Chapter 8
BECKHAM
My sneakers crunch loudly with every step I take—fallen leaves, twigs, and dry earth coat the surface of the cemetery and it’s just cold enough outside that each exhale is like a little razor blade slicing my lungs.
But the Hallows Games are right around the corner, and I need to make sure everything is in place.
It's so dark tonight that I can’t see my shadow under the cloud cover, only the reflection of the moon bouncing off the headstones.
I let my other senses guide me through the graveyard.
I’ve been here enough that I can maneuver around without the use of my eyes.
That’s what the Games truly rely on anyway—the other senses. Touch, taste, sound.
I’m light on my feet as I make my way across the grounds, finding the Hallows Crypt just as Vinny and I left it last week—locked and closed.
I pull one of the three keys in existence from my pocket, slide it into the lock, and turn it until the heavy-duty chunk of metal falls free so I can tug open the old, solid door.
It’s pitch-black in the Hallows Crypt, but I know unlit candles line the walls, ready to be used at the end of the Games. Removing my phone from my pocket, I turn on the flashlight to illuminate the space so I can see what I’m doing.
Tracing along the walls with the light first, I make sure everything is in its correct spot since each item has been carefully and meticulously placed around the room.
The rules of the Games are covering one of the walls, carved into the stone for permanence.
My eyes move along them, even though they are engraved in my soul like DNA.
THE HALLOWS GAMES — EST. BLACKMORE, GA.
I read the words silently to myself, every line making my pulse pick up with excitement and anticipation.
I check the portraits that hang next to the rules, large frames that hold our founding fathers—the first Hallows Boys and the creators of the Games. I straighten one that’s leaning too far to the right, my attention to detail making the small flaw stand out. Everything must be perfect, after all.
The last open wall has the names of every Hallows Boy since the founders, all carved into the stone to make them infinite, the bottom of the list reading: Kaiden Thorne, Vincent Donahue, and Beckham Bentley.
We carved them when the keys were handed to us freshman year, by the previous generation of Hallows Boys, to mark a new era of the Games.
A grin pulls at my lips as I read over my friends’ names next to mine, the image of all three of us together running through my mind and setting a fire in my veins. Kai and Vin are more than family to me. The Games brought us closer than blood ever could—I would sacrifice myself for both of them.
My cock swells in my pants, pushing against the zipper of my jeans as I remember my brothers last year.
Kaiden yelling, controlling—the commander.
Vincent sliding into me so hard and quick from behind, like he was punishing me with his thrusts.
I came on the third pump of his hips, my cries echoing around the crypt and making everything vibrate.
Next to the boys’ names is a list of girls’ names, all carved into the stone as well.
All the women who have been chosen to play the Hallows Games over the last twenty-three years.
It’s the last part of the ritual on Halloween night—bring the girl into the crypt so she can carve her name into the wall with the knife that was used on her skin only moments before.
I ball my fists at my sides, desperation for the Games rushing through me like acid, burning me and making me itch.
I take a breath, willing my cock to soften so I can continue the job at hand.
Going for the dressers that line the wall next to the door, I start rifling through the drawers, fingering all the things I brought here last week—all the things we might need the night of.
Masks, blindfolds, handcuffs, rope, tape, whips, gags, candles, lighters, knives.
I close the drawer again when I’m satisfied that we have everything well stocked.
Making my way back outside, I lock the crypt behind me and pull at the lock to make sure it’s secure. I head for the next crypt, using my key again to pop the lock off.
This crypt is bigger, made for more activity and movement. It houses a king-sized bed, couches, and various other places to lounge. The smell of the room sends me falling right back into my memories, pulling me deep into the fantasies we’re able to make a reality here.
Cries, screams, pleas, breaths, moans.
Commands, grunts, whispers, groans.
Flesh to flesh, skin to skin, soul to soul.
I take another breath in, blowing it out slowly as I check over the room, making sure everything is tidy and in its right place.
The bed is made, the pillows and thick down comforter tucked in tight, covering the satin sheets.
Everything else will be moved from the Hallows Crypt the night of, whichever supply or toy we so wish to bring.
The things we’ll use with Sage to make her worst nightmares and deepest desires come to fruition.
I go back outside, locking the door behind me before I head back through the graveyard.
The night is quiet, only the brief noises of bugs or animals ringing far away in the air, along with the sounds of my sneakers crunching on the earth once again.
I turn off my flashlight, finally allowing darkness to consume me.
It’s a feeling like no other. Anything could happen; anyone could be lurking in the woods beyond the cemetery.
I close my eyes, intensifying the feeling of being gobbled up by the night.
My skin pebbles with goosebumps, and my lungs expand with every shallow breath as I test my senses.
I let myself fall into the mindset I need to be in for Halloween night: A Hallows Boy, through and through.
We’ll be in control, one of us always is, but that doesn’t mean we don’t enjoy the risk and thrill that darkness brings.
It’s unparalleled, relying on your other senses.
Who will touch you next? Whose mouth is caressing your skin?
What’s everyone else doing around you, and who are they doing it with?
It's burning hot fire caressing your skin and seeping into your pores in the form of moans and cries, teasing every part of your flesh and soul.
I find myself back at the main road quicker than I want, my eyes finally cracked open to see what’s ahead of me. Pulling my cigarettes from my pocket, I slide one between my lips and light it.
Taking a deep drag off the filter, I take out my phone and type a message in my group chat with Kai and Vin.
Me
Done.
I savor the rest of my walk home, smoking my cigarette slowly as I stare up at the dark sky. The town of Blackmore is empty at this hour, but stars hang above my head so bright that they light up the road.
I can feel Halloween approaching in the chill of the air, the sounds of the night. I can taste it on my tongue with every inhale.
And this year, is going to be fucking life-changing.