“Like a-w-k?”
“It’s actually spelled ‘o-k,’ but you have the sound right. Anokis a dog. Those of us with a dog spirit companion are supposedly courageous and fair and hon …” she trailed off, her mouth tightening.
“Honest?” he finished for her.
She nodded.
He raised one eyebrow, waiting to see if she was going to expound on that trait since they were standing in this very spot right now due in part to hernotbeing honest with him.
“Anyway,” she continued, avoiding his gaze. “We are supposedly good leaders when it comes to exploring new places, and we’re adept at problem solving and researching.”
He focused on what she was saying instead of the lie she was still hiding behind. “That sounds about right for you, boss lady. You and yourokhave done well so far in this life.”
She shrugged. “My dog pal and me do what we can.”
“My buddy iskimi?” When she nodded, he asked, “What doeskimimean?”
She looked up at him, cringing slightly. “Kimiis death.”
“You’re messing with me.”
Her green gaze held his. “I’m serious.”
“Shit.” He scoffed. “I tell you, a good demon can’t catch a break around this place.”
“Think of death in this case as in transformation, moving from one cycle to another.”
“So, not the guy in the black cloak who checks his scythe through baggage when he flies to and from his next victim?”
She grinned. “No, not him.”
Transformation, huh? Like a physical change or mental?
“What are the character traits that come withkimiby my side?”
“My mom had the same spirit companion, and if memory serves me, those withkimitend to be lucky.”
“Good. I need all the luck I can get to keep from getting chewed up by this place.”
“They’re also caring and kind. Typically happy people.”
He smiled extra wide, showing her his profile in a statuesque pose. “What do you think? Do I make a presentable calendar model for hanging with the Death dude? Maybe we could have our picture taken running hand-in-hand through a field of poppies. He can keep the scythe. I only need one of his hands.”
She chuckled and reached up, turning his chin back to her. “Patience is in the mix, too, smartass. Along with determination andstrength.”
That tracked, since patience was what he worked on every damned day in this godforsaken jungle. And he wasdeterminedto stay and help until the end, whenever that might be.
“Strength? Aw shucks, now you’re just flirting with me, boss lady. Want me to flex my muscles for you?”
“Always, Tarzan,” she said, running her hand over his biceps. “There were two more traits that Mom always credited to her spirit companion—keeping calm in a storm and dealing with whatever was thrown at her.”
“Damn, I sound downright gifted.” He raised an eyebrow. “Turns out having good ol’ Death hanging out with me isn’t so bad after all.”
Yet another bonus for being a good demon.
“Mom always claimed she was good at her job because of her spirit companion.Kimifavors those who dig the past.”
He grinned at her wit. “Like archaeologists.”
