To Be Human

To Be Human
Lilith POV

The door was locked, and I banged on it. No answer. No one was home—he was the only one.  

“There is no answer, and the door won’t open,” I said.

Cleo walked over to me. “Move aside; let me go.” I stepped aside, and she placed her hand on the doorknob. She whispered a word, and immediately I heard the click of the lock. She opened the door. I rushed inside and she yelled, “You’re welcome.”

I hurried to Daniel’s room and saw him moving uncomfortably on the bed, clutching his head. He was in pain, and I could feel it. I stepped closer to him to try to comfort him.  

“Get away from me,” he yelled, pushing me back. “What are you? Are you one of them? Why are you doing this to me?” Tears welled in my eyes as I watched his suffering. His pain was intensifying. His hands were still on his head, and he cried out, breathing heavily.

“Shh,” I whispered softly as I moved closer. “Shh.” I placed my hands gently on his face, and he looked at me. His eyes were fixed on mine. “It’s okay. It’s me.” His gaze remained focused on me. I knew they had used magic on him.

“Lilith?” he called, exhaling. “Lilith.” It seemed the pain had subsided somewhat. He placed his hands on my face and pulled me into an immediate hug. “I’ve missed you,” he said. I was confused—was it Daniel talking to me, or Alaric? “The last thing I remembered was dying.”

A sudden gasp left my lips..  

“It’s Alaric. Alaric Vale. Do you remember me?” he asked. I nodded, tears filling my eyes. I couldn’t stop crying. “I remember that night. What happened? I thought I died. You watched me die, didn’t you?” he asked. I was glad he remembered me on his own, without needing spells to bring back his memory or ease his pain.

I held his hands tightly. “It’s a long story. All I know is that the council made it look like you died.”

“But why would they do that?” he asked.

“You know they never wanted us together. They tried so hard to tear us apart, Alaric. They brought you here, but I didn’t expect to find you like this—especially not with your parents…” I stopped, staring into his eyes. I shouldn’t have said that.

“What about my parents?” he asked urgently. “Are they okay? Did anything happen to them? Lilith, please, tell me.”

“They left NYC,” I sighed. “But…”

“But what?”  

“I know they’re in pain over their son’s death,” I admitted.

“But I didn’t die. Look at me,” he said, voice filled with desperation.

“But they don’t know that. They saw you get buried but don’t worry.”

“Why shouldn’t I worry? I don’t know where they went, or if they’re even alive. I’m worried.”

“My parents are looking for them. They’ll tell me where they are once they find them,” I reassured him.

He placed his hands on my face after a moment. “You haven’t aged.”

I giggled. “Well, I’m only 20 years old, and Dhampirs don’t age.”

“Yeah. You look about 16,” he said, laughing. I was glad to see him smile again, glad he wasn’t in pain anymore. I vowed to protect him from anyone—especially the council.

There was a knock at the door. I turned to see Cleo standing there. Daniel glanced her way too.

“Who?” he asked, looking at me.

“That’s my friend. She brought me here. Come in,” I said, motioning to Cleo.

“He looks better now,” Cleo said, and I nodded.

“I’m coming,” Daniel said, leaving the bed and walking out. He returned minutes later.

“I’m glad you didn’t break my door—because I was sure I left it locked,” he said.

“Well, I sensed you were in pain, and when I arrived, the door was locked. She helped me open it with her spells,” I explained.

“What? It;s not like she is a witch or something?” he scoffed. “Oh, you’re serious?”

I nodded.

“They exist here too?” he asked.

“Yes. I wasn’t aware until the night of the freshman party. I thought I came here for peace, but no! There are more creatures here than in the Shadow World.”

“Wow. So, what enemies are you fighting this time?” he asked, walking toward me and sitting beside me.

“You’ll be shocked to hear who it is,” I replied.

“Try me,” he winked.

“The dean,” I said.

He gasped. “No way.”

“I told you, you’d be shocked. By the way, what about Ally? Have you guys talked or settled things?” I asked. I was curious about their breakup.

“Ally and I broke up. She thought something was going on between me and you. I couldn’t explain it to her. She wouldn’t believe me if I told her there was nothing.” He took my hands. “Now that I remember all this, I think it’s best for Ally to move on. This is where I belong—with you.” His words sent butterflies fluttering in my stomach.

Cleo cleared her throat. “I should get going; it’s almost dark.” She moved toward the door.

“Wait, I’m coming with you,” I said, grabbing my bag from Alaric’s bed. He held my hand.

“Stay with me tonight,” he whispered, smiling.

“I’ll get going. Have fun,” Cleo said with a wink and left.

“You’ve been getting quite romantic lately,” I said with a smirk.

“Or maybe I’ve always had this in me,” he replied with a devilish grin. I liked it. I’ve always liked the way he looked at me—his eyes are the most beautiful.

“Are you hungry?” he asked.

I nodded.

“Let me make you something to eat. Just wash up first.” He was about to leave, but I held him back.

“Is everything okay?”

I shook my head. “I—I don’t feed on regular food anymore.”

He looked at me, surprised. “Since when?”

“Since I came to California. I had to feed to gain strength and protect you.”

“Oh, Lilith,” he said, pulling me into a hug. I wrapped my arms around him and rested my head on his chest.  

“I’m sorry, but you still need to feed,” he said, releasing me and offering his hand. “You can feed a little from me,” he suggested. But I knew that whenever his blood touched me, a powerful feeling surged within—one that made me want to transform or grow even stronger.

I hesitated, but I was too tempted to refuse. I placed his hand near my mouth, and my fangs pierced his skin. He moaned softly as I began to feed. That feeling—so intense—continued to grow.

“Your eyes are beautiful,” he whispered. “They’re red.” I released his hand. “You’re done already?”

I nodded. “Thank you.” I couldn’t go on. I would drain him.

He moved toward his wardrobe and tossed me a towel. “Go wash up. For the next few weeks, I don’t think the grandmother in charge of my care will be home. We can always hang out here if you like.”

I nodded and went into the bathroom to wash up. I turned on the shower, watching the blood wash away. My fangs returned to normal, and a strange electricity coursed down my spine. With Alaric’s blood, I always wanted more, but with others’ blood—like the one Riley brings—it was just ordinary. I stayed in the shower for a while, then turned it off and wrapped the towel around me. As I stepped out, I was surprised to find Alaric standing outside the door. Our eyes met, and I felt an undeniable attraction.

Without thinking, I stepped straight into his arms. Our lips met instantly, and a rhythm began to flow. Spit exchanged, tongues danced. My body longed for his touch. The moment became more intimate—he removed my towel and stripped me without hesitation.

My heart belonged to him.

While our tongues intertwined, his hands wandered over my body.  

“Alaric!” I moaned between kisses. “Put your hands on me.”

He groaned. “Put them on yourself.”

I obeyed, and his fingers explored, then carried me toward the bed. He hesitated, making me wait, then finally kissed me passionately.  

His gaze on me made me feel insecure, but he said I looked beautiful.  

“Do you know how much I missed you?” I asked. He looked up. “I thought I’d lost you.”

He focused on teasing me, then I moaned, clutching the sheets. He took his time, making me feel incredible.  

Afterward, he made me feel good and I dropped my head reaching climax.

He stood up, removing his clothes. I helped him take off his pants, my mouth drying at the sight of his impressive length.

He turned toward the closet, reached into a drawer, and pulled out a condom. Approaching me, he put the condom in his mouth and tore open the wrapper with his teeth.

“Do you need help?” I asked.

“No, I got this,” he replied, rolling the condom on.

“Come here,” I said, pulling him toward me. He settled his body on top of me, not putting too much weight.

“I want to feel your weight,” I said, looking into his eyes.

“I’ll crush you,” he warned with a devilish smile.

“I’ve lived a really long life,” I said, exhaling with excitement.

“Are you sure you’re okay with this?” he asked.

I nodded, and as he entered me, I gasped. His body moved against mine, and we kissed again. It was a whirlwind of motion—I didn’t want it to stop. He began slowly, then gradually increased his pace, alternating between slow and fast. I moaned, wrapped my arms around his neck.  

His kisses moved to my neck as he continued to rock me. I didn’t care if his weight was heavy—I just wanted him to make me feel everything he was at that moment. I never thought humans did this for pleasure. My thoughts drifted to Cleo’s questions, and suddenly I wondered how it would feel to be human.