Chapter 37 #2
Walking through Sam’s house felt surreal.
Previously, he had been nothing more than a Vampire Slayer, a potential drug maker, and an occasional asshole.
But seeing his house, I felt like I was glimpsing a part of his soul—a softer, more thoughtful, creative side of Sam.
It left me wondering if Sam was really the bad guy we made him out to be.
Vail led us into the living room, where Donovan, Ivy, and Diana were already seated on the sofa. “Funky,” Vail remarked as she flopped down beside Diana.
“Look what the cat dragged in,” Ivy scoffed as I settled across from Vail, next to Donovan. I pretended not to hear her remark and focused instead on casual conversation with Donovan about the music he had chosen.
Ivy rolled her eyes and got up from the couch, disappearing into a room at the back. Connor approached from behind, planting a gentle kiss on my head before saying he’d grab us some drinks from the kitchen.
From my spot on the couch, I had a clear view of the kitchen, and with my heightened hearing, I could catch every word exchanged within.
I watched Sam rummaging through the fridge.
I cast a discreet glance at Vail, who was clearly eavesdropping as well.
She subtly shifted her body, pretending to engage in conversation with Diana, who was showing off her nails and suggesting they should visit the salon together.
“Sam, you’d never guess who I talked to today,” Connor told Sam in the kitchen.
“Hmm?” Sam’s disinterest was palpable.
“Jet Phoenix!” Connor exclaimed, his voice brimming with excitement. “He came up to me after the show and said he loved it. He wants us to go on tour with them. Isn’t that awesome? I want to tell everyone tonight, but I wanted to tell you first.”
“That’s rad, man.” Sam’s voice sounded uninterested as he took a long sip of his beer.
“Did you even hear what I said?”
Sam ran his fingers through his hair, pausing for a moment before speaking. “You know,” he began, “Ivy and I have been talking, and I think we’re over it.”
“Over what?”
“The band. It isn’t a big deal like we thought it would be when we were young. And I’m starting to feel like we’ve all outgrown it.”
“What are you talking about? You’re the one who wanted us to travel and grow bigger, always pushing us to practise more,” Connor protested.
“Yeah, well, I’ve changed my mind, and I think it’s time to move on to other things,” Sam replied, his tone resolute.
“Sam, why are you saying this?” Connor questioned, concern lacing his words.
Sam’s voice grew lower as he moved closer to Connor, the sound of crinkling plastic audible. “Bigger ventures are in the works,” he murmured.
“What is this shit?” Connor’s voice also dropped to a whisper. “Are you doing drugs now?” I shot a glance over at Vail, and she raised her eyebrows, still engaged in conversation with Diana but signaling that she had heard it too.
“This is some crazy shit, man,” Sam remarked, shoving the baggie into his pocket.
“When did you start?” Connor’s tone was tinged with concern.
“Let’s talk about this later. Too many ears listening,” Sam replied cryptically.
“No, Sam, talk to me about this now. You know I’m here to help you in any form you need it.”
“This isn’t for me,” Sam whispered, his tone grave. “It’s for our organization.”
“I’m not entirely sure if I understand what you’re saying, Sam. How are drugs going to help with our Slaying?" Connor pressed, his confusion evident.
“Shhh, shut up,” Sam hissed, moving aggressively close to Connor.
“No one can hear us,” Connor insisted, then added, in a hushed tone, “and Rose already knows about us.”
“Connor, wake up, man. Your girlfriend’s little blonde friend in there, she’s a Vampire,” Sam revealed in a barely audible whisper, sending shivers down my spine.
I shifted my gaze to Vail, and her widened eyes mirrored the dread that now gripped me. “Go now,” I mouthed to her.
A fake smile forced itself onto her lips, concealing the terror beneath.
“Oh my god, is that the time?” Vail exclaimed in her girly voice, abruptly getting up. “Great talking to you guys, but I have work in the morning. I need to go.”
“Don’t go,” Diana pleaded, her hand tightening around Vail’s.
“Walk me out?” Vail requested, turning to Diana. As they passed me, Vail leaned down and planted a gentle kiss on my cheek. “I’ll see you at home soon,” she whispered before following Diana out of the room.
Connor returned to the couch, and I hadn’t caught the end of his conversation with Sam.
I was too preoccupied with Vail. As he sat next to me and handed me a beer, I kissed his cheek, pretending I hadn’t heard anything from their conversation.
I leaned into him, his body a reassuring anchor as my mind drifted to the worst possible scenarios.
“Where’s Vail?” Connor asked. I couldn’t discern his tone, whether he was happy or angry that she was gone.
“She has work in the morning,” I replied, turning my attention back to Donovan and engaging in conversation as if nothing was wrong. Connor’s hand rested on my thigh, and I tensed momentarily. But as I felt Sam’s gaze on us from across the room, I relaxed and leaned into Connor.
What have I gotten us into?