Page 82 of Dead Heat

“No, but it’s the one least likely to end in violence. I don’t want to risk anything happening to Oskar.”

“He’s already dead,” I pointed out.

“Yes, but he could be winked out of existence. That wouldn’t do. I need him functional.”

I thumped my chest. “Transfer the mark to me. If I don’t succeed, I’ll be the one to suffer the consequences.” It would take a goddess far longer to deteriorate than an incubus reliant on sexual energy. Alessandro would only have months to live, whereas I’d still have years. It seemed like a worthwhile gamble.

She looked down her nose at me. “I’m afraid that isn’t possible. You may act as his proxy, but he will still be the one to bear the mark and suffer the consequences.”

That was much worse from my perspective. I could handle my own life being at stake. Knowing that Alessandro’s life rested on my performance… That was a bigger pill to swallow.

“You don’t have to do this, Lorelei,” he whispered.

“I know, but I will anyway.” It was the only chance we had to save his life. To do nothing meant a slow, agonizing death.

“Now listen, because this part is critical,” Erika continued. “You must make certain to use this on Oskar the moment you find him.” She produced a small tube the size of a lipstick and handed it to me. “It’s a potion I made especially for this purpose. Took ages to perfect because of his spirit form. Sprinkle the liquid on him, preferably his forehead.”

“Like she’s baptizing him?” Alessandro asked.

“If you like,” Erika replied. “Without this, he won’t be able to leave the realm.”

“If it’s to help him cross the border, can’t I wait until we get there to use it?” I asked. “What if it takes us longer than we expect?”

“No, it must be the moment you find him.” She plastered on a smile. “Fine, I’ll tell you the rest, although I prefer not to speak ill of the dead. Oskar is a sweetheart, but his anxiety can be draining. He’ll only slow you down with all his questions and concerns, so you might not have time to deal with the potion if you’re running for your life to cross the border. He may even be too afraid to leave when the moment arrives, which would obviously be a problem for you if you’d like your friend to live,” she added pointedly.

Alessandro tugged his ear. “Can a spirit be knocked unconscious?”

“No, but this potion is the next best thing.” Erika tapped an invisible watch on her wrist. “I’ll tell you what? Because I’m a benevolent vala, I’ll give you a three-day grace period, the same as I gave your predecessors.”

“Grace period for what?” I asked.

“Whatever you like. Put your affairs in order. Read your favorite book. Give Alessandro the sex he so desperately craves.”

He raised a finger. “I vote for that last one.”

“Where do I meet you when I bring Oskar back?”

She opened her arms. “Right here is perfect. Perform your little ritual, and I’ll be here waiting for my beloved.”

“When does the grace period start?”

“Now.” She snapped her fingers.

The garden disappeared, along with Erika. Alessandro and I stood in the circle outside the Castle.

“That was freaky,” he said.

“It was something,” I agreed.

Alessandro cast his dark, beguiling eyes in my direction. “You took my place. Why would you do that?”

“Because I can.”

He buried his face in his hands. “This is bad, so very, very bad.”

“You’ll be fine.”

“I really won’t.” He swallowed hard. “Mr. Sullivan will kill me if anything happens to you.”

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