"Ow," I groaned, clutching my head as my eyes fluttered open. My breath hitched as I stared at an unfamiliar ceiling. Before I could panic, a sharp pain between my legs forced me to sit up slowly.
I realized I was completely naked under the sheets, my body marked with love bites. My head felt foggy, and the events of last night were a blur. The last thing I remembered was chasing after Emily and her boyfriend, getting lost in the forest, and asking for help from two strangers. Everything after that was blank.
But who had I ended up in bed with? God, I hoped it wasn't someone from my school. The last thing I needed was gossip about me sleeping around, even if it had been just one guy.
The sound of the door opening pulled me from my thoughts, and I hastily pulled the sheets up to cover myself.
"Hey, you're awake. I was afraid you might sleep through the whole morning," Matt said, stepping into the room with a warm smile. He handed me a glass of water, which I accepted gratefully. I was parched.
"I'm guessing you're the one I had sex with?"
"You don't remember anything, do you?" he asked, guilt flashing across his face. "I should've known this would happen. I'm so sorry, Kerry."
"Why are you apologizing?" I said after taking a sip of water. "I might not remember much, which is weird, but I know I wouldn't have done it if I didn't want to. It must have been good. Too bad I don't remember."
Even my first time hadn't left me feeling this sore. Matt must have been... well-endowed. I could only hope I'd manage to walk without trembling legs.
Matt chuckled, his laugh light and pleasant, drawing a smile from me. The sunlight streaming through the curtains caught his blond hair, making him look almost ethereal. Damn, he was good-looking. Did I really sleep with him? I'd have to tell Emily about this later.
"You should freshen up," he said, his grin widening. "You'll feel better without dried cum on you."
"Um… you're right. Thanks."
Matt nodded but didn't leave. Instead, he just stood there, half-grinning as his eyes lingered on me. Knowing I wasn't wearing anything under the sheets, I rolled my eyes and wrapped them tighter around me before heading to the bathroom, shutting the door firmly behind me.
The sheets fell to my feet as I turned on the shower. The hot water cascading over my skin felt soothing, and I sighed in relief. I ran my fingers through my hair and reached for the shampoo on the ledge. It smelled like coconut, and I didn't think Matt would mind me using it.
After scrubbing myself clean, I dried off with a towel, but it wasn't until I was fully dry that I realized I hadn't brought any clothes. My dress lay crumpled on the floor, but it looked far from wearable. Biting my lip, I opened the bathroom door slightly.
"Um… Matt?" I called hesitantly.
He looked up from his phone, his gaze sweeping over me as I stood wrapped in a towel. I shifted uncomfortably under his eyes.
"Do you maybe have some clothes I could borrow?" I asked, my voice soft. "I mean, I could wear my dress, but I don't know if it's clean, and I—"
"Relax, Kerry," he interrupted with a small smile. "Of course, you can borrow something. It's partly my fault your dress isn't in the best state anyway."
I blushed at his words as he chuckled. Matt brushed past me to his walk-in closet, quickly returning with a T-shirt and sweatpants. He handed them to me, rubbing the back of his neck.
"It'd be a bit weird if I offered you underwear too, right?"
"Not as weird as you'd think," I said with a smile. "But these will do just fine. Thanks."
Once back in the bathroom, I changed into his clothes, which were baggy on my small frame but comfortable enough. After tying my loose brown hair into a messy bun, I stepped out to find Matt handing me my phone from the nightstand.
"I can drive you home," he offered.
"It's alright, Matt. I think I left my purse in your kitchen. I can just take a cab."
"Why take a cab when I'm offering you a ride?"
"I wouldn't want to keep you from your main task," I teased.
"Main task?" he asked, frowning.
"Cleaning the house. It must be a mess after last night."
"But it wasn't even my party," Matt protested. I giggled, standing on my toes to peck his lips and smooth the frown from his forehead with my fingers.
He grinned, giving me a perfect view of his fangs. They weren't as sharp as Silas's or Carter's but still looked dangerous.
"I'll call you," he promised.
"You better," I said with a smirk. "Wait… you don't have my number."
"Don't worry. I took it from your phone," he said with a wink.
"Okay, weirdo." I laughed as he kissed me passionately before I left his room with a broad smile.
As I descended the stairs, I caught a glimpse of the messy living room. I didn't envy Kevin, who'd likely have to clean it.
When I stepped into the kitchen to search for my purse, I froze. Carter and Kevin were deep in conversation but stopped when they noticed me.
"Kerry?" Kevin called, his gaze curious.
"Hello, Kevin," I said with a forced smile, scanning the counters and tables for my purse. It wasn't in sight, meaning I'd have to stay longer.
"Did you sleep over?"
"None of your business."
"It's kinda my house. And are you wearing my brother's clothes?" Kevin's observation made me freeze. Could he smell Matt on me too?
"Have you seen a red purse around here?" I asked, ignoring his question.
"No."
"Then you're useless," I growled, turning to leave.
As I stepped outside, I heard footsteps behind me. Glancing back, I saw Carter following.
"Do you want a lift?"
I shook my head. "I can take a cab."
"Do you even have money on you?"
"Why do you care?"
"You're being rather sassy for someone who needs a ride home," he said disapprovingly. "We live a street apart. I'd be a jerk to leave you stranded."
"Come along, Kerry," he said, cutting off my protest as he dragged me toward his car.
The ride was silent and tense. My hand twitched by my side, and I kept glancing at Carter, who didn't take his eyes off the road.
"This thing with you and Matt," he said abruptly. "Is it official or just a hookup?"
"Aw, don't tell me you're jealous," I teased.
"Don't be delusional. Matt's my friend, and I don't want you messing with his head."
"How sweet of you," I said sarcastically. "Don't worry about us. I didn't sleep with him just because he's good at it—though, wow, he is good at it."
"Shut up. I get it."
I smirked, resting my hand on his lap. "It doesn't mean I love him or anything. It's you I—"
Carter slammed the brakes, jolting me forward. His eyes glowed red as he turned to glare at me.
"Don't you dare," he growled. "You think this is funny? It's pissing me off."
"Carter—"
"Save it. The only reason I tolerate you is because of Emily. Don't think you're helping anyone with this nonsense."
Anger flared, overshadowing my fear. "Emily doesn't want you! Why can't you just move on and let her be?"
"You think it's easy?" he snapped. "Humans are fickle. Emily's been my friend since childhood—"
"And what about me?" I yelled. "I was your friend before Emily moved here. How could you ignore me all these years but obsess over her?"
He looked away, his expression conflicted.
"Just take me home," I muttered, wiping away tears.
Silence filled the car as he restarted the engine. I stared out the window, my chest heavy. This was why I hated Carter—because I liked him too much.
But In Carter's life, only Emily existed and no one ele I should get used to that. I have to get used to that