“That still might happen.” Catal’s voice was serious. “We are honor bound to help, whether it is a dangerous situation or not.”
“I understand, but a part of me believes that as long as you are fighting for justice, you will be protected.”
“Let’s hope.” Kimi’s voice was low.
“I protect my men as much as possible.” Ardal’s voice was firm. “The crash and the Holman took too many of our brother’s lives. I cannot lose another man.”
“That’s enough sad talk.” Fiona stood up. “I think it’s time we celebrate. Niail is better, Catal has found his mate and son, and we’re going to have a baby.”
“Do you know what it is yet?” Kimi pushed away from the table.
Fiona shook her head. “I want to be surprised.”
“I will warn you that you may need help with the delivery.” Selena stood. “Tarrin was too large for me to have naturally.”
Fiona bit her lip. “I’ve already considered that and have made plans to be near a hospital close to my due date.”
“When will that be?” Selena walked away from him and joined Kimi and Fiona.
The women went into the living room, but their excited voices could be heard in the kitchen. Their pair bonding with a Hunter made them fugitives, but none of that seemed to concern them. Catal wasn’t sure if Selena realized how difficult life in hiding would be. He would make certain that she was safe.
He vowed to protect her with his life.
He turned to Ardal.
He was frowning.
“You will learn that women love discussing babies.” Catal grinned.
“I have not seen this before.” Ardal shook his head.
“Fiona has only been with you.” Niail’s voice was dry. “Kimi is frequently talking with her friend Ann for hours at a time.”
“Has being a father been difficult?” Catal’s voice was serious.
“They have been very tolerant of my mistakes.” Niail shook his head. “There is so much we do not know about children. For the first time in my life I feel uncertain.”
“I understand.” Catal leaned against the counter. “I never fear for myself, but now I worry about Selena and Tarrin.”
“It makes the life of a warrior more difficult.” Ardal heaved a sigh.
“It makes it worthwhile, though.” Catal remembered the passion and love he’d shared with Selena. Tarrin was a miracle that their bonding had made possible.
“True.” Ardal pushed back from the table. “I would not wish it any other way.”
“Nor would I.” Niail stood up and followed Ardal.
Catal walked into the living room. Ardal and Niail had pulled their mates close, but the woman were still talking to each other. A surge of contentment flooded him at the sight of Selena relaxed and happy.
There was nothing he wouldn’t do for her. To have her back in his life was more than he had ever dreamed possible. All those years of pain and loneliness were over. No more would he have to wonder if she’d been real, if the love they’d shared had ever happened. They were bonded.
Selena was his mate.
She would be near always.
Selena looked at him and smiled. The world righted itself in that moment. All the pain of his childhood was healed. He was home now.
Author’s Note
When I studied biology in the early eighties, the decoding of DNA, deoxyribonucleic acid, the genetic building block of living organisms on earth, had progressed enough that my professors were discussing the possibility of mapping the complete human genome one day. At the time, I remember thinking that would take forever to accomplish. I was wrong.
By 2003 the sequencing of the human genome was completed. This means that we are able to identify specific genes and their functions. Some areas of DNA do not produce proteins, so are considered non-coding sequences. Initially, it was thought that these areas had no function, but time and research has shown that these sequences enhance or regulate other genes.
Today we can use DNA not only to find criminals, but also to trace our ancestors. Knowing the sequencing of our genes allows us to understand how to change those genes. The possibilities for genetic manipulation and engineering are endless. Already there are discussions of allowing human trials of an In Vitro Fertilization technique that would combine the DNA of three people to ensure that disease causing mutations will not be passed on to children.
As I look ahead to the future I can envision a world where genetic engineering will wipe out diseases such as diabetes, mitochondrial disease, or hemophilia. At the same time there are ethical and moral considerations that society will have to deal with. Questions about whose DNA will be used for recombinant engineering, and whether people will be discriminated against because their genes could potentially cause diseases like cancer, need to be answered.
Science is already at the cutting edge of what used to be called fiction.
About the Author
Cynthia Clement began writing stories in her teens, but it wasn’t until her forties that she became serious about writing. She lives in Canada with her husband of thirty years, her teenaged son, and two dachshunds. She has an eclectic range of interests including paranormal phenomena, ghost hunting, quilting, reading, gardening, and great conversation.
Her first book, The Seduction of Sarah, was a finalist in the HOLT Medallion Best First Book Category. Her novels, whether historical, paranormal, or science fiction, all focus on love, honor, and suspense. To find out more information about her writing and books or to sign up for her newsletter please visit her website www.cynthiaclement.com
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