Page 80 of Hunter's Game
Eden found herself noticing details she’d never prioritized before—his stubble against her skin, the strength in his hand at her waist, the way his eyesdarkened when looking at her. It had nothing to do with tactics, yet somehow made her more aware of everything.
“Alexander’s watching,” Hunter said, his voice rougher than usual.
“Good.” Eden rested her hand on his chest, feeling his heartbeat. “Let him see exactly what he thinks he’s about to control—a Mitchell heir in love with an outlaw, embracing her supposed destiny.”
The word “love” slipped out naturally, and she didn’t correct it, though her heart beat faster, wondering if he’d caught the slip. If he had, he didn’t show it, but the truth of it settled in her chest, surprising yet inevitable, and it shocked her how much she truly meant it. How good it had felt to say it. To allow herself to feel it…
“And what destiny does he imagine for you?”
“To reshape the world in his image,” Katherine replied through their comms. “Using Eden’s genetic compatibility to manipulate global systems.”
Eden spotted Katherine moving through the crowd with composed efficiency, every conversation advancing their goal. She played her role perfectly, convincing Alexander they’d embraced his vision.
“Minister Li has arrived,” Katherine reported. “Along with representatives from major financial institutions. Alexander’s moving everything into position.”
“And our pieces?” Hunter turned Eden again, allowing her to scan the room.
“Darkness’s people are in place,” Eden confirmed. “Amazing how many service staff positions opened up exactly when we needed them.”
“Good planning? Or Mitchell technology?” Hunter’s smile was dangerous.
“Both,” she replied. “Sarah’s files showed the systems work best when aligned with specific intentions.”
“And what do you truly want?” Alexander appeared beside them, radiating controlled power. “Besides dancing with your outlaw companion?”
Eden met her grandfather’s eyes steadily, showing him what he expected—ambition and hunger for power. “The same thing you want. To change the world according to our vision.”
“Good answer.” His smile was predatory. “Though not entirely truthful. You want justice too, don’t you? Just like your mother.”
“Justice is relative.” Eden felt Katherine approaching. “Power is what matters.”
His eyes were calculating, a stare that attempted to bore into her very soul. She stood firm until a glimmer of pleasure softened them. “Very good.” Alexander’s approval made her skin crawl. “You’ve learned well these past weeks. Are you ready to show our guests exactly what your implacable DNA can accomplish?”
Eden exchanged a look with Katherine. “Born ready.”
Alexander laughed genuinely as he moved to the center of the room. “Ladies and gentlemen, if I could have your attention? Tonight’s demonstration is about to begin.”
The crowd formed a circle around the displayed artifacts. Eden felt the systems activating, aligning with their presence.
“For generations,” Alexander announced, “certain families have guided world events from the shadowy recesses of society. Tonight, you’ll see exactly how—through genetic compatibility with advanced technology.”
He gestured proudly toward Eden. “My granddaughter carries that genetic legacy—markers that have built and destroyed empires. That make my family’s DNA uniquely valuable.”
Eden felt Hunter tense beside her as Alexander approached a display case. Inside, ancient-looking tablets activated with blue light.
“These technological interfaces,” Alexander explained, “respond only to specific genetic markers. They contain sensors programmed to recognize certain DNA sequences. Eden? Katherine? If you would?”
They took positions on either side of the display. Eden felt the systems activating, responding to their presence.
“Together,” Alexander commanded. “Focus your intentions. Feel your connection to these devices.”
Eden touched the computer panel simultaneously with Katherine. Immediately, the systems activated and synchronized. The feedback was unlike anything she’d experienced before—the technology responding to their DNA and creating a direct neural connection.
Through it, she perceived multiple possibilities, variables, and outcomes.
Showtime.
“Yes!” Alexander exclaimed triumphantly, already drunk with perceived power. “Now you understand. This is true power!”
