Page 47 of Feral Mates (Ruthless Instinct #1)

M anassas, Virginia

Site of Blackwell Industries

“We’re not supposed to be in here, Charlie.”

“Oh, come on. It’s been empty for weeks. This place could be a goldmine of stuff we can sell. Don’t be a chicken shit. Let’s see what we can find, Jason.”

The two boys continued exploring, Charlie pushing his friend.

“I don’t like it. This place is supposedly haunted.”

“That makes it more exciting.”

The boys tore through the rubble, moving deeper into the abandoned building, ignoring the caution tape surrounding the property.

A few minutes later, they heard a noise.

“Charlie. Did you hear that?”

The boy shrugged. “Didn’t hear nothin’.”

“There’s something in here. I can feel it.”

Charlie snorted. “You’re such a baby.” He ripped at a board, yanking it from the pile of debris and exposing a hole large enough to crawl through. “See. Just old shit. Maybe we can find something to sell.”

“I’ve got a bad feeling.”

The boys moved further into the blocked-off space, suddenly seeing a strange glow, the lights dimming and brightening every few seconds. “Wow. What is this?” Charlie was excited.

Jason tugged on his friend’s sleeve. “I don’t like this. People say strange things happened in this building.”

“Just fucking rumors. Come on.” Ignoring his friend’s plea, he took another few steps, his eyes opening wide.

Light flashed, changing colors. Reds. Blues. Greens.

“Oh, my God. What is that?” Jason asked nervously.

“I don’t know, but look at it.” Charlie pushed his way through debris toward the cracked glass. Cautiously, he placed his hand on the cool surface.

And the lights changed, moving and growing, drifting closer to the strange glow.

Until it was no longer just lights.

But a face, peering at them through the glass.

The End