Page 22 of Hunter's Game
“Ready for this?” Katherine’s voice carried carefully banked excitement. “These are the pieces Mom was studying when she died. The ones that helped her understand what Romano’s people were really up to.”
Then shattered.
The sophisticated technology in the artifacts activated immediately, responding to the specific genetic markers the women shared. Their years of separate training had prepared them for this moment—each movement complementing theother’s with uncanny precision, as if they’d been working together their entire lives.
It was like nothing Eden had experienced before.
Their shared genetic markers triggered responses in the technology, creating feedback loops that made it seem like they were connecting on a deeper level. Through that connection, she felt everything—every probability, every possible outcome, every way reality could be reshaped.
“Holy shit.” Hunter’s voice seemed to come from very far away. “The energy readings just went off the charts. Whatever you two are doing in there...”
“We’re not doing anything.” Katherine’s voice carried wonder as she examined the glowing tablets. “The artifacts are responding to our shared genetic markers,” Katherine explained, her voice controlled despite the clear excitement. “Romano’s organization engineered these devices to activate specifically for certain DNA sequences. Our mother discovered the pattern—they’ve been collecting and testing genetic samples for generations.”
Eden felt the truth of it in her bones as more power surged between them. “Mom knew. She knew what would happen if we ever worked together.”
“She knew a lot of things.” Katherine carefully packed the tablets in specialized cases. “Includingwhat Romano really wanted from our family. Why he’s been so interested in Mitchell bloodlines.”
“Because we can actually use these things.” Understanding colored Eden’s voice as she maintained overwatch. “Not just activate them, but control how they reshape reality.”
“Exactly.” Katherine’s satisfaction carried clearly. “Romano’s been trying to replicate the effect for years. Using other bloodlines, other families with inherited gifts. But Mitchell women...”
“We’re different.” Eden felt that difference burning in her veins as reality stabilized around them. “We don’t just activate the artifacts. We can direct their power.”
“Which makes us incredibly valuable.” Hunter’s voice carried warning. “And incredibly dangerous to someone like Romano.”
Before either woman could respond, alarms began blaring throughout the building. Eden tracked multiple heat signatures converging on their position – professional security teams moving with military precision.
“Company.” She switched to thermal imaging as she acquired targets. “At least twelve operators, heavy weapons. Not Romano’s usual crew.”
“Special response team.” Katherine was already moving, the cases containing their stolen artifacts secured against her back. “He keeps them on standby for specific threats. Guess we qualified.”
“Guess so.” Hunter’s voice carried dark amusement as he engaged the first wave of attackers. “Though they seem surprised by the welcome party.”
Eden smiled as she dropped two operators with mechanical precision. The Blind Jacks had spent days preparing this ambush, setting up kill zones and evacuation routes with professional thoroughness.
“They’re not the only ones in for surprises.” Katherine’s voice carried that same deadly certainty Eden felt burning in her blood. “Ready to see what us women can really do together?”
Instead of answering, Eden caught Katherine’s eye through her scope. Years of combat training had taught her to read subtle signals, and Katherine’s slight nod was all she needed. Together, they activated the devices they’d planted earlier—technology their mother had designed specifically to interfere with Romano’s security systems.
The effect was immediate. The operators found themselves facing a cascade of equipment failures and system malfunctions, each one precisely timed and targeted. Every piece of their high-tech gear began working against them, turning their own sophisticated systems into liabilities.
The attacking operators found themselves facing impossible odds as probability itself turned against them. Shots that should have hit missed by millimeters. Cover crumbled at exactly the wrongmoments. Every possible coincidence aligned to ensure their failure.
“Now that’s interesting.” Hunter’s voice carried appreciation as he watched the women’s coordinated attack unfold. “Your mother’s countermeasures are impressive. Almost looks like these guys can’t catch a break. Remind me never to play poker with you two.”
“Please.” Katherine’s laugh was pure adrenaline as she reached their exit point. “Like we’d need probability manipulation to beat you.”
“Speaking of manipulation.” Eden kept them covered as they implemented their escape plan. “Want to explain why you waited three years to tell me who you are? Why let me think I was alone in this?”
“Because you needed to be.” Katherine’s voice turned serious as they moved through shadows. “Needed to develop your own connection to the power without interference. Without expectations.”
“Like Mom did?” But Eden’s voice held more understanding than accusation.
“Like she tried to.” Katherine corrected. “But Romano figured out what she was doing—how she was learning to use the artifacts independently. That’s why he had her killed. Why he tried to separate us before we could discover our combined potential.”
“And now?” Hunter’s question carried layers of meaning as they reached their vehicles.
Katherine shared a look with Eden, that familiar hum emanating between them. “Now we finish what Sarah started. Use what she discovered to take down Romano’s entire operation.”
