Page 44 of Taste of Death

Thorne’s expression held mild curiosity as he listened to me speak. “You’ll understand after you’ve lived a few centuries, little brusang. Blood is a powerful substance—that’s how it sustains us. And when the same blood flows through generations, you learn to expect the same behavior.”

“Humans aren’t like that,” I argued. “We give people chances. We don’t judge someone just because they came from a bad family. People can rise above their circumstances.”

“Sure, because humans live for like, two weeks compared to us,” he scoffed before taking a long drag. “But you’re not human anymore. Don’t forget that.”

“Tavia still is, isn’t she? Even though she’ll live as long as Cyan now.”

“Hmm, I don’t know.” Thorne cocked his head, eyes focusing on some distant plane as he pondered. “She’s biologically the same, unlike you. But she’s still touched by Temkra’s magic, bonded by blood and love to a non-human.” His red gaze slid over to me, a smirk tilting his lips. “Guess it begs the question of what it means to be human, doesn’t it? Will Tavia lose her humanity, whatever that is, as she lives for hundreds of years?”

“No.” I shook my head confidently. “I’m certain she won’t.”

“I suppose we’ll see.” His gaze turned appraising as he took me in from head to toe. Not in a way that creeped me out, but it definitely took me aback. “You look nice tonight, by the way. A whole world away from where you were two weeks ago. Holding up well?”

“Yes,” I sighed, not caring to discuss my mental state with him. “Believe it or not, I’m not actually made of tissue paper.”

“Oh, I believe it.” He turned to watch the party, a cigarette between his index and middle finger. “What I can’t believe is you flaunting a Rathka’s Order vampire at a Blood ‘til Dawn event. It’s not just bold, it’s… in poor taste.”

I stiffened, my jaw clenching. “I won’t apologize for inviting him. He’s my friend. He’s been there for me, and I didn’t want to be alone.”

“Friends, huh?” Thorne mocked. “Is that what I saw?”

A large figure approached us before I could argue any more. I thought it was Rhain at first, but this person had gray skin and prominent lower fangs to match the upper set. The sudden memory of huge fangs and yellow eyes hit me like a freight train, panic stealing all the breath in my lungs.

It was the same monster that attacked Sapien.

The same one that killed me.

The monster extended a hand to Thorne, and the two of them clasped forearms in greeting.

“Beautiful ceremony, Thorne. Looks like your guests can’t get enough of the marrow dishes.”

“They were delicious, Drace. Thank you for coming.”

“I’m just glad Cyan finally got his head out of his ass. She’s a lovely blood mate.”

“Yes, they make a fine couple.”

“I’m on my way out. This moonlight is getting too strong for me. Just wanted to pay my respects.”

“I’ll come to Marrowtown soon. We need to catch up.”

“I’ll hold you to that, topsoil.”

With a chuckle and another forearm clasp, the two of them separated. I’d been frozen in fear during their entire brief conversation, and only when the monster turned his red eyes to me, gave a small nod and said, “Good evening, miss,” did the urge to run kick in.

Before I could escape and warn Tavia, Thorne clamped a hand down on my shoulder.

“Easy,” he muttered. “You’re not in danger. Calm down, little brusang. Your heart’s beating so fast, it’s vibrating.”

“But he… that was… ”

“He’s a Marrower. Related to those who attacked your home, but he wasn’t among them. Drace looks like a scary brute, but he’s harmless. Calm. Down.”

“How?” I hyperventilated. “How do you know?”

“Because the Marrowers who attacked Sapien were drugged. You remember the yellow eyes? They had no control over what they did. Unlike warmongering Rathka’s Order, Marrowers by nature are the most peaceful of the vampires. You are safe, Amy.”

His mention of Rathka’s Order reminded me of Novak, which was the first step in edging me away from my panic. Eventually, my breaths calmed to the point where Thorne released my shoulder.

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