The Cautious Predator
by G. Allen Wilbanks
These children have no appreciation for the subtlety of the old ways. They flaunt what they are for the whole world to see, confident in their invulnerability.
Books and movies make them bold. Humans love vampires for the moment. Revere them. Want to be them. But that will change. It always does.
Eventually, the fear will outgrow the worship as the humans realize the true risk they face from us. They will turn on us. The careless will be weeded out. It is only a matter of time.
And for the cautious predator, like myself, there is nothing but time.
G. Allen Wilbanks
G. Allen Wilbanks is a member of the Horror Writers Association (HWA) and has published over 80 short stories in various magazines and anthologies, including publications with Black Hare Press. He is the author of two, story collections, and the novel, When Darkness Comes. For more information, please visit www.gallenwilbanks.com.
Liquid Diet
by Steven Holding
Fluids feed us, true enough, but not all rely upon the claret for sustenance.
Divergent breeds born with differing needs; consequently, some thirst for more…eclectic refreshment. The Lachrymose relish the taste of tears, breaking a heart or an arm before a feast. A Perspiration Prince favours the flavours of an athlete’s fresh armpit, whereas some poor suckers simply sup upon the seed of a man.
Myself?
All that is required is one fleeting glimpse of my true countenance. The sight of such delights and everyone soon feels the lukewarm tickling trickle of fear.
It’s a piece of piss, really.
Steven Holding
Steven Holding lives with his family in the United Kingdom. His stories have appeared both online and in print. He is currently working upon further short fiction and a novel. You can follow his work at www.stevenholding.co.uk
Hard Wood
by Hari Navarro
The tip of his stake pushes the cloth from my chest and settles against my hardening nipple. I prick my tongue on the rapier prongs in my mouth, and I open the moist stick of my lips and offer he, who would be my killer, a glimpse of their reddening shine.
“I’m human. See in me a ghost of the life that was torn from my neck?” I whisper as my long fingers wrap around the hard black wood in his fist.
“I see you. I’m not here to kill the beast. I’m killing the wretched man you once were.”
Hari Navarro
Hari Navarro has for many years now been locked in his neighbours cellar. He survives due to an intravenous feed of puréed extreme horror and sticky-spiced unicorn wings. His anguished cries for help can be found via 365 Tomorrows, Breachzine, AntipodeanSF, Black Hare Press and HellBound books.
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Beware the Plastic Teeth
by D.J. Elton
Brian sighed. Halloween props for tonight. Ridiculous.
Mum was keen. “Here’s twenty. Take your sister.”
Brian scowled. Jodie pulled his arm, squirming and squealing.
Witches, vampires…rubbish! Brian screened the shop, unimpressed. Jodie found a packet of fangs. Gold!
“Ha! Made in China.” Brian grabbed it, slipping a pair in his mouth.
“Rarrrrrrrhhhh!” He roared at Jodie, who screamed and hid.
“Can I help?” A delicate woman appeared. Brian gulped. She was beautiful. He tried to remove the fangs, but they stuck in his mouth. Old memories emerged.
She smiled as Brian lunged forward. A kiss was all it took.
D.J. Elton
D.J. Elton is a writer living in Melbourne’s west. As a child she came from England to Australia, on the last boat down the Suez Canal, where she underwent a sacrificial dunking ritual in the court of King Neptune, and has never looked back. She likes creating micro fiction, short stories, and random essays. Her work has been published in several Black Hare Press anthologies, and she also wrote a historical fantasy novella, ‘The Merlin Girl.’ When not playing with a pen, she likes most of all to go to the green country.
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Thanks, Pop Culture
by Neen Cohen
“You gunna sparkle in the sunlight?” She laughed and I smiled as we waltz back to her place.
Pop culture had made hunting so much easier. And a lot more fun.
“May I?”
“Oh, of course.” She giggles, believing the act “come on in.”
I step in and watch her as she reveals her flesh.
Her smile slips; from eyes, and then lips. Horror freezes her as she takes in the twisted veins of my body.
I lick her skin, sending poison to freeze her permanently.
Her eyes her only means of communication. I bask in the fear for days.
Neen Cohen
Neen Cohen is an LGBTQI and speculative fiction author. She has a Bachelor of Creative Industries and is a member of the Springfield Writers Group. Neen loves to roam cemeteries and botanic gardens and can be found writing while sitting against a tree or tombstone.
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