A Hunter's Challenge [The Hunters 3] (Siren Publishing Allure)

by Suzy Shearer

“Promise.”

  “Yes, nîcimos, she wouldn’t be killed if she is psychic.”

  “You mean she won’t be killed yet.”

  “Yes. Yes that’s true. We’ll find her, we won’t stop searching until we do.”

  Martin could feel the woman in his arms trembling as she realised what would happen to her sister if they could not find her soon. There was no way he could reassure her, there was still a large area to cover. They had only just begun to search about an eighth of it, if that.

  “I can feel her, I know she’s hurting, Martin, she’s hurting bad.”

  “Come and sit, we’ll do everything we can to find her.”

  He led her further inside the house until he came to a room with couches and a television. He pushed her onto a seat and sat beside her. He could feel heaviness inside himself as the sun crept higher. Already it was close to nine. Somehow, he had to get her permission to let him sleep at the house rather than returning to Anthan’s.

  “Amy, soon I must sleep. Do you understand enough about Hunters to know we can’t be awake through all the sunlight hours only at the beginning and end?”

  She nodded.

  “I must leave now and sleep at Anthan’s home. If you’re frightened I can sleep here.”

  He held his breath as she looked at him.

  “I don’t want to be alone,” she whispered.

  “May I stay?”

  Again, she nodded.

  “Thank you.”

  He sent a quick message to Anthan telling him she would allow him to sleep there. Anthan said he would join him there once he woke.

  “Can we talk?”

  Amy looked at him fearfully.

  “I’m not your mate,” she said flatly.

  “You are and we both know it to be true.”

  “I don’t want to be a mate. I don’t want to be dumped. To be cast aside when someone prettier or smarter comes along.”

  “Nîcimos, no Hunter would ever leave his mate. It just isn’t possible.”

  “Not true. One did. He left my Gram. He left her when she was pregnant with my mother.”

  Martin quickly entered her mind. She honestly believed that had happened. He saw the truth before she slammed down barriers and started the number act.

  “Get out of my head!”

  “I’m sorry, nîcimos, but even though you believe it to be true it is impossible.”

  “Why?”

  “Do you understand what a Hunter’s One really means, how they were destined?”

  “They are a Hunter’s partner.”

  “Yes but they’re much more than that.

  “Do you know that throughout all the world and all the years, there is only one human for each Hunter? That there can never be another.”

  “That can’t be true because the Hunter who left my grandmother took another mate.”

  Martin was shaking his head. This didn’t make sense.

  “Amy, it’s impossible. How can I explain? A Hunter can’t be with another. They can only be with their One. It is them or no one.”

  “No one? I don’t understand.”

  “There is no one else. Once we have converted and become a Hunter, we can’t physically be with anyone except our One.”

  She looked at Martin, eyes wide with surprise. She looked puzzled.

  “We...there is no way we can perform with anyone except them.”

  “Do you mean...” She blushed. “Um...perform as in no sex with anyone?”

  He nodded. “That’s exactly what I mean. It is impossible for us.”

  “I don’t understand. You have to be lying.”

  “I’m not, nîcimos. Search my mind, to you it is an open book.”

  She shook her head and he got the feeling she was frightened he was telling the truth. If he were, it would mean whatever she had been told was a lie. She pushed herself from his embrace and stood, her back to him.

  “No. It’s not true,” she whispered. “It can’t be.”

  She had stopped the math and Martin could “hear” her thoughts. She was terrified he was right. She was terrified her sister was dead. She was terrified of how her feelings for Martin were increasing every minute. Martin stood and put his hands on her shoulders.

  “I’m sorry, Amy, but I speak the truth.”

  She shrugged his hands off. Her voice may have sounded emotionless as she spoke, but her thoughts were filled with so much emotion. Martin wanted to hold her tight and comfort her, but he dare not.

  “I...you can sleep in the other spare room down the hall.”

  Martin’s hands hovered over her shoulders. He wanted nothing more than to pull her into his arms and never let her go but he knew they had only a tenuous peace because of her sister. He dropped his hands to his sides and brushed past her.

  “Martin.”

  He turned and looked at her. Her eyes were filled with tears.

  “Please find her.”

  “I will, nîcimos, I promise I will.”

  She turned away and Martin could do nothing else but walk down the hallway into the bedroom.

  When he woke that night, Amy was in the kitchen sitting at the breakfast bar, staring into space. Martin was unsure of how she would react if he were to kiss her so he just greeted her softly. She looked at him, her eyes brimming with unshed tears and his heart ached to comfort her.

  “As soon as Anthan gets here we’ll continue with the search.”

  She nodded wordlessly.

  “Nîcimos, there is something I need to ask you. It’s important.”

  Perhaps she could hear the concern in his voice or written on his face, whatever the reason she gave a smile.

  “I’m listening.”

  “Do you understand about how Hunters communicate with each other?”

  “You’re all telepathic.”

  “Yes. We have a common channel that we all use. There is no distance restriction. I can talk to Hunters anywhere in the world. Do you know about the link between mates?”

  “I am not your mate!” She hissed.

  He sighed.

  “Just listen. At the moment you and I can talk to each other if we are close, maybe half a metre or so.”

  “I know and I’ve told you stop reading my mind.”

  This was harder than he thought. She just didn’t want to know.

  “I’m sorry. But listen. When mates make one blood exchange...”

  “I’m not your mate and I’m not swapping blood!”

  “Okay! I just need you to understand one thing. If we exchange one time, just one time then no matter where you are you and I can talk.”

  “Do you honestly think I want to be able to talk to you after you find my sister?”

  “Nîcimos, it would be for your safety.”

  She snorted as she answered. “Safety? Come off it. You just want to force me to be your mate.”

  “Yes I do want you as my mate, my partner but the one thing I would never do, or any Hunter would do, is to force myself on you.”

  She just shook her head disbelievingly.

  “What I am trying to explain is if we make one exchange, just one, then if anything were to happen to you, nîcimos, you could reach me immediately and I could find you.”

  She jumped off the stool and glared at him. She stepped close to him and began poking him in the chest.

  “Get this through your head! There is no way, no reason, nothing on this earth that will let you make any exchanges with me!

  “I am not your mate!” With each word she poked him.

  “Don’t you understand? If you were attacked I may never find you! If it was you taken and not your sister. If we had an exchange we wouldn’t be searching for a needle in haystack. I could be at your side in minutes!”

  “No!”

  “Argh. Honestly, Amy, try and be sensible. It’s for your safety, for no other reason.”

  “I don’t care!” she screamed at him. “The answer is no!”

  Chapter Nine

 
; When Anthan rose, he grabbed the last banana and stood on the deck eating it. He remembered the garage was still unlocked so he checked if the supplies had been delivered. He had forgotten them. They were sitting in a neat pile in the middle of the floor so he locked up.

  Time to go. There was still a lot of land to cover and he despaired of finding the woman alive if they didn’t locate her soon. It would take them many weeks to cover the entire area.

  The only good to come from this was they now had contact with Amy. He hoped she would allow Martin to make at least one blood exchange so they would always be able to find her. He sent a message to let Martin know he was on his way and flew off.

  Landing in the same place as the previous night, he transformed and entered the house. Martin was standing in the kitchen. Amy was opposite and it looked as if they had been arguing.

  “Problem?”

  Martin shook his head without taking his eyes off Amy.

  “No problem, just someone being stubborn.”

  “I’ve told you. I’m not your mate. I won’t be your mate. I won’t exchange blood with you. Just find my sister and then get out of my life.”

  “Oh. I see. Things are really happy here.”

  “Shut up, Anthan!”

  Anthan laughed, a strange wistful sound that made Martin look worriedly at him.

  “Obviously your charm doesn’t work around here, Martin.” Anthan spoke quietly to Amy. “Amy, it would make sense to at least make one exchange.”

  Amy looked at him and glared.

  “Get out now! Both of you!”

  Shaking his head, Anthan led the way outside. Martin hesitated at the door. He looked back at Amy.

  “I’ll find her and you’ll find the truth.”

  With that, he walked out the door and joined Anthan in the air. They flew together for about an hour then split off to continue with their search grids. Once more, they began the tedious job of searching their assigned areas. Martin sent a message that he was hungry. He hadn’t eaten since yesterday so he made a quick stop at a fast food place for a coke and a salad sub. Then he continued with the search.

  As they flew, Martin relayed the conversation he had with Amy that morning. Anthan was surprised at what she had said.

  “We need to find out the grandmother’s name. Something strange about this.”

  “I know. I don’t know how we can convince her she is wrong.”

  “I’ve let Viorel know. He was looking into things for us.”

  Once more, the night dragged on. Each night that passed meant more pain, more agony for the missing Erica. All Anthan could hope was that the strigoi would decide to keep her alive as long as possible. He just hoped the woman had the strength and will to survive. He knew what strigoi did to their psychic victims and he didn’t hold much hope if the search went on for more than a week.

  Rarely had anyone survive more than a week and a half, the maximum would be two weeks and he’d only know of a handful of mortals who’d manage that feat. Most went mad by the end of the first week and then the strigoi lost interest, drained, then killed them.

  Not only would the vampire tire of them, but the toxins they injected into the body of their victim would eventually kill them if the creature didn’t. Each time the strigoi fed, or injured their prey more toxins were forced into the body until they quickly invaded every part. If they managed to last the two weeks then they would assuredly die—in severe agony.

  “I’m worried she won’t survive, Martin.”

  “Me, too.”

  “We both know that women usually don’t survive long, most strigoi seem to take extra delight in their torture of females.”

  “Let’s just hope we find her tonight.”

  They met again at the house around 9:40 in the morning. Neither had been successful. Amy’s pretty face was etched with pain and worry. Anthan found it hard to face her and report their lack of success. He tried to sound upbeat but she could read his unspoken thoughts on his face.

  Telling Martin he would be back once he slept, he said good-bye to Amy and flew home.

  He was surprised that he was so tired. It had to be the strain of fighting against the rising tide of losing the woman. He flung himself into bed and slept.

  * * * *

  The more she stayed around Martin the more she wanted him. Her body ached for his touch. She craved him. He was like a drug that she was now addicted to. It took all her willpower to make him keep his distance. Each time he touched her, each time he spoke to her, all she wanted was to throw herself into his arms and never leave.

  Her grandmother had never described this. Never told her the pain of not being held. Never told her how quickly love would consume her. All she said was that the Hunter had used her then cast her aside. She thought back on the conversation they had. Either her Gram or Martin was lying. She was so scared it was Gram.

  This morning when the two Hunters had returned, it took all her strength not to fling herself into Martin’s arms. He looked so tired, so sad. Instead, she had hugged her arms about herself. When Anthan had left, she had told Martin she was going back to her house later in the day to get more clothing. He warned her not to stay away too long and to make sure she was back before it got dark. She told him she would only be an hour and with that had walked out the room, leaving him to sleep.

  Later when she returned to her own house, she threw some clean clothes in her bag. She tried to push down her fears for Erica. She knew her sister was still alive but she knew she was in terrible pain. A few times through the night, she had felt it. Sharp and agonising. Amy had screamed out loud with the pain she felt her sister was suffering.

  She had tried to sleep but it had eluded her. She tossed and turned, only dozing now and again. When the men had returned she had thought Erica would be with them, she never counted on them not finding her.

  Now her fears grew stronger.

  How long could Erica fight off the vampire? How long would it be until it tired of her and killed her?

  Stopping at a supermarket on the way back to Erica’s house, Amy bought some milk and essentials. Shopping was more a way to block her fear than any other reason. When she got back to Erica’s she cleaned the house from top to bottom and did the washing. The more she could do to distract her pain the better.

  By four o’clock there was really nothing else she could do. She grabbed a book and sat in the family room staring at the same words for at least fifteen minutes. Then she heard Martin moving around.

  She looked up as he entered the room. His handsome face was filled with sorrow. He was dressed in the same dark jeans and shirt, his long black duster in one hand.

  “Nîcimos.”

  “Don’t call me that!” she snapped angrily.

  “Sorry. Anthan will be here soon.”

  She looked away from him. Each time she saw him, her heart leapt. She knew she was falling deeper and deeper in love with him each day. It was tearing her apart not to touch him. Instead, she tried to stay angry at him, but it was harder and harder with every minute that passed.

  She tried to hide her thoughts from him but she had a feeling he knew exactly what she was thinking. She caught an expression of love and concern on his face when he thought she wasn’t looking.

  “Amy. Have you considered what we spoke about? Will you do one exchange?”

  Amy jumped to her feet. “No! I told you no!”

  “Nîcimos, it’s for your safety.” His voice was resigned to accept her anger. “I promised I won’t ask for another exchange, just this one.”

  “What part of ‘no’ don’t you understand?”

  “I’m sorry, nîcimos, it’s just that I’m worried. Worried if something were to happen to you.” Before he could finish the sentence, Amy jumped in.

  She was furious that he would want to exchange blood. He had to get it through his head, she wouldn’t and couldn’t do it.

  “I’m a big girl. I can look after myself.”

  “I’m not denyin
g that. Please just consider it.”

  Amy heard the back door open.

  * * * *

  Anthan greeted Martin at the door. Amy was standing nearby glowering at Martin. He looked back.

  Amy looked at the two Hunters. “My sister’s alive, I know she is. I felt some of her pain all night.”

  “Then if you felt that, she is alive.” Anthan looked kindly at Amy. “We’ll find her.”

  Martin went to take Amy’s hand but she stepped back, shaking her head in anger. He spoke quietly to her.

  “I’ll let you know what happens. May I come back here in the morning?”

  “You can come back when you find Erica!” she shouted at him, “Don’t bother coming back until then!”

  Martin shook his head. He went to say something but Anthan grabbed his arm and pulled him outside.

  “Don’t make it worse. At least you’ve found her. Once we find the sister and get this stupid mess about her grandmother cleared up, she’ll accept you. Don’t forget each day, regardless of how she thinks she feels, she’ll be falling deeper and deeper in love with you.”

  Martin looked so sad. “I know, Anthan, but it doesn’t make it any easier. If we could only do one exchange then at least I’d feel happier.”

  “I hope that we find her tonight. Each night she’s missing lessens her chances of staying alive. I’m surprised she’s still alive if her sister is able to feel her pain. Come on, let’s go search.”

  “Yeah, okay.”

  The two transformed and flew off together, splitting apart to their search areas after an hour’s flying. It was long and tedious. Flying back and forth, searching for minute traces in the treetops.

  Another night of useless searching.

  Another night of frustration.

  The two met again near Erica’s house when it was close to nine o’clock. Both were mentally and physically tired. The search for Erica was like racing against the clock but the batteries in this clock were fast running dry. With each day that passed without locating her, the chances of finding her alive diminished exponentially.

  Martin told Anthan he would report to Amy then sleep. Anthan flew home and Martin landed at the back door. Amy almost flung herself into his arms as he entered the house but she pulled herself back at the last minute.