aHunter4Ever (17 page)

Their plane was circling the area where they were going to land. It was
little more than a long strip of flat ground in the middle of miles and miles of
forest. They had refuelled on the west coast and Grace had been allowed one
phone call.

Now, they were in an isolated location at the edge of what was known as
the Ring of Fire in Canada. No one frequented this area except mining firms.
Lorcan had set up a company as cover. He had mineral rights for huge sections
of land, and had bought everything that had been available. They would be safe
and inconspicuous here.

It was a long way from Los Angeles.

She sighed and then rubbed her eyes before stretching her arms over her
head. “It looks pretty secluded. How soon before we’re on the ground?”

“A few minutes.” Partlan’s voice was hesitant. “We need to talk about you
staying with me.”

Grace’s heart stuttered to a stop. “You don’t want me.”

Partlan shook his head. “I need you always. I do not wish you to be
forced into a decision. This is a difficult life we lead.”

“The life I had before is gone.” The tight band around her chest
shortened. “There are few choices left to me.”

Partlan nodded. “You believe you have to remain with me.”

“That’s not what I said.” Grace straightened away from the window. “I
love you. If being with you means giving up the FBI, then so be it.”

“You are certain this is what you want?”

Grace tilted her head. “Are you having second thoughts?

“Never.”

Partlan leaned down and kissed her. The world spun away and all of her
doubts and concerns vanished. This was where she belonged. Whatever the future
held for her, it was better than what she had left behind. She’d gladly
sacrifice a career in law enforcement to be held and loved by Partlan always.

The plane landed without incident and they parked it inside a hangar
hidden by trees. This was a private airstrip that Lorcan had created years ago.
No one could search it, or see what was here from the air. It provided security
and secrecy. Grace admired the forethought that had gone into the operation.

There were two green camouflage painted SUV’s waiting for them inside the
hangar. Ardal was the first to disembark. As soon as the hatch opened, a woman
jumped out of one of the vehicles and rushed into his arms. Ardal picked her up
and kissed her. They walked hand and hand to the first vehicle.

“Who is she?”

“That is Fiona, Ardal’s mate.” Partlan stood and waited for Grace to go
in front of him.

“How many Hunters have found mates?”

“Four, including me.”

“That’s not very many.”

“We have only been here for ten months.” Partlan spoke close to her ear.
A shiver of awareness danced across her neck.

She grinned and looked back at him. “I would have expected big boys like
you to have taken the females by storm.”

“It does not work that way for us.” Partlan frowned. “There is a reason
one’s mate is chosen. Some may call it destiny. I believe the mate that is our
perfect match, is the one we find.”

“Well, I would hardly call myself a great catch for a warrior type.”
Grace’s tone was derisive.

“You are wonderful.” Partlan’s voice rose in awe. “You are a true
warrior. There is no one I would rather have by my side.”

Grace almost missed her step. She had always considered herself too tall
and gawky for most men. To hear that Partlan considered her perfect was a
surprise, especially when she watched the petite redhead that was their
leader’s mate. Even her ex-fiancé had told her that she wasn’t what most men
wanted.

“So what happens now?” Grace cleared her throat. “Is this like witness
protection and we have to hide for the rest of our lives?”

“I have work to do. I cannot hide.” Partlan took her elbow and led her to
the second vehicle. “We will discuss it more at the cabin.”

Grace shrugged. “As you wish.”

She’d already spoken to Bakker and he’d informed her that the bureau
thought she was dead. That left little chance of her resuming her career in the
FBI, assuming she wanted to go back there. She’d changed since meeting Partlan
and the kidnapping. She wasn’t willing to accept the status quo’s perception of
what was happening in the world. There was much more going on behind the
scenes.

“I can’t go back to the FBI. Where does that leave me?” Grace’s words
were out before she’d thought about Partlan’s reaction.

Partlan held the door of the car open and waited until she was seated
before getting in beside her. “You can help with our work.”

“How?” Grace clasped her hands together on her lap. “I’m not strong like
you and the other Hunters. I don’t have the ability to mind connect either.”

“You know law enforcement on this planet.” Partlan took her hand and
squeezed. “I would like you to stay and be my mate, but if you do not want
this, I am sure we can set you up with a new life; a life that you could be
happy with.”

Grace’s heart constricted. “I will only be happy, if I am with you.”

Partlan stared at her for a second, his eyes unwavering in their look of
adoration. Grace fought back her own tears of joy as she let him gather her
into his arms. His kiss was a vow. His lips tender until the heat of their need
took over. The world disappeared and it wasn’t until another Hunter cleared his
throat that she realized they’d been joined by a stranger.

“We have arrived at the cabin.” He seemed to be younger than the other
Hunters that she had met on the plane.

Partlan grinned. “Meet Firbin.”

Firbin turned around from the driver’s seat and held out his hand. “I am
glad to see that Partlan has found his mate. He’s one of the best warriors in
our unit.”

“Thank you.” Grace’s face flushed with embarrassment. “I forgot others
were in the vehicle.”

“No problem.” Firbin opened his door and jumped out. “I understand the
pair bond is an intense thing.”

Grace looked at Partlan, but he only shrugged. She slid over the seat to
the door and exited the vehicle. They were in a densely wooded area with what
looked like a large log cabin hidden under the trees. Partlan led her to the
cabin door.

The cabin was huge. There was a central area, with chairs and couches
scattered about. A large fire pit, in the middle, made it look more like a ski
lodge than a hideaway. From the main area, three hallways extended. One led to
an open kitchen and a large dining room. The other two were dark hallways, and
Grace assumed that they led to the sleeping quarters.

“How many live here?” she whispered as she turned to Partlan.

“As many as necessary.” Ardal’s voice boomed from the main lounging area.
“Come and meet my wife. She has been waiting anxiously to see you, ever since
Partlan communicated that he had found his pair bond.”

Partlan pressed a hand to her back and urged her forward. Standing beside
Ardal, was the woman she had seen on the airstrip. At close range, she could
see how beautiful Fiona was, with flowing red hair and lively emerald eyes.
When she reached them, Fiona hugged her.

“I’m Fiona.” She stood back and smiled. “It must be so confusing for you
right now, but I promise everything will get better.”

“Fiona rescued us when we crash landed on this planet,” Partlan
explained. “We owe her much.”

“She also trained to be a medical doctor, so she can look after you.”
Ardal’s voice held pride.

Grace touched her throat. “Ranon fixed it.”

“He is clan Leigh. They are gifted in healing.” Partlan motioned for her
to sit on the chair beside him.”

“How did you get it?” Fiona sat across from Grace.

“I had a knife held to my throat and when I threw him, he cut me.”

Fiona’s eyes widened. “You did this on your own.”

Grace shrugged. “I’m trained in martial arts and self-defence.”

“I was not quick enough to prevent the injury.” Partlan’s voice was full
of regret.

“You were too busy killing the other men who were shooting at us.” Grace
rolled her eyes. “You had enough to do. I was able to handle the situation.”

“I understand what you mean Partlan. Your mate is indeed a warrior at
heart.” Ardal sat forward. “If you choose to stay with us, we can use your
skills to help others.”

“What exactly do you do?”

“We right the wrongs that others have suffered.” Ardal’s voice was
serious. “They contact us through the internet and tell us what has happened.
If there has been dishonor, or the Sacred Code is broken, then we will get them
justice.”

“That is how I contacted them.” Another woman’s voice sounded from one of
the hallways. Grace looked up and recognized Selena Duarte. She had been the
nanny to the Walters’ son Gates. Selena’s son,
Tarrin
,
had been kidnapped with Gates and sold to child traffickers. All of her FBI
intelligence had led her to believe that Selena was somehow involved in the
kidnaping.

“I owe you an apology about the kidnapping.” Grace stood. “I’m glad to
see you’re alive and well. I didn’t want to believe that you might be involved
in hurting the children, but it was my job to pursue all angles.”

Selena’s face softened. “I wasn’t completely honest. I didn’t tell you
that Catal was
Tarrin’s
father. That might have helped
you see things in a different light.”

Grace shook her head. “I would have suspected him.”

“When your legal system makes mistakes, people are hurt.” Ardal spoke
now. “That is why they come to us.”

Selena and Grace both sat.

Grace’s apology had eased the tension between the two, but she sensed
that it would take time before they would be comfortable with each other. Grace
turned her attention back to Ardal.

“I have spent many years ensuring the law is followed. The system isn’t
perfect, but we make a difference.” She looked down at her hands. “A great many
people who have committed atrocities are behind bars because the courts did
their job.”

Partlan put his hand over hers. “We handle them differently. If someone
is guilty of harming another, we do not give them another chance.”

“Our experience shows that these individuals will not change.” Ardal’s
voice was serious. “If they break the Sacred Code, then they will be put to
death.”

Grace inhaled an unsteady breath. “It’s hard for me to throw away so many
years of training.”

“We aren’t asking that of you.” Partlan leaned closer. “All I ask is that
you stay with me.”

Grace looked up at him and melted. “That’s a given. There’s nowhere else
I want to be.”

“Then, we have no problem.” Ardal leaned back in his chair. “You are
Partlan’s mate and one of us.”

“Hurray.” Fiona’s gave a short cheer. “I’m happy to have another woman in
this circle of men.”

“Me too.” Selena nodded at Grace.

“Thank you.” Grace’s heart filled with gratitude. These people had
accepted her unconditionally because of Partlan. “I want to help with your work
too.”

“Good.” Ardal stood and held his hand out to Fiona. “We could use the
expertise you have about the law enforcement on this planet.”

“I’ll explain the finer points of living with a warrior after you’ve
settled in.” Fiona took Ardal’s hand. “You’re lucky. When I was first mated
with Ardal, there were no other women for me to talk to.”

Selena stood. “I will help as much as possible, but I’ve only been here a
few days.”

“Where are Catal and Tarrin?” Ardal frowned and looked about the large
room.

“Catal is training Tarrin outside. They should be back soon.”

Ardal nodded and then turned to Partlan. “Take you mate to the room at
the end. That will be your space. She looks exhausted.”

“I’ll try and find something for you to wear.” Fiona looked at Grace with
a frown. “I don’t think we can salvage those clothes.”

“Maybe one of my tops will fit,” Selena tilted her head. “Any pants we
have, will need to be lengthened.”

“Leave it to us.” Fiona’s voice was hopeful.

Grace privately thought it would be a task beyond anyone’s capabilities.
They were in the middle of the bush, and there were no stores. She was taller
than most women. She wasn’t model thin either. Perhaps a thorough cleaning of
the clothes she was wearing would do. Right now, she was too exhausted to care.

Partlan seemed to sense that and he stood and pulled her up beside him.
Together, they left the others in the great room and walked to the room that
had been assigned to them. Partlan opened the door and let her enter first. It
was sparsely furnished, but warm. There was a door opening off the main area.
It had a mirror that showed a toilet and shower in its reflection. Grace rubbed
her arms and sighed. Finally, a comfortable place where they could be alone.

“Should we toss a coin to see who gets to use the shower first?” Grace
turned to Partlan as he shut the door. “I’m willing to wait for you, just don’t
use all the hot water.”

“You will go first.” Partlan gathered her close. “I would never dream of
letting my mate wait.”

“Promise?” Grace gave him a teasing kiss.

“Always.” Partlan’s voice was serious.

“I think I’m going to like this mate thing.” Grace wiggled out of
Partlan’s embrace. “I’ll hurry. As nice as kissing you is, a shower is what I
need most right now.”

Grace was lying naked under the covers.

Partlan was still in the shower and she was waiting for him to come out.
It had only been a few minutes, but the anticipation was killing her. Never had
she hungered for a man before. She needed him with a gut twisting desire.

The water shut off.

Partlan entered the room.

A towel was wrapped around his waist leaving his chest bare. Droplets of
water clung to the fine hairs that were scattered across his chest. Grace’s
heart pounded at the sight of him. He was perfect, with broad shoulders, solid
muscles, and a chiseled abdomen. She sat up in the bed, holding the sheet
against her chest with one hand and patted the bed beside her.

“Come sit with me.”

Partlan raised an eyebrow. “Is that all you want.”

“You know it isn’t.” Grace could barely keep the impatience out of her
voice. “I need you now.”

“I am yours to command.”

Partlan dropped his towel.

Grace inhaled a sharp breath as the full extent of his arousal was
evident.

“Hurry.”

Partlan grinned and then got under the covers with her. The smell of soap
mixed with the scent that was Partlan, surrounded her as he pulled her close
and kissed her. His tongue licked and his teeth nipped until he had her in a
frenzy of need. Only then, did he relent and caress her with his fingers.
Tingling, teasing, and tantalizing every inch of her body. She groaned with the
pleasure of it. It seemed ages since they’d last been together. So much danger
and death, but now there was only the two of them.

Grace stroked down Partlan’s back, feathering her fingers across his
skin. His groans of approval gave her a sense of empowerment and she moved
lower, urging him to come closer.

He didn’t disappoint.

He positioned himself and then entered her in one swift motion.

She was in heaven. Sensations of bliss and pleasure roared through her
body. Every nerve ending was on fire as she enclosed and tightened about him.
This was the man she loved. She had never experienced such completeness in her
life before. He’d promised to be with her always and she trusted him.

“You are the only woman for me.”

“I love you.” Grace shuddered at the beauty of the moment.

Partlan brushed his lips against hers.

Then, he thrust deep.

The world spiraled out of control as they moved. They found a rhythm that
built their desire until they were riding on the edge of the precipice. They
were connected on a spiritual and physical level that held them in the throes
of passion. They existed as one and together they exploded with ecstasy.

Tiny shudders of bliss continued to ripple through her as she drifted
back from the heights of pleasure. Grace let the completeness of their loving
envelop and comfort her. She lifted her face and kissed Partlan. A kiss filled
with promise and thankfulness. He was her mate and she was truly blessed.

“Thank you for being with me.” Tears filled her eyes. “You risked your
life to help me escape. That is more than anyone has ever done for me before.”

Partlan’s eyes were filled with adoration. “You are the one who has given
me so much. I never dreamed that I would know the wonder of a pair bond.”

“It’s more than I expected.” Grace sniffed back her tears. “Every man
I’ve ever known has left me, but you have shown me that there are forever men.”

“Does this mean that you will truly stay?”

Grace nodded. “I could never leave you.”

“Will you be my wife?” Partlan’s voice was hesitant. “Ardal and Fiona are
legally joined in marriage and I want this for us too. I want everyone to know
that I am yours completely.”

Grace couldn’t believe her ears. They had known each other for so little
time, but it felt right. She’d been down this road before with her ex-fiancé
and that had ended in disaster. Now, she knew how wrong they had been for each
other. She was thankful that he’d had the courage to walk away and leave her free
to find Partlan.

Partlan frowned. “Did I not say it right?”

“You said it perfectly.” Grace wiped her eyes. “I would be honored to be
your wife. To wear your ring and let the whole world know that you are my
husband; the man I love.”

Partlan gave her a tender kiss. “We will have to ask Lorcan to give us
identification so that we can do this legally, according to the laws of your
land.”

“I don’t care how we do it. I just want to shout it from the rooftops
that we are one.”

Partlan grinned. “That might not be the best plan. There are still people
looking for us.”

“Will we be safe?”

“Yes.” Partlan’s voice was definite. “As long as you are my mate, all my
brothers will protect you. No one will be able to kidnap you again.”

“That makes me feel protected.” Grace frowned. “How will we stay hidden?”

“We are part of your world, but outside it. We have computers and
equipment that have been altered to avoid detection. Many of the skills and
knowledge that we have from Cygnus are helpful to us now.”

“It sounds like a crazy lifestyle.”

Grace heaved a sigh. It was no different from the life she’d left behind.
Working for the FBI had meant that she could be transferred at any time. Her
field work could be in any state, and she was at the whim and mercy of her
superiors. She had never considered it a problem, but looking at it from her
new life on the run, she realized that she really didn’t have much to leave
behind.

“Will that be a problem?”

“No. I’m used to moving around. I just want to be certain that I’ll have a
purpose. I need to work. I hate being at loose ends.”

“There will be no ends.” Partlan’s tone was severe.

“It’s a saying. It means I’ll have time on my hands and I’ll want to do
something.” Grace smiled and stroked a finger down Partlan’s cheek. “I’m really
going to have to teach you about the English language.”

“That would be useful.” Partlan nibbled her fingertip. “We had to
download Earth languages as we were crashing. The computer failed before it had
finished giving us all the information. We have the basics only.”

“Hmmm, that sounds dangerous.” Grace brushed her lips across Partlan.
“We’ll have plenty of time to talk about it later. Right now, I want to do
something else.”

Partlan grinned. “It is time for us to bond again.”

“I thought you’d never ask.”

Partlan captured her lips in a kiss that seared right to her soul. His
tongue and fingers caressed and teased her until she was a mass of molten
desires. Only then, did he join with her and they began the dance of loving
that was unique to them. All through the night, Partlan showed Grace how
powerful and tireless his lovemaking could be. It was the early hours of the
morning before she fell asleep, satiated and exhausted.