aHunter4Ever

by Cynthia Clement

  Selena’s face softened. “I wasn’t completely honest. I didn’t tell you that Catal was Tarrin’s father. That might have helped you see things in a different light.”

  Grace shook her head. “I would have suspected him.”

  “When your legal system makes mistakes, people are hurt.” Ardal spoke now. “That is why they come to us.”

  Selena and Grace both sat.

  Grace’s apology had eased the tension between the two, but she sensed that it would take time before they would be comfortable with each other. Grace turned her attention back to Ardal.

  “I have spent many years ensuring the law is followed. The system isn’t perfect, but we make a difference.” She looked down at her hands. “A great many people who have committed atrocities are behind bars because the courts did their job.”

  Partlan put his hand over hers. “We handle them differently. If someone is guilty of harming another, we do not give them another chance.”

  “Our experience shows that these individuals will not change.” Ardal’s voice was serious. “If they break the Sacred Code, then they will be put to death.”

  Grace inhaled an unsteady breath. “It’s hard for me to throw away so many years of training.”

  “We aren’t asking that of you.” Partlan leaned closer. “All I ask is that you stay with me.”

  Grace looked up at him and melted. “That’s a given. There’s nowhere else I want to be.”

  “Then, we have no problem.” Ardal leaned back in his chair. “You are Partlan’s mate and one of us.”

  “Hurray.” Fiona’s gave a short cheer. “I’m happy to have another woman in this circle of men.”

  “Me too.” Selena nodded at Grace.

  “Thank you.” Grace’s heart filled with gratitude. These people had accepted her unconditionally because of Partlan. “I want to help with your work too.”

  “Good.” Ardal stood and held his hand out to Fiona. “We could use the expertise you have about the law enforcement on this planet.”

  “I’ll explain the finer points of living with a warrior after you’ve settled in.” Fiona took Ardal’s hand. “You’re lucky. When I was first mated with Ardal, there were no other women for me to talk to.”

  Selena stood. “I will help as much as possible, but I’ve only been here a few days.”

  “Where are Catal and Tarrin?” Ardal frowned and looked about the large room.

  “Catal is training Tarrin outside. They should be back soon.”

  Ardal nodded and then turned to Partlan. “Take you mate to the room at the end. That will be your space. She looks exhausted.”

  “I’ll try and find something for you to wear.” Fiona looked at Grace with a frown. “I don’t think we can salvage those clothes.”

  “Maybe one of my tops will fit,” Selena tilted her head. “Any pants we have, will need to be lengthened.”

  “Leave it to us.” Fiona’s voice was hopeful.

  Grace privately thought it would be a task beyond anyone’s capabilities. They were in the middle of the bush, and there were no stores. She was taller than most women. She wasn’t model thin either. Perhaps a thorough cleaning of the clothes she was wearing would do. Right now, she was too exhausted to care.

  Partlan seemed to sense that and he stood and pulled her up beside him. Together, they left the others in the great room and walked to the room that had been assigned to them. Partlan opened the door and let her enter first. It was sparsely furnished, but warm. There was a door opening off the main area. It had a mirror that showed a toilet and shower in its reflection. Grace rubbed her arms and sighed. Finally, a comfortable place where they could be alone.

  “Should we toss a coin to see who gets to use the shower first?” Grace turned to Partlan as he shut the door. “I’m willing to wait for you, just don’t use all the hot water.”

  “You will go first.” Partlan gathered her close. “I would never dream of letting my mate wait.”

  “Promise?” Grace gave him a teasing kiss.

  “Always.” Partlan’s voice was serious.

  “I think I’m going to like this mate thing.” Grace wiggled out of Partlan’s embrace. “I’ll hurry. As nice as kissing you is, a shower is what I need most right now.”

  Chapter 23

  Grace was lying naked under the covers.

  Partlan was still in the shower and she was waiting for him to come out. It had only been a few minutes, but the anticipation was killing her. Never had she hungered for a man before. She needed him with a gut twisting desire.

  The water shut off.

  Partlan entered the room.

  A towel was wrapped around his waist leaving his chest bare. Droplets of water clung to the fine hairs that were scattered across his chest. Grace’s heart pounded at the sight of him. He was perfect, with broad shoulders, solid muscles, and a chiseled abdomen. She sat up in the bed, holding the sheet against her chest with one hand and patted the bed beside her.

  “Come sit with me.”

  Partlan raised an eyebrow. “Is that all you want.”

  “You know it isn’t.” Grace could barely keep the impatience out of her voice. “I need you now.”

  “I am yours to command.”

  Partlan dropped his towel.

  Grace inhaled a sharp breath as the full extent of his arousal was evident.

  “Hurry.”

  Partlan grinned and then got under the covers with her. The smell of soap mixed with the scent that was Partlan, surrounded her as he pulled her close and kissed her. His tongue licked and his teeth nipped until he had her in a frenzy of need. Only then, did he relent and caress her with his fingers. Tingling, teasing, and tantalizing every inch of her body. She groaned with the pleasure of it. It seemed ages since they’d last been together. So much danger and death, but now there was only the two of them.

  Grace stroked down Partlan’s back, feathering her fingers across his skin. His groans of approval gave her a sense of empowerment and she moved lower, urging him to come closer.

  He didn’t disappoint.

  He positioned himself and then entered her in one swift motion.

  She was in heaven. Sensations of bliss and pleasure roared through her body. Every nerve ending was on fire as she enclosed and tightened about him. This was the man she loved. She had never experienced such completeness in her life before. He’d promised to be with her always and she trusted him.

  “You are the only woman for me.”

  “I love you.” Grace shuddered at the beauty of the moment.

  Partlan brushed his lips against hers.

  Then, he thrust deep.

  The world spiraled out of control as they moved. They found a rhythm that built their desire until they were riding on the edge of the precipice. They were connected on a spiritual and physical level that held them in the throes of passion. They existed as one and together they exploded with ecstasy.

  Tiny shudders of bliss continued to ripple through her as she drifted back from the heights of pleasure. Grace let the completeness of their loving envelop and comfort her. She lifted her face and kissed Partlan. A kiss filled with promise and thankfulness. He was her mate and she was truly blessed.

  “Thank you for being with me.” Tears filled her eyes. “You risked your life to help me escape. That is more than anyone has ever done for me before.”

  Partlan’s eyes were filled with adoration. “You are the one who has given me so much. I never dreamed that I would know the wonder of a pair bond.”

  “It’s more than I expected.” Grace sniffed back her tears. “Every man I’ve ever known has left me, but you have shown me that there are forever men.”

  “Does this mean that you will truly stay?”

  Grace nodded. “I could never leave you.”

  “Will you be my wife?” Partlan’s voice was hesitant. “Ardal and Fiona are legally joined in marriage and I want this for us too. I want everyone to know that I am yours completely.”
r />   Grace couldn’t believe her ears. They had known each other for so little time, but it felt right. She’d been down this road before with her ex-fiancé and that had ended in disaster. Now, she knew how wrong they had been for each other. She was thankful that he’d had the courage to walk away and leave her free to find Partlan.

  Partlan frowned. “Did I not say it right?”

  “You said it perfectly.” Grace wiped her eyes. “I would be honored to be your wife. To wear your ring and let the whole world know that you are my husband; the man I love.”

  Partlan gave her a tender kiss. “We will have to ask Lorcan to give us identification so that we can do this legally, according to the laws of your land.”

  “I don’t care how we do it. I just want to shout it from the rooftops that we are one.”

  Partlan grinned. “That might not be the best plan. There are still people looking for us.”

  “Will we be safe?”

  “Yes.” Partlan’s voice was definite. “As long as you are my mate, all my brothers will protect you. No one will be able to kidnap you again.”

  “That makes me feel protected.” Grace frowned. “How will we stay hidden?”

  “We are part of your world, but outside it. We have computers and equipment that have been altered to avoid detection. Many of the skills and knowledge that we have from Cygnus are helpful to us now.”

  “It sounds like a crazy lifestyle.”

  Grace heaved a sigh. It was no different from the life she’d left behind. Working for the FBI had meant that she could be transferred at any time. Her field work could be in any state, and she was at the whim and mercy of her superiors. She had never considered it a problem, but looking at it from her new life on the run, she realized that she really didn’t have much to leave behind.

  “Will that be a problem?”

  “No. I’m used to moving around. I just want to be certain that I’ll have a purpose. I need to work. I hate being at loose ends.”

  “There will be no ends.” Partlan’s tone was severe.

  “It’s a saying. It means I’ll have time on my hands and I’ll want to do something.” Grace smiled and stroked a finger down Partlan’s cheek. “I’m really going to have to teach you about the English language.”

  “That would be useful.” Partlan nibbled her fingertip. “We had to download Earth languages as we were crashing. The computer failed before it had finished giving us all the information. We have the basics only.”

  “Hmmm, that sounds dangerous.” Grace brushed her lips across Partlan. “We’ll have plenty of time to talk about it later. Right now, I want to do something else.”

  Partlan grinned. “It is time for us to bond again.”

  “I thought you’d never ask.”

  Partlan captured her lips in a kiss that seared right to her soul. His tongue and fingers caressed and teased her until she was a mass of molten desires. Only then, did he join with her and they began the dance of loving that was unique to them. All through the night, Partlan showed Grace how powerful and tireless his lovemaking could be. It was the early hours of the morning before she fell asleep, satiated and exhausted.

  Chapter 24

  Partlan eased out of the bed and stood for a few minutes watching Grace sleep. She was exhausted after their ordeal and he had not let her rest much last night. His eyes lingered on her neck and he fought back his anger at the wound she had suffered. If only he had taken better care, or been quicker.

  Grace wasn’t bothered by it though. She said it was minor compared to some of her other injuries. She was a warrior and his heart swelled at the realization that she was truly his mate.

  A wonderful world of purpose had opened up for him. By Cygnus and Warrior, he was grateful to have been given the gift of a pair bond. It was a miracle and a privilege to know the joys of a mate. He had been truly blessed.

  Now, he must be certain that no harm would come to her.

  He could not bear it if she should be injured again. She was his responsibility despite her training. He was a Hunter; the elite of all warriors. He would protect her with his life. He took one last look before leaving. Outside the door, there were some clothes laid on a chair. He picked them up and put them inside their room. She would want to dress before coming to meet with the others.

  In the kitchen area, Fiona was busy making breakfast. Firbin was at her side helping and Ardal was sitting at the table talking with Catal. Lorcan was hunched over a laptop computer beside them, and Selena was pouring coffee. When Partlan came in, Ardal, was the first to look up.

  “Are you ready for work?”

  “Yes.” Partlan pulled out a chair and sat. “I left Grace sleeping.”

  “We need to discuss what happened in Australia.”

  Partlan nodded. “The Albireons seemed to be in control. Not only do we have to protect people from themselves, but from threats from other planets.”

  “How long have they been here?”

  “Eogan said that it had been over seventy years.” Partlan smiled up at Selena when she handed him a cup of coffee. “The Albireons exchanged technology for free access to humans for experimentation.”

  “What can they possibly want with the humans?” Lorcan looked up from his computer. “I can find no mention of this facility, except that it monitors satellites. There is some chatter about it being a covert surveillance site that mines electronic data.”

  “Why in that location?” Partlan took a sip of coffee.

  “Because it’s too far inland for anyone else to spy on it.” Grace’s voice came from the kitchen door. “Nobody can station ships in the waters around Australia and spy on them. It’s the perfect location for clandestine activities.”

  Partlan stood and pulled out the chair beside him. Bruises were evident on her neck. Her step was firm, though. She had put the clothes on that Fiona and Selena had given her and she looked stunning. The shirt was tight, but it showed off her curves. Gone was the loose business suit and in its place a more casual and relaxed look.

  Grace sat. “The Albireons who held me captive insisted they wanted the human genetic code. They needed us for survival even though they had already infiltrated the planet.”

  “That’s insane.” Lorcan’s voice was outraged. “When did this happen and why?”

  “It’s been going on for years.” Grace cleared her throat. “I’m afraid individual humans have been helping them with the hope that they will have a part of the profits when the Albireons take over.”

  “Humans are helping them?” Fiona put a plate of muffins on the table. “Do you know who?”

  “Eogan said that some of the oldest organizations and families with money had made a treaty with the Albireons.” Partlan handed Grace a coffee. “They are not connected with any one government.”

  “So they have gone above the law?” Selena shivered. “That is more frightening than thinking that a government is responsible for the outrageous things they are doing.”

  “I agree.” Grace’s voice was crisp. “I would like to shut them down if possible.”

  “If it is a world organization then that might be impossible.” Ardal’s voice was matter of fact. “We can work against them, but to defeat the Albireons when they have infiltrated a society to such an extent is difficult.”

  “I want to make certain they stop kidnapping humans and experimenting on them.” Grace shuddered. “It was horrible to be held captive. There was no way to stop them from doing whatever they wanted.”

  Fiona came over to her and clasped her shoulder. “I know how bad that can be. I was stalked, beaten, and almost killed by one of my medical instructors. I had to leave my life behind and go into hiding and he still found me. If Ardal hadn’t rescued me, he would have killed me.”

  “You understand why I don’t want that to happen to anyone else.” Grace looked up at Fiona. “I’m trained in defending myself. What about those who are totally helpless?”

  “We do not have enough men to defeat
them, but we may be able to thwart their attempts to move forward with their plans.” Ardal put his arm around Fiona’s waist.

  “I would like to help with that.” Grace clasped her hands on the table. “I’ve spent my whole life defending the law. I can’t turn my back on that, but I can use my training to help stop an international organization that is working outside of the law.”

  Darrogh came into the room at that point. “We will all fight for that. I remember the last battle I fought against the Albireons. They will not give up a planet easily.”

  “You can also guarantee that if the Albireons have found Earth, then others are here also.” Catal spoke in a quiet voice. “They will take an interest in what happens.”

  “Most are peaceful.” Partlan glanced at Grace. “I do not want to see a war on this planet.”

  “No one does.” Ardal cleared his throat. “I think we need to continue helping out the people as we have done in the past. Those that need help can count on us. At the same time, we have to be aware that there is another force at work here.”

  “Will you be able to assist with that?” Partlan turned to Grace. “The work we do is valuable.”

  Grace pursed her lips. “I wouldn’t be comfortable helping people who have broken the law.”

  “We bring justice.” Ardal explained. “Is that not what the spirit of the law is about?”

  Grace nodded. “You’re right. I can’t deny that sometimes the law doesn’t work on behalf of the victims.”

  “That is where we come in.” Ardal tightened his grip on Fiona. “My wife was terrorized by a man who wouldn’t quit until he killed her. He had already murdered many women and the law did not stop him. We did.”

  Grace’s eyes widened. “A lot of horrible people fall between the cracks. What about those who are able to change their lives?”

  “Niail’s mate and children were targeted by a drug lord who controlled the local law enforcement and FBI.” Partlan’s voice was low. “Even when he was surrounded and given a chance to surrender, the man chose to try and shoot one of us. This is not the type of person who can be rehabilitated.”