“You guys live and breathe that stuff.” Fiona shook her head. “We don’t have that.”
“You no longer have warriors?” Firbin sounded incredulous.
“We have soldiers and they have their own code. Our society doesn’t live and breathe honor, though.” Fiona shrugged.
Just then Ardal pulled the door open. “Move the vehicle into the trees and cover it.”
They took the blankets, an axe, and the weapons from the truck. Fiona grabbed her bag and they started into the wilderness. There was no moon. The stars shone bright, but she had trouble walking on the uneven ground. She stumbled and tripped a couple of times before Ardal gave her his arm for support.
They walked for at least thirty minutes before the sound of water stopped them. Ardal led them up the side of a rocky outcrop. They were on solid bedrock.
When they reached a small overhang of rocks, they stopped. Ardal went in first and then motioned them to follow.
“This will keep us away from their equipment.”
Fiona’s eyes widened. “You really did learn a lot from that helicopter.”
“It was primitive.” Jehon’s voice was dry.
“Always assume your enemy has better.” Ardal kicked stones so there was a smooth area. “It would be best not to make a fire. Will you be able to stay warm tonight?”
“I’ll be fine.”
Ardal spread out one of the blankets and waited for her to lie on it before giving her another for covering. “Firbin get rest. Jehon check the supplies.”
Ardal went to the front of the overhang. “I will take the first watch.”
Chapter 11
She trusted him.
Exhilaration made his heart pound with purpose. Fiona had given him full control to protect her. Ardal looked out at the dark night and marveled at the sense of relief he felt. His years of training and breeding could be used for a cause that he wanted.
His men would be safe on this planet also. The atmosphere was giving them an advantage. They moved faster and their hits were harder. His vision was sharper, his hearing more acute, and he could smell Fiona’s presence before he could see her.
His attraction to her was overwhelming.
The hold she had on him was terrifying.
For the first time in his life he wanted to touch a woman and feel her body shiver against his. He took a sharp breath as he remembered the shock of awareness that had passed between them when they touched. His heart had soared when she had examined him for injuries and rested her head on his chest. No one had ever cared if a Hunter were wounded or killed.
When that biker had held her captive, a surge of anger and pain had gripped him. He had wanted to lash out and destroy the man. He could not have borne it if harm had come to her. He had felt her fear. Her thoughts, even though unclear, had been in his mind. It was then that he had known the truth.
He heard the sure footfall of Jehon approaching. “Report.”
“There is some foodstuff. We can hunt whatever else we need.”
“There is plenty on this planet.” Ardal’s voice was indifferent. A Hunter could go days without food.
“The rules are different.” Jehon’s voice was cautious. “I am uncertain about this place.”
“We have no choice.” There was no gain by letting his men know his own concerns. “This is our home now. A Hunter does not fail.”
“The woman is illogical.” Jehon cleared his throat. “She does not know how to rule.”
Ardal glanced at the man. “Her planet does not respect women. Fiona has proven herself to be knowledgeable and brave.”
Jehon nodded. “Our bodies are responding unusually also.”
“Explain.”
“At first I thought it was our implants, but that is not the case.” Jehon cleared his throat. “They have been deactivated.”
Ardal looked at Jehon for a few seconds and then sighed. “You are certain.”
Jehon nodded. “I have scanned mine and it is non-functioning.”
“When were they shut down?”
“I suspect since we were captured on Cygnus.” Jehon grimaced. “The Holman would not have wanted us strong.”
“True.” Ardal frowned. “Explain our increased abilities.”
“It must be the planet’s atmosphere and gravity that is causing the improvements.” Jehon waved his hand in the air. “Our bodies travel faster, and our weight carries more strength.”
“That is good. It will help us survive here.”
Ardal looked up at the night sky. Stars glittered and sparkled in the cool air, making the sky a veritable sea of lights. Somewhere was the home where he had been born and trained, where he had fought and watched comrades die. All were lost.
They had a new world.
They would live and thrive.
“The others have reported similar changes.” Jehon spoke in a lower voice. “We have a problem, though.”
“You are full of good news this night.” Ardal’s voice was wry.
“We are traveling with a female.” Jehon hesitated a second before continuing. “Our normal biological urges are not under the implant’s control.”
“Is it unbearable for you?” Ardal turned back to his comrade. His own awareness of Fiona was making him doubt his vows as a warrior.
“She is irrational and frustrating, yet at the same time you are happy to be near her.” Jehon shook his head. “That has never happened before.”
“Are you feeling anything else?”
“She is very beautiful.” Jehon frowned. “This is the first time I have been aware of a woman’s looks.”
“No attraction?”
Jehon shook his head. “No. It is difficult to concentrate because of her nonsensical conversation. In the past, I would not have noticed. Do you think it will get worse?”
Ardal clenched his jaw. He knew how much worse it could get. “We will learn to deal with our awareness of women.”
“The implants must be removed.” Jehon’s voice was decisive. “They could be used to track us.”
Ardal sighed and looked back up at the sky. “I will make the others aware of the possible problems.”
“Everyone is still safe?”
Ardal nodded. “Darrogh and his team have found a vehicle and are traveling non-stop to the destination. They are aware of our situation. If need be, they will create a diversion.”
Just then the sound of a low flying craft was heard. Both men moved back into the rock overhang and waited. The vehicle was a helicopter and it moved over their area in a quick circle before turning back in a wider search radius. There were lights beaming down to the ground.
“They search for us.” Ardal glanced back into the shelter.
“Their equipment will not be able to locate us through the rock.” Jehon crossed his arms. “Their technology is limited.”
“It matters not; we left witnesses at that eating place. We must travel without incident if we hope to blend in.”
“There was no choice.”
“No.” Ardal watched the light of the helicopter fade as its search pattern widened. “Fiona needed defending. We will take better care in the future.”
“Is it wise to continue traveling with her?” Jehon’s voice had lowered to a whisper. “Perhaps it would be best for her to leave us.”
“We have given our word.” Ardal wiped his hand over his face. “She needs our protection.”
“Her beauty is distinctive and memorable.”
“True.” How honest could he be with his men? He owed it to them, yet he could not abandon Fiona. Even if he forgot his vow and the Sacred Code, he could not leave her.
Knowing that the enhancers had been deactivated made his suspicions a certainty. He was bound to Fiona. No other living Hunter had ever experienced this. It was something no true warrior would have wanted.
“We should go in separate directions.” Ardal straightened his shoulders and walked to the edge of the rock overhang. The cooler air was a balm aga
inst the heat that pulsed through him at the thought of Fiona. “Do you wish to join one of the other teams?”
“We can continue with the three of us.” Jehon followed him.
“Fiona stays with me.” Ardal’s words were decisive.
“We risk capture.”
“That is why I will not command you and Firbin to stay. In the morning you leave in the vehicle. Fiona and I will follow on foot.”
“She will be safer on her own. Being with us is dangerous.” Jehon’s voice was earnest. “You are the last leader; a warrior honored and feared by the Kaladin and Holman alike. It is necessary for you to survive.”
“Your words inspire me, but there are others who can lead if I do not survive.” Ardal let a faint smile touch his lips. His decision to fight for their freedom had been right. No matter what happened, he would be remembered for that.
“You are wrong.” Jehon stepped closer. “You gave us the chance to live again.”
“And that is as it should be.” He sighed. The truth was the only thing that would convince Jehon. “I cannot leave Fiona.”
“I do not understand.”
“There is no comprehending.” He grasped Jehon’s shoulder. “I am already bonded to her.”
Jehon inhaled sharply. “Say it is not so.”
“It is true.”
“I thought bonding was a myth. It was told to us as children to keep us fearful of living without the implants.”
“It is real.” Ardal tightened his grip on Jehon. “It is not to be dreaded, either.”
“It takes a leader from us.” Jehon’s voice was low with horror.
“I have gone nowhere.” He leaned close to Jehon. “I am the same as before, but there is a connection with Fiona. I feel her fears and understand her needs. Soon her thoughts will be clear to me.”
Jehon straightened. “I will stay. No matter the risk. You cannot face this alone.”
“I can defend myself. I will make my decision for our travel in the morning.” Ardal motioned back to the shelter. “Sleep. Your watch will be here soon enough.”
Jehon nodded and went inside. Ardal was left with the night and his thoughts. He walked to the edge of the rock ledge. The helicopter had long since left. Jehon had been right. They would be more noticeable traveling as a foursome. The best decision would be to divide.
He would travel with Fiona. There was no choice. He was connected to her.
Bonded.
He heaved a sigh. Throughout his whole life, he had believed that bonding was a myth. To lose control and be at the whim of fate was abhorrent to a Hunter. To be enslaved and tied to another was a curse. A Hunter lived for duty and honor; there was no room for a mate. Now he knew the truth.
Fiona was his pair bond.
He did not fear it, though. He was connected to her in an indescribable way. Nothing had prepared him for it. His first sense of attraction had seemed a reaction to the ordeal of the crash, but it was more than that. He had felt Fiona’s horror and terror during the fight with the bikers. Her fears were a reality to him. He had fought the urge to hold and soothe her.
If legend were true, death could not sever the connection. He would only desire the one he was bonded to. That would be his fate. There was no understanding of why one was chosen over another. Some said it was a word, a glance, or a gesture that sealed one’s destiny. For him it had been all those things, but the shock of awareness that spread through his body when they touched had been the real sign.
One bonding.
One mate.
The Holman had claimed that bad genetic script and the mutations that had been used to give them strength, persistence, competitiveness, and endurance had caused the problem. The chromosomal alterations had amplified their focus and intensity, but had narrowed and deepened their mating urges until they would choose only one. Genetic engineering had made them invincible warriors, but these same attributes reinforced their devotion and loyalty to their mate.
It was considered dangerous and treasonous for a Hunter to have a mate. He might choose her over his orders. The Kaladin would not tolerate this. Eons ago, it was decided that Hunters would never mate and to ensure this, they all had implants at birth to prevent it.
Now the implants had been deactivated and he was the first to experience the bonding.
It was ironic. He had chosen to disobey a direct order and he would be the first to suffer the consequences. His men would have to be warned. They would find it hard to understand, but they would accept that he might have other considerations when making decisions. It would be up to them whether he remained their leader.
Five hours into his watch Ardal had notified his men of the situation. They had been surprised, but wanted him to remain as leader. The night had grown cold by the time he woke Jehon to relieve him. Jehon yawned and then stood.
“You have told them?” Jehon’s voice was a low whisper.
Ardal nodded. “They are aware.”
“What is your decision?”
“In the morning you and Firbin travel without us.”
Jehon nodded. “I will take watch.”
Ardal turned to sit down when Fiona’s voice stopped him. “Is it time to wake?”
“No. We are changing watch.” Ardal picked up Jehon’s blanket.”
“I’m cold.”
Her voice was husky with sleep and tugged at his previously dormant heart. There was no combating the need to please her. He snapped the blanket open and walked to where she lay. He spread it over her.
Her voice was low, but audible. “Stay.”
Chapter 12
“That is not wise.” Ardal’s whisper echoed through the cave.
“I need you.” Fiona didn’t care how illogical it was; having Ardal near kept the panic away.
With a grunt, he lay beside her. He pulled her close and wrapped the blanket around both of them. His body heat warmed her. It melted away the shock of the last twenty-four hours. She snuggled her head high on his chest and snaked her hand up under his shirt. Soft whorls of hair brushed her fingers before she reached his heart. It beat strong and steady.
“Better?” Ardal’s voice was husky.
She sighed. “I feel safe.”
“Then I am content.” Ardal’s arm tightened around her. “I will not leave you.”
“I know.”
It was crazy, but deep inside she knew it was the truth. Any other man who had killed with such precision and calm would have terrified her, but not Ardal. His every action had been to keep her safe. Even now, tired and in need of sleep, he had given her what she needed.
“Thank you,” she mumbled before sleep claimed her once again.
It was several hours later when faint light filtered through to the rear of the cave. Fiona blinked her eyes in protest. With a groan she twisted her head on her pillow, frowning at the warmth pouring from it. It felt like a furnace. The rest of her body was stiff. With a start she realized that she wasn’t sleeping on a bed, but bedrock. Her hand stretched and explored the heat beneath her head.
“Dangerous.”
With a gasp she looked up.
Ardal.
Fiona winced. Heat flooded her face as she lifted her head from his chest. “I’m sorry.” Her voice was barely a squeak.
“No need.” Ardal sat up. “You were cold.”
“Thank you.” Fiona pushed her hair off her face and grimaced as she tried to sit. Every bone in her body ached. “Did someone beat me last night?” she groaned.
“No one touched you.” Ardal’s voice was firm.
“I was joking.” She sat and stretched her arms over her head. “Where are the others?”
“Firbin is on watch and Jehon has gone to hunt.”
She pushed off her blanket and stood. “I have energy bars in my pack.”
“Save them until it is necessary.” Ardal stood and took the blanket from her. “We need to conserve our supplies.”
“But we’ll reach Toronto this afternoon.” Fiona’
s eyes narrowed as she watched Ardal’s face. Something was different. The man refused to look her in the eye and he was making damn certain that he didn’t touch her.
“What’s happened?”
He shook his head. “Our plans must change. Your military was looking for us last night.”
“And you let me sleep?” Horror and anger surged through her. What if they’d been found? God, was she ever going to feel safe again?
“I will protect you.” Ardal’s quiet voice broke into her thoughts. “You said that you would trust me to make the right decisions.”
“I do.” She shook her head. How had he known what she was feeling? Was she that obvious?
Ardal touched her arm and again that shock of electricity raced through her body. “Do you need privacy?”
It took a second for her to realize what he was asking. She gave him a slight smile. After all her efforts to make them understand last night, this was a welcome change.
“I’ll find a tree or something.”
He frowned. “I do not understand.”
“We’re camping.” Fiona walked to the overhang. “It’s not like we have indoor plumbing.”
Ardal shrugged and pointed to a path that led down to the water. “I will meet you there.”
Fiona found the cover of a cedar and took care of her morning business. When she was finished she took stock of their surroundings. They were on a high rock outcrop. It was a great hiding place. You could see anyone coming at you from miles away. She had to hand it to these Hunters. They knew what they were doing.
When she reached the water, Jehon and Firbin were there also. They looked up as she approached. There was a small fire near the water’s edge and fish on sticks were being cooked over it. Ardal retrieved one of them and brought it to her.
“Eat.”
“So much for morning conversation.” Fiona sat on a rock and started to pick the meat off the stick. It was surprisingly delicious with a smoky taste.
“We have made plans.” Ardal sat beside her. “Firbin’s leg is much improved. He and Jehon will take the vehicle. You and I will go by foot. We will find another way to Toronto.”
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