Riley and Emily took their seats in a corner booth, waiting for their ice cream.
"He definitely has a crush on you," Riley whispered behind her spoon.
"No, he doesn't," Emily replied, rolling her eyes and pretending to focus on the decor.
"Oh, my sweet, clueless friend. This is why you're still single," Riley teased.
"You're also single," Emily snapped back with a glare.
"Touché."
Just then, the server returned with their orders, placing each bowl with a little flair.
"Ladies," he said, flashing Emily a wink before walking off.
Riley grinned. "Go talk to him."
"No," Emily replied firmly. "What if he's just being friendly?"
"That was not friendly," Riley said with a knowing smirk.
"Fine." Emily huffed and stood, shooting her friend one last annoyed look before walking over to the counter.
⸻
"Hey, pretty lady," the man greeted her with a confident smile.
Emily chuckled awkwardly. "Sorry to bother you, but... my friend over there thinks you might have a crush on me."
"She's absolutely right," he replied, smiling even wider.
Up close, he was even more attractive,soft curls of brown hair, ocean-blue eyes, and a face that looked like it belonged on a magazine cover.
"I'm Steve," he said, extending a gloved hand.
"Emily," she answered, shaking it.
He was polite. Charming. And maybe too smooth. But she exchanged numbers anyway.
⸻
Back at the table, Riley was practically glowing. "He seems like a great guy."
"We don't know that yet," Emily replied warily. "He invited me to some party he's throwing tonight."
"Then we're going," Riley grinned. "Time to put your love life on the table."
⸻
Elsewhere, Steve leaned over a bar counter, his face smug.
"I invited a two new human girls I met today," he told his friend. "Their blood will be fresh."
His friend licked his lips. "Can't wait."
The trap was already set.
⸻
"This doesn't look like Atlanta anymore," Riley muttered as she drove along a dim, wooded road. "Are we still in the same state?"
Emily looked around nervously. "Are you sure this is a good idea?"
"Relax. We're just exploring."
They followed the directions Steve had sent,deep into the outskirts, where neon lights glowed in the distance.
"That's it," Emily pointed.
At the top of the building, in sharp red letters, the name glared like a warning: VAMP PUB.
"What kind of horror-movie name is that?" Riley laughed, trying to lighten the mood.
"Riley..." Emily shot her a look.
"Alright, alright. Sorry."
They parked the car, stepped out, and entered.
Instantly, the scent of iron hit their noses.
Inside was chaos,low lights, loud music, and people... feeding.
Riley's laughter died. "What the hell?"
She thought they were kissing until she saw the blood.
"Even the guys..." Emily whispered, watching as fangs sank into necks and arms.
"You wanna get out of here?" Riley said, already stepping back.
"Yes!" Emily grabbed her hand after staring in horror.
But before they could turn around—
"Girls," a voice drawled from behind.
Steve.
Only... he looked different now.
His hair was wilder, his blue eyes colder. A silver nose ring caught the light,how had she not seen it before? His entire vibe had shifted.
"Where do you think you're going?" he asked.
"We were just leaving," Emily stammered with a nervous laugh.
Another man stepped beside them and grabbed Riley.
"Hey—let go of me!" she shouted, trying to shove him off, but he was unnaturally strong.
Steve gripped Emily's arm. "Follow me."
His eyes flared red.
Emily gasped. "What are you?!"
"Shut up. You talk too much," he growled, tightening his grip.
Riley's eyes had glazed over,she was being compelled. Emily tried to fight back, but she was already being dragged through a door into a private room.
⸻
Elsewhere in the club, two figures entered through a discreet hallway.
Ryder walked ahead, black-clad and composed as always. Ethan followed, visibly annoyed.
"Let them go, Ryder," Ethan muttered. "Why are you always three steps ahead of everyone?"
Ryder smirked. "You're welcome."
Both men approached the bar.
"Any fresh meat tonight?" Ryder asked the vampire bartender.
The man stiffened. "Evening, sirs," he greeted, knowing exactly who he was dealing with. He'd worked for them for years,knew better than to lie.
"Two new human girls," the bartender whispered. "Taken to the VIP room. Looked... untouched."
Ryder's smirk deepened. "Stealing prey tonight, brother?"
Ethan scoffed. "Might as well relive the old days."
Ryder raised a brow, surprised at his brother's agreement. "Well then. Let's go."
⸻
The VIP room was a twisted version of a club lounge. Music thumped beneath flickering lights, and vampires swayed with delight.
Emily sat on a couch, pale and trembling. Riley sat nearby, her expression blank from compulsion.
As Steve leaned closer, fangs slowly emerging, the door slammed open.
The music paused for a breath.
Two tall figures stepped into the room,dark suits, red eyes.
Ryder's gaze swept the room like a blade. Ethan stood beside him, silent.
Then his eyes landed on her.
"Little lamp," Ethan said, voice low and familiar.
Emily's heart stopped.
It was him,the stranger from that night...