Page 76 of Hunter's Game
“Smart play,” Hunter said through clenched teeth. “Federal agencies focus on Romano’s network, while the real power structure just shifts everything deeper into the shadows.”
“And positions us as the perfect cover.” Katherine’s smile was grim. “The heroic operatives who exposed corruption and brought down a criminal empire. Who better to help rebuild a ‘legitimate’ business empire from the ashes?”
“While Alexander pulls strings from the shadows.” Eden felt pieces clicking into place. “He wants to use our positions in federal law enforcement and international art circles to expand his influence.”
“The perfect plan.” Hunter’s hand settled on her lower back, warm and steady. Eden fought theurge to lean into him completely, to draw comfort from his touch. “Except for one thing.”
“What's that?”
His smile was pure predator, but his eyes softened when they met hers. “He forgot who he’s dealing with.”
Eden moved closer to him, feeling electricity at his touch even through the tactical gear. “The question is, what are we going to do about it?”
“We could run,” Katherine suggested thoughtfully. “Sarah left resources Alexander doesn’t know about. Ways to disappear completely.”
Normally, it would sound like a great plan to Eden, but when she looked at Hunter, she knew she couldn’t leave him behind. And he would never leave his friends—his family—behind. “Or we could finish what my mother started," she said with determination. "Take down the whole empire, not just Romano’s piece of it.”
“That's suicide,” Hunter said, but his voice held more excitement than concern. His hand slid to her waist, pulling her slightly closer. Any more so, and they would have to find a room. “Alexander’s organization makes Romano look like a street gang.”
“Exactly.” Eden’s smile matched Katherine’s. “Which means they won’t expect us to hit them directly.”
“Using the resources they just offered us,” Katherine caught on immediately. “AcceptAlexander’s offer, position ourselves exactly where he wants us...”
“Then burn it all down from the inside,” Eden finished. “Just like we did with Romano.”
“One problem.” Hunter turned her to face him, his eyes serious despite his dangerous smile. His hands rested on her shoulders, thumbs lightly stroking her collarbone in a way that made concentration difficult. “Alexander’s not Romano. He won’t underestimate you like his son did.”
“No,” Eden conceded, and reached up to trace his jaw, feeling the tension there. “He’ll overestimate us instead. Think we’re just like him—willing to sacrifice anything for power.”
She hesitated, the weight of their past and future pressing down on her. “Hunter,” she said, meaning it as a warning, but it came out breathless as his lips found the tender spot just below her ear. “Who exactly are you planning this future with? Eden Mitchell, the operative who infiltrated the Devil’s Mark? Or Maya Wolfe, the woman who lost everything to Romano’s operation?”
“Both,” he answered without hesitation, his hands now cupping her face. “Eden, Maya—different names for the same remarkable woman. Though I admit,”—his voice roughened as he pulled her closer—“there’s something about calling you Eden that feels right. Like the beginning of something, not the end.”
His words wrapped around her like a protective shield, grounding her amidst the chaos of theirlives. Eden felt a new resolve forming within her, a determination to face whatever came their way together.
“And are you, Eden?” His voice was rough as he caught her hand, pressing it against his heart. “Willing to sacrifice anything?”
Eden met his eyes steadily, letting him see past her careful masks to the truth beneath. “Not anything. Not anymore.”
The kiss was intense, passionate, carrying everything they couldn’t say about trust and betrayal and the growing certainty that whatever was building between them would either save them or destroy them completely. Unlike the calculated connections Eden had formed during undercover operations—tactical tools deployed for advantage—this carried raw authenticity that still surprised her.
Her training had always categorized emotional attachment as a vulnerability, yet with Hunter, that connection had become strength. Their relationship had evolved beyond professional partnership into something that enhanced their effectiveness—his protective instincts balancing her calculated risks, her tactical planning complementing his combat expertise.
When they separated, both breathless, the look they exchanged communicated volumes—acknowledgment of the dangerous game ahead, and their commitment to facing it together.
“So we’re really doing this?” Katherine asked with equal parts amusement and focus. Eden felt heat creep up her neck into her face, having forgotten they weren’t alone. “Taking on the most powerful shadow organization in history?”
“While pretending to be the good little soldiers Alexander wants?” Eden smiled against Hunter’s mouth before pulling away and cleared her throat. “Sounds like fun.”
“Your definition of fun needs work.” Hunter said with a laugh, but he was already moving to secure their position, his movements carrying a grace she loved to watch. “Darkness is not going to like this plan.”
“King’s going to love this plan,” Eden said as she started gathering gear. “Especially the part where we help him disappear his entire operation so deeply even Alexander can’t find it.”
“While we play our parts.” Katherine typed furiously, implementing new security protocols. “Federal agent and international curator, working to rebuild legitimate business interests.”
“While secretly burning it all down.” Eden checked her weapons one final time. “Just like my mom taught us.”
“Speaking of which.” Katherine pulled up more files. “There’s something you need to see. Something in Sarah’s older records that might explain why Alexander’s so interested in you specifically.”
