Page 121 of Half Dead

“I believe the term you’re looking for is assertive,” Kane replied.

Goran snorted. “Well, it definitely has the word ‘ass’ in it.”

Brunch was a grand affair. Otto spared no expense, and I stuffed myself with every offering. Even if I survived the trial ten pounds heavier, it would be worth it.

After we finished eating, Goran entertained us with traditional folk songs. Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed Heidi dancing in the hallway. A rare sight, indeed.

“Thank you, Otto.” I hugged the vampire. “You know how to make a girl feel special.”

“You’re very welcome. I expect an update from you tomorrow.”

Knots formed in my stomach. “I won’t leave you hanging if I can help it.”

Goran opted to stay for a game of chess. I wished him luck, although I already got the impression that Otto approved of the prince.

Kane drove me home so I could change into more comfortable clothing and load up on weapons. When I emerged from the house in what passed for Lorelei’s battle gear, Gun and Cam were waiting outside.

“Don’t worry. We’re not here to talk you out of anything,” Gun said, raising his hands in acquiescence. “Only to wish you luck.”

Cam closed her hand into a fist. “Knock ‘em dead, whoever they are.”

I hugged them both. “I’ll speak to you in twenty-four hours, give or take.”

Gunther’s face darkened as Kane entered his line of sight. “For your sake, you’d better hope she does.”

I touched the mage’s arm. “Gun, this was my choice, you know that.”

“He’s entitled to his feelings,” Kane said. “And as long as those feelings don’t turn into actions, we’re good.” He draped an around me and escorted me to the car.

I waved goodbye from the passenger seat as we sped off toward the forest. Behind the mages hovered the ghosts with Claude perched on Ray’s shoulder. My weird and wonderful family. I prayed to whichever gods were listening that I’d get to see them all again, if only to tell Goran not to touch my bottles of Puck’s Pleasure.

Lucifer wasn’t at the crossroads to greet us. For one brief, shining moment, I thought the trial wouldn’t happen, that something had happened to Lucifer to prevent it, possibly forever.

Then I realized the time.

“We’re five minutes early,” I lamented. “Why waste five minutes waiting for Lucifer when could be getting cozy in the back seat of your car?”

Kane pinned me against a large oak tree. “Who needs the back seat of a car when there’s a trunk?” He dipped his head to nuzzle my neck. “Besides, time with you is never considered wasted.”

“Ahem,” a voice said.

My head jerked back. “Hey, West.”

The alpha sauntered over to us. “Didn’t mean to interrupt. I only wanted to offer the pack’s support.”

“I appreciate that.”

“Any instructions?” he asked.

I knew what he was really asking. “You’ve been the alpha in this town for a long time, West. You’ll know what to do.”

A round metal object dropped at my feet. I crouched down to pick it up. A silver dollar.

“Seems like I’m not the only who came to wish you well,” West said, looking skyward.

I glanced up to see dozens of crows on the branches above us. Coins rained down on us in various sizes.

“They come bearing gifts,” Kane said.

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