“If you wish. There’s no point in arguing over it.” There was an audible gasp from the other Hunters. “Do men and women not disagree on your planet?
“No.” Ardal’s voice was firm. “A woman decides and a man does not challenge.”
Nice to know. Fiona glanced at the other men and smiled. “On earth, men and women can discuss things together. They compromise so that both will be happy. You guys better get used to it if you want to blend in.”
“What if we cannot change?”
“Then you’ll look like wimps.” Fiona pursed her lips. “Then again, that might not be a bad idea. No one would mistake you as anything but normal human men.”
“That is true.” Catal’s voice was dry. “This is a planet of weak males. Women have made it impossible for men to be who they truly are. Their history tells the tales of great warriors, but no more. Women have softened them too much.”
“It is not soft to abhor violence. Women give life. They want to ensure their children grow up to live in peace.” Fiona crossed her arms. “What about the women who are still terrorized by men who show their power with their fist.
Silence followed her words. Firbin clenched his hands beside her and she could see Jehon’s frown in the rear view mirror. The other men were avoiding her eyes.
“What did I say wrong now?”
“On Cygnus it is women who decide the wars, and men who fight them.” Ardal’s voice was gentle. “As warriors we abhor the violence, but there is no choice. We keep our planet safe.”
“Women do not have children on Cygnus.” Firbin spoke now. He looked at Fiona with hooded eyes. “That has not happened for eons; almost as far back as when the Sacred Codes were written.”
“Never?”
Firbin shook his head. “That would be risking a genetic mistake.”
“Such as red hair?” Fiona shook her hair about her face.
She smiled at the shocked expressions on the men’s faces. Had they never considered that some mistakes were good? It wasn’t her place to criticize. These men came from a different culture. Just like earth, there were different cultures and attitudes that sometimes seemed unusual. As long as they didn’t hurt women, she could live with it.
“Boy you guys are in for some surprises,” Fiona nodded to a hotel sign where they had just pulled into. “This looks like it might do for a short-term stop.”
Ardal nodded and Jehon started to slow the van down. They were parked at the hotel office within a couple of minutes. Catal jumped out and Firbin followed. When it was Fiona’s turn she looked up at Ardal. She longed to kiss him goodbye, but didn’t want to make it difficult for him in front of his men.
His eyes turned molten and before she knew what he meant to do, his hand had clasped the back of her head. He pulled her close and captured her lips. It was searing, almost soul destroying in its intensity. He gave all of himself to her and she gave herself back. If something went wrong she would have this to remember.
“Go.” His voice was hoarse as he released her.
She nodded and climbed from the van. She kept her back to him and waited until she heard the tires screech away before she dared to look at the retreating van. He was gone and so was her heart.
She rubbed her arms against the cool chill of the late summer night. “We’d better get ourselves a room.”
“Two rooms.” Firbin cleared his throat. “We will take turns standing guard outside your room.”
“That’s nuts.” Fiona started for the office door. “I can sleep on one bed and if you insist on staying awake to keep guard, then you’ll only need one bed for the two of you.”
“It is forbidden for a Hunter to stay with a woman.”
“We slept together in the cave. How is this different?”
“This is proper room.”
“Sleeping is sleeping.” Honestly these guys loved to argue over semantics. “Besides, you can’t stand outside, you’ll be too noticeable and they have cameras in the hallways.”
“Ardal will be upset.”
“He’ll understand.” Fiona opened the office door. “There’s nothing to argue about. Let’s get a room and then we can eat.”
“This will not be like the other restaurant?” Firbin gave her a crooked smile.
Fiona shook her head. “You guys have quite the understated sense of humor.”
Their room was on the third floor. The elevator was slow, and the halls stunk of stale alcohol. It was definitely not a five star hotel, but the possibility of anyone noticing or caring about their sleeping arrangements was slim. Fiona doubted anything would be considered shocking in this place.
She walked to the bathroom and flipped the light on. Small, but it had all the necessary items. There was even a toiletry package. A bath would have been nice, but not here. A shower would have to do.
“We should probably get some clean clothes tomorrow.” Fiona leaned against the door and looked at the two men. They were standing at attention as if waiting her orders. “You can relax. Firbin, you know that.”
He laughed and sat down in one of the chairs by the window. “I am still unsure of how to behave around you now that you are pair bonded to our leader.”
Fiona shrugged. “Why should that make a difference?”
“Everything about this planet is new. “ Firbin gestured to Catal. “Perhaps you could give me a quick lesson on how to behave.”
“We don’t try to fit in.” Catal looked down at the floor. “Our experience of the people on earth hasn’t been very warming.”
“You have survived.” Firbin’s voice showed his interest. “You must understand the ways of the planet.”
Catal looked up, his eyes hooded. “I’m afraid I’m just realizing how little I really know about humans. I thought I knew it all, but now I’m not so sure.”
“What made you change your mind?” Fiona sat on the bed.
“You.” Catal tilted his head. “I didn’t think humans were capable of deep emotion. I believed that we were different and there was no mixing of the two.”
“So you used us as you wanted? You hunted us as if we were no better than animals.”
“Yes.” Catal sighed. “Now I realize that it was my own people who deserve my disdain. They’re the ones who left us out here to die and ordered all Hunters dead.”
Fiona nodded. “You’re still in shock. You need time to figure out what you believe.”
“Time is something we have a lot of on this planet.”
Firbin frowned. “I don’t understand.”
“We age slower here.”
Fiona smiled. “Good thing Ardal is older than me.” She stood and wrapped her hair in a scarf. “Let’s go and eat. I’m starved.”
There was a restaurant attached to the hotel and even though the meal was nothing spectacular, Fiona was thankful for the food. It had been hours since they’d eaten and she was finding it hard to think on an empty stomach. And thinking was something she needed to do.
By the time they got back to the room the three of them were on easier terms. Firbin was already comfortable with Fiona, but it took Catal to the end of the meal to realize that she held no ill-will toward him. She felt sympathy for the man, especially when she remembered Ardal’s words about being stranded without any connection with his own kind.
Fiona flopped down on the bed. She was exhausted. Travel and fear had taken their toll. All she wanted was a shower and bed.
“Do you guys mind if I commandeer the bathroom first?”
Firbin’s eyes widened. “There is no need to ask. It is as you wish.”
Catal laughed. “You have a lot to learn about humans. They are a selfish lot.”
“I disagree.” Fiona groaned as she pushed away from the bed. “I asked first. I didn’t lock myself in there for a couple of hours.”
“True.” Catal shook his head. “You are a constant surprise.”
“That’s because you’ve never taken the time to understand the people of this planet.” Fiona
walked toward Catal who was standing near the window. “There are good, decent humans.”
Then there was a knock at the door. Panic flooded Fiona.
They were found.
Chapter 18
She froze.
Firbin moved to the door. His hands were clenched and all expression had left his eyes. He was all Hunter, readying himself for the attack. Catal moved to the opposite side of the room and had pulled out a gun.
She had to do something before violence ripped through the room. She went to the door and spoke without opening it. “Who is it?”
“I was just in the restaurant.” The voice was male and hesitant. “You left your bag on the chair.”
Fiona released the breath she’d been holding and sagged against the door. She looked at Firbin and nodded her head, before opening the door. There was a young man in his mid-twenties standing there with her backpack in his hands. All her emergency information, money, and supplies were in that bag. The man was a lifesaver.
“Thank you,” she said as she reached for the bag. “I’d be lost without this.”
“I know you or your brothers would have noticed it eventually, but I didn’t think it was wise to leave it to chance. I tried to catch you before you got to your room, but I wasn’t fast enough.”
Fiona opened the door wider, but still blocked the entrance. He looked pleasant enough, with blonde hair and blue eyes, but she wasn’t about to trust anyone. Honest or not, the more people who saw them, the greater the risk they’d be identified.
“I appreciate it.” Fiona tilted her head as she looked at him. “How did you know they were brothers?”
“You’re kidding. The same skin tone, dark hair and eyes were a dead giveaway.” He shrugged. “Besides they look alike. I just assumed you’re related.”
Fiona laughed. “Well, I never thought I looked like those two. Thanks for bringing me the bag.”
When the door was closed and the danger passed Fiona turned back to the two Hunters. She frowned and studied them closer. They did look like brothers. There were some differences, but the similarities were striking. They looked a cross between Native American and Irish. Maybe they’d blend in just fine.
“He was honest.” Fiona pushed away from the door. “And very observant.”
“We are brothers.” Firbin moved back to the chair.
“That’s what Ardal said.” Fiona shrugged. It wasn’t a big deal, especially if they all came from a test tube. They were bound to have similar genes. “I’m going for a shower.”
***
Two days later there was still no word from the other Hunters. Fiona was starting to go stir crazy. She wasn’t allowed out of the room. Catal and Firbin took turns bringing food back. They thought her looks too distinctive and they couldn’t risk her being recognized. There was only so much television a person could watch and not go crazy.
Firbin found the whole thing fascinating. He’d never seen shows that were strictly for entertainment. Hunters focused on training and skills development. Entertainment was for the rulers of their planet.
She was about ready to pull her hair out when Firbin suddenly stood and turned the television off. Catal glanced toward the door and straightened his shoulders. There was a knock and Firbin opened it.
Five Hunters walked into the room.
None of them was Ardal.
She only recognized Darrogh. The other men glanced at her and then looked away. Fiona’s enthusiasm started to shrivel as she felt their disapproval. She sat and waited. She hid her smile as the others greeted Firbin. He was the youngest of their unit and they slapped him on the back in greeting.
“You have been lazy.” Darrogh’s voice boomed in the room. “Sitting around and doing nothing. Your leg should be healed by now.”
“Fiona has cared for it.” Firbin glanced at her with a grin. “She is a tough taskmaster.”
“Ah.” Darrogh raised an eyebrow. “She is a woman. They have no place with Hunters.”
Firbin’s eyes widened. He glanced at the other men who stood immobile. “You are mistaken. She has been a great help to us. Have you forgotten she rescued us from the crash?”
“She was of assistance, but now she is a hindrance.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?” Fiona frowned.
“You will need to leave.” Darrogh crossed his arms over his chest. “Your presence puts the men in danger.”
Anger seared through Fiona. She’d been foolish to trust these guys. All their talk of protection and honor were just words in the end. She fought back her tears. She wouldn’t give them the satisfaction of knowing that she was upset.
“So you’d like me to take off?” Fiona stood and grabbed her bag, shoving stuff into it as fast as her hands would move. “I wish you luck with your life here on earth.”
“There is no reason for you to rush.” Darrogh’s voice was firm. “We will find you a means of transportation first.”
“Really?” Fiona shook her head and went into the washroom, gathering her toiletries before returning to the room. “You seem very sure of your decision.”
“I am second in command.”
Fiona pulled her phonebook from the side pocket of her pack. She thumbed through the pages until she found the number she wanted. “So that means that your judgment is always right?”
She picked up the phone and started to dial, but before she could finish, Darrogh had taken the receiver from her and slammed it down.
“You will not contact anyone.”
“You don’t control me.”
Fiona had had enough of this arrogant brute. She needed to make a phone call and he wasn’t going to stop her. She’d vowed she’d never let a man walk all over her again and she’d meant it. He might frighten the others, but not her. She brought her knee up and slammed him with all her strength. Darrogh’s eyes widened and he bent over in pain.
Ardal walked into the room at that moment.
Fiona’s heart started to beat frantically. Her eyes devoured him. She longed to run to him, but she doubted the others would approve. Ardal looked at her and then at Darrogh.
“What has happened?”
“I was trying to make a phone call and this brute stopped me. I don’t care how much danger you’re in, I won’t be thrown onto the streets without calling for help.”
Ardal stopped her with his hand. “Sit.” Then he looked at Firbin. “Explain.”
“Darrogh told Fiona that she was a hindrance and must leave.” Firbin’s voice was hesitant. “She tried to make a call and he stopped her. That is when she kneed him.”
Ardal smiled at Fiona and then looked back at the other men. All of them had averted their eyes from Darrogh and were waiting for his decision. He looked at his second in command and sighed.
“I did not order Fiona away.”
“It is not proper.” Darrogh’s voice was hoarse, and he winced as he stood upright. “We will of course get her transportation.”
“I vowed to protect her; as did Firbin.” Ardal’s voice was quiet. Fiona shivered as the silence in the room grew.
“My order was not based on emotion.” Darrogh’s voice held contempt.
“You would dishonor a woman and ignore a Hunter’s vow?”
“I protect the men. This planet’s effect on us is not to be trusted.”
Ardal moved so fast that at first Fiona didn’t believe it had happened. One second Darrogh was standing and the next he was slumped against the wall. Blood flowed from his lip and his legs were sprawled out in front of him. The other men looked away except Catal who seemed fascinated by the argument.
“It is not your place to judge the decisions of your leader. You are unworthy of command.” Ardal’s words were clipped. “No matter where a Hunter lives, honor must never be forgotten. If you cannot respect this, then you are relieved of your command.”
Fiona expected Darrogh to argue, but the man seemed content, even relieved with Ardal’s actions. He nodded and smiled.
&
nbsp; She wrapped her arms around her middle to stop her shaking. Did a Hunter always question his commander’s orders or was it only because they were in a strange land. It was as if they needed to respect the brute strength of their leader in order to follow.
Ardal walked over to Darrogh and held out his hand. Darrogh took the offered hand and levered himself up. For a second there was a silent communication between the men and then Ardal was leading Darrogh over to her.
“You have already met Fiona.” Ardal helped her to her feet. “We are bonded. She has not interfered with my judgement or my leadership. I am still Ardal, the last of the clan Rioge, leader of the remaining Hunters. You will obey my command.”
“Yes.” Darrogh glanced at Fiona. “I am uncertain of this planet.”
“Do you trust me?”
“You are a leader of great strength and honor. I fear this place has affected you.”
“Perhaps, but that does not alter my command.”
“Understood.” Darrogh rubbed his chin. “I allowed fear to cloud my judgement.”
“Earth has shown us that many of our legends may be real.” Ardal glanced at his men. “I think we should accept that other things could be possible.”
The tension in the room seemed to ease as the two men talked. A moment of upheaval had been replaced with understanding and dialogue. It was fascinating how these men worked together. Their rules and duty were woven into a fabric that allowed them to move as one.
“Now give the correct order.”
Darrogh turned to Fiona and gave her a slight bow of his head. “We need to move away from here. Ardal fears it will not be safe for you to come with us. Is there someplace or someone you can go to that is trustworthy?”
Fiona looked at Ardal, but his face gave nothing away. Disappointment threatened to drown her, but she forced it back. If Ardal wanted her to leave, then she would. The last thing she wanted was to endanger him or his men. She had delayed their escape too long. It was time that she stood on her own two feet.
It was better this way.
It was a clean break before anything had begun.
Who was she kidding? It felt as if part of her was being ripped away. A future between them was impossible. They were on the run and he was from another planet.
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