“So you will just let me walk out of here.”
“No.”
The doctor snorted. “At least you’re honest. Why are you here? What does Fiona have to do with you?”
“I am sworn to protect her.”
“Very heroic, but your services aren’t necessary. Fiona is mine.” The tool chest’s wheels squeaked a few inches closer to the door. “
“Hunters keep their vows.” Ardal nodded and a single shot rang out. Niail’s aim was true. David fell backwards, with Fiona still clutched near his chest.
Ardal threw the toolbox against the wall as he rushed to Fiona. She was still breathing, but barely. He pulled her away from David and gathered her into his arms. Her body was limp, her heartbeat slow, but she was alive. He stood and surveyed the room. The grizzly scene would speak for itself.
They would leave it and let the authorities deal with the fallout. They backed out of the room. Ardal followed close behind with Fiona held tight.
Firbin was the first to speak. “Is she alive?”
“Yes.” Ardal moved outside.
They needed to get away before the authorities arrived. The guard would be conscious soon. They reached the van within seconds and when Niail reached for Fiona, Ardal shook his head. He would not relinquish his hold. She was his pair bond and would remain in his arms. They scrambled into the vehicle.
Firbin spun the van around and sped away from the warehouse. They passed their weapons back to Niail who began to disassemble and hide them in the rear. Within minutes they were on the highway. Fiona groaned and Ardal tightened his grip on her.
He tried to mind connect, but there was only confusion and darkness. He sent her thoughts of healing and love. It was all he could do until they could get the medical attention she needed.
“Where?” Firbin’s voice was taut. They were still in military mode.
“The border is out.” Catal pulled a map from his pocket. “We have a safe house about an hour west.”
“Fiona needs a doctor.” Ardal kept his voice low.
“Too risky.” Catal turned to look at him. “The safe house has all the supplies we need.”
Ardal looked down at Fiona. She could have been sleeping; her body relaxed in his arms, her breathing steady, but shallow, her heart beat slow, but strong. The man in him wanted to get her help. The leader knew the escape and safety of everyone was his main concern. The quicker that was accomplished, the safer Fiona would be. He nodded to Catal.
“Do it.”
Catal grunted and then leaned toward Firbin to give directions.
At that moment Fiona groaned.
Ardal’s breath caught in his throat as he willed her to waken. Her eyelids fluttered and then opened. His hand shook as he brushed a few strands of hair away from her face. She stared up at him and then smiled.
“I knew you’d come.” She yawned and then snuggled closer. “He gave me a shot of something. I’m sleepy.”
“You are safe.” Ardal’s voice was a hoarse whisper.
“Don’t let me go.” Fiona’s eyes fluttered shut, but her last words were audible for all to hear. “I love you.”
Ardal sucked in his breath and pulled her close. His heart constricted as he thought of what might have happened if he had been too late. The grizzly scene of David’s warehouse flashed through his mind. He was a warrior used to dealing with death and blood, but he could not have borne the anguish if something had happened to Fiona.
Never again would he leave her in danger.
“We need to contact Fiona’s sister to let her know she’s safe.” Ardal looked up at Catal. “Can we do it without being found?”
Catal nodded. “I will take care of it.”
It took less than an hour to arrive at the safe house. It was located a few miles from a small village. The house was made of brick and painted wood. It was old, lacking the pristine newness of the massive subdivisions that they had passed along the way. It sat on a hill and was surrounded by fields on all sides. To the north was a small woodlot. No one could approach without being seen. It was perfect.
Catal directed Firbin to park the vehicle in a small outbuilding and then led the way to the house. Inside it had an open kitchen and living area, but with the push of a button, a section of kitchen cupboards slid open to reveal a hidden room that was filled with weapons, computers, and communication equipment. Niail stowed the bag of weapons from the van on the floor.
Ardal placed Fiona on the couch. “Get the medical equipment.”
Catal pulled a large black chest from the hidden room and rolled it to him. “Let me.”
With skilled hands, he took Fiona’s vitals and then began to inspect her from head to toe. Ardal’s fists tightened as he watched Catal begin his examination. He forced his resentment of another man touching her and moved aside. It was obvious Catal was a trained medic. Fiona was in good hands. Now he needed to focus on the safety of his men.
“Have we heard from the others?” He moved to the entrance of the hidden room. Niail was pulling other weapons from the wall and putting them in another carry bag.
“The radio cannot be trusted.” Niail looked up from the bag. “It is best they hear from you.”
Ardal nodded and took a deep breath. He relaxed his body and sent his thoughts to his men. Within seconds he had replies. Everyone had been successful in their mission, except him. Then he connected with Lorcan and advised him of their situation.
“Everyone is safe.” Ardal walked into the living room. “How is Fiona?”
“She’s stable.” Catal was packing away his equipment. “She needs to sleep off whatever drug she was given. There’s a bedroom upstairs. It would be best for her to rest there.”
Ardal shook his head. “She stays near me.”
Catal grunted. “Understood.”
“Lorcan has shut down the other site. He should be here within the hour.” Ardal rubbed the back of his neck. “We will make new plans then.”
Firbin was standing guard at the door. “Are the others safe?”
“Yes. They have not encountered any resistance.”
Niail came out of the equipment room. “How can a monster like that be allowed to live on this planet?”
“Fiona complained to the police and they refused to help.” Firbin put his hands on his hips. “This would not be allowed on Cygnus.”
Catal cleared his throat. “Here, a judge or jury determine if a person is guilty. The police need proof. Sometimes there isn’t enough evidence, or there are points of law that aren’t followed correctly, and a guilty person goes free.
“There is no honor or reason then?” Ardal’s voice did not hide his shock.
Catal shook his head. “There’s only the law. Many businesses and people are able to exist outside the law.”
What kind of planet had they crashed onto?
They were hunted and treated no better than animals. Women were given no reverence and their orders were not obeyed. Violence seemed to be at the core of the individual’s existence, not just warriors’ lives. Honor was disregarded, and now this.
To knowingly let an injustice be committed and not right it was too much for a Hunter. His duty was to uphold the Sacred Code and that meant taking action against those who broke them.
“There is good.” Fiona’s words broke into the silence. “Many humans choose love over hate.”
Ardal’s heart filled with joy at the sound of her voice. He moved to her side. She was struggling to sit up and he put his arm around her back. When she was straight, she leaned her head against the couch.
“You are awake.” He pushed back a strand of hair and let his fingers linger on her cheek, savoring the tingle of awareness and the flare of heat that was reflected in her eyes.
“I’m alive, thanks to you.” Fiona’s gaze encompassed all the men. “I am grateful that you came for me.”
Ardal put his arms around Fiona and pulled her close. “No woman should have to see such a travesty, much less exper
ience it.”
Niail grunted. “Your planet allows some strange practices.”
“It’s not allowed, but unfortunately the police can only do so much. Serial killers like David can escape capture for many years. Even I didn’t fully realize what a monster he was.”
“And the killing lasts as long as they are free.” Catal’s lips thinned with disapproval.
“This is not like Cygnus where such a man would have been weeded out when he was young and killed.” Firbin’s voice was hard.
“Killed before he had done anything?” Fiona shivered. “What if he never acted out his fantasies?”
“Society must be protected at all costs.” Ardal leaned his chin on Fiona’s head. “It is not perfect, but at least no one has to suffer as did David’s victims.”
“There has to be a better way.” Fiona twisted around in Ardal’s arms and looked up at him. “Even though I hate to think of one life being put at risk, it’s better than killing someone who might never do wrong.”
“Your planet does not have the capability of seeing the evil in a person’s genes. Cygnus has done this for millennium.”
“True.” Fiona heaved a sigh. “The best we can do is to stop it once it’s begun.”
Firbin frowned. “Like we did with David?”
“Even that doesn’t ensure people are safe.” Catal turned away with a shake of his head. “This planet has shown us only evil.”
“Fiona showed us kindness.” Niail spoke in a clear voice. “She took care of our sick, hid us, and helped us to escape. All this she did at great peril to herself.”
“True.” Firbin nodded. “She risked much to help us.”
Catal cleared his throat. “There are few humans like Fiona.”
“But you have known some?” Ardal raised an eyebrow. “Lorcan thinks there are no redemptive qualities on this planet.”
“Lorcan has lost much.” Catal eyes skittered away from Ardal’s intense stare. “I now see that he has allowed that to cloud his perception and his command.”
Before Ardal could continue his questioning, the distinct sound of a vehicle approaching sent the men running for weapons. Catal switched the lights off and took guard at one of the windows. Niail and Firbin stood on either side of the entryway, assault rifles readied to shoot.
Ardal planted himself in front of Fiona and braced for battle.
Chapter 22
They heard the slam of two doors and footsteps.
Fiona tried to get up, but her legs refused to move. Whatever drug David had given her was still in her system. She leaned back against the couch and swallowed her fear. Ardal would protect her.
The door swung open.
No one entered.
Seconds passed and then Catal moved from the window. “It is Lorcan.”
Three newcomers entered the building. Lorcan was followed by Gur and Turlo. Fiona released the breath she’d been holding. Her insides were shaky and she was exhausted. She was too tired to deal with the constant stress of the past few days. She lay her head on the couch arm and shut her eyes.
The noise of the men greeting each other washed over her, but she was past caring. She felt Ardal’s lips brush her head and then she let the world fade away. Sleep was a relief.
When she awoke, it was still dark.
Strong arms held her. Peace and love filled her. She stretched her legs and realized that she wasn’t on the couch, but in a large bed. Ardal must have carried her up after the others arrived. A nightlight illuminated the small room. It was cosy and warm and most importantly, they were alone.
She twisted her head and looked up at him. Her breath caught in her throat. He was gazing at her with an intensity that she’d never seen before. His eyes, usually devoid of emotion, were brimming with love. Gone was the cold, decisive leader. In his place was a man.
A man who offered love and devotion.
Her experience with love was limited. David had dominated and tried to possess her, but he’d never loved her. Ardal was offering something she’d never had before. She was tired of running. He was her rock; her refuge. She never wanted to leave his side again. The past faded. It no longer held the power to destroy her.
Fiona saw her future in Ardal’s eyes.
She liked what she saw.
“I have never asked this before.” Ardal tightened his clasp on her. “Forgive me if I say the words wrong. Has your fear lessened enough for you to be with me?”
Fiona nodded. She was afraid her voice would crack if she said anything. Instead she leaned up and brushed her lips across his mouth.
“Yes.” Her word a sigh as her lips touched his again.
Ardal gathered her into his arms and deepened the kiss. His tongue was insistent until she opened for him. He tantalized and caressed until she moaned with enjoyment. That was all the encouragement he need. He held the back of her head close to him and delved deeper, enticing her to follow. Time ceased as together they explored and teased until they were both panting for breath.
“Will you be my mate?” Ardal’s voice was husky with passion. “You will be the only woman in my life and I vow to protect you always. My life is yours to command.”
The solemnity and beauty of his words pierced her heart. Tears filled her eyes. She blinked them away and gave him a tremulous smile. “Yes.”
“I will defend and honor you. I vow to bring you pleasure and happiness.” Ardal stroked a finger down her cheek. “You will always be in my heart.”
“I love you.” A wave of joy encompassed her.
A whispered my one true mate touched her thoughts and then scattered. She thought she’d imagined it, until she realized Ardal was connecting to her on a higher level. His thoughts were making love just as his body moved with her. She shivered with excitement, pulsating with the thrill of his efforts.
Fiona answered him with thoughts. ‘I want to make love.’
His reaction was immediate. He groaned and crushed her to him. His lips devoured her mouth and she answered with equal hunger. Passion was a living breathing entity between them and it burned out of control. His body half covered her as he strove to meld them together.
His lips moved lower, trailing searing kisses along her jaw and neck until he reached the button of her shirt. Her body was screaming for more and yet he hesitated and looked up at her.
“Is this what you want?”
She nodded.
Words were beyond her.
His hand moved to the buttons of her shirt and undid the first and then the second. Each one was unclasped in agonizing slow motion until her shirt was open. She shrugged it off and groaned with pleasure as Ardal’s fingers caressed her skin, trailing fire along the way. He explored her collar bone and rested a finger on the pulse at the base of her neck. A slight smile tilted his lips.
“You are so beautiful and alive.” A shadow crossed his eyes. “I do not think I could have lived if he had killed you.”
“Shush. We’ve been given a second chance and I’m not going to waste it.”
Fiona slid her hands beneath his tee shirt, inching her fingers up taut muscles and hair roughened skin. He felt delicious. When he shivered, her body answered with a surge of triumph.
Her touch thrilled him.
Her exploration grew bold and she gripped the lower edge of his shirt and pulled it over his head. His chest was exposed in all its glory. Firm abdomen muscles and large well-developed pecs quivered as she caressed every inch of him with first her fingers and then her lips.
Scars from injuries marred the perfection of his skin, as did a tattoo on his left upper arm. It had numerous hieroglyphic-type symbols running up and down in lines. Her fingers moved across the lines, which contained at least twenty symbols. There were ten lines in total.
“What are these?”
“My missions and campaigns.”
“So many?” Her eyes lifted to his, but there was no remembered pain there. Just acceptance of the life he’d been born to.
S
he looked at the symbols again and then moved closer so that her lips could caress them. They represented what had made him the man she loved. She would honor that. When she had finished, Ardal was stroking her jaw with his hands. He lifted her head so that he could kiss her lips again.
He built the fire gradually, letting his mouth and tongue move down to her neck in a torturous, deliberate progress. She ached for more. Ardal continued to ignite the flame within her until she twisted beneath him, her hips lifting to meet him, begging for a closer intimacy. He didn’t disappoint.
He unclipped her bra, brushed his fingers across her nipples sending shards of ecstasy racing across her body. She gasped at the throbbing pulse of yearning that seared deep within her womb.
“You like that?” Ardal’s voice was husky with passion.
“You know I do.” Fiona moaned as Ardal flicked his tongue over her nipple.
He nibbled and soothed until she burned with need and then he suckled, sending a jolt of excitement soaring through her. She hardly noticed when he smoothed her pants and undies off her body. His mouth left her breasts and began to explore her abdomen.
His lips roamed until he reached the apex of her thighs. He hesitated a second, inhaling deeply of her scent as if savoring it, before continuing his tasting. His tongue darted out and licked her inner core until she shuddered with pleasure.
He continued to build the hunger until she could stand it no longer. Her fingers moved down to his pants and fumbled trying to undo the fastening. It wouldn’t budge.
She stroked lower, feeling the rigid evidence of his arousal. Taking the palm of her hand she rubbed down its length. Ardal jerked away, his muscles trembling with tension.
“Two can play this game.” Fiona purred with satisfaction. “Take your pants off. I want to see and feel you.”
“Lovemaking is for the woman’s enjoyment.”
“It’s for both of us.” Fiona gazed at him, willing him to understand. “You have to trust me.”
aHunter4Rescue (aHunter4Hire) Page 19
