Page 43 of Taste of Fate

I couldn’t think of a way to articulate my thoughts except to say, “Well, she’s human, for one.”

Drace made a disapproving noise. “So your mate will be near the end of her life, or dead before you feel ready to commit?”

“That’s not what I’m saying. She’s not the problem, it’s me.”

“So quit being a fucking problem.”

“Marrowers,” I groaned, rubbing my eyes. “You all have stones for brains, I swear.”

“And you topsiders have done so damn well for yourselves, squabbling over territory and power, that you overcomplicate everything and forget what’s important,” Drace snarled. “A blood mate is a blessing, one that many don’t find in our very long lifetimes. You literally need her blood to keep living, so why fight it? Are you gonna waste away, starving yourself while sticking your cock in others because you didn’t get to choose when you were ready?”

Not many things could truly piss off a marrower, but Drace was getting close. His nostrils flared and he’d begun to pace behind the bar, eyes narrowing as he ranted at me.

He had a point, sure, but there was so much he didn’t know. Our clan business never caught much wind underground, so he had no idea about what happened with Kalix, how badly I’d failed him and Blood ‘til Dawn. Of all the people who deserved a long, happy life with a loving blood mate at their side, I wasn’t even on the list.

“Thanks for the marrow,” I repeated, realizing that I had begun to wear out my welcome. “I’ll take another portion to-go. And I’m staying overday, so I’ll buy a room if you’ve got an empty one.”

Drace’s posture softened just a fraction. “Stay and drink, topsoil. I have beer from that angel brewery. Would hate for you to miss out.”

Now it was my turn to raise a skeptical eyebrow. “Don’t tell me you dug a tunnel to the angel territory.”

“I didn’t. My ancestors did at some point.” He grinned proudly. “Wouldn’t surprise me if we have tunnels going into all the territories, even the forbidden ones. Your border magic doesn’t reach this far underground.”

“Well, if you’re offering.” I shrugged. “Might as well.”

“Don’t tell any of your clan mates about this.” Drace procured the bottle with a flourish and started to pour. “I don’t need to be strung up by my tusks for having contraband.”

“More likely, they’ll be knocking down your door for a taste.” I brought the small glass of golden, bubbly liquid to my nose. “Do you have a contact with the winged assholes or did you steal this?”

“I’ve already told you too much.” Drace smirked. “Enjoy it for what it is and don’t ask so many questions.”

“Fair enough.” I touched my glass to his. “Thank you for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity of sampling angel-made contraband.”

The marrower grinned. “And it’s still not as rare as finding your blood mate.”

“Oh, fuck all the way off.”

Drace laughed uproariously and poured us more to drink.

Chapter 16

Tavia

“You want to meet our guest?” Amy’s voice was full of mirth as we got ready the next morning. “She’s feisty. Reminds me of you actually.”

“Sure. You were planning on seeing her this morning?” I pulled a brush through my hair and yawned.

We’d been up most of the night talking, and I only caught a few hours of sleep in the early morning. Back at the vampire compound, I would have slept well into the afternoon. Here, I fell back into my human habits and had risen with the sun.

“It’s Robin’s turn to bring her breakfast this morning, but I like to tag along and give her some company.”

“What’s her name again? I’m borrowing a shirt, by the way.”

“Heather. And sure, help yourself.”

“I can’t wait to see Robin, too.”

“She’s gonna flip her shit when she sees you.” Amy went quiet. “We never thought we’d see you again. It sounds dumb now but we even had a little memorial for you. We thought...”

---