Total pages in book: 209
Estimated words: 196141 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 981(@200wpm)___ 785(@250wpm)___ 654(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 196141 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 981(@200wpm)___ 785(@250wpm)___ 654(@300wpm)
It’s then that Kyle catches sight of someone peculiar he has not seen before. High up, sitting atop the tallest pile of junk, is a vampire. At first glance, Kyle isn’t certain whether they’re male or female, only that they are strikingly beautiful with long, flowing hair, just like Lazarus’s, only theirs is as white as snow. A porcelain, doll-like face, lightly-rouged cheeks, a pointy nose, wearing an almost playful expression, blissful, if not a bit bored and day-dreamy, perhaps waiting for something interesting to happen. The vampire wears a raspberry skintight catsuit with a slight sheen that covers their slender shape from neck to ankle.
And the moment Kyle sees the vampire, the vampire spots him right back, like an owl from a high-up perch sensing prey, or a perturbed housecat detecting movement.
The next instant, the vampire vanishes.
Kyle continues on, disturbed by that very temporary sight, and now his footsteps are much quicker. Mikey seems to notice, because his heart rate increases as he speeds up his own steps. The embarrassment from Mikey flushes in Kyle’s own cheeks. Perhaps it only now occurs to Kyle how humiliating this must be, to be paraded by a leash through the vignettes of vampires lounging around, partying, having sex or playing music, even if none of them seem to be paying attention.
Kyle supposes it’s understandable that Mikey doesn’t prefer to be wearing nothing but a spiked collar and leash with a tiny gold thong. Their first task will be finding Mikey some decent clothes, Kyle decides, as soon as they make it back to Nowhere.
Assuming Mikey wants anything to do with Kyle at all once they leave this evil place—if they leave this evil place.
Soon, Kyle spots the front exit of the den leading into the tunnels. Mikey seems to notice, too, as a burst of excitement rushes through his chest and his steps pick up more speed.
The moment they’re in the tunnels, relief washes over Mikey and spills into Kyle, inspiring them both. “Keep going,” says Kyle as they navigate through the dark tunnels. “We’re not in the clear until we’re outside. Watch your step.”
“I can’t fucking see!”
“Really? Not even a little bit? I can see just fine.”
“You’ve got your magic eyes, man, I can’t see shit!”
Kyle slows down, sighs with frustration. “Okay, stay close, then. Really close. Hands on my shoulders, if you have to. You gotta walk exactly where I’m walking. There are chasms in this tunnel, I’ve seen them, deep-ass chasms.”
“Are you fucking with me right now? Chasms?”
“Stay close, I said.”
With that, their progress slows considerably. Mikey clings to Kyle’s shoulders and back with annoying force, feeling like a heavy, fleshy backpack as the two proceed. Kyle realizes this is the second time he’s half-carried this guy through some kind of perilous situation. It’s far easier this time with Mikey being conscious, admittedly. “Watch your step,” Kyle coaches. “Stay by the wall on your right. The path drops off to the left. Good, just like that.” Mikey only replies with nervous grunts. It’s clear the young man is reevaluating his fear of the dark, terrified and relying completely and utterly on Kyle’s guidance.
It’s nearly an hour later. They are still worming their way through the tunnels. No sign of the exit in sight. “Are you sure you know where you’re going?” asks Mikey, voice echoing all around. Kyle doesn’t reply as he continues to pass through the tunnels, growing more and more frustrated by the minute.
Another half hour later, Kyle is certain they’re lost.
“Just admit you don’t know where in the hell we’re going,” says Mikey. “Admit that we’re gonna get caught, that I’m gonna be dead meat, that I’m gonna be punished because of your—”
Kyle comes to an abrupt stop.
Mikey, too, crashing into Kyle’s back. A moment’s pause. “What is it?” he whispers in a panic. “K-Kyle …?”
It’s Kyle’s Reach. It picked something up just now.
Something that wasn’t Mikey.
He turns his head, eyes searching in the darkness, senses nothing. Turns the other way, senses nothing. He listens more, listens further, reaching as best as he can.
He blinks.
Then: “Aww, you guys went without me?”
Both Mikey and Kyle slam against the wall, terrified.
Until the shape emerges from the darkness, and Kyle lets out an irritable sigh. “Damn it, Drake, what the fuck?”
Drake, who has donned his favorite denim jacket again, shrugs. “Sorry, boys, didn’t mean to give you such a spook.”
Kyle takes a second to catch his breath. “I thought you left with your brother.”
“Told him I had to run back for the sedatives. It was a lie.” Drake smiles. “I’m gonna help you boys get outta here first.”
Kyle squints at him. “Why?”
“No reason.” A swirl of excitement dances within Drake, a swirl that turns into a chuckle that flees his cutely curling lips. “Well, maybe your last words got to me. Just a little.” He meets Kyle’s eyes, turning soft. “I’m not like my brother. I’m not like you, either. I’m something else. I’m … me.”