aHunter4Saken (aHunter4Hire)

by Cynthia Clement

  Niail wasn’t Sam though.

  Dare she trust him?

  With a shake of her head, she banged her spoon on the side of the pot. Thinking like this was getting her nowhere. Niail was leaving tomorrow. The only reason he had stayed today was because she had begged. Once he left, he would realize that there was no bond.

  “Supper’s ready.” Kimi left the stove and started to pull some plates from the cupboard. “Clean the table off.”

  For the rest of the evening Kimi couldn’t take her eyes or mind off Niail. He was larger than life and his presence filled her small house. When it was time to put the children to bed, Wil insisted that Niail tell him a story. Peta climbed up on Wil’s bed as eager as Wil to hear the story.

  “What kind of story do you want to hear?” Niail’s voice was uncertain.

  “How did you become a superhero?” Wil snuggled deeper into his covers.

  “I am a Hunter. I can only tell you about that.”

  “How did you come to earth?” Peta pulled a blanket around her shoulders. “Did you come on a spaceship?”

  Niail glanced over at Kimi. She was standing in the doorway and nodded. She wanted to hear how he ended up here also. As far as she knew there were no regular visits from aliens, at least none that the government admitted to.

  Niail cleared his throat. “We were sent to this planet to be executed.”

  Wil inhaled sharply. “They wanted to kill you?”

  “We were no longer needed.”

  “Why didn’t they just let you quit being a Hunter?” Peta was frowning. “You could have gotten a different job.”

  “We were bred to be warriors. There is no other job for us.”

  “Why don’t you tell us about your home planet?” Kimi thought that was a better place to begin than death. “I don’t want you two having nightmares tonight.”

  “Your mother is right. I come from a planet called Cygnus. There are many classes of people there, but those who rule are the Ancients.”

  “They’ve been there the longest?” Peta nodded. “Are they good or bad?”

  “They rule.” Niail pulled a chair close to the bed and sat. “Long ago when the universe was new, they existed. They traveled the stars and found many other planets and when they saw other creatures that showed potential, they asked them to join them. That is how Hunters began.”

  “You came from a different planet first?” Wil leaned closer to Niail. “Do you know where?”

  Niail shook his head. “It was so long ago that our origins have been clouded by time.”

  Kimi found herself fascinated by Niail’s story. She moved into the room and sat on a small desk chair. She put her elbows on her knees and rested her chin on her hands. Niail looked at her and smiled. A surge of joy raced up her spine.

  “I was raised on Beligia. It is a moon of a large planet close to Cygnus, where the Kaladin ruled. It is very similar to earth, but we only stayed until our training was finished.”

  “Where did you go then?” Peta’s eyes were wide with curiosity.

  “I was stationed on Cygnus at one of the Kaladin palaces. That was when I was assigned to Ardal’s unit.”

  “Who is Ardal?” Peta asked.

  “He is clan Rioge. They are leaders, skilled in all areas of combat and strategy. Ardal is the greatest of leaders because he chose to let us fight rather than die. That is how we came to be on earth.”

  “If you have a spaceship, why did you stay on earth?” Wil frowned.

  “We crashed on your planet.” Niail’s voice was heavy with sadness. “Many of our unit did not survive. We have no way back, so we have made earth our home now.”

  Wil yawned. “Do you have a job?

  “We help people who seek justice.” Niail stood. “That is enough for one night.”

  “Will you tell us another story?” Peta gathered the blanket around her shoulders and jumped off the bed.

  Niail looked at Kimi with a raised eyebrow.

  “We will have to wait and see,” Kimi answered. “Now it’s time for bed.”

  She shuffled Peta to her bedroom. Niail waited for her in the kitchen while she saw that both the children were tucked into bed. He was frowning and she sat in the chair beside him.

  “Do you miss Cygnus?”

  “No.” Niail shook his head. “Perhaps it was our destiny to find your planet. We have found that there are great injustices here and that many people require our services.”

  Kimi wasn’t sure she wanted to hear about the type of work that Niail did, but she had to ask. “When you said that you righted wrongs, how do you go about doing that?”

  “People contact us for help.” Niail cleared his throat. “When honor has been forgotten and the truth distorted, there is often only one solution.”

  “Death?” Kimi’s voice was a whisper. “How can violence be the answer?”

  “Evil does not allow any other choice.” Niail lowered his voice. “We cannot allow the Sacred Codes to be broken. When women and children are threatened and hurt, it is my duty to defend.”

  “How can you be sure your codes are right?”

  “Some laws are universal.”

  Kimi bit her lip. She knew that her grandfather considered the symbols and messages of the Star People to be universal. She couldn’t deny Niail’s logic. The Blackfeet believed that no one was born evil, and that truth and honesty were the basis of an honorable life.

  “What if a person repents?”

  “You want us to give them a second chance?” Niail’s voice held doubt. “It has not been my experience that people change.”

  “There is always hope.”

  “That is not realistic.” Niail shook his head. “If there is true grief for one’s actions, then we will allow them the time to restore their honor.”

  “So your code allows for forgiveness?”

  “When it is warranted.” Niail sighed. “Lack of knowledge and understanding are usually the only reasons to grant this.”

  Kimi smiled. “At least there is the possibility.”

  “This gives you peace.”

  She nodded. “I would hate to think you were incapable of mercy.”

  “I have seen too much violence, not to feel compassion.” Niail reached out and put his hand over hers. “A Hunter does not have time to reflect on his actions. We are forced to act and then move to our next mission.”

  “That must have changed since landing on Earth.”

  “No.” Niail squeezed her hand. “We are in constant demand.”

  Kimi’s stomach churned at the sadness in Niail’s voice. She knew there were problems in the world. She didn’t have to look further than her neighbors to know that people fought and hurt each other every day. To think that the services of a group of alien warriors were necessary was overwhelming.

  “Are we that horrible?”

  Niail shook his head. “No. I find humans to be one of the most understanding and loyal of all races.”

  “Then why is it necessary for you to continue killing?”

  “There will always be those who are greedy and uncaring of how they fulfill their wishes.”

  Kimi sighed. Niail was right. There was very little an ordinary person could do about corruption or greed. Most people were just trying to survive. Human nature and limited resources almost guaranteed that some would climb over others to get what they wanted.

  “I suppose it was perfect on Cygnus.”

  Niail leaned back in his chair. “If it had been perfect, there would have been no need of Hunters.”

  “How was it different?”

  “Women rule on Cygnus.”

  Kimi’s eyes widened. “What about men?”

  “They serve women.” Niail’s face was expressionless.

  “Seriously?” Kimi didn’t bother to hide her shock.

  “Women make all the decisions. Men do their bidding. Men still have jobs and careers, but everything is directed by women.”

  “Do they get married?�
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  Niail shook his head. “Women change their partners frequently. There are no permanent relationships.”

  “But they still have children.”

  “Children are born outside of women. They are reared in schools until they are old enough to take their position in society.”

  “That’s horrible.” Kimi didn’t hide her disgust. “It sounds so cold and unemotional.”

  “I do not believe they find it that way.” Niail held her gaze. “You can understand why a Hunter’s desire to bond would not suit the Kaladin, though.”

  “You don’t think all women are like them?”

  “Since I’ve been on earth, I realize that there are differences.” Niail’s voice was dry.

  “I’m sorry.” Kimi gave him a rueful smile. “That was a dumb question. It’s just so different.”

  Niail leaned toward her. His mouth softened into a smile. For a second she wondered if he were going to kiss her again. Her stomach fluttered in anticipation as she felt his breath against her cheek.

  She longed to taste him again.

  Desire flickered in his eyes.

  It was as if he could read her thoughts. Niail’s hands cradled her head as his thumbs caressed her cheeks. His gaze never left her face. He leaned closer and brushed his mouth against hers. She closed her eyes and surrendered to the sensations his touch aroused.

  His tongue stroked the crease of her lips until she opened for him and then he dove in. Swirls of pleasure skittered across her body as her tongue dueled with his. Passion built and time was lost, as they embraced in a world where only the two of them existed.

  His hands moved down her back and pulled her from her chair. He held her on his lap, his fingers feathering across her neck and down her chest. A jolt of need settled in her womb as he cupped her breast, letting his thumb stroke across her nipple. A thrill of exquisite pleasure throbbed through her.

  With a sob she pulled away. She was crazy to be doing this. What kind of mother would allow a stranger to make love to her while her children were sleeping nearby? Her chest heaved as she tried to catch her breath.

  “I shouldn’t have let that happen.” She leaned her forehead against his. “I’m not like those women from your planet. I don’t sleep around.”

  “We were not sleeping.” Niail’s voice was dry.

  She shook her head. “I’ve only ever been with one man, Sam.”

  “He is no longer with you.” Niail brushed her hair from her face. “Do you still desire him?”

  Kimi shook her head. “No, but I need to love the man I go to bed with. He needs to love me and my children.”

  “And you do not want that with me?” Niail sighed.

  “I don’t know what I feel for you.” Kimi put her hand on his chest. She could feel the rapid beat of his heart. He had been as affected by their kiss as her.

  “Everything is happening too fast for me.”

  “Bonding can be like that.”

  Kimi moved off Niail’s lap and stood. Her legs were shaky so she held onto the table. She didn’t know if her feelings were real or just a reaction to the nearness of Niail. Until she could sort things out she needed to keep her distance, though.

  “I think it’s best if we both go to bed. You’re still recovering and you need your rest.”

  Niail looked at her for several seconds before nodding his head. “I will not rush you.”

  Kimi smiled. “Thank you.”

  “I could never do anything that would bring you despair.” Niail stood. He brushed a finger across her lower lip. “I only want your happiness.”

  Without another word, he walked to his bedroom and shut the door. Kimi sagged against the table. She didn’t understand why he affected her so, but he did. Until she knew, she would have to keep her distance from Niail. The sooner he left to find his fellow Hunters, the better.

  Sleep was a long time coming for Kimi. She tossed and turned, going over every conversation she had had with Niail. Finally, exhaustion claimed her. The sound of Wil’s voice woke her.

  He sounded scared.

  It was probably a nightmare. She pulled her clothes on and left her room. The house was in darkness. Just as she entered Wil’s bedroom, the flash of headlights shone through her front windows. Who would be driving at such a late hour?

  “Another bad dream?” She went to Wil and brushed his hair away from his forehead.

  Wil nodded. “I want to sleep with you.”

  A car door slammed and then there was a knock at her side door.

  “Someone’s at the door.” Kimi pulled the blankets up around Wil’s chin. “When they leave, I’ll come in for you.”

  She went to the side door, but turned when she heard movement behind her. Wil was shuffling out of his bedroom and headed for Niail’s room. She was about to stop him when the banging on the door got louder.

  Chapter 7

  He awoke with a start. Kimi was talking to someone in the kitchen. He strained to listen, but he did not recognize the voice. Niail’s ears were trained to pick up the slightest of sounds. It was a man, but not Jake. His voice was a low murmur.

  He moved to sit up, but stopped when a hand touched his arm. “I don’t think it’s safe.”

  Niail turned and saw the outline of Wil in the darkened room.

  “Why?”

  “Mom has company.”

  Niail grunted. “Why aren’t you in bed?”

  “I had a nightmare and woke Mom up. There was a knock at the door so I came in here.”

  Niail eased his body into a sitting position. He had slept in his jeans, but his shirt was on the end of the bed. He picked it up and shrugged into it.

  “It’s cold in the chair.” Wil moved closer. “Can I get in with you?”

  Niail did not know how to answer. He had never had someone ask to share his space. Perhaps it was time he became comfortable with human customs. He moved over and patted the bed.

  “Sure.”

  “Thanks.” Wil gathered the covers around his shivering body. “Mom has been talking for quite a while.”

  “Who is it?”

  Wil shrugged. “I was in here. I didn’t see them.”

  “Where is your sister?”

  “She sleeps through anything.” Wil’s voice was scornful.

  Niail cursed silently. He should have heard the knock. In all of his years of training and battle, he had never slept so soundly that outside noises hadn’t woken him.

  He had never let his guard down before. The family might be in serious danger because of his mistake. He eased the covers away and moved to the edge of the bed.

  “You stay.”

  “Do you need help?” Wil’s voice sounded small.

  Niail stood. “I will make certain your mother is unharmed.”

  “Can I come with you?”

  “No.” He held up his hand. “Here you will be safe.”

  Wil shrugged his shoulders. In the dim light from the clock, Niail could tell he wasn’t happy with being left behind. It was for the best, though. If he had to kill someone, he did not want the boy to see it. He was too young to be exposed to violence.

  He had been the same age as Wil when he had shot his first weapon. That was different. He was a Hunter. He did not want the same life for Wil if there was a choice.

  He moved to the door.

  He cracked it open and looked out.

  There was a man dressed in faded denims and a dirty tee-shirt sitting at the table. He had dark hair which hung in two braids on either side of his head. His elbows rested on the kitchen table and he was leaning close to Kimi.

  Kimi was focused on the stranger’s words. They were speaking in whispers, so Niail tried to read their lips. He wasn’t as adept with reading English as he was in his own language, but a few words caught his attention.

  Billings.

  Danger.

  Drugs.

  Niail opened the door and stepped into the kitchen. Kimi looked up, her expression full of surprise. Th
e man gave him a huge grin and stood.

  “You’re out of bed.” He held out his hand for Niail to shake. “I’m Bobby. I thought you were a goner for sure when I picked you up last night.”

  “His healing is amazing.” Kimi pulled out a chair for Niail. “It’s almost miraculous.”

  Niail sat with a grunt, and turned to Bobby. “I owe you thanks.”

  “No problem.” Bobby waved aside Niail’s words. “I would do it for anyone. You really pissed someone off, though.”

  “Do you know who?”

  “My guess would be drug dealers. Do you have a beef with any gangs?”

  Niail tried to focus on the night of his accident. The fog in his head had been clearing, but no images of the night surfaced. Pain shot like a knife through his temple. He winced and then everything was blank. He shook his head.

  Bobby tapped the table. “They’re a problem in the area. We have a lot of tourism, and of course the casino. Rumour has it that we’re also a popular area for drug traffickers.”

  Niail’s eyes narrowed. “What kind of drugs?”

  “The bad junk.” Bobby leaned back in his chair. “I’m all for a bit of weed every now and then, but the hard stuff, like cocaine and heroin, really messes people up.”

  “Then why use it?” Niail frowned. They knew it could destroy their lives, yet they still bought it. He doubted he would ever understand humans.

  Bobby shrugged. “They get hooked.”

  “It’s illegal and yet they still get it.” Kimi shook her head. “Now the dealers are selling to young children.”

  “It should be stopped.”

  Niail crossed his arms over his chest. Humans seemed helpless to maintain the law on their planet. On Cygnus these men would not be allowed to live.

  Kimi heaved a sigh. “The police try. When one operation is shut down, another one starts up. It’s a battle they can’t win.”

  “Do you know who is in control?” Niail kept his voice neutral.

  “Miles Kowal.” Bobby held Niail’s gaze. “He owns furniture stores throughout the state. His head office and main warehouse are in Cut Banks. That’s where he opened his first store.”