Catal cleared his throat. “People who want and abuse power will never change.”
“Those are the people that have broken our Sacred Code.” Ardal’s eyes burned with purpose. “They have no honor and are cowards. Our law does not give them a second chance.”
“You kill them.” Grace’s voice was a low whisper. “I find it hard to take a life.”
“We all do.” Partlan reached over and clasped Grace’s hands. “As Hunters, we could not live with ourselves if we let others suffer. That is a greater sin.”
Fiona cleared her throat. “I trained to be a doctor. I’m sworn to protect life. I help where I can, but I’ve learned that I don’t always make the right decisions.”
“You were not raised to command.” Ardal’s voice was tender. “On Cygnus, the women make the decisions. We are trained to obey their orders.”
Grace nodded. “Only those who have broken your code are killed.”
“Yes.” Partlan squeezed her hands. “Otherwise, we would be without honor ourselves and unworthy to be Hunters.”
Grace frowned. “If that is what you truly do, then I would be willing to help also. I’m trained to fight and I also understand law enforcement procedures.”
The tension eased in Partlan’s chest. He had not been certain that Grace would be able to find a role by his side. She was used to working to protect the law. Joining with him meant that she would be faced with decisions that went against everything she held sacred. She had agreed to be his mate, but if she could not live with their work as Hunters, then she would not stay. She needed to be useful, and he understood that on the level that only a pair bond could. She would not help if she thought their work was wrong.
Grace was a warrior.
She understood honor.
“We appreciate your support.” Ardal sighed and released Fiona. “Now, we need to consider what to do about Eogan. He is a Hunter and must be our concern.”
“He should be rescued.” Darrogh’s voice was harsh. “It is not right that he be held captive.”
“I will try and contact him.” Ardal’s eyes followed Fiona as she went back to the stove. “He will not ignore our connection.”
“He is not always able to connect.” Partlan leaned back in his chair. “He will only be able to mind connect when he is away from the facility. I could not reach you when I was there.”
“True.” Ardal looked over at Lorcan. “Lorcan is mobilizing some of the Hunters in Europe to move into Australia and investigate.”
“Surveillance will be tricky.” Darrogh crossed his arms over his chest. “We do not want them aware of our existence on this planet.”
“They already know we’re here.” Catal’s voice shook. “They are barbaric and I have no problem shutting them down.”
“What they did to you, and others that they captured, will be avenged.” Ardal’s tone was severe. “The Albireons have no honor and have broken many of our codes.”
“Eogan must be rescued first.” Darrogh’s jaw clenched. “We need to protect our own before we destroy the Albireons.”
Ardal put his hand on the table. “It is decided. I will contact Eogan and when he is ready, we will rescue him. Until that time, we will continue our work on this planet.”
Fiona and Firbin brought plates of food to the table and then sat. Selena was already seated beside Catal. Partlan looked over at Grace and noticed her bow her head for a brief time before she started to eat. She was a woman of many facets. He was privileged to have found such a wonderful and beautiful mate.
He would spend the rest of his life showing her that men of honor could be trusted and relied upon. Never would she have a reason to doubt his commitment or their bond. He would prove to her that destiny had brought them together forever.
THE END
Thank You
Thank you for reading aHunter4Ever. I hope you enjoyed Partlan and Grace’s journey.
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Books Available
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aHunter4Hire series
aHunter4Rescue
aHunter4Saken
aHunter4Life
aHunter4Ever
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The Seduction of Sarah
The Seduction of Madalyn
Novellas
Pleasuring Emily
Christmas Kisses
Author’s Note
The Pine Gap facility was built in 1967 and is a joint venture between the United States and Australia. It is in the center of the Australian continent. Its position makes it impossible for foreign ships to anchor in international waters and do surveillance on the compound. It is cloaked in secrecy and that leads to much speculation about its purpose. Officially it is a ground satellite station with several large radomes that cover antennae array.
Pine Gap has become Australia’s Area 51. Little is known about the actual operations of the facility and this leads to much speculation and rumor. This includes underground tunnels that go to the ocean, below surface cities, and possible connection with extraterrestrials. Strange lights are frequently seen around the base and are thought to be UFO’s or advanced technology that is being tested.
About the Author
Cynthia Clement began writing stories in her teens, but it wasn’t until her forties that she became serious about writing. She lives in Canada with her husband of thirty years, her teenaged son, and two dogs. She has an eclectic range of interests including paranormal phenomena, ghost hunting, quilting, reading, gardening, and great conversation. Her first book, The Seduction of Sarah, was a finalist in the HOLT Medallion Best First Book Category. Her novels, whether historical, paranormal, or science fiction, all focus on love, honor, and intrigue.
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