Page 133 of Dead Heat

“I didn’t ask you to.”

He was right. This had been my decision. Lorelei to the rescue. Again.

“For what it’s worth,” Max interjected, “I don’t know that he would’ve figured out Erika’s real reason for wanting Oskar. He probably would’ve used the potion and delivered him right to her door with a pretty bow.”

Alessandro nodded. “I definitely would’ve done that. No questions asked.”

I peered at him. “Are you just saying that to make me feel better?”

“No, honest to gods. I would’ve bought every lie Erika told.”

“And Oskar probably wouldn’t have trusted Alessandro enough to tell him where the mistletoe arrow is, and he never would’ve been cool enough to ride Hraesvelgr.”

Now it was Alessandro’s turn to be incredulous. “You got a lift from the eagle monster? How?”

Max dusted off his shoulder. “I guess giant eagle monsters findmeappealing.”

The incubus shrugged. “To each their own. Let’s get on with this.”

Max tore a rock from his shoulder and lobbed it over the Garm’s huge head. “Fetch!”

Garm watched the rock arc over his head and land on the ground behind him with a thud.

“What’s the problem?” Max asked. “Not bouncy enough for you?”

Growling, the hound turned toward us.

I elbowed Max. “Try not to antagonize him.”

“Why not? Is that your job?” Max whistled and bolted from his hiding spot.

“Max, stop!” The cherufe was sturdy, but he wasn’t invincible.

“Can you work your goddess mojo on a dog?” Alessandro asked.

“Technically, I’m not sure Garm falls in the canine category.” I watched in horror as Garm slammed a giant paw into Max and knocked him to the ground. Dozens of rocks split in all directions.

“Shit,” Alessandro whispered.

Maybe he was right and Garm would sense the goddess in me. At this point, it was worth a try.

“Stay here and actually listen this time,” I snapped at the incubus. I rushed toward Max.

Garm snarled at my sudden movement.

With a shaky hand, I unsheathed my sword. “I don’t want to hurt you,” I said.

Garm didn’t seem to share my sentiment. His jaws snapped, a promise of what was to come. On the ground, what was left of Max remained still.

His giant paw swiped outward, catching me off guard, and knocked the sword from my hand. His lips tugged back, revealing the full set of his sharp fangs all the way to the pink gums.

“Nice doggie,” I squeaked.

“Here!” Alessandro yelled. “Take my dagger!”

I didn’t bother to turn around. I still had throwing knives,but I knew I wouldn’t use them. I’d only held my sword to keep the creature at bay. Killing Garm would be like killing…

The entire cave shook.

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