Page 10 of His Eternal Temptation

“Was the curse meant to spread even if it isn’t contagious?” Rowan asked.

“I wouldn’t say so. There aren’t any infectious properties in the magic. Viral curses replicate. How else would they spread on purpose? And technically, the curse didn’t bind you either. The blood sharing did. The curse followed the link, making—as I’ve said—one hell of a mess.”

That was Lane vindicated. “I told you it wasn’t on purpose.”

Rowan didn’t even look at him. “How do we get rid of it?”

“I don’t know. I need to investigate further.”

“All right.” Rowan accepted this with grace. “Is there a chance the link will fade once the blood we shared works its way out of our systems?”

“Again, I can’t say. If it does, the curse will likely fracture, and Lane will be in dire trouble.” She shot him a concerned look.

“Don’t worry. I’ll be at hand if anything happens,” Rowan said dryly.

Lane felt sick. He could die at any second. Rowan could decide to walk away or refuse to help when the connection faded.

“Okay, good,” Nicole said as if all was fine. “I need to research a few things before we try anything, so I’ll leave you for now.”

Felix nodded as if that were his cue. “Do you need anything from home?”

“Not at this stage. There are a few books in the witch room I can start with. Call if you need me,” she added to Rowan, then to Lane, “Try to rest in the meantime.”

He felt more like throwing up as she walked away with Felix.

Hunter echoed her sentiment to rest and followed them out the door.

“Boss?” The remaining vampire cocked his head at Rowan.

“I’m fine, Kai. You can head downstairs to Jack. Felix will update everyone.”

He hurried away.

Rowan stood, smoothing his suit jacket. “Come. We won’t wait here.”

Lane scrambled after him as he left the room, keeping close. His pulse jumped. There was no need to trip over each other. The clinic had been large enough, and Lane had been safe with Rowan in view, but how much distance would be too much? He’d hate to find out.

“Where are we going?”

“My office.” Rowan led him to the floor above and down a red-carpeted hall. They reached the office, a spacious room dominated by a vintage wooden desk with corner windows and walls lined with bookshelves.

“Have a seat.” Rowan gestured to a pair of leather couches. “You should be fine if I venture out of arm’s reach.”

He walked away, and Lane nearly scampered after him, braced for pain despite agreeing. This room was no larger than the clinic.

Rowan seated himself behind the desk, and Lane collapsed on a couch, hoping he didn’t betray his irrational relief.

“Did you come to me for help knowing the only way a vampire could save you was through shared blood?”

Maybe he’d brought Lane here to interrogate him.

“No. How many times do I have to tell you? This wasn’t on purpose. I never expected you to perform a blood exchange. Sucking out poison is one thing. I’ve never heard of it being done with a curse.”

“Perhaps this is why,” Rowan muttered.

“Hurting you wasn’t my intention. I was helping. Don’t you think the threat I warned you about is serious? They tried to kill me for discovering their plans. Warning you was important. The right thing to do. Not an excuse to get to you.”

Rowan flicked a dismissive wrist. “What plans? You have no details. Lots of people want me out of the way. Their desires don’t matter. Most of them have no means to accomplish their goal.”