Repay The Favour

School flew by that day. Carter’s presence loomed over me, impossible to ignore. His gaze felt like a physical touch, always lingering. Emily must have noticed it too, though she chose not to say anything. Strangely, she didn’t seem thrilled about Carter’s attention—odd, considering how eager she’d been to push him away just a week ago.

“Do you want to sleep over at my house tonight?” Emily asked as we walked out of the school gates.

“No. I’ve got studying to catch up on,” I replied with a shrug. “Besides, Silas is too busy with Tammy these days to notice me. I’ll be fine.”

Emily nodded, her expression unreadable. We said our goodbyes, and I watched her climb into David’s car without a second glance at me. A flicker of irritation flared—she didn’t even offer me a ride, knowing Silas wasn’t here yet. I dismissed the thought. She probably wanted alone time with David.

Standing alone on the curb, I scanned the street, hoping to see Silas’s car. This was the second time this week he’d been late. I wouldn’t be surprised if there came a day when he didn’t show up at all—Tammy would consume all his attention by then.

I tried to be happy for him. Silas deserved to find someone who made him happy. But it hurt more than I cared to admit. There was a time when he was always there for me, ensuring I was okay. Now, his kindness felt like a distant memory. And honestly? I deserved it. I’d told him once that I was afraid of him, throwing his care back in his face.

“Hey, Jones.”

I turned to see Carter’s car pulling up beside me. His usual smirk tugged at his lips, though his tone carried a teasing edge.

"Why are you still calling me Jones?" I asked, crossing my arms. "You only do that when you’re mad at me."

"Why are you still standing here?" he shot back.

"I’m waiting for my ride," I said flatly, though irritation crept into my voice. I would’ve taken a taxi if I had any money. Last week, I decided I didn’t need my stepfather’s cash anymore. My barista job barely covered food, and Emily’s kindness filled in the gaps.

"Your brother’s not here yet?" Carter raised a brow.

"Obviously," I replied.

"Hop in. You make a sorry sight standing here alone."

I rolled my eyes but got in. His scent—soft and floral, like lavender—wrapped around me. It wasn’t cologne; it was him. Vampires always smelled like flowers. Silas smelled like orchids, sometimes roses. It was one of their weapons, designed to lure humans.

"Jones, think positive," Carter teased, catching onto my train of thought.

"Stop reading my mind. It’s rude."

"I’ll try," he said with a smirk. "But you think so loudly."

I shook my head, but his laugh softened me. I used to love making him laugh. Back then, I’d go out of my way to come up with the worst jokes just to see him smile. But those days were gone. When Emily came along, Carter’s attention shifted entirely to her. No matter his reasons now, it still stung.

For years, they were the school’s perfect couple—voted "Best Pair" three years running. How much had they done together? Dates? Vacations? The nagging thought of their intimacy crept into my mind, unbidden. Had they—? My eyes darted to his lap before I could stop myself.

"Take a picture; it’ll last longer," Carter quipped, not even glancing at me.

"Shut up," I snapped, heat rushing to my face.

"Friends don’t check each other out," he teased. "Then again, friends don’t kiss either. Maybe we’re past that point."

His words hung in the air, heavy and undeniable. My chest tightened. Somewhere along the way, my hand brushed his thigh. Carter stiffened but didn’t stop me. My fingers grazed his zipper, and before I knew it, I was tasting him.

---

When it was over, Carter pulled to the side of the road, parking with a sharp breath. “That was incredible,” he murmured, pulling me into a kiss.

"Repay the favor," I whispered, breathless and flushed.

"Gladly," he growled, his hands sliding under my top. The cold temperature of his skin was at odds with the fire building between us. We might’ve gone further if a passing car hadn’t honked, snapping us back to reality.

"Get a room!" someone shouted as they sped past.

I laughed, gently pushing Carter back into his seat. "I think it’s safe to say this isn’t the place."

"You’re right," he admitted with a sigh, restarting the car. "But next time, I’ll make it worth your while."

My heart fluttered at the promise. For once, things felt right—exciting, even.

---

I expected to find Silas at home with Tammy, but the house was empty. A pang of unease settled in my chest. Silas never forgot to pick me up without good reason. I grabbed my phone to call him, but an unknown number flashed on the screen.

"Hello?"

"Kerry, right?" Tammy’s voice answered.

"Yeah. Where’s Silas? Is he with you?"

"That’s the thing," she said, her tone unnervingly calm. "Silas ran into some trouble. Come to this address. Don’t tell your parents."

"Wait, what kind of trouble? Hello?" But Tammy had already hung up.

Moments later, a text with an address buzzed onto my screen. My stomach dropped. The location was a vampire feeding ground—the type of place where vampires could legally drink human blood.

Why would Silas be there? Did he… feed on humans? The idea made my stomach churn, but I couldn’t ignore Tammy’s urgency.

I grabbed a taxi, my thoughts spiraling as the city blurred past.

---

I had thought the reason why Silas didn't come to pick me up was because he was hanging out with Tammy at home. But when I came home and found the house empty, I became concerned. Silas would never not pick me up without calling me unless he forgot, so why wasn't he home? Was he out on a date? Why didn't he tell me?

Just as I was about to call him, my phone started ringing. I looked down to find an unknown number. I hesitantly picked it up. Maybe his phone died, maybe he was calling me with someone else phone.

" Hello, Kerry right?" The person who spoke wasn't my brother but his girlfriend. I would recognize her voice anywhere. But why was she calling me?

" Yes, where's Silas? Is he with you? "

" That's the thing, Silas ran into some trouble. I want you to come right away, I'll send you an address. Remember not to tell your parents "

" Wait, what are you...hello? " Tammy cut the call on me before I could ask my question. I was so worried that I ran out of the house as soon as I received the address. Only when I was in the taxi on my way to the most dangerous club in the whole city did I stop to wonder, why was my brother in a feeding club. I have heard a lot about that hell. It was said to be the only place where vampires were legally allowed to drink human blood, the mere thought of it sent shivers down my spine. Did my brother feed on humans?