Page 30 of Taste of Death

And if the clock was correct, dawn was only an hour away. Fucking Temkra, had Amy been here all night?

“Amy.”

“Mm-hmm.” Her eyes were locked on her phone screen, fingers directing the snake around its own body.

“It’s almost dawn, akra.” I nearly bit my tongue. That was the third time the endearment had slipped out. “I should take you back.”

She paused the game, blinking as she looked up. “Oh wow, it feels like I just got here.” A frown pinched her brow. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to stay so long.”

“Don’t be,” I insisted. “I’m… glad you came over.”

Her smile was warm—at least it made me feel warm—as she slid off the barstool. “Me too. Thanks for letting me hang out, Novak.”

“Of course.” I awkwardly slid off my own stool. “Let me get my coat.”

“No, it’s okay.” Amy held up a hand. “I know my way better now. You don’t have to walk me.”

“And let you walk alone? Absolutely not.”

Amy’s hand dropped, her face hardening. “I don’t want to see them harass you like that again.”

I waved a hand through the air. “How they treat me doesn’t matter?—”

“Yes, it does.” She stood firm, her expression determined. “You deserve better than that, Novak.”

It had to be the first time anyone told me I deserved better, and I was struck dumb by the declaration. After knowing me for barely two days, she was so certain that Blood ‘til Dawn treated me unfairly? What had I done for Temkra to bless me with someone so loyal?

“Even if that were the case,” I said, still trying to recover from my shock, “I don’t want you walking back alone. Maybe I can see you off at their door from a distance.”

“And if they catch you watching me from across the street or wherever?” she pressed. “You’ll look even more suspicious than if you just walked up with me.”

“Well, we need to come up with a solution before the sun rises.” I glanced at the windows, knowing the lightproof shutters would fall into place at any minute.

“We can take her.”

Our heads turned at the same time, finding Lourna and Jo sitting near the bottom of the stairs.

“Blood ‘til Dawn doesn’t know we work for you.” Jo tapped her temple. “And even if they did, they don’t harass humans. We can make sure she gets there safely.”

“You’re sure?” I asked. “Isn’t their compound out of your way?”

“Eh, barely.” Lourna shrugged. “I gotta swing by the market anyway.”

It was a kind offer. They seemed to like Amy, and had no problems withstanding the sunlight.

I looked at Amy. “Would you be all right walking home with them?”

“Yeah, definitely.” She nodded and glanced at the humans with a grin. “Maybe I can sweet-talk Jo into giving me her pastrami recipe.”

“Ha! Fat chance, girly. You gotta come to the Rathka house if you want to be fed right.”

All of the women laughed and I felt the tightness in my chest ease. I trusted them, and Amy would be in good hands.

“Before you go.” I touched Amy’s elbow and leaned in to speak low in her ear. “Do you need anything?”

“No, I don’t think so.” She spoke at normal volume, a look of confusion crossing her face. “What do you… Oh.”

I held out my unbandaged forearm and closed my fist, flexing my wrist back to make the veins pop under the thin veneer of skin. Amy’s demeanor instantly shifted. Her pupils dilated and her lips parted as her fangs fully descended. She looked ready, wanting. Hungry. I wished for nothing more than to find a private room and let her take all she needed from me.

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