Page 58 of Liars

Poppy’s car bumped over the rocky road, tires crunching loudly as they rolled over the uneven, rough terrain. “Yeah. This isn’t my first Raven Night. It’s at this old, abandoned church that Kreed’s dad owns. He bought the property years ago but has yet to do anything with it,” she said casually. “I heard he is tryingto tear it down, but the city put a halt on the project due to the cemetery.”

When we pulled up, the church came into view, a weathered facade with a steepled entrance stretching into the night lit by the glow of string lights and a roaring bonfire. It looked like it had been beautiful once, but now it was a skeleton of what it used to be—rotting wood, peeling paint, windows shattered or boarded up, scary as hell.

Scanning the area, I noticed towering trees surrounded the clearing from all sides, making the house feel shut away from the rest of the world, hidden. A maze of cars littered the grassy area, making it a challenge to get to the house, and behind the church, I could just make out a few headstones through the misty fog crawling out of the woods like fingers reaching to grab something or someone.

I shuddered at the eerie tingle tiptoeing down my spine.

Poppy killed the engine on her Mazda. “I should warn you. This isn’t your usual high-school party. The Ravens do things a bit…different.”

I couldn’t tell if I should be leery, afraid, or excited, but I was feeling a bit of all. “Different how?”

Her mouth thoughtfully twisted to the side. “It’s probably best I just show you and let you take it in.”

As we stepped out of the car, a group of guys passed by, their laughter echoing through the night. They were wearing masks, their faces obscured by grinning skulls and other eerie designs.

“Uh, what’s with the masks?” I asked.

Poppy grinned. “Raven Crew tradition. The football team always shows up in masks. It’s their way of saying they own the night. I told you it wouldn’t be like normal parties. Maybe this isn’t such a good idea.” I couldn’t tell if she was having doubts about herself being there or bringing me.

The brisk January air hit my bare legs, making me wish I’d gone for jeans instead of a short-ass skort. Chills broke out over my body, but I couldn’t be sure if it was from the wind or the vibe of this place. “Are you having second thoughts?”

“Aren’t you?” Poppy countered, nudging me with her elbow.

The night was heavy with the smell of damp wood and rot, a reminder of just how old and neglected the house was. Laughter and howls rang out as we walked closer, the noise almost drowning out the pounding of my heart.

I lifted my chin. “No. We’re doing this.”

“Of course, we are,” she muttered.

As we stepped into the house, the music thudding so loud it vibrated through my chest, I couldn’t shake the feeling that I was stepping into something I wasn’t ready for. The uneasiness in my stomach compounded.

The interior of the church had been rearranged to accommodate parties. Pews were pushed off to the side, making room to dance. The raised platform at the front now served as the bar area including rows of bottles, stacks of disposable cups, and a keg.

“Let’s get a drink first,” I said, raising my voice loud enough for her to hear me over the music and the chatter. If I stood any chance of carrying out half of what I had planned for tonight, I would need more than courage. I needed the liquid form as well to help take the edge off my nerves.

She nodded. “You read my mind.”

Staying close to Poppy, I meandered toward the dais with her, not an easy task with the number of bodies standing around. A guy with an unoriginal scream mask handed us two bottled drinks. I didn’t trust that whatever concoction in the jugs wasn’t laced with something.

Twisting off the cap, I lifted the bottle to my lips and took a deep swing, wanting to feel the buzz sooner rather than later.

“You’re not supposed to be here, kitten.”

I coughed, nearly choking up the beer I just swallowed. Some of it got up my nose, burning my nostrils as I shifted to my left.

Mason stood a few feet in front of me, his light-green eyes sparkling behind a black mask, twirling the Joker card between his fingers. At least, I was pretty sure it was Mason from his voice, the twist of his lips, and the use of the nickname he so annoyingly continued to use. His mask didn’t cover his entire face, just from the nose up.

Forcing my lips to curve, I did my best to make my voice confident and a bit seductive. “I heard you liked surprises.”

Those eyes leisurely roamed over me, starting from my head and making their way down my body. “Oh, I can’t wait until Kreed gets sight of you. Who knew you had this side of you? I approve.”

My eyes rolled. “Where is your sunny brother?” From the corner of my eye, I noticed Poppy talking to a tall guy who reminded me a lot of Nash. By the way she glanced up at him, I had a strong feeling it was him.

“Are we talking about the same brother?” Mason asked. He wore a black V-neck sweater with the sleeves rolled up. It fit his chest like it was tailored for his body.

I forced my eyes up to face.Don’t get distracted, Kaylor.“That was sarcasm. You should try it sometime. It might suit you.”

“I think you’ve got it covered. And if you plan to stay longer than five seconds at this party, you’ll avoid Kreed at all costs. I can help you if you like.” A devilish smirk graced his full lips. Mason was dangerous in a different way from Kreed or Maddox. He used his charm and his looks as weapons.

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