"…different. Almost like you don't care about being Miss Goody anymore," Cami said.
"I haven't noticed anything," I told her.
We climbed out the window, dropped onto a tree branch, and made our way down to the ground.
The night air hit different.
Sharper.
Alive.
We started walking.
"Where's this party at?" I asked.
"Mandy Lake!" she said, excited.
"You mean Davon Lake?" I stopped. "I'm not going there. That's where she died."
"Exactly," Cami said like that made it better. "They say the killer might show up tonight."
I stared at her.
"Now I really don't want to go."
"It'll be fine," she said quickly, grabbing my arm. "We'll stay side by side. Promise."
I rolled my eyes… but nodded anyway.
A car pulled up beside us.
Five guys inside.
"Hey, sexy girls," the driver called. "Need a ride?"
"Let's go!" Cami said instantly.
I shook my head. "You're insane. Something could happen."
"It's the same party—and look at them," she whispered. "They're hot."
"No thanks," I said.
"I'll meet you there," she said, already running toward the car.
I watched as she climbed in—
One of the guys grabbed her on the way.
My stomach twisted.
The car sped off.
"Tease!" one of them shouted.
I flipped them off as they disappeared down the road.
Leaving me alone.
I turned to head back—
And felt it.
A chill ran up my spine.
That same car.
The one from across my house.
It pulled up slowly behind me.
Following.
I walked faster.
The headlights flicked on—bright, blinding.
Then I heard it.
A howl.
Not far.
And instead of fear—
I felt… calm.
Like it was familiar.
Like I'd heard it my whole life.
"Want a ride?"
"No," I said, not turning around.
"Come on!"
I froze.
That voice—
I turned.
Zack leaned out the window.
"What the hell are you doing out?" I asked, confused.
He pushed the door open. "Get in."
I walked closer.
"What happened to your clothes?" he asked, looking me over.
"Looks good," another voice said from inside.
I didn't recognize it.
"She's taken," Zack snapped.
Taken?
By who?
Before I could even ask, he pulled me into the car.
The driver hit the gas.
Zack threw his head back, laughing. "Woooo!"
The driver adjusted the mirror.
His eyes met mine.
Gray.
Cold.
Pulling me in.
I couldn't look away.
It felt like I was falling into them—
"Mae."
Nothing.
"Mae."
Still nothing.
Snap.
Zack's fingers in front of my face.
"We're here. Wake up."
I stepped out of the car.
The lake was packed.
People everywhere.
Music blasting.
Fire crackled from a massive bonfire.
Bodies moving, dancing—too close, too wild.
I turned—
Zack was there.
But the driver?
Gone.
Like he was never there at all.
"Hey, beautiful."
Major.
He stepped up beside me, looking me up and down.
"You want a tour?" he smirked. "Maybe some fun later?"
Zack shoved him back instantly.
Major didn't like that.
Neither did Zack.
They were seconds from fighting—
A low, deep sound cut through the air.
A growl.
Both of them froze.
"What was that?" I asked.
"What sound?" Zack said quickly, already walking away.
Liar.
The bonfire roared, lighting everything in orange and gold.
The dancing got… strange.
Too intense.
Too primal.
People stared at me as I walked.
Not normal stares.
Hunger.
Curiosity.
Recognition.
Like they knew something I didn't.
"You made it!" Cami shouted, running toward me.
A guy was wrapped around her.
"Oh yeah," he said, grinning at me. "Two's a party."
"Never going to happen," I said flatly.
"This is my boyfriend!" Cami squealed. "We're getting married!"
I grabbed her arm, pulling her close.
"What is wrong with you?" I whispered. "I don't even know who you are right now."
"Relax, Mae," she laughed. "I met the love of my life."
"What are you drinking?" I snapped. "Seriously."
"I'll see you at school," she said, brushing me off.
She walked away with him like nothing mattered.
He came back.
Of course he did.
"You sure you don't want to join?" he said, stepping close. "I'll do you first."
I didn't think.
I punched him.
Hard.
He barely moved.
And then—
He smiled.
Like he liked it.