Page 4 of Wrong Turn

“Oh. Well that explains a lot. I heard you fucking the other night, telling whatever-the-hell-his-name-was to choke you harder. I’m no psychologist, but I think you should talk to someone.” Where the hell did that come from? We all have fucking daddy issues, it’s why we get along so well.

“I wish y’all two would shut the hell up, I’m trying to drive,” Amber huffs out, exasperated. As if I needed to be anymore thankful for the fact that mother hen knows exactly how to reel Summer in, as well as everyone else.

The tension loosens as a comfortable silence blankets us. Finally, I’m able to take in my surroundings, and it’s breathtaking. The trees are vibrant, beautifully layered shades of green, the air has a crisp feeling to it at this altitude, and each window you look out of, you’re able to see parts of the mountains that we just traveled through to get here. If I ever moved away from the city, this is the exact sort of place I’d love to call home.

The guy in front of us turns on his right blinker, leading us down a hidden driveway. As we make our way to the house, I give Amber ten extra points for finding this place. It’s freaking perfect, and I’m pretty sure there’s a hot tub over by the fire pit.

Hopping out of the vehicle, we start to unload our bags, not paying attention to the fact the man has also gotten out of his truck.

“Ladies.” He nods, his gaze raking over each one of us like a caress. “It’s not very often we get out-of-towners around here. I’m going to give y’all my number just in case y’all need anything. The name’s Lukas by the way.”

This is the first time I’ve heard him talk, and I silently cuss Amber out for not telling us that even his voice is enough to make you wet. It’s deep, dark, and almost captivating. Like one of those narrators Savannah is always talking about, the one that reads some of her favourite monster smut audiobooks. I don’tknow how she listens to those things. I tried once, and couldn’t last even three minutes while the dual narrators very graphically described the creature’s tentacle dick, and the fucking that ensued after.

My audiobooks are much more tame, self help novels and books on child rearing. The girls tease me relentlessly about it, but there’s nothing wrong with wanting to be the best version of yourself, or trying to climb the ladder at my job as a daycare worker.

My eyes lock with Lukas’s, an indecipherable look passing over his face. “We honestly appreciate you leading us here,” I say. “I’m sure it must have been out of your way, but if it wasn’t for you, we’d probably still be driving in circles.”

“You’re more than welcome. These woods are a little tricky, and can be a bit confusing to anyone who’s unfamiliar with the terrain. It’s definitely not some place you want to be out in once nightfall hits, especially a beautiful group of women like y’all.”

Well that’s an odd thing to say.

“Either way, thank you. I think we got it from here though. I hope you have a good night,” I offer, smiling shyly, and with a small upturn of his lips, he returns the gesture.

“Yes, ma’am. Hope you have a goodnight as well.” With that, he turns, heading back to his truck. Lukas slides into the driver’s seat, his heated gaze passing over each one of us before the engine fires to life, and he disappears down the driveway.

3

MULTIFUNCTIONAL LIMES

FALLON

Everyone makes their way into the cabin, and I must say…it’s pretty perfect. It’s an open concept floor plan, with all the bedrooms off to the side. There’s fuzzy blankets everywhere, and a wood burning fireplace in the living room. It feels cozy. However, I can’t shake the feeling something bad has happened here, the vibes are off in a subtle but uncomfortable way. I try to blame it on the superstitions in this part of the mountains, or the fact it’s a couple days away from a full moon, but it does nothing to settle the feeling.

After dropping my bags in a room of my choosing, I make myself comfortable on the couch. Watching as Summer starts digging through her purse, letting out a frustrated huff. “What’s the matter?” I ask.

“I was looking for my sage, but I must have left it on my altar. Do you think they have any at the store? I’d like to try to lift the heavy feeling I felt as soon as I walked through the door,” Summer replies.

Glad to know I’m not alone in the ominous feeling department.“No, I don’t think the hick-run corner store sells white sage.”

“Damn it,” Summer grumbles, moving to the kitchen to stand next to Amber. They mumble to each other, and since I can’t make out what they’re saying, I let my head rest back against the sofa.

“Fine!” Amber snaps, and my eyes shoot open. Whipping my head back in the direction of the kitchen, I watch Amber shove half the limes over to Summer, who just smiles like she won the lottery.

I yell over to them, “I should have known y’all two would already be prepping to drink.”

Amber takes the large knife from Summer before she cuts off a finger, and hands her a smaller one. Summer has the audacity to look offended, but we all know she would’ve somehow managed to cut herself. She looks over at me. “You judgmental twat, I’m cutting up the limes to try a new protection spell I found.” Summer points the knife at Amber, who’s cutting limes and grinding them in a juicer. “She’s prepping the drinks.”

I don’t even bother replying, because as soon as that sentence comes out of her mouth, Summer is pouring everyone a shot of tequila, and opening a couple of those alcoholic teas as a chaser.

Why can’t I have normal friends?

Dusk is closing in by the time Summer has us all finishing up with her spell, placing the limes with cloves and salt by each window. I’m dragging ass, but all I want to do is light a fire in the pit, and sink into the hot tub.

I yell out to the girls, “Change into your swim suits and meet me outside!” My voice echoes around the cabin, and their cacophony of replies hurt my ears.

Bridget is the first one out, uselessly “helping” me get the fire started. When it finally sparks to life, we move to the hot tub,sitting in somewhat comfortable silence. It’s so peaceful with the gentle breeze, and the crickets chirping, I don’t want to disturb anything just by breathing too loud.

Bridget sits criss cross applesauce, turning towards me. “I just want you to know that I appreciate y’all getting me out of the house. I know I’m not everyone’s favourite person, but this is nice.”

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