Page 33 of Taste of Death

Such a contrast definitely put our differences into perspective. Novak was sweet, selfless, and shrugged it all off like it was no big deal. Me? I was given a second chance at life, then wallowed about it and pushed away my best friend.

Sleep overtook me to thoughts of Novak and Tavia, and wondering why they chose me. Those two deserved better, but while they had me, I might as well make the effort to be better.

I wokeup after the longest, deepest sleep I’d had in weeks. My body felt stiff, and I stretched with a groan. I couldn’t even remember the last time I had slept so well.

After slipping out of the immensely comfortable bed, which I had to admit was miles better than Bea’s couch, I looked at the time on my phone.

“What, really?” I rubbed more grit out of my eyes and blinked to stare at the time again.

It was almost sunset, which meant I’d slept the entire day.

And I felt… good. The most refreshed and energetic I’d felt since being turned. If I’d known blood could make me feel like this, I might have come around a lot sooner.

I left the bedroom not knowing what to expect, and my heart did a little stammer when I saw Tavia pouring a cup of coffee in the small kitchenette.

She startled when I came out, almost spilling the pot. “Oh! Hey.”

“Hey,” I returned. “Good mor—er, evening, I guess.”

“Evening.” She continued to stare at me for a few seconds like I was a stranger who magically appeared in her home, which I suppose I was. “Want some?” she gestured toward the coffee maker.

“Sure, thanks.” Desperate for no awkward silences, I piped up, “Cyan not up yet?”

“No, he won’t be conscious until after dusk.” Tavia poured a cup for me and placed it on the counter.

“Thanks.” I approached to take the coffee and lifted it toward my mouth.

“Might not want to drink it yet. It’ll scald your tongue.”

For a few moments, I warred between letting the warning go or snapping at her for treating me like a child. Tavia seemed to notice too, and she grimaced.

“Sorry,” she said, eyes lowering. “Trying to break the habit of… you know.”

Always protecting me,I thought.

Remembering that I was making an effort to do better, I set the mug down with a sigh. “It’s okay. I would have regretted that sip.”

Tavia nodded and there it was, that awkward silence I’d been trying to avoid. I stared at my cup, wishing I could drink just so I’d have something to do besides standing here like this.

In all our years growing up together, I’d never felt this with her. We were always jabbering about something, and what little silence we did have, it was always calm and comfortable.

“So.” Tavia broke the silence first. “You sleep well?”

“I actually did. Might be getting the hang of this nocturnal thing yet.” I glanced up from the counter and attempted to smile at her.See? Effort.

“Lucky,” she grumbled. “Took me over a month and I still don’t fully have the hang of it.”

I only nodded in response, silently speculating on things I was sure she didn’t want to say out loud. Like my quick adaptation to sleeping during the day was probably a result of no longer being fully human. I wondered if Novak’s blood had anything to do with it too. I felt like a brand-new person since last night.

“Anyway, you’re looking better,” Tavia said, her gaze roaming over me. “Healthier, for sure.”

“Thanks,” I said, choosing not to volunteer any information right then. She was clearly trying to fish it out of me.

“Good sleep really does wonders. You look alert, refreshed.”

“Mm-hmm.” I chose that moment to pick up my coffee, carefully blowing across its surface before taking a tentative sip. It was perfect, just hot enough to bite but not burn.

“If I may say, you even look,” Tavia took a long pause and I wondered if she would really go there, “well-fed.”

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