Side chapter part 2

Dinner at our place was never a quiet affair, and tonight was no exception. Chloe and Isabel had invited themselves over again and Carmen, to no one's surprise, had offered to cook. She loved cooking, and she was exceptional at it.

It was one of the things about her that still surprised me. Who would have thought a brooding vampire with centuries of life experience would find so much joy in the kitchen?

As I sat at the dining table, I watched Carmen move around the kitchen with her usual grace. She was like a dancer, every motion purposeful, her hands steady and precise as she chopped vegetables and stirred sauces.

The smell of garlic, rosemary, and something slightly smoky filled the air, making my stomach rumble in anticipation. 

"Are you even human?" Chloe asked from across the table, eyeing Carmen's flawless efficiency. 

"She's not," Isabel said matter-of-factly, earning a glare from Chloe.