Something Wicked by Krysta Scott…
Fun Fact: Something Wicked was originally developed as a romance. It lay dormant, while I focused on other projects. When I returned to it, I realized it had all the makings for a horror story with romantic elements. It is darker than I first intended but I am thrilled that this story is finally complete.
Find it here:
When Ashlyn Turner receives a cursed antique scrimshaw doll from her overbearing mother, she dismisses the ominous warnings as mere folklore. But after her fiancé suffers a horrific accident and her best friend’s behavior turns erratic, Ashlyn realizes the doll’s sinister power to punish betrayal. Enter Luca, a mysterious expert on cursed objects, who vows to destroy the doll before it claims more lives. As Ashlyn uncovers dark secrets among her loved ones, she must confront a chilling truth: the curse cannot be broken, and anyone could be next.
Excerpt:
Grant whistled as he drove from the grand hotel. Everything was going exactly as planned. Ashlyn might suspect his infidelity, but she was going through with the wedding. He hadn’t given her enough reason to call it off. He and Olivia had been careful. His long hours at the office were the perfect cover for his affair. Sweet little Ashlyn was so trusting.
He cruised down the long, winding driveway that led from the hotel parking lot. Too bad he couldn’t hang around and enjoy the lifestyle his newfound wealth could afford him. But he and Olivia would surely be found out if they stuck around. Even worse was that he had to go through with the marriage to a woman he didn’t love. A brief marriage. He comforted himself with the thought.
Ashlyn wouldn’t truly own her inheritance until marriage. Little did she know, the silly clause in her father’s will would be her undoing. He allowed a sneer to curve his lips. The family was so old-fashioned.
His headlights cut through the black night, and he accelerated hard, enjoying the excitement of speeding along the treacherous roads. An adrenaline rush-almost as thrilling as committing murder. He laughed, digging in his pocket for the flask of whiskey. Just as his fingers closed around it, something large and quick appeared in front of the Jaguar.
The flask flew from his hands, and he let out a scream, trying to swerve to keep from hitting the animal. Too late. The stag seemed to leap toward him, landing with a thud of grinding metal and shattering glass.
Antlers as wide as the car smashed through the windshield. Pain like he’d never known pierced his chest. He stared in horror at the antlers impaling him to the leather seat. The stag writhed its legs, attempting to break free. With each movement, excruciating, burning agony seared his lungs.
What the fuck?
He fumbled his phone from his pocket, his fingers barely working. Funny how his entire body was screaming with relentless pain, yet his fingers felt numb.
Finally, he punched in 911.
The operator’s words seemed to come from a distance. “911, please state your emergency.”
He opened his mouth to speak, but instead of words, blood gurgled to the surface. Somewhere, deep inside his torture-wracked soul, someone or something seemed to whisper the words…All those who betray you will suffer.
About the Author:
Krysta Scott is the author of the novel, Shadow Dancer. Since publishing her first book through the Wild Rose Press, she has published two novellas in the Martini Club 4 series and eight novellas in the Friday the Thirteenth series. Something Wicked is the latest story in the series. When she is not writing, she can often be found watching Hallmark movies, true crime shows or reading a good thriller. She is a retired attorney who lives in Oklahoma with her husband and dog.
Find Krysta at: krystascottauthor.com
Author Alicia Dean 