Page 37 of The Vampire's Seduction

“Her life force?” Hadn’t Dr. Wells said something similar?

“Yes.” Andrea walked to the chair by the window and sank into it, her movements less graceful. “Whenever a witch casts a spell, the magic must come from somewhere. Magic, fundamentally, is comprised of the life force of all things. When only a small amount is needed, we can take a little from the life force all around us. The bigger and stronger the spell, the more magic, and therefore, life force is necessary. Your sister and her coven cast one of the most powerful spells ever. It drained her, hence the coma.”

Olivia swallowed, beating back the ache in her chest. “How can we help her?”

“We can wait until she recovers enough life force, but with how much magic she expended, I’m not sure if she will.”

Olivia’s fists clenched by her sides. “There has to be a way to help her.”

“Theoretically, there is a way to transfer life force from one person to another,” Andrea said thoughtfully.

Hope flared, painful in its intensity. “How?”

“I don’t know.”

That same hope died as quickly as it flickered. “I thought you’re supposed to help me,” Olivia snapped and immediately regretted it. “Sorry. I…”

“No, it’s fine.” Andrea’s calm acceptance worsened her guilt. Her eyes strayed to Marek, who’d said nothing while emitting quiet menace. “Dealing with vampires can drive anyone crazy.”

“Careful, witch,” he said. “You’re still here because I think you might be helpful, but that helpfulness might be at an end.”

Olivia admired the haughty and disdainful tilt of Andrea’s chin. If she attempted such a gesture, she’d come off like a teenager trying too hard to be cool, but Andrea pulled it off like a queen. She’d have to ask Andrea to teach her.

“It’s rumored a life transfer spell exists, but it’s been long lost,” Andrea said.

Marek scoffed. “Let me guess. We’re supposed to find this spell?” He seemed to grow taller and more menacing as he hissed, “What games are you playing at? Why did youreallycome here?”

An oppressive weight, darker and more vicious than Andrea’s, settled in the air. Olivia wondered if she was imagining the translucent, wispy waves coming off Marek like white smoke. Her instinct shouted at her to drop to her knees. Hide. Run. But it was easy to ignore.

Was she crazy to have this inexplicable certainty that he wouldn’t hurt her? She slapped both her palms on Marek’s waist and winced. It was like hitting a rock.

“Leave her alone,” she snapped. “Can’t you have one normal conversation without threatening people?”

Marek growled. “You can’t seriously trust her.”

“Since she didn’t kidnap me, I’d say she’s more trustworthy than you are.”

Red tinged Marek’s eyes and his fangs glinted.Is he going to attack Andrea?But a second later, Marek inhaled deeply and stepped back, grumbling under his breath.

Sighing in relief, Olivia turned back to Andrea. “I’m s—.” Wait, why was she apologizing for Marek? She and Marek weren’t together. Weren’t on the same team. She wasn’t responsible for his actions.

The corner of Andrea’s lips quirked. “You know, I can kick him out if you want to.”

“You can?”

At the same time, Marek snarled. “Try it, witch.”

“Stop!” Olivia glowered at Marek.

Them duking it out didn’t seem like a great idea, as much as she wanted Andrea to take Marek down a notch. Since she didn’t know what Andrea was capable of, she wouldn’t risk it. She wasn’t worried about Marek. As far as she was concerned, he was indestructible, regardless of his silver injuries from earlier.

Silver. She’d forgotten. Had he finished draining the silver before she interrupted him?

Don’t go down that road.Marek could take care of himself.

Before the tension in the room spilled over into violence, Olivia asked, “This lost spell, what do you know about it?”

Andrea dug through her purse and pulled out a leather-bound, inch-thick notebook the size of a paperback. Something inside Olivia trembled. With fear? Anticipation? Excitement? Beside her, Marek stiffened.

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