Page 35 of Kiss of Magic

The fast-food place was in uproar. People screamed and ran, or dived under their tables, desperately looking for shelter. Parents dragged their kids to the ground and lay on them, trying to protect them from the flying debris. The staff cowered behind the counter and one of them evidently hit the alarm button. A sudden wailing shrieked through the air, adding to the chaos.

Blake looked round, trying to figure out what the hell was going on. Still in the protective circle of his arms, Dani gave him a shove.

“That better be your gun pressed against my stomach.”

“Relax, princess. Stay close.”

“Like I have a choice.”

Through the shattered windows, he could see several dark shapes. Three, no four, he counted. They seemed to be wearing hooded robes of some sort.

“Who the fuck are these tossers?”

Dani peered over his shoulder.

“Warlocks.”

“Huh?”

“Dark sorcerers. I’m going to go out on a limb and say they’re here for me.”

“How the hell did they find us?”

Dani shrugged.

“Search me. But any minute now they’re going to twig you’re immune to their magic.”

One of the shapes raised a hand and the alarm was cut.

In the sudden silence, a low voice spoke.

“Hunter.”

Blake shifted his stance, keeping both hands loosely by his sides. He was acutely aware there were civilians still inside the restaurant and he wanted, if possible, to keep casualties to zero.

Including himself.

“What’s the matter?” he yelled. “Not a fan of quarter-pounders? There’s a chicken shack down the block.”

“Hunter, you will step aside.”

“How about you let these people go first?”

“We are not here for them. Or you.” A bony finger pointed. “We want her.”

“Then we have a problem, pal. She’s my bounty. Go find your own.”

“Do you let humans speak for you now, witch?” spat one of the others. “Come with us. We do not wish to harm you. You will be safe.”

“Yeah, sure. You lookrealsafe.”

“It is true. Listen to us, witch.”

The one who seemed to be the leader stepped forward and pushed his hood back. Blake inhaled sharply. The guy looked normal – hell, he could have been a banker or an accountant – except for one little thing.

“What in the name of fuck is wrong with his eyes?” he hissed at Dani.

“Dark magic. Mess with it too much and it sends you loopy.”

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