Page 104 of Taste of Death

“Novak, I?—”

“Amy—”

We started talking at the same time when the silence became too much, and when the smile crossed his face, I knew mine looked similar.

“What would Blood and Truth mean to you, as a clan name?” I asked. “What does it signify?”

Novak folded his hands, looking pensively at his linked fingers. “It means trust, not just within the clan but any agreements made outside of it as well. It means integrity, standing by your word. It means forging strong bonds, creating honest relationships. Blood and Truth to me sounds like an honorable clan, one whose strength comes from the ability to be honest. Even if,especiallyif, the truth is unpleasant. Such a clan doesn’t shy away from ugly truths, but leans on each other to weather those storms. Because they’re a clan that trusts in each other.”

He glanced at me, a hint of that sheepish smile returning. “How’d I do?”

“Good.” I could barely choke out the word with my throat so tight with emotion. “Great, even. And you know what?”

I went to stand in front of him and reached for one of his clasped hands. The bonfire was a bank of heat at my back, flames casting dancing shadows across Novak’s face. A face that wore an expression of heartache and longing.

“You embody everything Blood and Truth stands for. Everything you just said can be used to describe yourself, Novak. You are someone worthy of trust.” I let out a shaky breath. “And forgiveness.”

His face barely changed. Only a flicker of emotion passed over his features, but his hands wrapped around mine with an iron grip.

“Amy,” he rasped, his voice thick. “Does this mean… ”

The tears fell freely as I nodded. “I believe that you were trying to protect me from Carpe Noctem. I believe that your feelings never changed and you didn’t intend to hurt me as badly as you did.”

“No, darling. Not ever.” His knuckles grazed my cheek, already wiping my tears away. “But I did hurt you, I know that. And I’m so sorry.”

“I know, and I had to process that.” I sniffed and a little laugh escaped me. “Laith keeps telling me to feel my feelings. He says it’s in some self-help book he read.”

“Hmm. He should probably switch to romance novels.”

“Right?” Another laugh bubbled out of me, this one brighter and happy. “Thank you for all those books, by the way. I can’t believe you read and marked them all.”

“I just couldn’t stop thinking about you.” Novak pulled me closer to stand between his legs. “Couldn’t believe how badly I fucked up when I love you so much. I wanted you toknow, to never have a single doubt about how I feel.”

“I do know.” My hands went to his shoulders, running through the long strands of silvery blond hair. “I understand you made a mistake. And it’s because of you that I’m able to pick myself up from this.” I laced my fingers at the back of his neck, bringing my forehead to his.

“You made me stronger and more confident than I’ve ever been in my life. You’ve helped me to understand myself and even love myself. No one else has ever given me such a gift. I love you, Novak and I never want you to doubt me either.”

His breath fanned across my lips and I thought he might kiss me.

“Let the first vow of Blood and Truth be this: I will never keep another secret from you. I will never cut you down with my words or actions. I will do everything in my power to lift you up and support your dreams and desires. I give you my blood and my body freely and will cherish yours in return.”

“Yes, agreed,” I sniffed, the tears returning. “Ditto, all of that. Fuck, I can’t top that, you romantic jerk.”

With light laughter, Novak finally ended my misery and kissed me. It felt like falling into a soft, warm bed after a long time away from home. He tasted like everything I’d been without, and all that I needed.

It didn’t take long for my fangs to lengthen and throb, for the burning ache between my legs to rival the heat of Novak’s bonfire, and for my thirst to make itself known.

We’d both gone without each other’s blood for nearly two weeks.

“I need you.” My lips were already finding their way down his warm neck to the perfect spot.

Novak stood with a groan, lifting me up with him using a strong grip under my thighs. “I’ve never needed a single fucking thing as much as I need you right now.”

He turned us toward his front door, pushing inside with a firm nudge of his body.

“Shouldn’t we keep an eye on the fire?” I watched the dancing flames over his shoulder.

“We can from in here.” He carried me into the front sitting room just off the foyer, lowering us onto the couch, back to the first place he’d ever laid me down. “I need you so fucking much, I can’t even bother going upstairs.”

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