Page 129 of Rescued By the Beast
"I need a healing potion," he says softly, as if he hates to admit it.
Balthazar looks concerned, before reaching into his bag and pulling out a small glass vial.
"Here." He hands the potion to Mark, his eyes fixed on him in silent warning. "Just don't overuse these potions... If you consume too much, your essence will become dependent on them."
Mark takes the bottle without hesitation, but his jaw tightens as he gives a slight shake of his head.
"And if that happens," the wizard continues, his voice deep, "your healing ability and strength will not come naturally. You will need the potion for everything."
I bite my lip, feeling afraid, hating to know that he is still vulnerable and yet will put himself in danger.
"I know," Mark murmurs as he brings the drink to his lips. "But right now... I need to be strong." Then he drinks it all in three gulps.
Jack takes a step forward and squeezes Mark's shoulder.
"You don't have to carry the world on your shoulders alone, you know? We're a team. We're with you."
Viklaus clears his throat and nods in agreement.
"He's right. You need to trust your team."
Mark lets out a short sigh, his shoulders stiff.
"I do trust them, for God's sake," he hisses through clenched teeth. "But I'm responsible for all of you..."
"And we're responsible for defending and helping you," Ted cuts him off, his voice firm, leaving no room for argument.
"Mark, please..." My voice comes out more shaky than I intended, the look I give him carrying a plea.
I can't even imagine seeing him on the brink of death again. I don't think my heart could take it. As soon as his gaze meets mine, he sighs, the tension in his shoulders easing just a little.
Then, finally, he gives in.
"All right," he murmurs, reluctance still present, but his resistance finally broken. "I won't screw up the plan, don't worry."
"We're all ready to go," Balthazar announces as he applies the last seal.
Mark stands tense beside me, his jaw clenched, his fingers tightening around my waist.
"Sandra..." Mark begins, and I know what he's thinking. The same thing he tried to do before we left the house: convince me not to go so I wouldn't be at risk.
"I have to be there." I try to stay calm, but the tension in my chest only increases. "The curse is mine, Mark. I have to be there, or it won't work."
He lets out a frustrated sigh, buries his face in the nape of my neck and inhales deeply.
"Damn it, Kitten, I don't like this, but..." He lifts his head to face me, his eyes softening for a moment before hardening again. "I know you're right, but please stay out of danger."
I don't answer right away. I can't promise something I don't know if I can deliver.
"I can try."
***
The van is parked in front of the house, hidden under Balthazar'sglamour.
For now, we are just shadows, invisible to the ordinary eye. Mark drums his fingers against his leg, restless.
"Damn wait..." he growls, his jaw tense.
