Page 28 of Power of Shadow

I take a step back and to the left, and he does the same. We start dancing around poor David, but we don’t take our eyes off each other. David is less important right now and poses no threat.

“Shadow.” The man’s low voice fills the space.

“Jackal,” I reply, hoping he hears the contempt in my voice.

“Nice to see you here.” I’m sure there’s a smug expression hidden behind that mask.

“Don’t get used to it. Few have survived to tell the story.”

A low growl escapes his throat. “I could say the same about me. And here we are. What are you doing here, Shadow?”

“Having a nice evening with my new friend. And you?”

“I was just about to have a little chat with our mutual friend.”

My eyes narrow to slits.

Oh no. No way.

We continue to circle slowly around David. He’s still lying on the ground in the middle of the room. His eyes darting between us, unable to believe what’s happening. We must look like two vultures circling their prey.

“He’s mine, Jackal,” I growl.

“Not for long. I don’t have time to play twenty questions. Let me do it my way.”

“Fuck off. What do you say to that? Are you here because of him or for some other reason?”

“I don’t kiss and tell.” He laughs, and the sound does something to my body, giving me goosebumps.

“I said he’s mine. If you want, you can get in line and talk to him when I’m done.”

“Tempting offer, but we both know when you’re done with him, there won’t be anything left to pick up, and he’ll tell me shit. We can share.”

This time, I laugh. Shake my head. “You don’t believe what you’re saying. You’re not the type of guy who shares.”

“You’re absolutely right, I don’t share.” I have no idea how it’s even possible, but his voice gets even lower.

The Jackal. My number one enemy, apart from the police and the FBI, of course. I used to hate this man simply because he was so quick to establish himself in the underground. Hearing someone admire his actions made me grind my teeth. Now that I’ve met him, I can’t stand the guy even more.

David can’t fall into his hands. I was here first, and I can’t let the Jackal finish off my prey.

“You’re not going to play fair, are you?” I ask, even though I already know the answer.

The Jackal shrugs before replying, “I play to win, not to get points for fair play.”

That’s all I needed to hear. In a declaration of war between us, I jump over David, preparing to kick my opponent in the jaw. Meanwhile, he takes two steps back and swings his knife. Dodging the blade, I take the opportunity to spin around and cut his legs. He falls on his back, and a smile spreads across my lips.

“The famous Jackal finally finds his place at Shadow’s feet. Too bad, but your place has always been beneath me,” I taunt.

This bastard is really fast with his hands. I see only a vague flash of steel before I manage to duck at the last second.

Apparently, the Jackal loves playing with knives as much as I do, because once again I avoid his toy. My distraction opens a door for him, and he doesn’t hesitate to take advantage of it.

He spins around, and I feel pain when his leg sweeps mine, this time sending me down on my back. The pain shoots through my body, but I ignore it altogether.

With my eyes, I find his shape as he leans over me. A blow lands on my cheek, but it’s not me hissing in pain. The Jackal jumps to the side to get out of my reach, allowing me to get up from the floor.

“What the fuck? What is this mask made of?” He waves his right hand, hoping the pain will go away faster.