Page 44 of Mortal Mate (Shadow Shifter)

Colton formed behind Dannika. “That was a surprise.”

Raine nodded. “Have you run into this kind of security before?”

“No, but Steele warned me that the Bokor takes measures against the reapers. We can only approach in human form.”

Colton and Dannika followed Raine through the entrance. The door chimed as the smell of burning sage waffled in the air.

The Bokor had covered the walls in eclectic African art. Bright colors swirled in beautiful patterns of abstract dancers and unusual feasts. Tinted windows and dark lighting made it difficult to distinguish between one painting to the next.

Wooden shelves were packed with occult items ranging from hand-carved bowls and boxes to glass jars with handwritten labels. Though she couldn’t read the writing, the smells emitted as she approached the jars said she didn’t want to. The bins with chicken feet and dried pigs’ ears made her clear her throat.

A full-length mirror was mounted on the wall beside a rack of multicolored cloth ponchos. The dashikis were made of tightly woven high-quality fabric, but the shoulders remained dusty.

Dannika clutched the back of Raine’s shirt.

“This place looks popular,” she said.

Raine ran a finger over one of the packed shelves. Dust puffed in the air as he wiped his finger on his jeans. “He doesn’t appear to have a booming business.”

Laughter from a TV show clicked off before a short man in a bright orange robe exited the adjacent room. His yellow teeth accented his dark skin when he sneered. “Get out. I don’t serve your kind.”

His Haitian accent was perceptible, but Americanised.

Dannika stepped out from behind Raine. “Please, we mean you no harm. We need help and I’m willing to barter for it. We want to know if we can safely rehabilitate a reaper. Cure his craving for human blood. Return his mortality.”

The Bokor sniffed the air before his eyes narrowed on her. “You are one of them. The darkness surrounds you, but females do not exist in the shadows.”

Dannika wet her lips. “I’m the first to survive the transition.”

His eyes widened before he smiled. “That is unusual. I didn’t think that was possible.” He looked her over slowly, then held out his hand. “My name is Hakim. And you are?”

She shook his hand. “My name is Dannika.” She motioned to the men. “This is Raine and Colton.”

Hakim’s finger trailed over her hand, making her demon recoil. It took all her willpower not to shiver.

“I admit, you interest me. I am unsure of your energy, though you travel with the cougar and the wolf,” Hakim said, releasing her hand.

She wanted to ask him how he knew which animal the shadows shifted into, but Steele’s warning remained forefront in her mind. Her demon’s uneasiness made her equally wary. It receded to a dark place within her, shuddering from Hakim’s touch. “Will you help us?”

His smile was reminiscent of a snake. “For a price. One to be paid at a later date.”

Raine shook his head. “We will negotiate, but we must determine the method of payment or we walk.”

Hakim laughed. “I wondered which one of you would approach me. You are free to go, but I will tell you this. If you do nothing, you will lose the war.”

Dannika’s heart fluttered. Hakim didn’t lie. His confidence in his power was absolute. It rolled off him in waves, making her wonder if they should heed Steele’s warning and walk away from the strange Bokor. “How do you know?”

Hakim grabbed a black candle from a store shelf and put it on the counter before lighting it. “A Bokor can enter the spirit world. We do this to ensure a balance is being maintained. The spirit world sees all, not just the secrets confined to this one. The balance of power has shifted, and it’s not in your favor.”

Raine grunted. “Typical cryptic bullshit. This is useless. A ten-dollar charlatan could give us more useful information. Steele warned us he would be of no help.”

Hakim hissed. His pupils reflected the candlelight, making him appear more demon than man. “That traitor still lives?”

Raine nodded. “He is the current leader of the cougar clan. I went to him for information, and he warned me not to come here. I prefer to give a man the benefit of the doubt, but it appears he was correct. Let’s go.”

He put his arm around Dannika.

Hakim’s eyes bulged before he slammed his hand on the counter. “Wait. I will give you this insight for free. The reaper king has gained the knowledge to eradicate the shadow clans. He is gathering the elements he needs as we speak.”

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