Page 83 of Taste of Death

Novak straightened to full height. “I’m starting a new clan. My own. I don’t want any association with Rathka’s Order anymore.”

“You are? Wow. That’s a big deal, right?”

He nodded. “And I want to align with Blood ‘til Dawn. Nothing can erase what my ancestors did to them, but I want to atone for their losses if I can.”

“Wow,” I said again. “What’s your new clan called?”

“I don’t know yet.” Novak caressed down my arm until his fingers reached mine. “I was hoping we could decide on a name together.”

My gaze snapped to his. “Together?”

“Yes, akra.” He drew me closer to him. “Because it won’t just be my clan. It’ll be ours.”

Time stood still and I couldn’t have heard him correctly. “What do you mean?”

“I mean it begins with you and me. Together.” His forehead lowered to mine. “Just because I want an alliance with Blood ‘til Dawn doesn’t mean I’ll let them keep you. I want you to myself.”

My mind was connecting dots that seemed to make logical sense, but I still struggled to believe the conclusion I arrived at.

“I’m not sure I understand.”

Novak turned abruptly and swept an arm across the surface of his desk, sending his neat piles and boxes of documents scattering across the floor. Before I could react, he grabbed my waist and lifted me in the air. Then he set my ass down on the center of his desk and spread my legs as he moved to stand between them.

“You understand, you just don’t see yourself as I see you.” Novak held a punishing grip on my hips, his fingers curling into my T-shirt. “You’re my blood mate, akra. Your blood was made for me, and mine for you. I want you at my side for centuries to come, heading our clan, our descendants, together.”

Desire, awe, and overwhelm swept through me in a maelstrom. His voice was strained, like he wanted this, wantedme, more than anything else. Humans called this marriage and children. Making our own family. But with a vampire, it was so much more. It was centuries of life, it was drinking blood and aging slowly.

Being with Novak would mean multiple human lifetimes of his fascinating mind, his sharp smirks and sweet forehead kisses. Centuries of being held and listened to, of being driven to orgasm within an inch of my life. He was the first and only man I ever trusted, and if he wanted to give me forever, how the hell could I refuse?

The rush of sensations and emotions overtaking me spilled out into four words.

“I love you, Novak.”

He blinked in surprise, as if not expecting to hear that. “You’re the first person to say that to me in centuries.”

“You deserve to hear it.” My arms went around his neck, legs squeezing around his hips. “You’re amazing and you deserve to be loved.” I let out a soft, deprecating laugh. “I’m not sure why you’d choose to start a new clan with me, but?—”

“Because I love you too, Amy. Don’t you see?” He pushed my hair off my shoulder, knuckles stroking my cheek as he did. “You deserve it too, far more than me. It’s not even about establishing a new clan; I just want to see you every day. I never want the taste of your blood and your kiss to ever leave my mouth. I want your laughter and your curiosity filling up my home. I want the presence ofyoulighting up every dark corner of my life.”

My breath was tight, my voice wavering with emotion. “You are saying very romantic things right now and I love that, but can you back up a second?”

His brow furrowed. “Back up to what?”

“We’re actually blood mates? You’re sure?”

He shrugged. “Pretty sure. We can test it by trying blood that’s not each other’s.” At my grimace of disgust, he laughed. “Exactly how I feel.” His forehead leaned on mine again. “We can have a priest of Temkra’s Blood confirm it, do the whole ceremony if you want. All I know is your blood is the sweetest taste that’s ever hit my tongue, and I can’t stand to go a single day without it.”

“I’ve never wanted anyone’s blood except yours,” I realized. “The idea of it disgusted me until I drank yours.”

Novak’s thumb nudged the corner of my lips, teasing one of my fangs. “You were also very new to being a brusang.”

“Yes, and I hated what I was.” My fingers stroked his neck and the ends of his hair. “But you never saw me as ugly or disgusting.”

“Never,” he agreed. “Not for a single moment. You’re the most beautiful creature I’ve ever set eyes on.” His lips curled on a growl. “And you’re mine.”

His kiss was all-consuming, a rough scraping of lips, tongues and fangs. He held my hips flush against his, the heat and pressure of his erection rubbing and teasing where I was most sensitive. If my panties weren’t already damp, they would be in moments.

“I need you.” The words dragged out of his throat on a rough whisper. “My blood is on fire for you. Tell me you need the same or I’m going to need an ice-cold shower immediately.”

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