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Ferguson read the script that formed before him. “Raine will be here shortly. My speed is a result of practice. As a fledgling, I was no faster than the rest of you. I’ve had centuries to hone my skills.”
Colton sat back. “Everyone’s been wondering what your talent was. Ironic that it’s something so commonplace.”
Ferguson shrugged. “It is also the most useful. As we do not possess the ability to take electronics into the pathway, we can’t use a human cell phone. With all our talents, the humans appear to be ingenious in their ability to invent tools that overshadow ours.”
Colton nodded. “We sat back and focused on territorial wars and our preconceptions of what a shadow shifter should be. Meanwhile, the humans were evolving beyond our capability. Now we are using their methods to track our enemies. How ironic.”
The air hummed with an electric charge before they heard the front door open. Raine’s footsteps thudded in the hallway before he entered the office. “I hear we are taking a road trip,” he said, as he winked at Riley.
Riley stood. “We’re going to see Lexi. That’s Leah’s sister.”
Raine nodded. “Ferguson has filled me in. We will go see her. You’ll talk to her since you’re the one who approached her as Leah’s friend. Use your connection to her sister to get the information. When you’re done, I will wipe her memory of the events and hopefully curb her enthusiasm for the investigation she’s running.” He turned to Ferguson. “I have Darwin staying with Dannika, but I would prefer it if you stayed with her until I return.”
Ferguson nodded and left without a word.
Colton stood. “Riley, I want to check in with Steele. Since you need Raine’s abilities for this venture, I will do that while you chat with Lexi. Meet me at home when you are done.” He glanced at Raine. “You will not leave her side.”
“We will return to your home in a while,” Raine agreed.
Riley rolled her eyes. “I’m gonna pretend you didn’t just treat me like a toddler, insinuating I need a babysitter.”
Raine touched her arm gently. “Colton is protective of you because you’re his mate. Do not hold these instincts against him. I never leave Dannika unattended, either. Even then, it’s only with those that I have complete trust in.”
“Dannika is the queen. I understand that she is...”
“You are just as important as Dannika. Her worth is not because she is the queen. She is my mate. My life. My existence is futile unless she is part of it,” Raine said.
There was nothing she could say. His words were heartfelt, and they were true. “I guess I should be thankful he trusts you enough to let me go with you.”
“Honestly, I am surprised by his trust, and am thankful for the honor.” Raine winked. “Of course, it helps that I am an alpha. Don’t be misguided by this outing. This will not be a usual occurrence.”
She thought about the times she had been without Colton. There were very few times he wasn’t by her side. She thought about Raine and Dannika and realized he only left Dannika if a clan responsibility was too dangerous to include her. He was the only shadow with the power of perception, and all three clans were now utilizing his ability. “Understood.”
Raine glanced between Colton and Riley. “You mentioned before that Lexi lives in Whistler. It will take us some time to get there.”
Riley pursed her lips. “That’s where she was when I went to see her. Since she launched her investigation into Leah’s death, she has been staying at the Haitian village with her grandmother.”
Raine’s eyes widened. “She has connections to the Haitian village?”
Riley nodded. “You didn’t know? She has quit her job to run this investigation. Swaying her will not be easy.”
Raine rubbed his chin. “We need to get Anaisa’s permission before I wipe her memory.”
“Do you think Lexi knows about the shadows? She didn’t grow up in the Haitian village, but she is connected to it.”
Raine shook his head. “While most members of the Haitian village know we are... unique, they believe us human. Only the Elders know our history and what we truly are.”
Riley grabbed the phone. “Might as well call Anaisa now and find out.”
Anaisa picked up after the second ring. “Hello, Riley.”
Riley smiled. “I’m not going to comment on how creepy it is that you knew it was me calling.”
Anaisa chuckled. “I would love to tell you it’s some grand power, but Ferguson gave me this number. Since Daniel is so weak, I assumed you were calling for the herbs. I am preparing them for you now.”
“I understand why your village has so much faith in you. I wish I was calling about the herbs and I’m hoping you will allow us to come to pick them up, but we need some information from one of your people. Lexi.”
Anaisa sighed. “She is not taking her sister’s death well. While she didn’t grow up here, she has heard the legends of the shadow walkers. She believes in demons, though she thinks of them as something other than they are. She does not believe her sister’s death was natural despite multiple attempts to persuade her.”
