Journal of the Undead (Book 1): Littleville Uprising by S.G. Lee Page A

cold skin shrouded heavy-lidded, vacant eyes completely devoid of humanity. For the first time in his professional career, Officer Scott Raines was truly terrified. The monster that had once been his partner had a vice-like grip on his arm. In seconds, it had buried its teeth deep into Scott’s cheek and shredded the flesh from his skull. Shrieks of agony and pleas for mercy fell on compassionless ears. The cries continued until the victim’s tongue was torn from his mouth.
    The only sounds remaining were slurping, chewing, and crunching.
    ***
    As usual, Evan greeted Matt and Emma in the school’s parking lot on Monday morning. Walking hand-in-hand, Lincoln High’s newest couple was again met with whispers and stares. Emma rolled her eyes, wondering when they would finally get used to seeing her and Evan together. Oddly, it seemed like everywhere they went people were pointing and snickering. All through lunch Emma had the distinct impression that she and Evan were being scrutinized.
    Before heading to class, she and Evan chatted with Matt in the lobby outside the cafeteria when Whitney and her usual entourage sauntered over to join them. Emma did little to mask her displeasure and Whitney viewed it as a green light to launch her attack.
    In his intoxicated state, Matt had let it slip that he was the reason Emma and Evan were together. The partygoers heard the entire story; specifically how, in exchange for dating his sister, Matt had paid to get Evan’s car fixed. The entire locker room conversation, including the bets, had been relayed too. Still seething over Emma’s “insipid eyes” crack, Whitney was dying for a chance to get even and Matt had given her the ammunition for her chance. She and her pals made sure everyone knew that Matt had paid Evan to ask Emma out. Everyone except Emma, and that was about to change. Whitney’s sickeningly-sweet smile was plastered on her face but her eyes shone bright with malice.
    “Well, I for one think you’re really brave, Emma. I mean, walking around as if it doesn’t bother you. I’d die of embarrassment but I guess we’re very different.” Whitney’s syrupy voice oozed fake kindness.
    “As if what doesn’t bother me?”
    “Wait, you don’t know? You mean no one’s told you?” Jessica piped in on cue.
    “Told me what?” Emma asked as her eyes narrowed on the group.
    “That the only reason Evan is with you is because Matt is paying him.” Whitney and Jessica bore triumphant smirks.
    Emma was about to dismiss the entire thing as ridiculous until she noticed the combination of guilt and horror written all over Matt and Evan’s faces. Emma’s stomach churned and she gasped for air. Like sharks sensing blood in the water, the feeding frenzy began.
    “I’m so sorry you had to hear it this way,” Whitney cooed, “but it’s true. Matt told us the whole story Saturday night.”
    “Yeah, your brother thinks you’re such a loser that you’d never find a date on your own so he had all of his friends ask you out. When you shot them down, he had to pay Evan—a lot—to agree to ask you out.”
    Jessica’s embellishments hit Emma like a ton of bricks and her eyes welled with tears. Still angry with Evan for stealing Emma, Tyler decided to share more.
    “It’s true, Emma. Evan bet a bunch of us that he could get you to go out with him. He made two hundred dollars because you said yes. But just so you know, I asked you out because I like you, Em. Not for money.” Tyler was hoping his honesty would earn him points later.
    “So Evan, would they have paid you more if she put out?” Whitney taunted.
    Evan and Matt were dumbfounded. Matt didn’t remember telling anyone about his arrangement with Evan but, then again, he didn’t remember much from Saturday night.
    The bell rang and teachers shooed their students off to class. Emma was still frozen, desperately wishing the floor would open up and swallow her. Evan reached over and touched her arm, but she jerked