aHunter4Saken (aHunter4Hire)

by Cynthia Clement

  The bruises on his body had healed since the previous day, and except for the bandage on his side from the bullet wound, he looked unmarked. It was a miracle that he mended so quickly, but everything about this man was amazing.

  The fact that he desired her was incredible.

  She shrugged her blouse off. His hands hovered over her silk bra. Instead of removing it, he moved down to her jeans and unzipped them. She raised her hips and let him peal the material off.

  She reached for his pants and undid the button at the waistband. He grabbed her hands and held them away from him.

  “I need to enjoy you first.” His voice was hoarse.

  “I can’t wait long.”

  Niail grinned. “I will remember.”

  He knelt on the bed. She scooted over to make room for him. He stretched out beside her and his fingers feathered across her neck and then down to her breasts.

  “How do you remove this?”

  Kimi guided his fingers to the front clip of her bra. He fumbled at the clasp for a second and then it opened. Cool air brushed against her heated skin to be quickly replaced by the touch of Niail’s mouth.

  His lips caressed and nibbled their way from her neck to her chest. He traced a path around the one breast, moving in a circular motion closer and closer to the nipple. Tension built. She moaned as a ripple of exquisite pleasure touched her inner core.

  His tongue darted out and flicked the tip of her nipple. A jolt of piercing delight curled within her. Her back arched off the bed, but his hand soothed her. He left that breast and began the same journey with the other. Her breathing was ragged when he had finished.

  His lips moved to her stomach. She was barely aware when his fingers skimmed her panties off her hips. His hands glided down her side as his mouth moved to her inner core. Kimi tried to stop him, but he pushed her protests aside.

  His tongue licked and suckled until she was on the screaming edge of climax. Only then did Niail relent and let his lips graze her inner thighs, roaming down her legs and then back to the juncture at her hips to tease and stimulate again.

  The tension built until she was on the verge of shattering. Niail held her safe as she splintered with spasms of ecstasy.

  He moved up the bed and gathered her in his arms. She floated back to earth to find him nuzzling her neck. Never had she experienced such a dizzying release. Her body still shook from the aftermath of it.

  “Did I please you?”

  “Any better and I would be dead.” Kimi sighed and turned to face Niail. “Now it’s my turn.”

  Niail frowned. “You are ready again?”

  “More than ready.” She pushed Niail onto his back and got up on her knees. She reached for the waistband of his jeans. “I get to enjoy you.”

  She pulled his jeans off with one smooth yank. She disposed of his underwear in the same fashion. She sat back on her feet and let her eyes devour him.

  Every inch of him was firm and large.

  Her hand slid down his chest. She hesitated before moving lower, letting a finger glide down the long length of his manhood. A shiver of desire jolted through and settled within her womb. She took a shaky breath. She would savor every moment of loving this man.

  She eased up the bed and nibbled at his lips. He gathered her close in his arms. She slid her tongue against his, laving and rubbing until her body tingled and sizzled. She left his mouth and let her lips roam lower. She nipped his chin and rubbed her cheek against the stubble there. She sighed as the friction sent a shiver of pleasure through her.

  Loving Niail was all that existed.

  She could become addicted to the feel of him beneath her hands. She sat back and kneaded his chest, letting her fingers circle his nipples and then pinch them. A jolt rippled through his body and he groaned.

  She was enthralled.

  There was nothing she wouldn’t do to bring this man pleasure. Her lips followed her fingers. She caressed and nipped his firm chest, feathering her tongue across his scars and bruises. The world faded, leaving only the taste and feel of Niail.

  Her lips moved down his chest and lingered on his firm abdomen. Her tongue swirled and licked until her body was weeping with moist heat. Loving Niail was exciting her to a fever pitch.

  Her tongue slid down the long length of Niail’s manhood. He jumped and tried to push her away, but she held firm. She tasted him before taking him into her mouth. His body shook and tensed with her ministrations.

  She wanted more.

  She needed to feel him inside of her.

  Releasing him, she sat up and then straddled his hips. With shaking fingers she guided him. He held her hips, his eyes never leaving hers as she eased herself down onto him. She shivered with the thrill of him stretching her completely. Then he thrust up into her and she was lost.

  Niail plunged deep.

  It was exquisite.

  He withdrew and repeated the movement. Kimi matched his rhythm until the only thing that existed was the spiral of ecstasy that was building within them. Their gazes were locked as they strove to reach the pinnacle together, plummeting over the edge in a rapture that left Kimi’s whole body throbbing with bliss.

  She collapsed onto Niail. His arms pulled her close. She shuddered at the enormity of what had happened between them. She started to shiver and Niail threw a cover over them. Tears filled her eyes and trickled down her cheek. The truth was now clear to her.

  She couldn’t live without Niail.

  It didn’t matter that he wasn’t Blackfeet, or that he wasn’t human. The only thing that mattered was that she needed to be with him always.

  “Sleep.” Niail’s voice was a whisper, his breath a soft caress against her cheeks. “I will be here when you awake.”

  Kimi looked up. Her eyes scanned his beloved face and then met his gaze. “I love you.”

  “You are the only woman I will ever desire.” Niail kissed her forehead. “There could never be another.”

  “I need to feel you close.”

  “Our bond strengthens.” Niail’s fingers framed her face. “That is how I know you need to rest.”

  Kimi yawned and then dropped her head onto his chest. He was right. They had been traveling non-stop all day and that didn’t include the emotional upheaval of fighting for their lives. A few minutes in his arms and she knew that the world would right itself.

  She didn’t know how long she slept, but she knew what woke her. It was the pounding on her door and Ann’s voice yelling.

  “Kimi, you need to open the door. Wil and Peta have been kidnapped.”

  Niail jumped from the bed and pulled on his jeans and tee-shirt. Kimi was slower to move. Ann’s words echoed through her head. She couldn’t make sense of them. Why would anyone want to hurt the children?

  She had just sat up when Niail handed her clothes over. Her hands shook so he laid them on the bed. She pulled on her pants, but her fingers fumbled over the buttons of her blouse.

  “What if something happens to them?” Her voice trembled.

  “I will protect them. I will do whatever it takes.”

  Niail buttoned the blouse and then helped her stand. He kept his arm around her shoulders and led her out of the room. When she was safe in a kitchen chair he went to the door.

  Kimi struggled for breath. Her brain refused to grasp what Ann had said. She couldn’t make sense of Ann’s words. Everything seemed to be happening outside her body as she watched Niail unlocked the door. Ann pushed past him and stopped beside Kimi.

  “Men came to my house and took the kids.” Her voice was breathless. She pulled out a chair and sat. “We have to call the police.”

  “No.” Niail closed the door. “Did they say what they wanted?”

  Ann shook her head. “It made no sense.”

  “Tell me.”

  “They barged into the house and went straight to where the kids were sleeping.” Ann’s voice shook.

  The words swirled in Kimi’s head. Her pulse sped and every muscle in
her body tensed as a surge of anger boiled inside of her. Her children were gone. Her babies were in the hands of monsters.

  “Stop.” Her voice shook as she looked at Ann. “How could you let them take them?”

  “I tried to prevent them, but they were too big for me.”

  “I trusted you with them.” Kimi grabbed Ann’s arm and shook it. “It was the only thing I asked. Keep the children safe.”

  “There were five of them and they had guns. Two held me back while the others grabbed the kids from their beds.” Ann started to sob. “I’m sorry Kimi. I wish they had taken me instead.”

  Niail crouched down beside her. “Ann is not to blame. I am.”

  Kimi shook her head. What was he saying? “You were here.”

  “I failed to protect them.” Niail eased her hand off Ann’s arm. “Your friend has bruises and cuts to her face and arms. She fought to keep the children safe.”

  Kimi frowned. For the first time she looked at Ann’s appearance. Her blouse was ripped at one arm and the collar was torn off. Her right cheek had a large red mark across it and her lip was bleeding. She inhaled a deep breath and forced back her anger and pain.

  Kimi touched Ann’s arm. “I know you did everything you could.”

  “It just didn’t make sense what they wanted.” Ann pulled a tissue from her pant pocket. “They said I had to bring them the hunter.”

  The horror of what had happened settled like lead in her stomach. Kowal’s men had taken the children.

  Chapter 19

  Kimi gasped. She shook her head and turned to look at Niail. A wave of despair hit him so hard that he almost took a step back. Her feelings were his.

  Niail pushed all emotion away. He needed a clear head if he was going to save the children. And save them he would. There was nothing he would not do for Kimi. Death would be a small price to pay to keep her and the children safe.

  His heart pounded hard against his chest. A surge of adrenaline raced through his body as everything in him prepared for battle. His breeding and training took over. He was all Hunter.

  He reached over and squeezed her shoulder. “I will gladly give them what they want.”

  Kimi’s voice was choked with tears. “They’ll kill you.”

  “They will try.” Niail took her hands in his. “I promised to keep you safe and I will.”

  “By sacrificing yourself?” Kimi choked back a sob. “That’s not what I want.”

  “It is necessary.” Niail bent and kissed her hands.

  “I don’t understand what’s going on here.” Ann’s voice was full of confusion. “Who is the hunter?”

  “I am a Hunter.” Niail stood up. “It is me they want.”

  “How do you know?” Ann frowned. “Most men in this area hunt.”

  “He’s not that kind of hunter.” Kimi sighed. “It was Kowal’s men who took Wil and Peta. They know that I’ve been taking care of Niail.”

  “You mean the guy who owns the furniture store?” Ann rubbed the side of her head. “Why would he want a hunter so desperately that he would kidnap two children?”

  “He knows I will exchange myself for them.”

  Niail went to one of the sideboard drawers and opened it. He pulled out two handguns from the stash he had left earlier. He popped out the cartridges in both, checked the number of bullets. He put one of the guns into back of his jean’s waistband. He kept the other gun in his hand.

  “It is what a Hunter would do.” He went to the door.

  “That’s the first I’ve heard that about hunters.” Ann stood and helped Kimi to her feet. “Usually they only stick around long enough to butcher and divide the meat.”

  Niail reached for Kimi’s hand. Her silence worried him. Her fingers were cold and he rubbed them to give her some warmth. Her eyes stayed blank and she did not turn to him.

  “I am a warrior.”

  Ann took a deep breath. “I still think we should call the police.”

  “That would be dangerous.”

  “Not any riskier than you trading yourself for the kids.” Ann pulled her keys from her pocket. “We can take my car.”

  “Good.” Niail closed the door to the house. “Kimi’s truck is not here.”

  “Where are we to meet them?” Kimi’s voice trembled.

  “He wants to meet on the old Browning road, outside of town.” Ann unlocked the rear door.

  “He’s going to do the exchange on the reservation?” Kimi’s hand shook as she reached for the handle. “That’s awfully bold of him.”

  “Or smart.” Niail held the door while Kimi got in. “He probably thinks the police are now aware of his activities and are watching his warehouse.”

  Ann went to slide behind the driver’s seat, but Niail held his hands out for the keys. “It is safer if I drive there.”

  “It’s my car.” Ann’s voice was defensive.

  “Kimi needs your support.” Niail put the extra gun on the seat beside him. “Give me the directions and I will get us there.”

  “Men,” Ann muttered under her breath as she walked around to the front passenger seat. “Always think they’re the only ones who can handle anything.”

  Kimi touched Ann’s arm when she slid into the car. “Niail will keep us safe.”

  “The police are needed. We can’t go out there half-cocked with weapons. Someone could get hurt.”

  “People are already dead.” Kimi’s voice was low. “I don’t want Wil or Peta hurt. Niail will do what is necessary.”

  Ann glanced over at him. “How do you know? I thought he was dragged into your place half dead.”

  “We have been running from Kowal’s men since I left the kids at your house.”

  Niail started the engine. “I need to finish this business with Kowal. It is the only way Kimi and the children will ever be safe.”

  “I don’t like the sound of this.” Ann’s hand was on the door handle. “Maybe I should get out now?”

  “That’s up to you Ann.” Kimi sighed. “It might be safer if you stayed here.”

  “You’re scaring me.” Ann’s voice held a hint of horror. “What aren’t you telling me?”

  “Kowal will try to kill me.” Niail’s hand rested on the steering wheel. “That is why I must get the children to you before I exchange myself. It will give you a chance to escape.”

  “That’s absurd.”

  Ann’s words fell on silence. She looked back at Kimi and then over at Niail. In the faint light from the car’s dashboard Niail could make out the horror on her face.

  “Say something,” Ann begged.

  “Niail is speaking the truth.” Kimi wiped a hand over her face. “Our lives are in danger. It might be best for you to stay out of it.”

  “He’s already been to my house.” Ann’s voice had dropped to a whisper. “That means I’m not safe either.”

  Niail put the car in drive. “I will do my best to keep you protected.”

  “How?” Ann twisted around to face Kimi. “Does Jake know about this?”

  “Yes, but he is with Grandfather right now. He won’t be able to help.” Kimi’s voice sounded faint from the rear. “What are your plans Niail?”

  “I will get Wil and Peta to you before I hand myself over to Kowal.” He gave the spare gun back to Kimi. “Use this to protect yourselves. As soon as the kids are in the car you drive as fast as you can to the police.”

  “I’ll drive.” Ann’s voice boomed with decisiveness. “The kids will be upset. They’ll need you Kimi.”

  “What about you Niail?”

  “I will stay and kill Kowal.”

  “And his men will shoot you.” Kimi’s voice shook with unshed tears.

  “They will try, but many of them will be slain first.”

  Ann cleared her throat. “Are we talking a massacre here?”

  “This is about justice.” Niail clenched his jaw.

  Kimi leaned forward, her hand touching his shoulder. A shiver of awareness chased through him. To hav
e known paradise and then lose it was too painful to think about. He forced his thoughts back to the children. He would do everything in his power to stay alive, but if necessary he would die protecting his pair bond.

  “What about the others?”

  “I cannot connect with them.” Niail silently cursed his injury. “I will stand alone.”

  They drove in silence for several miles. The darkness of the evening was absolute. There were no street lights to illuminate their way. The low cloud cover only added to the suffocating feel of the night. The only light was from the headlights of the car as they drove toward their destination.

  “There it is.” Ann’s hand pointed to the right.

  Niail looked over. There was a clearing with an unearthly glow hovering over it. It looked as if the beams of several vehicles were illuminating an area. The light was bouncing off the clouds and creating a bigger circle of brightness. This was where he would make a stand against Kowal.

  The man deserved death.

  Honor demanded satisfaction.

  The only question was whether Niail would be able to survive the fight. He knew with a certainty that he would be able to live long enough to kill most of the men responsible for the kidnapping. He was not certain if he could kill them all.

  That meant that he would have to rely on his brother Hunters to do the deed once he was dead. In order to do this, Kimi had to escape with the children and contact Partlan. There was no other way.

  He slowed the vehicle down and leaned forward. His eyes scanned the road until he saw a dirt path off to the right. He turned and brought the car to a stop. He twisted around and looked at Kimi.

  “Once you have the children, I want you to drive away as fast as possible. Do not stop.”

  “You can’t expect me to leave you there alone?” Kimi’s shook her head.

  Niail turned to Ann. “Promise that you will drive away and not come back.”

  Ann looked back at Kimi and then nodded. “If that’s what you want.”

  “It is.”

  “What about you?” Kimi grabbed his shoulder. “I can’t leave you there.”

  “You need to contact Partlan.” Niail winced as the full force of Kimi’s distress filled him. “They will protect you.”