aHunter4Gotten

by Cynthia A. Clement

  Eogan ended the kiss with an exhale. “You are driving me mad.”

  Hester grinned. “That’s the point of foreplay.”

  Eogan nipped her lower lip. “I can’t think with you so near. All I want is to pull you close and roam my hands and lips over your body.”

  Hester stroked a finger across his mouth. “Your every touch is exciting me. Don’t stop.”

  She pushed aside the covers and urged him closer.

  Eogan didn’t disappoint.

  The trace and feel of their bodies brushing against each other, skin to skin, sent her soaring. She licked her lips and tried to calm her breathing. Eogan’s eyes widened at her actions and for the first time in her life, she realized that she had power over a man.

  “Kiss me.” Her voice was husky with the command.

  Eogan groaned and gathered her close.

  “As you wish.”

  The world spun away, and the kiss seemed to go on forever. Eogan’s hunger became hers, as together they tasted and caressed each other with their tongues and fingers. Sensations skittered across her body and she shivered with the new world of delights that had been opened for her. Never in her wildest dreams had she imagined the pleasures that Eogan was showing her.

  Fevered.

  Electrifying.

  Thrilling.

  How had she existed this long without Eogan? She craved his touch. His hands were stirring her into a frenzied, ache of longing. Her body was reaching for something as yet undiscovered, and he was the only one who could quench her thirst.

  The kiss ended with both of them gasping for air. She tried to pull him back. Instead, his lips began to roam over her neck while his fingers stroked lower. She groaned as pleasure settled in her inner core. Moist heat filled her.

  Until this moment, she’d never been alive.

  She’d been sleepwalking through life until Eogan had awakened her.

  She arched her back and urged him to continue with his exploration. His lips roamed lower, brushing against her breasts. His tongue flicked across her nipple. A piercing dart of bliss shot through her. She moaned with the exquisite delight that filled her.

  Eogan lifted his head. “Did I hurt you?”

  “It’s wonderful.” She was breathless.

  Eogan grinned. “Is this what you’ve read about?”

  “Words can’t describe the ecstasy.”

  “Giving you pleasure is addictive.”

  “Then don’t stop.”

  His fingers followed his mouth, touching and teasing until she was mindless. A craving for something she didn’t understand took hold of her body. Eogan’s lips and tongue moved over her abdomen and his hand roamed down her leg. She was impatient for more.

  “Touch me lower.” Her voice was hoarse with need.

  “Show me.”

  Hester was beyond shyness. All thought was suspended as she floated on a cloud of feeling and sensation. She spread her legs and guided Eogan’s hand higher. He brushed against her inner thighs and then rubbed her sensitive inner core.

  Pleasure rippled through her body.

  Eogan captured her lips as his fingers continue to tease and stroke.

  Her heart raced.

  Her breathing stilled.

  She rode a sharp spiral of ecstasy as an intense shuddering climax shook her being. Shards of piercing bliss shot through her as the world exploded into rapture. Euphoria battled with joy.

  Eogan gathered her close as she descended the heights of heaven.

  She opened her eyes to see him staring down at her with concern. She gave a shaky smile and leaned up to kiss him. He’d given her such delight and still he was worried. Her love for him was overwhelming.

  “Thank you.”

  Eogan brushed her hair from her forehead. “It was as you wished?”

  “Indescribably more.” Hester cleared her throat. “You were right. Our bodies would know what to do.”

  Eogan kissed her nose. “We have all night. I can pleasure you again if you wish.”

  Hester’s heart skipped a beat.

  She pushed him onto his back.

  “There’s more.”

  She brushed her lips against his and then trailed her mouth down his chin and neck. Her hands roamed over his chest as she tasted and licked every inch of Eogan’s broad chest. It was intoxicating, and her body purred with delight. She moved lower.

  Her hand stroked down the long length of his hardened penis.

  He jerked in reaction.

  Hester nibbled his lip. “I need your help.”

  Chapter 25

  “Anything.”

  “You must promise that you won’t stop.”

  Eogan’s eyes narrowed. “I don’t understand.”

  “A woman’s first time is often painful.” Hester whispered.

  “I can’t cause you pain.”

  “It is only at the beginning.” Hester kissed him. “After that, it will be pleasurable.”

  “You are certain?”

  “Trust our bodies.” Hester leaned back against the pillows. “Just continue doing what you did before and everything will work out as it should.”

  “I trust you.” Eogan’s voice reverberated in her thoughts.

  No more words were necessary as Eogan kissed and caressed Hester until she was mindless with passion. The anticipation of their joining increased the pleasure. She was wanton in her eagerness to share the union of their bodies. Eogan might not comprehend fully what was about to happen, but he was as enthusiastic as her.

  Lips clung.

  Tongues tasted and soothed.

  Skin to skin, they enticed and seduced each other to a fevered passion. The world spun away until all that existed was them. Hester was riding the fine edge of the precipice again when she opened her legs and guided Eogan to her. Moist heat flooded her when she felt him at the entrance to her inner core.

  She was as ready as possible.

  “Now.” Her voice was hoarse with desire. “Push inside.”

  Eogan held her hips and lifted her closer.

  He thrust deep.

  She inhaled a sharp breath as pain pulsed through her. It receded within seconds and was replaced with a sense of completeness. They were joined as one now. Tears sprang to her eyes as joy filled her soul.

  “I’ve hurt you.” Eogan started to pull away.

  Hester clasped her legs around him. “I’m overwhelmed with the beauty of finally being joined with the man I love.”

  “The pain?”

  “Is gone.” Hester wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him closer to her. “We were already connected by our thoughts and feelings. Our bodies are one.”

  The tension in Eogan’s body lessened.

  “You are truly my mate now.”

  A shiver of delight raced through Hester. She tilted her hips, drawing Eogan deeper within her, and then eased back. He mimicked her with a slow withdrawal and thrusting motion. He captured her mouth in a deep kiss where their tongues mirrored the actions of their bodies. As their hunger grew so did the pace of their lovemaking.

  Hester was riding the spiral of climax again.

  This time it was the movement of Eogan inside her body that was creating the coil of pleasure that tightened within her. Each thrust brought her closer to the edge until cascades of ecstasy exploded.

  Eogan found his own release seconds later.

  He collapsed onto her and held her close. He twisted his body, so she lay atop him as together they descended from the heights of heaven. Hester felt complete lying within Eogan’s embrace. She listened as his breathing returned to normal and snuggled close. He pulled the covers over them and she yawned with exhaustion.

  “Did you know such joy existed?” Eogan’s voice held a note of awe.

  “I think it only exists when two people are truly connected.” Hester brushed her lips across his chest. “I’m glad I waited. No other man could have made me feel so wonderful.”

  “Can we do it again?”
/>   Hester felt a twinge of soreness, but her desire to make love with Eogan was greater. “If we take it slow.”

  “Will you still have pain?”

  Hester shook her head. “I’m tender because it’s new.”

  Eogan pulled her higher onto his chest. “There must be other ways for us to pleasure each other.”

  Hester giggled. “You sound like you want to try everything in one night.”

  Eogan grinned. “Don’t you?”

  She couldn’t deny it.

  To be held in Eogan’s arms and make love was all she wanted to do. Reality would come in the morning. They had the night to explore their love and feel the magic of their bodies moving as one. They were creating memories that would last a lifetime.

  “I have read about different ways of making love.” Hester lowered her voice. “There is one way in particular I found very intriguing.”

  “Tell me.”

  “We use our mouths and tongues to excite each other.”

  Eogan’s body tensed.

  Hester grinned. “After that, who knows what will happen.”

  Eogan twisted their bodies until she was beneath him. His lips captured hers and within seconds the passion and desire that was just below the surface, ignited again. Together, they began to explore and pleasure each other until exhaustion and sleep claimed them.

  Light was filtering into the room when Hester woke.

  She blinked the sleep from her eyes as she left the last remnants of the best dream she’d ever had. She’d been held by a man who loved her to distraction. It had been beautiful, and she hadn’t wanted to wake. She groaned and stretched her arms over her head.

  “Are you in pain?” Eogan’s voice was laced with concern.

  It wasn’t a dream.

  Hester reached up and ran a finger down Eogan’s cheek. He had been so gentle with her last night that it had almost brought tears to her eyes. This man who was so strong that he could kill with his bare hands, had held her like she was the most fragile piece of china. Her heart was filled to bursting with love.

  “I feel perfect.”

  The concern left Eogan’s eyes. He leaned down and kissed her until the fires that had burned deep into the night started to stir. His tongue twirled with hers and for several moments all thought was gone as Hester surrendered to Eogan’s touch.

  He ended the kiss when they were both gasping for air.

  “Enough. You are sore and we need to talk.”

  Regret filled her.

  Eogan was right. She ached in places she never knew existed before. They’d made love several times last night, and as much as she wanted to feel him deep inside her again, she was too tender. Soon, she would be ready again. Until then, they still had plans to make about their future.

  She fluffed up her pillows and leaned back against them. “What concerns you?”

  “You.” Eogan pulled her close. “I need to continue working with the other Hunters to defeat the Albireons, but I’m worried about your safety.”

  A knot formed in her stomach. Was this where he told her they had to separate for her own good? What if something happened to him, or he never came back? She couldn’t handle having touched paradise and then never to see it again.

  “I could go back to work at the university.”

  “I will always desire to have you with me,” Eogan said in a fierce voice. “I can’t focus on doing battle if I’m concerned about your safety.”

  “Are you certain that you don’t want to be rid of me?” Hester couldn’t hide her insecurity.

  “You are my mate. A Hunter mates for life. I would die if something happened to you.” Eogan brushed his lips across the top of her head. “It is no longer safe for you at the university. I think you should stay at the compound that the other Hunters have set up.”

  Hester frowned. “Where is that?”

  “It’s in a remote area of Canada.” Eogan stroked a hand down her arm. “That is where the other mates are staying. We are concerned that the Albireons will be more vigilant in their attempts to stop us.”

  “That only stands to reason.” Hester pulled away and looked up at Eogan. “You’re killing them. If they don’t fight back, they’ll be dead.”

  “Hunters battle with honor. The Albireons have never been known for fighting a just combat. They will use whatever techniques they can.”

  “You think they’ll kidnap me?”

  “You and the other wives.” Eogan’s voice was serious. “This was why it was forbidden for a Hunter to mate. Our bond is strong because of all the genetic modifications that have been done to us. We will do anything to defend our mates.”

  “So they’ll use me against you, just like General Carter did.”

  Eogan nodded. “Carter didn’t realize that we were bonded, or even the significance of that. All he knew, was that Hunters are bound by the Sacred Code to protect women and children at all costs.”

  “He got lucky.” A shiver went through Hester as she considered what horrible things the general might have done if he’d known about a Hunter’s pair bond.

  “It is well he didn’t know.”

  “Reading my thoughts again?” Hester smiled up at him. A glow of happiness flowed through her at the uniqueness of their bond. Last night had taken it to a new level, and she knew that as time went by, it would only grow stronger.

  “We are one. Your thoughts, feelings, and fears are mine.”

  Hester stretched up and gave Eogan a quick kiss. “What am I thinking now?”

  A fire sparked in Eogan’s dark eyes, followed by a shadow of regret. “It would be my pleasure at any other time. We need to discuss your future.”

  “I’ll go where you decide.” She didn’t want to give up her post at the university. She’d worked too hard to earn her position. “I can ask for a leave of absence until this problem is solved.”

  “We will defeat the Albireons soon. Then, I will live with you at your university.”

  “Really?” Joy filled her at the thought of Eogan joining her. “Most men want to pursue their own careers.”

  “I only want to be with you. You enjoy your work and when you are happy, so am I.” Eogan’s voice was sincere. “You’ll want to continue your research and I will go with you.”

  “What about fighting?”

  “I have not decided yet. Most Hunters my age are dead.” Eogan’s voice sounded weary. “I have spent thirty years following the orders of others. Now I need to consider what I will do.”

  “Will you join with the other Hunters?”

  “We are brothers. I will always be available for them.”

  “Then that is settled.” Hester jumped out of bed and grabbed Eogan’s arm. “I will go where you want me to until the Albireons are defeated. After that, together we’ll decided where to live. You’ll have a better idea of what you want to do by then. If not, my teaching can support both of us.”

  Eogan stood. “It is time to get dressed.”

  Hester pulled him toward the washroom. “After we shower.”

  The next hour was filled with steam, caresses, and kisses until Hester was out of her mind with need. Only then, did Eogan give in to her pleas, and make love to her. It was sensual and fulfilling, and even though she still had a few twinges of pain, the pleasure far outweighed any of her aches.

  When they were finally dressed, Hester gave Eogan a hug. “I love you.”

  “You are with me always.” Eogan’s voice was low.

  “You are the only man that has truly seen me.”

  Hester didn’t know how to tell Eogan what he’d done for her. She was confident and assured in her academic pursuits, but never in her personal life. For the first time, she felt beautiful. Bonding with Eogan had done this for her. She needed to express what was in her heart.

  “There is no need for words.” Eogan lifted her chin. “We are connected in every sense.”

  Hester blinked back her tears of joy. “I don’t want you to ever doubt my love. Y
ou make my heart soar.”

  Eogan brushed his lips across her mouth. “Our connection is growing stronger.”

  There was a knock at the door.

  “Ardal and Catal have arrived.”

  Chapter 26

  Two Hunters stood when Eogan and Hester entered the reception room.

  Eogan recognized Ardal immediately.

  The second Hunter had a grim expression on his face. There was an instant mind connect. “Do you forgive me?”

  It was Catal.

  He had not seen the man since they were both incarcerated by the humans after their ship crashed on Earth. Catal had been a boy of ten, and Eogan had helped him escape. A rush of relief went through him. Catal had grown strong and well.

  Eogan went up to the Hunter. “By Cygnus and Warrior, it is wonderful to see you alive.”

  “I feared you would never speak to me again. I abandoned you.”

  “You were free. That was my only concern.”

  “When you were silent, the others thought that you were dead. That’s why we didn’t come back and rescue you.” Catal’s voice was filled with regret.

  “Our communication was blocked. How many survived?”

  “Less than fifty are still alive.” Catal glanced over at Ardal. “Ardal finished our training and has taken command of all the Hunters on the planet.”

  A weight was lifted from Eogan.

  He had carried the guilt and blame for the loss of lives on the ship for years. Worse, he’d been told lies that had led him to believe that he was the only Hunter who had survived. He’d only been fifteen when they had crashed. It had been his first mission alone, but because he was clan Rioge, he was the leader and responsible for the others.

  He turned to Ardal. “It is an honor to meet in person.”

  “The honor is mine.” Ardal and he were the same height and build. “You and I are the only two left of Clan Rioge.”

  “I hear there is one other.”

  Ardal frowned. “Is another held prisoner?”

  “I am speaking of your daughter.”

  Ardal grinned. “I hadn’t thought of that. You are right. She is Clan Rioge. It is a first to have a woman of Hunter blood. You are aware that Catal has a son too.”

  “It is good that the old legends are true.” Eogan motioned for Hester to join him. “I have also found my mate. This is Hester Adams. She is an archaeologist who has been studying the ancient anomalies on this planet.”