Heartless

Favors and Debts

Chapter 21

I plopped Phillip's dead body at the feet of one of my old time friends, Peyton Redding. I met Peyton a few years ago at the council when he was the golden boy in the special medical research division. His specialty was biochemistry or other words bio warfare. He has created some nasty concoctions designed to affect werewolves. We became friends when I was given the assignment to find Peyton who was kidnapped by a group of rogues for his talents.

"You come bearing gifts, but somehow I don't think I can return this one." Peyton briefly glance at the body shaking his head.

"I need you to get rid of it." It was hell getting here undetected and honestly this is part of the job I didn't really like.

"Well hello to you to, my sweet Eva. Don't I get a hug after traveling to this god forsaken hick town? I mean I knew you were on vacation, but out in the sticks? I picture you clubbing in some city or sunning on a beach somewhere."

"Things change, did you bring what I asked for?" I dismissed his taunt.

"Of course, my debt is paid." Peyton added leaning against the car.

"We're even now." I agreed.

"Oh not so fast, I said my debt is paid." His eyes drifted down to the body at his feet. "It looks like you owe me a favor."

"What do you want?" I asked skeptically.

Peyton's eyes roam over my body slowly, "Hmmm let me think about it. Learn any new tricks lately?"

I laughed at his lame attempt to be seductive. "Stop playing with me, you and I both know that you're not interested in me in that way. Andrea will kill you while sleep, if you betray her." Andrea is his mate, a small spitfire of a girl that would literally torture him if he betrayed her.

Peyton grinned pushing off the car. "Hell she wouldn't wait long enough for me to fall asleep, she would cut my dick off the moment she laid eyes on me. Just messing with you a little bit, it is 4am and I've been waiting for your call for almost a day now."

I gestured at the ground tiredly. "As you can see, I got held up. Getting away was a little more difficult than I thought."

"Ah, not on vacation, on assignment. I guess that is why you order one of my little special medicine." Peyton reached inside of the car pulling out a small pouch.

"You guessed right." I didn't elaborate, the less he knew the better.

Peyton unzipped the padded pouch and pulled out a small vial of liquid. "Be careful, you only need a drop to get the affect you want. It only works with direct contact."

I open the vial and sniff for any smell. It was odorless which means it should go undetected. Time to test it out. I plugged the top of the vial with my finger and turned it over quickly so that the liquid doused my finger only. I quickly plugged the vial back up and stared at my hand and waited. "So how long does it take before... son of a bitch!"

"Like I said only a drop, you let too much seep into your skin. Reaction time varies and lasting effects varies too. It can take a few minutes or a few hours."

I watched painfully as my hand stretched and the bones cracked as it changed from human form into the claw. I felt each hair sprout from the pours of my hand and waited until the transformation was complete. "So it will only work on the body part the liquid contacts. You positive this isn't harmful if the person is pregnant?" I stared at my hand after the transformation, it no longer hurt.

"Yes, Eva. As I stated over the phone not harmful to the baby, but to be on the safe side make sure you don't get a drop on her stomach. You know I stand by my product. It's not harmful. Now if you need something that is harmful, I brought a few samples."

"No thanks, this is all I need." My hand tingled and I observed as it changed back into human form. There was no pain while transforming back into human form. I clenched and unclenched my hand testing out the feel. "It won't transform back again will it?"

"Nope, unless you put more liquid on it. It's a one-time deal. Eva, if you are in trouble, you only have to ask. I am your friend, even though you deny it."

"Peyton, I know and I appreciate it. If I need help I will let you know. Being friends with me may not be a wise decision."

"Eh, I live on the edge. Don't forget you owe me a favor, friend." Peyton grinned before bending down to heave the body up and into the trunk of his car. "I can stick around if you need me for another day?"

"I'm good. Go back to Andrea, I'm sure she misses you. Thanks for bringing me this." I shoved the vial into my bra. Before I could leave, Peyton gave me hug.

"Take care of yourself, don't get yourself killed before you grant my favor." I hugged him back laughing.

"Duly noted, I will not die until I pay back Peyton."

"Damn right!"

"I gotta get back." I left the deserted road and melted back into the trees. As I approached Raven's territory, I climbed up the trees to stay undetected by patrols. It took me a while to get to the maze and to my designated bench. I reached into the bushes behind the padded bench and pulled out my sketch book and pencil. I curled up on the bench placing the sketch book on the ground, I hoped that Creed or anyone else haven't realized that I left the territory.

A/N

Uh oh! What is Eva up too? Pic of Peyton.

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Nicci