CHAPTER SEVEN

The drive had been quiet for a while, the steady hum of the engine and the occasional burst of chatter from Daniella and my sister filling the car. I was zoning out with little cat naps when her phone buzzed in the cupholder.

Cherish tapped the button on the steering wheel, answering it on speaker. “What’s up?”

“Need to stop for gas,” Liza’s voice crackled through the car. “I’m running low. Let’s pull off at the next exit.”

Cherish glanced at me, raising a brow as if to ask if we were good with that. I nodded, and she responded, “Got it. We passed a sign about fifteen minutes ago. There’s a station two miles up. Meet us there.”

“I’ll just follow you, speed demon,” Liza teased before ending the call.

“I should have mentioned this way earlier, but what do we think of Liza bringing stray dicks on our trip?” Cherish asked.

After processing her stray dick comment, I shrugged, pretending to be unbothered. “I mean, if we’re stuck with them, we’re stuck with them.”

“You wanna call dibs?” Daniella asked curiously.

I turned and stared at her, deadpan. “I have zero interest in men.”

“Same here,” Cherish added, her tone dry as she kept her eyes on the road. “Plus, none of them look like they manscape.”

“Same,” Cherish added dryly, keeping her eyes on the road. “Plus, none of them look like they manscape.”

Daniella gasped in mock horror. “Manscape?”

“Yeah. It’s like going to a fancy restaurant, getting your food, and then finding a hair in it. I’m not willingly putting myself through that,” my sister explained.

I bit my lip to stifle a laugh, my mind wandering right to Wilder.

He always kept himself together down there. Not barren or anything, but it wasn’t a jungle I had to battle when his dick was down my throat.

Daniella sighed dramatically, pulling me from my thoughts. “I’m just saying, a little road trip romance never hurt anyone.”

“Yeah, except for the fact that this is supposed to be a girls’ trip. You know, bonding, relaxation—not scoping out guys or riding them.”

“I’ve said my piece,” my sister stated.

“I bet at least one of them is surprisingly well-kept. Like, diamond-in-the-rough vibes.”

Cherish laughed and hit her signal for our exit. The gas station came into view as soon as she took the next right off the ramp. It was a small, run-down place with only a couple of pumps and a convenience store that looked like it hadn’t been updated since the early 90s.

“Cue horror movie intro,” Daniella mumbled.

“Don’t jinx us,” I chastised playfully, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear.

I actually kinda agreed, though. The bright sun didn’t do much to ease the creeping unease that settled over me as we pulled into the lot. The place felt unnaturally quiet. It was no surprise there weren’t card readers, and you had to pay inside.

Everyone climbed out, stretching and shaking off the hours of driving. Liza rounded the Jeep, her long blonde curls catching the sunlight as she called out, “We’re grabbing snacks. Anyone need anything?”

“I’ll take a brisk tea if they have it,” I replied, clipping Moose’s lead onto his thick collar. He hopped out of the car eagerly, sniffing at the air with his stubby tail wagging. “I’m taking him around back.”

“I’ll get your tea,” Cherish said as she lifted her shades, scanning the lot briefly before heading toward the store with Daniella and Liza.

Naija went to join them, pausing long enough to throw a pointed look at Gabe, who was leaning lazily against Liza’s car. “Don’t start anything with anyone.”

His thin lips curved into a grin. “What could I possibly start, Naj?”

She said something under her breath, giving him some side-eye before heading inside with the others. I shook my head, tugging Moose’s leash and heading for the side of the building. Tiny grains of asphalt crunched underfoot, and for a moment, I let myself focus on the sound, trying to shake the strange vibe that clung to the place.

“Autumn?” a voice called out, making me jump. I turned quickly to find Ryan walking toward me, his hoodie pulled up, hands stuffed in his pockets.

“Didn’t anyone ever tell you not to sneak up on people?”

He grinned, and a dimple appeared on his left cheek. “Didn’t mean to scare you.”

His dark brown eyes shifted toward the edge of the building, scanning the area. “Not the best place to hang out alone, though.”

“I’m not alone. I’ve got Moose, and he’s a better judge of people than I am.”

He chuckled, glancing at my rottie, who was sniffing a stretch of grass near the edge of the building. “He seems solid, but I’d feel better sticking around. You never know with places like this.”

I blinked, caught off guard by the quiet sincerity in his voice. “That’s… sweet of you, but I’m fine.”

“Still,” he said, leaning casually against the side of the building, his broad shoulders relaxed but his eyes watchful. “Doesn’t hurt to be careful.”

I sighed, shaking my head but appreciating the gesture. Ryan had always been friendly anytime our paths crossed, and while Wilder might have been the most beautiful man that I’d ever laid eyes on, Ryan wasn’t hard to look at. I didn’t want his interest though.

Moose suddenly froze, his body stiffening as a low growl rumbled in his throat. I followed his gaze and saw a girl stepping out from the opposite side of the building. I realized she was older than I initially thought as I studied her face. She was just small, and pale, with loose dark hair that framed her face and dark blue eyes.

She didn’t say anything, just stood there, staring, like she was sizing us up. Her head tilted slightly, her lips curling into a slow, unsettling smile. “You’re really pretty,” she breathed, her voice soft but clear.

“Thanks…” I replied cautiously, tightening my grip on Moose’s leash as his fur bristled. She stepped closer, and his growls turned sharper, his hackles rising.

“Hey.” Ryan stepped slightly in front of me. “Something you need?”

The girl didn’t answer. She just stared for a moment longer before turning abruptly and walking off into the field behind the gas station, disappearing into the tall grass. I didn’t see anything back there that would cause someone to go that way.

“Hey,” I called after her, glancing over when Ryan put a hand on my arm and shook his head.

“Let her go.”

I frowned, looking for some sign of the woman, but she was completely concealed. “What if she’s not…well?”

“Do you know her?”

I slid him an exasperated look. “How would I know some random girl hiding on the side of a gas station?”

“Good point.”

We both looked toward the field again, but the girl had vanished. Where the hell was she going? I didn’t see any indication of a building or road.

Ryan shook his head. “Come on. Let’s get back to the others.”

I tugged on Moose’s leash, and we circled around to the front of the building. Everyone was standing by the cars, bags of snacks and drinks in hand. Daniella glanced between Ryan and me as if she already had a million questions.

“What took you two so long?” she asked, her tone teasing.

Ryan thankfully ignored the bait. “Did you guys see a skinny, wraith-looking girl? Dark hair, pale, kinda off?”

Jason, who had been leaning against Liza’s car and sipping from a soda, nodded his head. “Yeah, she was inside when we first got here. Didn’t think much of her, though.”

“She was creepy as hell,” Naija added, adjusting her long locs as she pulled a water bottle from one of the bags.

Ryan exhaled, glancing back toward the building.

“She came around the side while we were back there. Told Autumn she was ‘really pretty’ and then just… walked off into the field.”

Liza’s lips curled into a skeptical frown. “That’s weird as fuck.”

“You’re telling me,” I muttered, opening the car door and guiding Moose back inside. He hopped up onto the seat, his tail still low as he cast wary glances around the lot.

Daniella grinned. “Guess we’re off to a great start on our little getaway, huh? I love the suspense.”

“Not funny,” Cherish stated flatly. “People like that give me bad vibes.”

Ryan crossed his arms, glancing toward the gas station. “I don’t like it either. Let’s get out of here.”

As we all piled back into the cars, my gaze flicked toward the gas station windows. Two employees stood near the counter, staring at us.

Their expressions were blank, their movements unnervingly still.

“You seeing that?” I murmured to Cherish as she climbed into the driver’s seat.

She glanced toward the windows. “Yeah, I see it. We’re getting our asses far away from here.”

I settled into my seat, trying to shake the unease that had built ever since we pulled into this place. Cherish started the engine, and as the car rolled forward, I glanced back at the gas station one last time.

The final stretch of the drive was quieter. Trees lined the path on both sides, their tall, shadowy forms closing in as we ventured deeper into the countryside.

It was peaceful, and for the first time since we’d started this trip, I felt like I could let my guard down if only a little.

When we pulled up to the rental, my eyes widened. The place was stunning, almost surreal. Nestled on what seemed like its own little slice of paradise, surrounded by vibrant greenery, colorful flowerbeds, and rows of trees that made the entire area feel isolated from the rest of the world. I slipped out of the car and the soft crunch of gravel under my feet barely registered as I stared at the house, my gaze sweeping over the light stone walls.

“This is amazing.”

“You did good, Ella,” Cherish praised with a nod of approval as she took off her sunglasses, her grey eyes scanning the property.

Daniella grinned. “Do you think I’d settle for anything less?” she questioned, crossing her arms and looking at the house like it was her personal achievement.

Liza walked over to join us. “Alright, but are we sure this isn’t someone else’s fancy rental? Because this is giving serious ‘we’re not supposed to be here’ vibes.”

Daniella pulled out her phone, scrolling confidently. “It’s ours. Booked and paid for, down to the cleaning fee. You’re welcome.”

Cherish let out a soft laugh. “Alright, let’s unload.”

Moose hopped out of the car beside me, his stubby tail wagging as he sniffed the air. I clipped his leash on and gave him a quick pat. “Come on, big guy,” I murmured, leading him up the short path to the house.

The interior was just as breathtaking as the outside. Hardwood floors gleamed under the warm glow of recessed lighting, and large windows allowed sunlight to flood the space. The living room was cozy yet elegant, with a plush sectional, a massive fireplace, and shelves lined with books and trinkets.

The kitchen was modern, with sleek countertops and a large farmhouse sink that looked straight out of a home renovation show. A small welcome card was propped up on the counter near a wicker basket filled with local treats.

Welcome to your home away from home! It read in elegant script. We hope you enjoy your stay and find everything you need for a relaxing getaway.

“Okay, this is ridiculous,” Naija said as she walked in, her long locs pulled back into a loose bun. “This place is way too nice for a bunch of us to just crash for the weekend.”

“That’s the whole point,” Daniella said, setting her bag down. “Luxury, relaxation, and snacks.” She plucked a granola bar from the welcome basket to emphasize her point.

I shook my head at her and stepped back into the long hall that seemed to run horizontally to all the lower rooms.

Moose padded beside me, his massive frame practically taking up the whole hallway as he sniffed the air. His ears twitched, his keen eyes darting toward the staircase as if on high alert. With my bag in hand, I started up them, and Cherish followed close behind.

We went from room to room, skipping right past the master since it was going to Daniella. She had paid for this whole rental on her own despite our objections so it was only right.

“We’re taking this one,” my sister announced the second we stepped into a room with two full-sized beds. The walls were painted a calming shade of beige, and the bedding was different shades of brown. The air carried a faint chill that didn’t match the warmth of the decor. A large window overlooked the backyard, where tall trees shed their golden leaves in the breeze.

The earthy scent of damp bark and crisp leaves drifted in through a slightly cracked window.

Moose sniffed the air and let out a low, approving rumble.

“Fine by me,” I murmured, setting my bag on the bed closest to where the breeze was coming from.

Cherish moved to the dresser, her brows knitting together as she picked up an oddly shaped cross. “What religion is this?” she asked, tilting it in the light.

I stepped closer, my curiosity piqued. My fingers brushed the cool, tarnished surface. The intricate design felt almost sharp, like it had been crafted more for ritual than decoration. When Cherish flipped it over, my unease deepened. The back was covered in strange, looping symbols that looked like something out of a horror movie, and at the base, the letters "N.N." were engraved with precision.

“Um… not a good one?” I joked, forcing a small laugh that fell flat in the quiet room. I took it from her and set it back down, my fingertips tingling as if I’d touched something I shouldn’t have.

Cherish snorted softly, but there was an edge to her voice. “Yeah, let’s hope we’re not summoning anything in our sleep.”

I started to turn away when something caught my attention across the room. Mounted on the far wall above a small desk was a mask, its black surface glossy and smooth, the hollow eyes staring blankly into the room. It looked like it belonged in some forgotten cult. A chill ran down my spine, settling in my stomach like a lead weight.

“Well, that’s not fucking creepy at all,” I muttered, nodding toward it.

Cherish followed my gaze and let out an exasperated groan. “Oh, hell no.” She moved past me, climbing onto the desk chair with purpose.

“We’re not sleeping with this thing watching us. Nope.” With a yank, she pulled the mask off the wall.

I watched amusedly as my sister marched toward the closet, snatching the cross on her way. She shoved both inside with a dramatic flourish, slamming the door shut. “There. Problem solved.”

“Maybe you should have thrown them out the window.”

“If not for damage fees, I would. You think there’s crosses in the other rooms like this?” she asked.

“If there are, and I would be surprised if there wasn’t since this isn’t the maser, let’s just hope it’s the only weird shit we find.”

“Yeah.” She nodded. “I’d take that over a human sacrifice book that requires virgins and newborns.”

“Uh…right,” I drawled with a laugh.

We left the room and headed back downstairs to join the others.

I found myself in the kitchen with Cherish, my first drink already in hand, and trying not to let my mind wander to the place it was straining to go. She leaned against the counter beside me, sipping her own margarita.

“You okay?”

“Yeah,” I lied, glancing at the welcome card again so I didn’t have to meet her eye.

She reached out, squeezing my hand lightly. “We’re going to have a good weekend, K? No dicks, no drama, just drinks and...happy dances.”

“Happy dances?” I parroted, catching on to what she was trying to do. “You really butchered that. And I’m not sure Liza’s stowaways would fully agree with the itinerary.”

“Oh, just finish that so I can get you another. If you’re drunk, they can’t matter.”

I smiled and raised my drink in agreement.