Page 138 of Dead Heat

“But you are not a member?”

“No, nor do I want to be.”

“And you’re not one of these avatars, despite the fact that you stand before me in human form?”

“I’m what’s called a natural born goddess.” I didn’t elaborate. I hadn’t expected to share this much with Hel, but I found her concern for Loki too relatable to ignore.

The goddess strutted back and forth, the ends of her robe dragging behind her. “I have a proposal for you, daughter of Hades. I will release you and your friends on one condition.”

My heart sank. “What is it?”

“You will inquire after my father with this Corporation. I would go myself, but I am needed here, whereas you have already professed your desire to remain in the human world. Here are my terms—I will hold one of your companions as ahostage. When you report your findings to me, I will release him to you.”

“And if I refuse?”

She halted and spun to face me. “Then you shall remain here as my special guests … indefinitely.”

Once again, my compassion decided to bite me in the ass. No doubt the goddess in me resented the bleeding heart of her human counterpart.

Max lumbered forward. “I volunteer as tribute.”

“Max, I haven’t agreed to the terms.”

The cherufe faced me. “What’s your plan? A goddess-on-goddess death match? People would pay good money to see that, I’m sure, but I think it would be a waste of both of your talents.”

Hel smiled. “I like him. I agree to this tribute.”

My gaze flicked to Max, who nodded. “Fine. Have it your way.”

“This is Helheim, darling. Named after me. I always do.”

“Would you mind if I said goodbye to my friend in private?” Max asked.

She wiggled her fingers in a ‘scoot’ motion. Max drew me to the side, out of earshot.

“Don’t go sniffing around The Corporation,” the cherufe said.

“What do you mean? That’s the only way to bring you back.”

Max stared at me intently. “Listen to me, Lorelei. I don’t want to be brought back. I’d like to stay here.”

I stared at him for a beat, waiting for the punchline. “I don’t understand.”

“I like this place. There’s molten rock. Festivals. No other cherufes to bully me. If I stay here, I stay safe, and so do the villagers.”

I couldn’t believe my ears. “You’re serious.”

“Land of the dead serious.”

I glanced behind him at Hel, who was busy tending to Garm. “You don’t think she’ll punish you when I fail to return?”

“She’s lonely. You got that vibe, right? I’ll become one of her creature comforts. Make myself indispensable. Honestly, apart from your conflict, she seems cool.”

“Are you sure?”

“If I ever see your face here again, I’m gonna be hella pissed. Now go.”

I threw my arms around the molten rock monster and squeezed. “Thank you, Max.”

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