Chapter 81 Catching Feelings.
CAMILLE'S POV.
I sat quietly in the living room of Josh’s apartment, the soft hum of the refrigerator, and the faint ticking of the wall clock the only sounds accompanying my thoughts. The human world was still new to me, yet somehow, sitting here felt… safe.
Because it was his home.
Josh. What a lovely name for a kind hearted and gentle human.
I let my fingers trace the edge of the couch as I allowed myself to think about him again — about the way he never gets mad at me no matter what I do. From what I've seen and heard about the human world, I was surprised to find a human as kindhearted as Josh.
I would admit it. I like him. More than I should. More than someone like me is allowed to.
It still surprises me how deeply I have grown to admire him. In all my centuries of existence, I have never met a human like Josh. He is soft, where others are cruel. Patient where others are fearful. Kind where others would have raised weapons.
And perhaps that is why I fell for him. Moreover he was cute and handsome. A human worthy of adoration.
I even tried learning how to cook because of him. The thought makes me almost laugh at myself.
A vampire princess who despises food and has no need for it, standing in a human kitchen, attempting to recreate scrambled eggs.
I had watched him carefully on multiple occasions — memorizing how he held the knife, how he seasoned the food, and how he moved with relaxed confidence. When he thought I wasn’t paying attention, I was studying him like scripture.
Even though I hated cooking and the smell of human food made me want to throw up, I would learn just to please him.
That is how much I adore my human boss.
Despite his suspicions and confusion about me being an imposter, Josh still let me stay in the same house as him. Despite the fact that I know nothing about cooking or cleaning, he still allowed me to work for him.
He did not know what I truly was, and if he ever fully understands… I do not know if he will look at me the same way again.
The memory of that night still tightens something inside my chest.
I had gone hunting for some animal blood because i was past my limit of surviving without blood. Thanks to my years of training, I have learnt to depend on only animal blood for survival. I should never touch a human.
The forest had been thick with the scent of deer, and I lost myself in instinct. When I returned to the apartment, the metallic scent of blood still clung to my skin. My hands were stained dark red, and I intended to slip quietly into my room to wash it away before he noticed.
But Josh unexpectedly came out of his room in that moment and he saw me. I still remember the fear in his eyes. He stood staring at my bloody hands in horror. I had to bring up a lie and tell him it was paint.
But I knew in that moment, he didn't really believe me. I had confirmed his quiet suspicion that I was truly strange. He must be so scared of me.
To make it up to him tonight, I prepared food for him again. I followed the steps carefully — chopping vegetables slower than necessary so I would not accidentally reveal my unnatural speed. Stirring gently and waiting patiently.
I set the table and sat down, folding my hands neatly in my lap as I listened for the sound of his car arriving.
When the door finally opened, I immediately sensed it. The smell of alcohol assaulted my nostril. Did Josh go drinking?
“Josh, are you okay?” I asked softly, rising to my feet as I watched him in concern.
He stumbled slightly as he stepped inside. "I'm fine,” he slurred.
He said that, but with the way he was moving like a zombie, I could tell he was not fine.
I moved closer, placing a hand lightly on his arm to steady him. His skin was warm — painfully warm compared to mine. My dead heart came alive just by standing so close to him.
“I can help you,” I murmured. To my disappointment, he gently pulled his arm away from my hold, and that small action hurt more than I expected.
Was he avoiding me? Or is he afraid of me? I think I'll prefer it to be the former.
He collapsed onto the couch with a heavy sigh, running a hand through his hair. His cheeks were flushed from the alcohol and his tie loosened.
He looked at with me hazy eyes. "You’re really strange, Ashely. I don't even know what to think anymore.” he muttered.
I knew he was right and my strangeness disturbed his mental health, but I can't tell him who I am just yet. It's better he keeps seeing me as Ashley until I'm sure he's ready to handle the truth.
I remained still, watching him carefully. He leaned back, eyes half-closed. "Sometimes I cant make sense of your actions, its strange.”
I searched for some kind of response to give him, but I couldn't find one. To my luck, his breath evened out and he passed out.
I stood there for a long moment, staring at him, then slowly I sat beside him on the couch. The room went quiet again.
I studied his handsome face — the curve of his lashes, the faint stubble along his jaw, the gentle rise and fall of his chest. He looked younger when he slept.
I have no idea when or how it started, but this human man, sleeping carelessly on a couch, has become the most important thing in my world.
“You're a good person Josh." I whispered to his sleeping form. "Im sorry for making you afraid and worried." It saddened me that he might have gotten drunk because he was having problems dealing with his suspicions of me.
I guess no one would be eating my food today. With careful ease, I slid one arm beneath his shoulders and another beneath his knees. I lifted him effortlessly, cradling him against my chest.
He did not even stir. Thank Goddess for that. If he woke up and sees me effortlessly carrying him bridal style to his room, I have a feeling that all hell was going to break loose.
I carried him to his room and laid him gently on the bed. I adjusted his pillow, removed his shoes and pulled the blanket over him.
I should have left after that, but I found my feet rooted in their place. I leaned down and stared into Josh’s sleeping face. He looked so handsome like an angel and I found it hard to look away.
I brushed a strand of hair away from his forehead, and against my better judgement, I leaned down and pressed a soft kiss to his cheek.
I know this feelings of mine are dangerous. Domenic already close a human over his own people. If I do the same, the throne might really end up falling in the hands of Giron.
If Giron ever finds out about my love for this human, there's no doubt that he will come after Josh to get rid of him.
Goddess knows I'll never let that happen. Before anyone would hurt this human I have grown to love, they will have to get through me first.
A time will surely come when I'll be forced to chose between this human and my world. I already know my answer.
I'll chose him.