Page 78 of Dead Heat

I turned to Ray. “What do we need to do?”

We set up a circle of rocks and candles outside near the cemetery. There was no sign of Max, and I wondered whether the cherufe had decided to move on. I’d try not to be offended that he left without a goodbye.

Once the candles were lit, Alessandro took his place in the center of the circle. “Now what?”

I glanced at Ray. “Does he need to say something in Latin?”

Ray’s brow furrowed as he reviewed his notes. “Give me a minute. I can’t read my own handwriting.”

I contemplated Alessandro’s stooped shoulders and slack-jawed face. “I think I should stand in the circle with you.”

“Why?” he asked.

“For moral support,” I lied. In fact, I was concerned that Alessandro would be too weak to stand upright long enough to complete the ritual.

The incubus considered the offer. “Will you hold my hand?”

His request caught me off guard. “Will that give you a jolt of sexual energy?”

“No, but it’ll still make me feel better.”

I climbed inside the circle and clasped his hand. His skin felt rough and calloused.

“Repeat after me,” Ray said.

The words were in Greek, not Latin. Each syllable rolled off my tongue with an ease that shouldn’t have surprised me, yet it did. More of Melinoe meant less of Lorelei, or so I told myself in my darkest hours. A problem for another day.

The wind picked up. Strands of my hair caught in my mouth, and I spat them out. I needed to start wearing a hair tie on my wrist for these unexpected moments.

I squeezed Alessandro’s hand for reassurance as the sky grew dark and the clouds moved swiftly past. I watched in anticipation, still uncertain how the identity would be revealed. Our surroundings blended with the shadows.

All at once the world was bright again. It took a second to regain my focus. The only constants were Alessandro and the circle in which we stood.

An arbor greeted us. The floral archway was comprised of cheerful daisies.

“Should we enter?” he whispered.

“Seems to be the only option.” How dangerous could a courtyard garden be?

As we passed through the arbor, the scent of lavender filled the air. The area was secluded, with high hedges and a variety of sculptured bushes.

A statuesque woman awaited us in the courtyard. She was nothing short of stunning. Flaxen hair styled in a thick braid. An even face that showed only the faintest lines of age. Cheek bones that underscored bright blue eyes.

“Do you know her?” I whispered.

Alessandro’s mouth dropped open. “No, but I’d like to.”

She extended a slender, elegant hand. “I’m Erika Beck, and you must be Alessandro.”

“I must be,” he said, dreamy eyed.

“I’m Lorelei,” I said.

Erika clasped her hands in front of her. “So you are.” She pivoted back to the incubus. “You surprise me, child of Lilu. I’d written you off.”

Alessandro’s features rippled with confusion. “Written me off? Because of this?” He gestured to his appearance.

“No, that is simply a consequence of your inaction. Misfortune has befallen you because you have not answered the call.”

---