Page 23 of Hunter's Game
“Using artifacts we barely understand?” But Hunter was smiling that dangerous smile as he secured their exit route.
“Oh, we understand plenty.” Eden felt that power surge again as she mounted behind him. “Mom left us everything we need—not just evidence of Romano’s crimes, but knowledge of how these artifacts really work. Why do you think she wanted us to find them together?”
“Because two Mitchell women working together creates a stronger activation signature,” Katherine explained, her movements carrying the same precise efficiency that characterized Eden’s. “The technology responds more completely when multiple carriers of the same genetic markers interface with it simultaneously.” Katherine’s voice carried certainty as she started her own bike. “Strong enough to reshape reality in ways Romano never imagined.”
“Strong enough to bring down his empire?” Hunter’s hand found Eden’s where it rested on his chest.
“Strong enough to bring down everything.” Eden pressed closer, soaking in Hunter’s strength and allowing it to bolster her own. “Every shadow empire, every corrupt power structure, every carefully hidden truth.”
“Starting with Romano.” Katherine’s smile was pure Mitchell as they roared into darkness. “Think he’s figured out yet that Sarah planned all this? That everything leading up to this moment was part of her design?”
Eden felt their connection grow stronger as they left chaos and professional killers in their wake. Ahead lay uncertainty and the growing knowledge that their mother’s legacy was bigger than simple revenge.
Behind them, Romano’s special response team picked themselves up, already calling in resources for another attempt.
And somewhere in between, the truth about Mitchell blood waited like a loaded gun, ready to either save the world or destroy it completely.
“You know this changes everything.” Hunter’s voice carried over the wind. “Once Romano realizes you’re working together, using the artifacts...”
“Let him realize.” Eden’s dangerous smile matched Katherine’s. “Let him finally understand exactly what us women are capable of.”
“Speaking of capability.” Katherine’s voice turned thoughtful. “These tablets Sarah was studying? They’re not just tools for control. They’re instruction manuals.”
Understanding hit Eden like a physical blow. “She left us her research. Hidden in the very artifacts Romano’s been protecting.”
“Hidden in plain sight.” Katherine’s satisfaction carried clearly. “While he focused on their monetary value, their potential as weapons, Sarah was learning their true purpose. Their original function.”
“Which was?”
“Balance.” The word carried weight Eden hadn’t anticipated. “These artifacts weren’t meant to build empires or accumulate power. They were meant to maintain equilibrium. To prevent any one group from gaining too much power or favor.”
“And Mitchell blood?”
“Was meant to serve that balance.” Katherine’s voice held certainty. “To help restore it when other powers try to twist it too far. That’s why our family’s gift is different. We don’t just activate the artifacts, we understand their true purpose.”
Eden absorbed this as they rode deeper into darkness. Everything she’d thought she knew about her mother’s death, about her own abilities, was shifting into new configurations.
“So what now?” Hunter’s voice carried carefully banked violence. “We just keep stealing artifacts until Romano gets desperate enough to make mistakes?”
“Now we learn.” Eden felt Katherine’s fierce agreement through their connection. “Learn everything Mom discovered about our heritage. About what Mitchell blood was really meant to do.”
“While dealing with whatever forces Romano sends after us,” Katherine added. “Those operators weren’t just professional security. They were trained specifically to handle powered individuals.”
“Meaning he’s got more resources than we thought.” Hunter’s voice turned granite. “More experience dealing with inherited abilities.”
“Meaning this just got a lot more interesting.” Eden’s smile was sharp as she pressed closer to Hunter’s solid warmth. “Good thing we’ve got backup plans.”
“And backup for the backup plans.” Katherine’s satisfaction was evident. “Sarah didn’t just leave us knowledge about the artifacts. She left us everything we need to finish what she started.”
“Speaking of finishing things.” Hunter’s voice carried dark promise. “Want to tell me why that spark between you two is amplified whenever you’re in danger? The way everything seems to go your way at exactly the right time?”
Eden shared another knowing look with her new ally. “Because that’s what it was designed to do. What our family’s gift was meant for—protecting balance by protecting those who maintain it.”
“Sounds like some kind of vampire hunter movie lore.” When the women shared another look, Hunter was quick to amend. “Sorry. I didn’t mean any offence.” He sighed deeply. “And nowthat you’re working together, what does that mean?”
“Now we’re twice as protected.” Katherine’s smile was pure predator. “Twice as powerful. Twice as dangerous to someone like Romano who tries to twist the world around his finger for personal gain.”
“Lucky me.” Hunter’s voice carried heat that had nothing to do with combat. “Partnered with not one but two powerful Mitchell women.”
