Page 82 of Taste of Fate

“Anyone who hates humans badly enough. Or it could be a tactic for all we know. Pin it on the ones with no known enemies while keeping their own hands clean.”

“Bloodless pricks,” Des hissed. “I’ll bet you it’s one of the big clans. Carpe Noctem, probably. They’re the only ones dickless enough to do some underhanded shit like this. The humbler ones would have just attacked the humans themselves and claimed responsibility proudly.”

Both options had me clenching the phone until my knuckles ached. I would never be the biggest fan of humans but these were Tavi’s people. They were only trying to live and survive, to exist as everyone else had a right to. They didn’t deserve to be attacked just because of that.

“Listen, Des. I’m coming back soon, but can you bring up a nightly patrol around Sapien to Thorne? We should be vigilant in case whoever did this tries again.”

“Sure.” Des’ voice held a note of surprise and there was a hesitant pause before he spoke again. “Is Tavia coming back with you, or…?”

“Yes, she’s coming home with me.” Never had a sentence felt so damn satisfying leaving my mouth.

“She’s still your blood pet then? Laith is going to be disappointed.”

I knew he was teasing, and still failed to suppress the growl rising up my throat. “Actually, she’s my blood mate. So Laith ought to keep his hands and his fangs away from her if he knows what’s good for him.”

Des coughed like he inhaled too much smoke. “Blood mate? Are you serious?”

“Dead serious.” A grin stretched my mouth wide. “I’ve told Tavi about the ceremony and we’re starting to plan.”

“Well, congratulations, Cy. Temkra’s blessings to you.”

“Thanks, Des.” I poked my fang into my lower lip. “I’m pretty sure we’re bringing home a friend of Tavi’s as well.”

“A friend? Well, any friend of Tavia’s is a friend of Blood ‘til Dawn.”

“We’ll see,” I hedged. “She was badly injured in the attack and, well, she’s a brusang now. She may have some trouble adjusting. Give Bea a heads up, will you?”

“Sure thing. She’ll be thrilled to have someone like her around.” Des’s voice lowered. “She’s never said anything but I get the sense Bea’s always felt a bit outcasted from the rest of us. I mean she’s always been clan, but it must be tough being the only non-vampire.”

“She won’t be for long.” At the sound of door hinges and then approaching footsteps, I looked over my shoulder to see Tavi heading my way. “Gotta go, Des. I’ll let you know when I need a ride.”

I ended the call, lifted my arm, and Tavi immediately tucked into my side, nestling there. My arm wrapped around her shoulders, holding her close while I wondered why I’d ever prefer meaningless sex and feedings over this. Simply this, having her at my side, eased all the tension inside me.

“How’s Amy?” I planted a kiss on top of her head.

“Physically? Fine.” Tavi laughed humorlessly. “She’s so upset and yelled at me a ton. It makes me wonder if she no longer has asthma and a heart murmur now. She would’ve felt faint and out of breath if she yelled and swore at me like that before.”

“Our blood has healing properties too, not just our saliva. It’s possible the changing process fixed those issues for her.” I smoothed back Tavi’s hair until she looked up at me with those stormy eyes. “But she’s not happy.”

Tavi shook her head and her pained expression killed me. “Was it the wrong thing to do? Was it…selfish of us to bring her back?”

“No, my love.” I took her face in both hands. “Her life would have been cut short far too soon otherwise. She would have died too young, with her whole life ahead of her. And you gave that life back to her.”

Tavi drew in a shaky breath. “Amy was proud to be human in a world full of supernaturals. She never wanted to be anything more or different, she was content with what she had. She wanted to continue preserving human culture for future generations. And now I’ve taken that humanity away from her.”

I pulled her into my chest, trying to comfort her as best I could. Her arms went around my waist and squeezed.

“I don’t know what it’s like to be human, or anything other than a vampire,” I said. “But I know you. I know your heart and that you don’t have a selfish bone in your body. You would never take anything from Amy. You give to her endlessly. With this second chance at life, you gave her the greatest gift of all. I’m sorry she doesn’t see it that way now, but with time, I’m sure she will.”

Tavi pulled away from my chest to wipe tears from her face, sending a weary smile up at me. “How do you always know exactly the right thing to say?”

“You are my sole source of nutrients and vitality. I don’t have any other choice.”

Her laugh came with a swat to my chest, but there was brightness and hope in the sound.

“Amy is lucky to have you as a friend,” I said when her laughter died down. “She’ll have Bea too. No matter what, she won’t be alone in this. And when she’s ready, she’s in full control to do whatever she likes with her life. She can still be involved with humans if that’s important to her.”

My phone buzzed with a call, and I swore at the interruption as I checked it. “Speak of the devil.” I answered with a frown. “Hey Bea. Everything okay?”

---