9 original stories from 9 original authors! The Indie Eclective: What is it, who are they, and why can they spell neither "eclectic" nor "collective" correctly? The Indie Eclective is an ensemble of authors operating under the assumption that Readers like Good Books. The Halloween Collection showcases spooky reads from nine very different authors. Whether you enjoy light or dark paranormal, YA or adult-themed genres, there's bound to be a story to suit your tastes. Thanks for reading!
Excerpt from Mind-Blower, by Talia Jager
After driving up a steep incline, Daxton parked, and we got out of the car. He took my hand and led me into the forest.
“Where are we going?” I asked for the millionth time. Patience wasn’t my strong suit.
“I told you Kassia, it’s a surprise.” He grinned at me, showing off the dimple on the right side of his mouth.
“Good thing you’re cute.”
He laughed and we continued walking beneath the dark canopy of trees overhead. Small animals scurried around. Coming to a flat area, he stopped walking and said, “Close your eyes.”
“You’re kidding, right? We’re in the middle of nowhere and you want me to close my eyes. What if I trip and fall over a branch?”
He stood in front of me, his brown eyes shifting to a softer shade of gold. “Do you think I’d let you fall?”
I knew he wouldn’t. I trusted him completely. Sighing, I said, “Okay, fine.” Slowly, I closed my eyes.
His warm hand slid into mine and he very carefully led me further. A few steps later, he stopped. “You can open them now.”
I sucked in a deep breath. We were high in the sky, on top of a mountain. A cliff was before me and all around the leaves were turning brilliant colors of red, orange, and yellow. “It’s like one of our dream spots,” I said softly.
Daxton nodded making his sun-kissed hair fall in his eyes. I reached up and brushed a lock back to the side. The corners of his mouth pulled up into my favorite lopsided grin.
Peeking over the edge, I said, “It’s a long way down.”
He laughed. “We’re not going down. We’re staying right here. I have more surprises in store for you.”
He spun me around. A blanket was spread out on the ground beneath a cooler, some lights, and a couple more blankets. I smiled. He sure did know how to win a girl over. “What did I do to deserve all this?”
He put his arms around my waist and pulled me close to him. “You fell in love with me.”
Blushing, I responded, “Wasn’t hard to do.”
Slowly, he leaned toward me and whispered in my ear, “I love you.” His voice sent a tingle through my body, setting it on fire.
I moaned quietly and closed my eyes. His lips were upon mine in a second and we moved together in harmony. I didn’t ever want to let him go. Knowing I’d have to, I gently pulled away. Our eyes met and I swear I saw into his soul. I could see how much he loved me.
“You want me to take you anywhere?” he asked breathless.
“No. I don’t need a dream tonight. This is perfect.”