Page 74 of Hunter's Game
Let them all come. Tomorrow they’d see reality without illusions.
But that was tomorrow’s problem.
Tonight was for planning. For preparation. And for something else entirely.
She pulled Hunter closer, Katherine’s presence forgotten as she lost herself in his kiss. His handstangled in her hair as she pressed against him, savoring the solid strength of his body against hers.
Tomorrow would change everything. But tonight? Tonight was theirs.
And no amount of advanced technology could fake the heat between them. That, at least, was completely real.
Blood tells stories that words cannot. Eden examined the dried red stains on her tactical gear as morning light filled their safe house, each mark a reminder of survival. The converted warehouse was one of Sarah Mitchell’s hidden locations—unknown to official records, stripped to concrete and steel but fully equipped for operations.
Harsh lighting threw shadows across the support beams, with tactical gear and communications equipment standing out against the brick walls. The place was built for function, with reinforced defensive positions and surveillance covering every approach. Even the furniture—military cots and equipment cases used as chairs—emphasized readiness over comfort.
“Incoming,” Hunter called from his post by the windows where he’d been watching approach routes since they arrived. “Three vehicles moving in fast.”
“Friends or enemies?” Eden continued cleaning her weapons, the familiar routine keeping her hands steady despite her exhaustion. At this point, she prayed for friends because she wasn’tsure she had the energy to keep fighting, but she knew she’d dig deep and find it if needed.
“Neither,” Katherine answered from her perch where she worked tirelessly on her laptop. “Private security contractors. High-end ones. Russian specialists, by the look of them.”
“Alexander reaching out already?” Eden smiled slightly as she loaded her weapon. “How thoughtful of him.”
“Less sarcasm, more focus,” Hunter said, though his dangerous smile made her pulse quicken as he moved to cover better angles. His eyes locked with hers for a moment, sending a wave of warmth through her despite the tension. “Unless you don’t want to hear what message they’re bringing?”
Eden exchanged a quick look with Katherine, and the way her eyebrow arched said they were both thinking the same thing. “Well, when you put it that way...”
They moved efficiently, taking positions with clear firing lines while staying protected. The warehouse’s design worked to their advantage—high ceilings with exposed beams perfect for snipers, concrete pillars for cover, multiple escape routes disguised as structural damage.
The first sign this wasn't an ordinary attack came when the vehicles stopped outside firing range. A single woman emerged—tall, athletic, moving with precision that showed extensive combat training. Her tactical gear wasprofessional-grade, unavailable through standard channels. Her dark hair was pulled back, highlighting sharp Slavic features and watchful gray eyes that constantly assessed their defenses.
“Anna Petrova,” Katherine breathed as she stared through her scope. “Former Russian intelligence, now runs her own security firm. Specializes in...sensitive negotiations.”
“Alexander’s favorite problem solver.” Eden remembered the name from her mother’s files. “She was there the night my mother died. Helped cover it up.”
Hunter’s hand squeezed her shoulder, warm and reassuring. “Want me to take the shot?”
She smiled inside, knowing he would, just for her. But she had other plans. “Not yet.” Eden leaned into his touch, drawing strength from his solid presence. Her body responded to his closeness in ways that still surprised her. “Let’s hear what Alexander has to say.”
Petrova approached with careful grace, hands visible, but Eden spotted at least three concealed weapons.
“Ms. Mitchell. Dr. Chen.” Her voice carried through their surveillance system, Russian accent adding weight to already dangerous words. “Alexander Mitchell sends his regards.”
“Funny way of showing it,” Eden responded through the speakers. “Professional killers aren’t typically peacemaking gifts.”
“This isn’t an assassination.” Petrova’s smile was cold but genuine. “This is a job offer.”
Eden felt Hunter shift beside her—a protective response she recognized was reserved just for her. The tension in his body communicated his readiness to protect her while still respecting her ability to handle herself. Where once she might have resented such protection, now she appreciated how it complemented her own abilities.
Katherine laughed, drawing Eden’s attention back to their visitor.
“A job offer?” Katherine’s voice was ice-cold. “After what his people did to Sarah Mitchell?”
“She made her choice.” Petrova shrugged. “She could have been part of something greater. Instead, she chose...what? Justice? Honor? Look where that got her.”
Eden’s finger tightened on her trigger, but Hunter’s hand on her shoulder kept her steady. His touch seemed to ground her, a reminder that she wasn’t alone in this fight.
“And now you’re offering us the same choice?” She kept her voice neutral despite her anger. “Join the family business or die?”
