Oceanside

Chapter 32

Silas

A week passes and things have gradually gone back to normal. Odette still asked random questions here and there to fill in some gaps and I was happy to oblige. I was happy to do anything because she was back. And not just back in my home but back with me.

I can't describe the feeling that I felt when she stepped out of her house and called my name. I had to choke back intense relief, trying to act normal so that she could ask her question or tell me what she needed. However when she said she wanted me to stay then hugged me I wanted to burst with it. She forgave me and wanted me to stay with her. I couldn't have been more thankful. After two days of staying at her house she agreed to come back to mine.

Once again her scent flooded the place. It was stronger with her constant presence, like she never left. Every one of my senses felt renewed. As if suddenly my eyesight and hearing was better just because I could see her again. When she was gone everything felt dull. Now with her here I felt normal, better than normal. I felt whole.

When she was gone for so long I figured she wouldn't come back. It wasn't until later that I started thinking that. I was terrified she would always be afraid of me. That she would recoil from me like the others. She was human and had a bad experience with the supernatural. Both didn't help me. The fear came back after I left the morning after my shift. I was worried that her openness and comfort would be temporary. That she reacted out of instinct and would come to her senses when I left.

Even with that fear I promised to stay by her, at a distance. I was thrilled at the request but still nervous for what it would mean in the future. That maybe I would watch her for a while only for her to officially push me away. Still I risked the heartache. I stayed nearby and did my usual rounds at night to ensure her safety. I was happy in a way to be back to my routine. It comforted me to know she was okay.

I was finishing my trail when she stepped out of her house. Her decision to let me stay made everything worth it. All the waiting and hoping. And now worth it was an understatement.

We were pretty much back to normal but it was so much better. One of the biggest reasons was that I could be completely honest with her. I didn't have to make up a stupid excuse to cover for trainings or try to pick the closest human equivalent to something. I hated lying to her and now I didn't have to.

My eyes took her in for the millionth time as if it was the first. She was wearing a loose-fitting jumpsuit with a white shirt underneath. The jumpsuit was blue which made her eyes pop more. Her blonde hair was hanging over her shoulder in soft waves, held together with a low ponytail. Her eyes cast downwards as she finished slicing a peach.

She all but demanded that she make lunch today and while I usually want to make all of her meals, I couldn't deny her when she turned her full attention my way.

Seeing her in my kitchen, even after I knew she had settled back in, was a vision for me. It reminded me she wasn't leaving.

I walked over and her eyes glanced up, a small smile spreading on her lips when she met my eyes. That smile widened to a grin as I came to stand behind her, pulling her flush to my chest and pressing a kiss to her cheek. She leaned back into me effortlessly. My chest warmed with happiness.

I pressed short and quick kisses down to her neck, loving how she subtly squirmed against me. A small giggle left her. The sound filled my soul.

"Can I have a bite?" I asked lowly, my lips brushing her ear.

She put the knife down and picked up a peach slice, turning in my arms. She held it up to my lips. I didn't miss how her cheeks bloomed pink. She caught my double meaning but chose to act on one of them.