch snaps behind me.