“The Star People sent them?” Jake rolled his eyes. “That makes them aliens. They may be larger than most men, but they look human.”
“I agree.”
Silence followed Eluwilussit’s announcement.
Kimi was the first to speak. “What are you suggesting?”
“There are many legends surrounding the Star People. All I know for certain is that they wear the symbols given to us. These men must have some connection with the people who visited earth from the stars.”
“That may be why we were sent to this planet to be executed.” Niail frowned. “It might also explain why Gur and Turlo were stranded here as children.”
“So there is a connection between Cygnus and Earth?” Partlan’s voice held doubt. “Why have we not heard of this before?”
Malac leaned back against the counter. “There is no mention of Earth in our histories. We know that we were not from Cygnus originally. The Ancients brought us from an inferior planet. We were bred and genetically modified to be elite warriors.”
“So it’s possible that inferior planet was Earth?” Jake laughed. “That’s just a bit farfetched.”
Niail sensed Kimi’s fear. He sent her soothing thoughts.
“They may look human, but they have powers we don’t.” Kimi’s voice shook. “The government would capture them if they knew this. No one can know about Niail or the others.”
“It’s too dangerous.” Ann agreed. “I won’t say a word. You guys saved my life.”
“I’m not going to tell anyone. That will just ruin the story I told my bosses about last night.” Jake snapped. “I’m not a fool.”
Kimi exhaled. “Thank you. We have to make certain that this stays among us. Otherwise they will never be safe.”
“What about a secret identity. All superheroes have one.” Wil looked up from the picture he had been coloring. “Niail could be a football player.”
Niail frowned. “What is football?”
“It’s a sport.” Kimi shook her head. “We have to choose something you know about.”
“We know battle” Gur and Turlo spoke together.
“I know machines.” Partlan added this.
“I know our history.” Malac’s voice was almost apologetic.
“I know medicine.” Ranon smiled. “Our leader Ardal knows strategy, and Niail is the best marksman in the unit.”
“So you guys could start and finish a war.” Jake rolled his eyes. “That’s not much of a cover.”
“We could say they’re ex-military, former members of your unit, Jake.” Kimi bit her lip. “That way they wouldn’t be noticed when they visit. Maybe we could add that they are running a private security firm now.”
Jake shrugged. “It might work. These guys are noticeable where ever they go, but I doubt many on the reservation will question them once they know they’re connected to our family.”
“We already have a business; aHunter4Hire.” Partlan crossed his arms. “We search for what is missing, and right what is wrong.”
“Sounds like a security firm to me.” Jake’s voice was nonchalant. “No need to go into particulars, or what you call yourselves. While you’re here, you’re just ordinary citizens running a private enterprise.”
“This will keep us safe?” Niail’s voice was doubtful. Hiding had been the only choice since they had crashed on Earth.
“It’s a reasonable story. People won’t dig too deeply.” Jake stood, lifting Peta onto the chair he had just vacated. “It’s time I headed back to the office. I have a very lengthy report to write. It seems the paperwork goes up exponentially as the number of bodies increase.”
Jake gave Kimi a quick kiss and ruffled Wil’s hair. “Ann could you give me a lift into town. I’ll use one of the official cars until mine is fixed.”
“No problem.” Ann and Jake left together.
Eluwilussit cleared his throat. “I have two vehicles that need tires at my sweat lodge. Perhaps you fellows could help fix them?”
“We will drive our vehicle and follow you to get the tires.” Partlan motioned to the others. “Once the tires are replaced we will return the vehicles.”
“I would appreciate that.” Kimi smiled at Partlan. “I’m loss without my truck.”
Niail started to move with the other Hunters, but Partlan shook his head. “You are to stay here so that you can rest and heal.”
“I can help.”
“You are to follow your orders.” Partlan held the door open for Eluwilussit. ‘Ardal wants you with your mate. There is another assignment in California. If your help is needed we will contact you.’
Niail grinned. He had heard Partlan clearly. He was connected again. He was one with his fellow Hunters, no longer alone.
When everyone had left Kimi turned to him. “Will you truly be safe?”
Niail hugged her close. “No one knows about our involvement with the shooting. Jake has made everything look as if it was something that he orchestrated.”
“So there will be no questions?”
“None.” Niail looked down into her eyes. “My concern is for Wil and Peta. That was a horrible ordeal for them.”
Peta looked up from her drawing. “Wil and I knew that you would save us. That’s what Hunters do.”
Niail released Kimi and pulled a chair up between the kids.
“You were not afraid?”
Wil shook his head. “Not once you were there. We did what you told us and hid our heads. It was a bumpy ride. I don’t think Mom is used to driving on the gravel roads.”
“Grandfather says that we were protected.” Peta picked up a blue crayon.
“We have strong medicine around us.” Wil grinned at Niail. “That’s why that mean man couldn’t hurt us.”
Niail looked up at Kimi. He had wanted the children to be spared the violence and fear that surrounded their kidnapping. Their trust in him had kept them safe. Time would tell if they had any lasting effects. He knew Kimi would be alert for that.
“Are you going to live with us now?”
“Would you like that?”
Both Wil and Peta nodded.
“It’s cool having a superhero for a friend.”
Kimi sat at the table and took both of the children’s hands in hers. “What about having one for a father?”
Wil looked at Niail. “Are you going to marry Mom?”
“If your mother wishes, yes.” Niail’s eyes never left Kimi as he spoke. “I have bonded with your mother. There will never be any other woman for me.”
“Does that include us?” Peta’s hands were clasped together on the table.
Niail put his hand over hers. “We do not have children. It would be an honor if you would let me be a father to you.”
“Why can’t you have kids?” Wil tilted his head at him.
“Hunters are not allowed to have families. Where I come from children are not born. They are created in birthing chambers.”
“Sounds icky.” Wil wrinkled his nose. “I think it’s easier if we become your children.”
“So do I.” Peta’s voice was fierce. “What can we tell our friends?”
“That your Mom has fallen in love and is getting married.” Kimi reached over to join hands with Niail. “They don’t need to know anything else.”
“Okay.” Peta pushed her drawing away. “Can we go outside now?”
Kimi nodded. “Don’t go far.”
Wil and Peta raced for the door. The door banged shut behind them. All that existed was Kimi now. Her love and care had saved his life. Her trust, made him strong. She had given him more than he had dreamt possible. She was his mate, and her children, his family.
He was drowning in her. He remembered the first time he had stared into her beautiful, brown eyes. He had thought he had lost everything, but it had been his salvation. He was a Hunter and Kimi was his mate. As long as she was by his side, he would always know who he was and where he belonged.
Author’s Note
I ha
ve lived and taught on Reserve, and have a deep respect for Native Americans, their traditions and teachings. There are many legends among various North American tribes concerning people or beings from the stars. These legends include abductions, visitations, and ancestors who were extraterrestrials.
The symbols mentioned in the novel refer to the twenty-two universal and spiritual laws which are said to be observed by Star People throughout the universe.
You can find more information about the symbols at: http://www.v-j-enterprises.com/sksymbs.html
Thank you for purchasing my book. I hope you enjoyed reading about the Hunters.
About the Author
Cynthia spent most of her childhood with her nose in a book. She began writing stories in her teens, but it wasn’t until her forties that she took her writing seriously. Cynthia has an eclectic range of interests that includes reading, ghost hunting, exploring paranormal phenomena, history, quilting, gardening, and great conversation. She has a BSc in Biology, a BA in anthropology, and recently graduated from nursing. Cynthia enjoys writing the type of books she reads.
She writes romances where time and space meet love and honor. She lives in Northern Ontario with her husband of thirty years, her teenage son, and their two dachshunds.
Please visit Cynthia’s website at: www.cynthiaclement.com
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