Page 77 of Hunter's Game
Eden moved to study the screens and was shocked at what she saw. “Well,” her voice carried dark amusement, “that definitely complicates things.”
“More family secrets?” Hunter moved to stand behind her, a warm presence she was growing increasingly dependent on. His hand settled on her hip, grounding her as she processed the implications, his touch both protective and possessive in a way that sent pleasant shivers through her.
“More like family genetics.” Eden exchanged a look with Katherine. “Looks like Alexander has been tracking my family’s DNA for generations, looking for those markers we talked about.”
Hunter shook his head. “Even though we already went over all of this, I still can’t wrap my head around why those markers are important enough to kill.”
Eden’s smile was razor-sharp. “Because they make us ideal candidates for his advanced security systems. Something like that could make an already rich and powerful man like Alexander practically a god.”
As dawn rose over the warehouse, painting their makeshift fortress in shades of possibility, they began implementing their dangerous plan. Outside, the world was still reeling from Romano’s exposed operation, never suspecting that a much bigger war was about to begin.
Eden moved through familiar routines of preparation, her body finding its natural rhythm with Hunter’s as they secured their position. Through it all, she felt the weight of her mother’s legacy pressing down—not just the evidence she’d hidden, but the specialized training Sarah had meticulously prepared for her and Katherine.
The war was about to enter a new phase. And this time, Sarah Mitchell’s carefully trained operatives were ready.
Some secrets were meant to be exposed. Some legacies were meant to be reclaimed. Some operations were meant to end in justice.
And Eden? She was just getting started.
Ahead lay impossible choices and deadly games. But this time, Eden wasn’t just fighting to expose corruption. She was fighting for a future she could barely imagine. And she had a feeling Alexander was about to learn exactly why underestimating her was his biggest mistake.
After all, the best operations were executed with precision. And Sarah Mitchell’s operatives were about to start a revolution.
Power doesn’t corrupt—it reveals. Eden watched Moscow’s pre-dawn skyline through bulletproof glass, the city spread below Alexander Mitchell’s penthouse like a glittering testament to generations of influence. Two weeks of playing the dutiful granddaughter, and she was already drowning in the kind of power that had destroyed her mother.
“The Minister of Finance will be at tonight’s gathering,” Petrova said, reviewing security protocols with practiced efficiency. “Along with several other interested parties. Alexander expects you both to make an impression.”
“Don’t we always?” Katherine’s smile was ice-cold as she adjusted her midnight-blue gown—silk that elegantly concealed weapons and technical gear. “Though I’m still not clear why he needs us both for a simple meeting.”
Eden caught Katherine’s eye in the mirror, reading the real question beneath her casual words. Working together had created shorthand communication through minimal signals—a kind of synergy Sarah Mitchell had cultivated through their complementary training. Two weeks of pretending to embrace Alexander’s empire, and they were still no closer to understanding the true scope of his operation.
“The Mitchell genetic line has always been unique.” Alexander’s voice announced his arrival, carrying that familiar mix of cultured danger Eden had come to recognize. “Something in the specific DNA markers you carry. A certain...compatibility with advanced predictive systems.”
Alexander Mitchell moved like a predator, every gesture calculated and communicating an underlying sense of danger. Even at seventy, he was an imposing presence—broad shoulders, military-straight spine, and movements reflecting extensive combat training. His silver hair emphasized aristocratic features, while his eyes—the same shade of green as Eden’s—held the calculating assessment of someone accustomed to absolute authority. His tailored suit concealed both his still-formidable physique and, Eden suspected, at least two concealed weapons.
“Aptitude for manipulating systems?” Eden kept her voice neutral as she checked her hidden weapons. The shoulder holster under her black silk dress carried her usual pistol, while her thigh rig held something more specialized. “That’s a diplomatic way to describe what we did to Romano’s operation.”
“Romano was a fool who never understood true power.” Alexander’s smile matched Eden’s for danger, the family resemblance unmistakable. “He played with artifacts and criminals, thinking hewas building an empire. But real power?” He gestured at the city below. “Real power changes the course of history.”
“Through murder and corruption?” The words slipped out before Eden could stop them.
Alexander laughed. “Through whatever means necessary. Your mother never understood that. She saw everything in terms of right and wrong. But you’re different, aren’t you? Both of you understand the necessity of secrecy and subterfuge.”
Eden felt Katherine tense slightly beside her, but they’d prepared for this. They’d spent two weeks carefully playing their roles while gathering intelligence on Alexander’s true operation.
“We understand necessity,” Katherine replied smoothly. “The question is, what necessity requires both me and Sarah’s daughter at a simple financial meeting?”
Alexander’s smile turned knowing. “The same necessity that’s kept our family influential for generations. The same genetic compatibility that makes your DNA so...uniquely valuable.”
Before either woman could respond, the door opened to admit Hunter. He moved with that deadly grace that still made Eden’s pulse quicken, his tuxedo failing to hide the warrior beneath. As he entered, his eyes sought hers first—a brief assessment that carried personal concern beneath professional focus.
“Perimeter’s secure,” he reported, taking position near Eden with practiced ease. The way he positioned himself—close enough to support without crowding her—was a welcome comfort she hoped to never take for granted. His presence now enhanced rather than restricted her options. The subtle pressure of his shoulder against hers conveyed both reassurance and readiness.
“Though there’s been unusual movement in the financial district,” he added.
“Unusual how?” Alexander’s eyes narrowed.
“Accounts being quietly transferred. Properties changing hands.” Hunter’s voice gave nothing away, but Eden felt tension in his stance. “Almost like someone’s preparing for major changes.”
