When they were finished, she gathered the plates together and placed them outside the entrance. She turned back to Eogan, who had arranged the cushions into a bed. He patted one and motioned to her.
“You need sleep.”
“Look who’s talking? You haven’t slept in days.”
“I will relax when I know you are safe.”
Hester knelt beside him. “I don’t want you injured.”
Her voice shook and tears pricked at her eyes. They had gone from one danger to another, and this proposal of using himself as bait, was by far the worse threat to his life. No one was tracking them now. There was nothing to prevent them from leaving and starting fresh somewhere else.
“We would never be free.” Eogan had read her thoughts once again. “I am a warrior. I must do what is right.”
Hester swallowed back her tears. “I’ve been alone my whole life, and I’d grown used to it. I never expected to find someone. All that changed with you.”
“It has been the same for me.” Eogan kept his voice low. “Hunters were forbidden to mate and our implants made certain that we never did. I never imagined I would know the joy of bonding with another.”
“So we’re the same.” Hester leaned her head on his chest. “I don’t want to lose that.”
“If I don’t stop the Albireons now, we’ll never live in peace.” Eogan’s voice was gruff. “We might blend in on this planet, but the Albireons will make certain that you are never able to see your parents or return to your job at the university.”
“My life would be pointless without you.” Hester’s voice was a whisper. “You are my other half. I never thought anything as intense as bonding was possible. I want to spend the rest of my life with you.”
Eogan’s eyes widened. “Are you telling me you will be my mate?”
Hester nodded.
“I dared not hope that you would desire me for a mate. We are bonded, but you have the right to choose another.” Eogan’s voice was hoarse. “It is an honor that you wish to be mated with me.”
She smiled. “I think you’re pretty terrific too. That’s why I don’t want you getting killed in this raid.”
“It is hard to kill a Hunter.”
“Promise?”
Eogan nodded and pulled her close. She could feel his breath on her cheek and her heart started to beat at a frantic pace. She sensed that he was going to kiss her, and she licked her dry lips. His eyes widened and then his head lowered to hers.
It was a soft, tentative brush of lips.
Heat rushed through her.
She leaned closer, straining every muscle in her body to be nearer to him. He wrapped his arms around her back and supported her as he deepened the kiss. Sparks of fire tingled everywhere. Eogan’s tongue slid against hers, gliding and tasting, as they lost themselves in each other.
Time ceased to matter and the world spun away. Her essence touched his as they sealed their bond. The rattle of their dishes being picked up outside, broke the spell. They parted. Hester opened her eyes to find Eogan staring down at her with a blazing intensity.
“That was my first kiss.” She inhaled a sharp breath. “I never knew it could be so beautiful.”
“You gave me a glimpse of paradise.” Eogan brushed her hair from her face. “Why has no man kissed you before?”
“Nobody ever wanted me.” Hester’s voice was matter of fact. Her memories of rejection and loneliness had disappeared with Eogan’s kiss. “I’m glad I waited. Anything else would have been a disappointment.”
“We are bonded physically, mentally, and spiritually. It is a connection that nothing can sever. I will always feel and hear you, no matter where you are.”
“That’s comforting. Will I be able to do the same?”
“In time.” Eogan sighed. “Understand, I am willing to fight because that is the only way you and I will be together.”
Hester nodded. “I trust you to stay safe.”
He stretched out on the make-shift bed and patted the cushion. “Let me hold you in sleep.”
She reached for the blanket and spread it out before she lay beside Eogan. He pulled her close and rested her head on his shoulder. Contentment and joy filled her. This was where she always wanted to be. Held in Eogan’s arms. Now they were to be mated and no one could ever separate them again. The thought of it added to her happiness.
“If we’re going to be mates does that mean we’re now engaged?”
“It means whatever you wish.” Eogan kissed the top of her head. “What is engaged?”
“When two people promise to marry and spend the rest of their lives together, they are engaged.”
“Then we are engaged.”
“I can’t believe it.” Hester yawned. “You do want to marry me?”
“Yes.”
She snuggled closer. Her eyes closed as Eogan’s arms tightened around her. He was right. She was exhausted. He knew so much more about her than she realized. With startling clarity, she recognized that she could sense just as much about Eogan. He was weary, yet he wouldn’t rest until he’d freed the planet from the Albireons’ clutches.
He’d spent too many years a prisoner and puppet for them. To stop them from destroying Earth was necessary for him. It was the only way he would heal from the mental scars their imprisonment had left on him. Her last thought before she drifted off to sleep was that in order for Eogan to be whole, she needed to let him help the H.R.F. That was the only way he would have peace.
She was alone when she woke.
Confusion filled her as she looked around the darkened cave-like room. The pillows beneath her were rumpled, and when she put her hand on the cushion beside her, it was cold. That meant Eogan had left some time ago. At least he’d gotten some rest.
She sat and stretched her arms in the air. She picked up her bag and stood. What if Eogan had gone on the mission without telling her? A flicker of fear and a sense of abandonment surged through her. Surely he wouldn’t have done that. Not after their discussion before she’d fallen asleep in his embrace.
She reached out to him with her mind. “Where are you?”
No answer came back.
Panic filled her.
At that moment, she heard footsteps rushing down the tunnel. They stopped outside of the curtain that was pulled over the door to their room. Someone cleared their throat and Hester opened the drape. Lena stood waiting. Hester eased the tension in her shoulders.
“Eogan requested that I bring you to him.”
She nodded and followed the woman back to the central area where they had first met Hank Davis. A large group of people were gathered around a map that was pinned up on one of the walls. When she entered, Eogan turned and smiled. He held his hand out to her, and she grabbed it.
Peace.
Contentment.
The world righted itself, and all it took was standing beside Eogan.
He hadn’t forgotten her. When she’d reached out to him with her mind, he’d heard and made certain she was taken care of. It was a novel experience to have someone concerned about her welfare. It was one she never thought she would have, and that made it all the more precious. She hugged her happiness close as she turned to the map on the wall.
It was Incirlik base.
Hank Davis was pointing to the first checkpoint. “This is where we’ll make our demands to see the person in charge.”
“We can’t guarantee they’ll let us in,” Simon said.
“Tell them you’ve captured me. That will get their attention.” Eogan’s voice was matter of fact. “We should all be arrested then.”
“What’s the plan if they only take you?” Hank asked.
Eogan shrugged. “Then I will defeat them on my own.”
“That’s crazy.” Hank punched a finger on the map. “We will force them take all of us. It’s too much to ask one man to fight a whole military base.”
“Tell them you’re going to go public about the Albireons. They’ll have no choice but t
o arrest all of you,” Hester said.
“She’s right,” Eogan agreed. “Once you threaten them, you are a risk.”
Eogan’s approval wrapped around her like a hug.
“Then we’ll do it.” Hank’s voice was decisive. “They can’t expect to control all of us.”
“If you show up at the gate with twenty people, they won’t let you in.” Captain Barton had been standing at the edge of the crowd. He walked up to the map. “It would be best if we could have one person go in, and then somehow free themselves so that they could let the rest of us into the base.”
Barton’s plan had merit.
“Maybe you should take it a step further. If you overtake the people at the guardhouse when you first arrive, then none of you will be held captive,” Hester suggested.
“We’ll storm the gate and continue to move through the base until we’ve taken the area where the subterranean levels are located.” Hank pursed his lips as he considered the strategy.
“Too risky.” Eogan frowned. “It would be better if you let them take me alone if necessary. When I reach the second gatehouse, I will break free. Have your people waiting near that location. I’ll destroy the fence so they can enter.”
“It’s messy,” Barton objected. “I say we do this at night. The darkness will help us. Two people should take Eogan into the Incirlik. I am the logical person. As far as they know I survived the ambush on the border and am just returning from my mission with a prisoner.”
“I need to be there.” Hank’s voice was decisive. “Once we are inside, the others should be able to cut the wire and enter the base.”
“It is not wise for you to go with me.” Eogan shook his head. “You are the commander and should be with the rest of your men to lead them in the assault. We will meet up with you at the hangar that hides the underground structure.”
“This is my group. I say what happens.”
Simon stepped forward. “We shouldn’t have our leadership all in one place. If something goes wrong, we need to know that the H.R.F. will survive. I will go with them.”
Hank took a few seconds to consider Simon’s option and then nodded. “Okay.”
“You’ll be there for the fighting,” Eogan assured. “Now, we need to plan the logistics of the attack. Barton, Simon, and I will go in when it’s dark. If they refuse to let anyone accompany me onto the base, then Simon and Barton will join the others.”
“What will you do if you’re alone?” Hank crossed his arms and frowned. “You can’t possibly overtake all those men.”
“I’ll attack once I’m in the hangar. I will not kill them because I may need information.” Eogan’s voice was unemotional. “We need to gain access to the secret weapons that are hidden on the base. This base is similar to Pine Gap, but the weapons may be in another location. I will need one of the soldiers to tell me the location.”
“This is the first time we’re hearing about needing special armaments.” Simon sounded wary. “Surely we have enough to attack?”
“The Albireons have regenerative abilities. They may survive a bullet. This is not a normal firearm, but a direct energy weapon.”
A shiver went through Hester at the cold determination she heard in Eogan’s voice.
“We need it to eradicate the Albireons.” Eogan’s voice was forceful.
Simon’s eyes narrowed. “I’ve never heard of it.”
“It’s a laser-induced plasma stream.” Eogan’s voice was matter of fact. “It will produce a high heat that will ensure that no Albireon is left alive.”
“Like an electro-laser?” Simon took a step back. “I thought those were still in the experimental stages.”
“There were rumors about specialized ordnances. Are you positive it exists?” Hank asked.
Eogan nodded. “Explosives would be better, but there is no time. We have to ensure there are no Albireons left alive at Incirlik.”
“Once you get the weapon, then what?” Hank had turned back to the map. “We’ll be coming in from the western side and can meet you in the hangar.”
“The area has to be secured without a battle.” Eogan pointed to the map. “This is restricted from the rest of the base. The regular personnel probably don’t know what happens here.”
“We’re in and out with as little disruption as possible.” Hank nodded. “Is it wise to leave witnesses?”
“We only want to kill the Albireons.” Eogan’s voice was stern. “We must minimize the number of humans killed.”
“So, this is a covert operation to engage the Albireons only.” Hank crossed his arms over his chest.
“No warnings must leave the area. We can’t risk fighting the men and weapons available to the whole base,” Captain Barton added. “When we have the guards under control, Simon you’ll be responsible for keeping the prisoners contained and silent.”
“Done.” Simon’s voice was firm.
“That will leave Barton and Eogan to overtake the rest,” Hank said.
“We’ll use the element of surprise.” Eogan turned away from the map. “We should be ready to go in an hour.”
The rest of the people scattered, leaving Hester alone with Eogan.
His face was set in stern lines and she sensed that he was preparing himself for the mission ahead. It wouldn’t be easy, but if anyone could do it, Eogan could.
“Will I be with you, or with the others waiting at the fence?” Hester was getting anxious about the coming battle. There was no way she was going to let Eogan go in there without her.
Eogan shook his head. “You are staying here with some of the women and younger recruits.”
“No.” She jutted out her chin. “Where you go, I go.”
“Not this time.” A muscle twitched in Eogan’s jaw. “I need to know that you are safe. The only way I can be certain, is for you to stay here.”
“You would never stay away if I were in danger.”
“True, but I am a warrior. I have been trained for this since birth.” Eogan’s voice softened. “You are my mate and there is nothing in the world I wouldn’t do to protect you, including die. If I know you are safe, then I can focus on the upcoming battle.”
“I want to be with you.” Hester wasn’t giving up this argument.
Eogan gathered her close. “If you insist, then I will honor your wishes because that is what I am trained to do. I desire that you stay here. Otherwise, I won’t be able to do my job.”
She hesitated. Eogan needed to concentrate on the battle ahead. If he found her presence a distraction, then that might make it more difficult for him to fight. She would never forgive herself if she were responsible for him being injured, or worse, killed. She knew nothing about weapons or fighting. The sensible thing was for her to remain here.
As much as it pained her to think of him facing so many enemies alone, she had to do what he asked.
She looked up at him. “I will stay.”
Chapter 20
Night had fallen and the rest of the team was in place.
Eogan took a deep breath and eased the tension from his neck. Battle was upon them. Hester was safe so he could focus on the task ahead. The base was well protected and yet he knew there were weaknesses in its security. Nothing was impenetrable. He would find the surveillance flaws as he moved through the battle. It was what a Hunter did best, strategize on the go.
Ardal’s men had not arrived.
He could wait no longer.
“We are going in.” He sent the mind connection to Ardal. “If your men arrive in time, they will find us at the northwest hangar.”
“Understood.”
Eogan broke the connection. He was capable of handling this battle on his own. Help from the other Hunters would be appreciated, but it wasn’t necessary to destroy the Albireons. The underground area was similar to Pine Gap and he was very familiar with it. Finding the enemy wouldn’t be a problem.
Barton was driving the truck they were traveling in. He still wore the uniform he’d bee
n in when Eogan had first met him two nights ago. He looked as if he’d survived a battle, which was part of the plan.
He glanced over at Eogan. “Ready?”
Eogan nodded. “It is time. The others should be in place.”
“Let’s do this.” Simon’s voice sounded determined.
Tonight was the beginning of the battle for Earth.
This was the first nest of Albireons to be hit, and Eogan was determined to rid this base of the extraterrestrials. Humans deserved the right to live without the threat of genetic harvesting and genocide. Barton shifted the truck into gear and headed for the first guardhouse.
There were two men in uniform waiting as they pulled up.
Barton handed over his credentials. “I have two prisoners.”
The guard looked at the papers and then up at Barton. “This says you have special clearance. Where are you going?”
“I report to General Carter.”
The guard’s eyebrows rose. “That’s a restricted zone.” He pointed to the area. “You will have to go through the second clearance gate to reach it.”
“Understood.” Barton took back his papers and waited for the gate to be lifted before driving through.
He exhaled a loud breath when they had driven beyond the gate. “Maybe we won’t have to overpower the second set of guards.”
“We need to ensure that no alarms are activated.” Eogan’s eyes narrowed. “I am surprised that they let you go through so easily.”
“General Carter was the only one who knew about the mission we were sent on.” Barton slowed as they reached the second gate. “I doubt anyone here would be aware that it was a deliberate ambush designed to kill all of us.”
“He thought that was easier than announcing you were a traitor?” Simon’s voice held doubt.
“You do not know Carter.” Eogan’s voice was dry. “The man is sadistic. Whatever causes the most pain, and the least paperwork, would be his preferred method.”
Barton snorted. “You must have worked with him for many years.”
“Ten.” Eogan forced back his revulsion. “The man has no honor.”
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