Page 2 of Carnival Monster

Cade barks out a laugh, shaking his head. “Fucking psycho. I love it.”

We part ways, Cade heading off to do whatever the fuck he does when he’s not working. No doubt he’ll be slamming his cock into his pretty little bitch until she screams. Me? I’ve got a date with some unsuspecting victims.

As I go to my post, I feel the anticipation building in my gut along with a craving that only the sweet sound of terror can satisfy.

I take my place in the shadows, blending in seamlessly. The carnival is in full swing now, and the air is filled with the scent of fried food and the shrieks of delighted children.

But I’m not here for them. No, I’m waiting for those who wander off the beaten path and think they’re brave enough to face the unknown.

They have no idea what’s waiting for them in the dark. They don’t know what true terror feels like.

2

AURORA

Itake a swig of vodka straight from the bottle, feeling the burn as it slides down my throat. Charlotte rifles through my closet, tossing a black crop top and a pair of tight, ripped jeans onto the bed.

“Girl, these jeans are gonna make your ass look amazing.” She grins. “Those carnie boys won’t know what hit them.”

I roll my eyes but can’t help but smile. Charlotte’s wild energy is infectious.

Dan emerges from the bathroom, his hair perfectly styled. “I don’t know why you’re so excited about this carnival. It’s probably a bunch of rickety rides and creepy clowns.”

“Exactly.” I shimmy into my jeans. “You know I live for the thrill. The creepier, the better.”

Charlotte snatches the vodka from my hand and takes a swig. “Fuck yes! I’m ready to get my scare on. And maybe get a little action, too, if you know what I mean.” She winks.

Dan sighs, but there’s a small smile on his lips. “You’re both insane. But I guess someone has to keep you two out of trouble.”

I slip on the crop top and check myself out in the mirror. Charlotte was right. My ass looks damn good. My stomach flutters with excitement, but not just because I look hot. It’s the anticipation of adrenaline pumping through my veins.

I’ve always been drawn to the darkness. Where others shy away, I lean in closer. Something about the rush of terror makes me feel alive, like I’m finally in control of the chaos inside me.

“Alright bitches, let’s do this!” Charlotte cheers, handing me back the bottle.

I take one last swig and grab my leather jacket. As we head out into the night, I can already feel the thrill building.

The crisp autumn air nips at my skin as we walk down the dimly lit streets toward the carnival. The distant sound of eerie music and delighted screams grows louder with each step.

Charlotte loops her arm through mine. “So, which attraction are we hitting up first? The Tilt-A-Whirl? The Haunted House?”

“The Haunted House,” I grin. “I want to see if it can scare me.”

Dan falls into step beside us, shaking his head. “You two are adrenaline junkies. I’ll be happy to survive the night without having a heart attack.”

Charlotte bumps her hip against his playfully. “Oh, come on, live a little! What’s the point of going to a carnival if you don’t get your blood pumping?”

“I prefer to keep my blood inside my body, thank you very much,” Dan quips, but I can see the amusement dancing in his eyes. “Not stabbed by some psycho in a haunted house.”

I roll my eyes. “You realize that it’s all an act, right? They’re not actually going to stab you.”

Dan sticks his tongue out. “I’d rather not risk it.”

Charlotte and I laugh as we approach the carnival entrance. The air is thick with the scent of popcorn and cotton candy. The flashing lights and tuneless music wrap around me like a depraved embrace, beckoning me deeper.

Charlotte practically skips ahead, her excitement palpable. “I hope there’ll be some hot carnies working the rides. Mama needs a little eye candy to go with her thrills.”

“Is that all you ever think about?” Dan teases, but there’s no real judgment in his tone.

---