Page 68 of Hunter's Game
“And what about existing attachments?” Katherine’s voice carried careful interest. “Surely, some of these families already have...personal entanglements.”
Alexander’s smile turned cold. “Attachments can be managed. Especially when greater purposes are served.”
The threat was obvious. Eden noticed Hunter’s vital signs changing on her monitor—his heart rate speeding up and his breathing pattern shifting in a way she now recognized as him getting ready for a fight.
Beyond just reading his physical responses, she heard the concern in his voice when he spoke next—worry for her, not just about the mission. What had started as just working together had grown into something neither of them expected—real feelings that made them both vulnerable but stronger together.
She maintained her careful mask while sending a covert signal through their encrypted channel, pressing her thumb and index finger together in the pattern they’d established for ‘proceed as planned.’ That small signal told him she was okay and to stick to the plan, but it also meant “I've got this” in a way only Hunter would understand.
Through their encrypted communications, she knew Katherine was documenting every implication—all the layers of Alexander’s plans for controlling specialized operatives.
“Speaking of purposes.” Li’s voice turned business-like. “My associates are very interested in discussing specific arrangements. Perhaps over dinner?”
“Of course.” Alexander gestured for the women to follow as he led his guest out. “We have much to discuss about the future of certain family lines.”
Eden shared another look with Katherine as they left the gallery, their plan taking clearer shape. Through their tactical connection, she recognized Katherine’s fierce determination matching her own—two women trained by Sarah Mitchell for this exact purpose.
Alexander Mitchell thought he was arranging strategic partnerships, creating increasingly effective combinations of specialized teams. He had no idea Eden and Katherine were documenting everything—every plan, every manipulation, every attempt to control individuals with unique technical skills.
He had no idea they were already working with other organizations that specialized in protection. Groups like the Blind Jacks, who had been helping people stay off powerful criminals’ radar for years.
“Well.” Hunter’s voice carried dark promise once they were alone. “That was educational.”
“Very.” Eden activated their secure communications channel. “King needs to know about this. About what Alexander’s really planning.”
“Already sending everything.” Katherine’s fingers flew across hidden keyboards. “Though something tells me the Blind Jacks won’t besurprised. They’ve been protecting people from manipulative operators like Alexander for years.”
“Speaking of protection.” Hunter’s voice turned granite. “We need to move up our timeline. Before your grandfather starts arranging marriages to enhance the Mitchell line.”
Eden felt confident as she made plans with Katherine. Together, they had skills Alexander never anticipated, could outmaneuver him in ways that would restore fairness rather than control.
“Don't worry.” She let herself smile with determination. “My grandfather’s about to learn exactly why you don’t try controlling me or the people my mother trained.”
“Or the people they care about,” Katherine added softly.
Through their communications, Eden could tell Hunter felt the same way—protective, loving, and ready to fight if necessary. Alexander thought he could arrange partnerships between skilled people like chess pieces.
He had no idea some bloodlines were already compatible. Already working together to maintain balance in ways he never imagined.
“So what’s our play?” Hunter’s voice was filled with anticipation. “Besides not letting your grandfather auction you off to the highest bidder?”
“We keep playing our parts.” Eden felt her confidence rising. “Let him think we’re embracing our heritage, learning to use the artifacts under his guidance...”
“While documenting everything,” Katherine added. “Every bloodline he’s studying, every marriage he’s arranged, every attempt to breed specific genetic markers...”
“And then we burn it all down.” Eden’s dangerous smile matched Katherine’s. “Use whatever he teaches us about our abilities to destroy his entire operation.”
“With help from certain compatible bloodlines?” Hunter’s added darkly.
Instead of answering, Eden nodded to Katherine, confirming their plan through their secure comms. Together, they got started on their coordinated strategy.
Everything happened exactly as planned, with a precision that seemed almost uncanny. The equipment lights stabilized as the systems responded to Eden’s access codes. Through their tactical feed, Eden could see Katherine’s satisfaction as they recorded more of Alexander’s secrets.
The operation was moving to its next phase.
And this time, they had advantages Alexander never anticipated.
After all, some teams were naturally effective together. Some security systems could be repurposed to maintain proper oversight rather than enable control. Some partnerships formed because people recognized each other’s strengths rather than through forced arrangements. And the operatives Sarah Mitchell had trained? They wereabout to show Alexander exactly what his own technology could do when used by people who truly understood it.
