Page 46 of Taste of Death

For the first time ever, I smelled something off and slightly foul in the wine. Almost a rancid, rotten scent. I schooled my features so as to not offend Tavia.

“Did you try something new?” I kept my tone casual, glad that she was pouring another taste for Bea and not watching my expression.

“I added a little bit of blood at the start of fermentation. It’s an experiment, since vampires like to add blood to their drinks. Of course, Cyan can’t taste it so I need unbiased, un-blood mated opinions.”

“Whose blood, your own?”

That might have explained my aversion. Since Tavia had done the blood mate ritual at her ceremony, maybe her blood smelled off to me because her lifespan was now tied to Cyan’s.

Another thing to consider was that I generally wasn’t attracted to women. I remembered the sexual rush that came over me when I drank from Novak’s wrist, as if I’d ever stopped thinking about it. He’d looked so close to kissing me, to pulling me into his lap and devouring me, and not just my blood.

If he’d have made a move, I would have given in. Enthusiastically. I had never wanted anyone so intensely before. He must have known that, must have seen me squirming as I drank from him. I was on the brink of an orgasm from his blood alone. He could have been… turned off? Weirded out? All I knew was that he stopped everything, took me home, and gave me the silent treatment.

Message fucking received.

“No, it’s not my blood.” Tavia laughed. “Cyan would have a fit; my blood is only for him. I went to the blood bank and bought a donated bag.”

I frowned. Well, there went my theory.

“Is it human?” Bea inquired, taking a sip.

“Dragon shifter, actually.”

“Ah, that explains it.” Bea smacked her lips. “Just a little spicy. It’s really good, Tav!”

“Thanks, Bea.” Beaming, Tavia turned to me. “What do you think, Ames?”

“Oh, yeah!” I effused, swirling my glass more aggressively. “Same. It’s delicious.”

“Yay!” Tavia did a happy little twirl, which I’d never seen her do before. “It’s just a test batch, but I’m really excited to jump into a whole new world of flavors with blood.”

“Bet you never thought you’d say that.” Bea smirked before draining the rest of her taster.

Tavia laughed. “Definitely not.”

My phone buzzed with a message and I immediately zoned out of the conversation to read it. When I saw Novak’s name, my chest felt like fireworks as I opened his text.

Hey, I’m sorry about how I acted the other night. It’s been a long time since anyone fed from me directly and I forgot how intense it can be. I’m sorry if I freaked you out. I just wanted to make sure I was levelheaded before getting in touch.

My fingers hovered over the screen, trying to decipher his message. Words likeintensedidn’t necessarily mean he was attracted to me, but they didn’t mean he wasn’t.

I waffled between full-on honesty or being more coy in my reply. In the end, I decided the full truth was best discussed in person.

You didn’t freak me out. We’re good. It was intense for me too, but not in a bad way. Can we talk about it more face-to-face? Just so I understand feeding better. Maybe when Jo is whipping up something delicious? :)

Haha, yes. Of course. She works this weekend. I’ll let her know you’ll be here. :) Any requests?

I’m open to surprises ;)

Just when it comes to food?

“Amy, hey.”

I looked up from being engrossed in my phone to see that Cyan, Tavia’s mate, had entered the room. I hadn’t even heard him come in, but he was across the counter, his arms around Tavia’s waist.

“Hey, Cyan.”

“Can we talk for a second?” The vampire released my friend and nodded at the couches across the room.

---