The House of Grey- Volume 3 Read Free

“Thanks?”
    “Don’t thank me yet. Wait until you see it.”
    Damion Peterson turned on his heel and walked off, leaving Monson to resume ignoring Casey and Artorius’ argument.
     
    ***
     
    “This place is a zoo,” observed Monson.
    “Don’t insult zoos, dude,” answered Casey. “At least at a zoo you get to see lions and tigers and bears - ”
    “Oh my!” finished Artorius, who started giggling.
    Monson and Casey stared at him. He stared back. “What? I like the reference.Lions, tigers and bears are pretty scary.”
    Casey shook his head. “You’re an idiot.”
    “I know you are but what am I?”
    “You did not just say that.”
    “Guys!” interrupted Monson, “Less argument, more trying to navigate this craziness.
    The problem with Coren’s football field being in the middle of the national forest was the fact that space was limited. The grant allowing the stadium to be built woefully underestimated the amount of space the school would need for parking. This was the reason why so many people were still lingering instead of racing for the exits. It was a better idea to get a hot dog and watch a movie on a tablet than force your way out. Luckily for them, Coren’s students lived within walking distance and didn’t have this problem.
    “I am in desperate need of some peace and quiet. What do you guys say we skip the after-party?” Monson pulled up his hoody against the wind; the evening had turned cold.
    “Grey, you’ve got to come to the after-party,” argued Artorius immediately. “Your stock is hot! You just caught the game-winning touchdown for the Legion, dude! What’s the point of being a superstar if you can’t bask in the admiration of our peers?”
    Monson put a hand to this forehead. “Arthur, you make my head hurt.”
    The boys bobbed and weaved in and out of students, spectators, paparazzi, news crews and an array of locals from inside and outside the valley. Monson was suddenly pleased that he was wearing a hoody; the wind was unusually strong for the valley, kicking up dirt and debris from the game. But that wasn’t the only reason he was happy about his  attire. Paparazzi were lingering, probably hoping for photographs or an off-kilter interview with Coren’s stars. Monson didn’t consider himself to be among them, but he was glad he could  hide his face, just in case someone else did.
    Suddenly a chill ran up Monson’s back, like the streak of a cold finger up and down his spine.
    Artorius spoke from what sounded like a great distance. His voice echoed. Then a scream pierced Monson’s ears, his mind, with two words:
    Watch out!
    Monson froze, unable to move his legs, his breath lost in his chest. Danger. He was in danger.
    Screeching tires, wails from the crowd, and the steady rising hum of an engine. Lights bore down on him like the god of death himself was coming for him - and he was on wheels.
    A blur of movement, a flash of fire red, and two hands touching his chest - Monson’s body was lifted off the ground and thrown.  He felt the impact, but no pain. A car raced right by Monson, in which moment, he caught a glimpse of the person driving. A second impact, this one much louder,  reverberated like a sound in the woods never should. Monson watched as a tall red-headed boy flew, seemingly in slow motion, up and over the hood of the car. Monson realized that Arthur Pain…Arthur…had been hit by the car.
    Monson attempted to get up, but his body burned. An intense desire to close his eyes overtook him…he was so tired. He closed his eyes and knew no more.
     
     
     

Chapter 26 – Cursed
     
    Monson’s head was splitting, which helped him form two conclusions: One, he wasn’t dead, which was a pity because that meant he was probably in the hospital…again. Two, something smelled nice enough that it seemed worth opening his eyes.
    “Welcome to the land of the living. How many fingers am I holding up?”
    Casey was right up in Monson’s face. He was eating a