aHunter4Trust Read online

  “I battled in the frontlines of many wars until I was transferred to Thars Station. From there, I went to Ardal’s unit. I was transferred one week before the Holman took over Cygnus.”

  Thars Station was a prison planet; brutal and primitive. Darrogh had been in charge of security and prisoner containment. The main activity there had been the mining and processing of Monazite, with most of its minerals being used for nuclear energy and weapons. It was a harsh environment. Prisoners worked with compliance or they were killed. There were no second chances.

  “Guarding the High Council would have been a drastic change.” Savis sat back from his computer. “You did not have time to adjust.”

  Darrogh clenched his jaw. “I arrived and immediately we were helping the council escape from the Holman. Because of my battle experience, I was left on Cygnus to defend the Council Chambers until everyone was safely off the planet.”

  Darrogh did not elaborate on the torture that had followed once the Holman had discovered that the Kaladin High Council had escaped. He was a Hunter. It was understood that he and his men had defended and delayed the enemy until they had been ordered to surrender as a delaying tactic. The Holman might have thought that they could break him, but they were wrong. When Ardal and the rest of the unit had returned, that was when they had been shipped off for execution.

  “I can understand your concern about women and this planet,” Kerm said. “It is not for us to question the pair bond. It is a part of being a Hunter and you would be foolish to ignore it.”

  “I had not considered that.” Darrogh paused as he reflected on this new perspective. “To be a Hunter also means the possibility of a pair bond.”

  “It has made Ardal a better leader,” Savis said.

  “It is who we are.” Breanon clicked the magazine back into his rifle. “We protect and obey women. Now we know we can also form a pair bond and mate.”

  “It’s part of our breeding.” Kerm spoke in a firm voice. “If we hadn’t been given implants at birth, we would not doubt it.”

  “We would have accepted bonding along with all of our other modifications.” Savis glanced down at his computer.

  “You are right,” Darrogh agreed.

  A weight had been lifted from him. He had never considered that bonding was an extension of being a Hunter, and therefore as natural as their duty to fight and die. There was no dishonor in accepting Tamsin as his pair bond. The ability to form a bond with a woman and mate had been a part of him since birth. It had nothing to do with Earth. The Kaladin had denied him that right by using implants. He was now free of those restraints.

  “I will advise the others of what has happened to me.”

  Darrogh had wasted enough time with doubt and questions.

  He brought his focus back to the mission.

  “Peter is bouncing up and down.” Savis spoke in a hesitant voice. “I do not know if that means he has spotted someone or wants our help.”

  “Has he said anything?”

  “No.” Savis looked up at Darrogh. “His microphone is working because I can hear the sound of the water in the fountain.”

  “Is that masking his words?”

  “I am uncertain.” Savis leaned closer to his monitor. “His camera is pointing toward a dark figure that is standing by the trees.”

  “Tell me when it moves.” Darrogh eased the tension from his shoulders. “It may be his contact and they are making certain that Peter is alone.”

  Years of battle had taught Darrogh patience. It was better to wait for the enemy to come to him, then to be on the offensive. If this was Peter’s client, then they would know soon enough who their enemy was. The threat against Tamsin could only be defeated once they knew the exact nature of what they were dealing with.

  “The figure is moving toward Peter.” Savis’s voice broke the silence.

  “Good.” Darrogh walked to the computer. “It is still too dark to make out the man’s face.”

  The person moved closer. Lamplight lit the features enough that they knew they were dealing with a man. He was dressed in a dark overcoat and had a woollen cap on his head. It would make identification difficult if he stayed at a distance.

  “Breanon you are the only one of us who has not been seen guarding Tamsin. Get ready to follow in case we cannot get a visual on the client.”

  Breanon put his rifle down and stood at the door.

  Just then, the man came within camera view.

  His face was clear and there was no mistaking his identity. The man who had hired Peter to follow and photograph Tamsin was her father’s assistant, Henry Kingsley.

  Chapter 15

  “Why would he want Tamsin followed?” Savis adjusted the sound on the computer speakers.

  Peter’s voice could be heard. “You got my note.”

  “This had better be good. It’s dangerous to meet.” Henry’s voice was clear.

  “I don’t have any more photos. My cover was blown.”

  “You dragged me here for that.” Henry’s voice was a low growl.

  “Those bodyguards are Hunters. You should have told me that.” Peter’s voice sounded irritated. “It only took them a week to discover I was following her. They grabbed my camera and destroyed it.”

  “You’re off the job.”

  “No kidding.” Peter’s voice rose. “I want money for my equipment. We agreed to expenses.”

  “I don’t want to see you again.” Henry shoved a bundle of bills at Peter. “Forget that we ever did business if you want to live.”

  “Easily.” Peter pushed the bills into his upper pocket, sending the camera careening off to the side. “I’m going to give you some friendly advice. Don’t fool around with those guys. They’ll rip you apart.”

  “They’re no match for the people I work with.” Henry’s tone was boastful.

  “You do know what Hunters are?” Peter asked. “They follow a code and if you harm Tamsin Creighton, they’ll kill you.”

  “They can try.” Henry gave a low chuckle. “They won’t know where the attack comes from.”

  Peter shrugged. “It’s your funeral. I’ve done my part and warned you.”

  Henry walked away. Within seconds, he’d faded into the background of the muted lighting of the park. Darrogh motioned to Breanon, who left the van to follow. They needed to see if he met anyone.

  Kerm started the van. He had shifted the vehicle into gear and was about to drive away when a sharp knock at the side stopped him.

  “Let me in.” Peter banged the van again.

  Darrogh nodded. When the photographer was inside they drove off in the direction that Kingsley had taken.

  “He’s crossed Park Lane and is entering Grosvenor House.” Breanon reported through mind connection.

  “Grosvenor House.” Darrogh told Kerm.

  “How can you possibly know that?” Peter’s voice was suspicious.

  Darrogh turned back to the man. “If you continue to interfere, we will drop you off here.”

  Peter put up his hand. “I’ll be quiet.”

  “Give me the camera you are wearing.” Darrogh held his hand out to Peter.

  Peter raised an eyebrow, but unclipped it from his collar and handed it over.

  “Breanon, meet me at the Grosvenor entrance.” Darrogh issued his order through mind connect.

  “Kerm keep driving around the block.” Darrogh stood and gripped the handle of the side door. “I will meet up with you.”

  When the van was in front of the luxury hotel, he opened the door and jumped out. Breanon was standing at the side of the Ballroom entrance. Darrogh ran to him and passed him the small camera.

  “Keep as close as possible without being seen.”

  Breanon nodded and walked to the hotel’s entrance.

  Darrogh went in the opposite direction. About five minutes later, he saw the van turning the block. He jogged over, and when the side door opened, he jumped in. Peter was shaking his head at him when he landed with a thud on
the metal of the vehicle floor. The door was slammed shut and they continued to drive around the block.

  “You guys are crazy.” Peter crossed his arms and leaned back in his seat.

  Darrogh ignored the comment and turned to Savis. “Has Breanon found him?”

  “Kingsley is seated in the lobby. Breanon has him in his sights.”

  “Good.” Darrogh stood.

  Darrogh watched the computer screen. Kingsley was sitting in a luxurious leather seat in the main reception area. He was tapping a foot, and every few seconds, he would swing his head around as if he were looking for someone. It took another five minutes before there was any change in his behavior. His head turned at the opening of the elevator doors. He stood and straightened his jacket before walking over to the elevator.

  Three men dressed in long black coats exited the lift.

  Albireons.

  Darrogh had seen enough. He could not risk putting Breanon in any more danger. The Albireons were unaware that Darrogh and his men knew about them, and he wanted it to remain that way as long as possible. For now, it was enough to know where the leak was in Creighton’s.

  “Return.” He relayed the order to Breanon.

  “Make certain we have a copy of this. Sir Robert will want evidence.” Darrogh straightened away from the computer. “Send it through to Ardal. He needs to know how far-reaching the infiltration is.”

  The van continued to circle the block until Breanon was within sight. Once the last team member was onboard, they left the area for Tamsin’s house. The sooner they were able to delve into this new evidence, the better.

  Darrogh’s anxiety over Tamsin’s safety was increasing. Knowing that the Albireons were directly involved in threatening her had heightened his concern. Worse, they had been doing it for months, and the degree of their infiltration into Creighton’s, was chilling. This menace must be dealt with. He would not rest until Tamsin was safe.

  “Are you guys going to tell me what’s happening?” Peter asked.

  Darrogh had forgotten about the photographer in his hurry to return to Tamsin. “We will take you home.”

  “No. I go with you.” Peter rubbed his arms. “Whatever has you moving so fast, is something I need to be afraid of. You’re not keeping me out of the loop now.”

  Darrogh considered the human for a second. He was unkempt and irritating, yet he had managed to elude their surveillance for almost a week. He was observant and quick to understand a situation. He might be useful as long as he could be trusted.

  “If Kingsley or the Albireons discover that Peter is working with us, then his life is in danger too.” Savis’s voice was matter of fact. “We need to protect him.”

  “If you stay, you must understand that we will not tolerate any betrayal.” Darrogh’s voice was stern. “I will do my best to ensure your safety, but I cannot guarantee it. The penalty for deceiving us is death.”

  Peter’s eyes widened. “You’re serious.”

  Darrogh crossed his arms. “Do you want us to take you home?”

  Peter shook his head. “I’m a good investigator. You guys need me.”

  “We will discuss strategy when we are in a secure area.”

  They reached Tamsin’s house on Chelsea Square less than fifteen minutes later. They parked the van in the street behind and then took the rear entrance into the house. When they entered the kitchen, Firbin was waiting.

  “Jehon is in the lounge with Tamsin.”

  “Make certain everything is secure and then meet us there.”

  Darrogh moved through the house to the front reception rooms. The other men followed. When they entered the lounge, Tamsin stood. She was the most beautiful woman he had ever seen and seeing her released the knot of tension in his chest. A surge of relief flowed through Darrogh.

  She was safe.

  “What’s happened?” Tamsin made a move toward him and then stopped herself.

  “We have evidence of who has been following you.” Darrogh nodded toward Peter. “Henry Kingsley is Peter’s client.”

  Tamsin sank back into her chair. “How could he?”

  Savis brought the computer over to her and showed the video they had filmed.

  “My father has to be told.” Tamsin looked up from the monitor.

  “We will make him aware.” Darrogh crossed his arms. “There is something else.”

  “What?”

  “Kingsley met up with Albireons.”

  Tamsin frowned. “So he’s working with Albirsion Corporation.”

  Savis keyed in the video that Breanon had taken. Tamsin’s eyes narrowed as she watched Kingsley meet up with the three men dressed in black. The video followed the men until they turned toward the lobby. The last image that Breanon had captured was the faces of the men dressed in black overcoats with their sunglasses and fedora hats. The video was frozen on their eerie faces.

  “Who are they?” Peter leaned closer to the screen. “Their faces don’t look right.”

  “That’s because they’re not human. They come from another planet.” Darrogh walked to the computer and pointed his finger at the three figures on the monitor. “They are Albireons.”

  Peter started to laugh. “That’s a great joke. Aliens.”

  “I think the hats and sunglasses make them look almost human.” Tamsin’s tone was musing. “I would never have given them a second look if I’d seen them on the street. Are they really behind the threats to my father’s bank?”

  “Worse.” Savis closed the video. “One of our brothers escaped their clutches in Australia. His mate was being restrained and ready to be experimented on when he rescued her.”

  A shiver went through Tamsin. “How horrible.”

  “You guys are serious.” Peter’s mouth dropped open as he looked at each of them. “There is no such thing as extra-terrestrials.”

  “Believe what you want.” Darrogh crossed his arms over his chest. “Albireons, like Hunters, are not from Earth.”

  Peter’s eyes narrowed. “Are you saying what I think you are?”

  “If you are working with us, you need to understand what we are fighting.”

  “You look human.” Peter’s voice faded away.

  “We are genetically human, but we originated on a different planet.” Savis’s voice was matter of fact. “Our genes have been modified.”

  “That’s not possible.” Peter shook his head.

  “Enough debate. We need to eliminate this threat.” Darrogh’s voice was stern. There was no time to waste if they were going to keep Tamsin alive. “With Henry Kingsley working for the Albireons, the bank has been compromised. Savis can you determine how deep the infiltration is?”

  “I will need access to their computer systems.”

  Darrogh looked at Tamsin. Disbelief and shock were written all over her face. The situation was serious and he did not have the time to let her process Kingsley’s betrayal. He sent her a wave of calm and then strength. If there was any hope of stopping the Albireons, they had to act fast.

  “Can you get access Tamsin?”

  She looked up at him. “I don’t work there anymore.”

  “We will have to tell your father.”

  “It will kill him.” Tamsin’s voice was hushed. “He thinks of Henry like a son.”

  “Losing you would be much worse.” Darrogh did not try to soften his words. He needed to say something that would shock her out of her stupor. It took a second, but she straightened her shoulders.

  “You’re right.” Tamsin looked at Savis. “Is tomorrow soon enough?”

  Savis nodded. “I will see what I can do from here tonight.”

  “Rest first.” Darrogh’s voice was a command. “Now that we know the level of our threat, we will double our watches. Breanon and I will take the first shift.”

  Breanon nodded and left the room. Darrogh went to the windows and rechecked their locks before closing the curtains. His men needed sleep. It was unlikely that the Albireons would strike immediately. The new
s that their surveillance on Tamsin had been stopped would take them a while to process. Albireons were notoriously slow at reacting to new situations. In the past, Darrogh had used that to his advantage to defeat them. Tonight might be their only reprieve, so he wanted everyone well-rested before they battled the enemy.

  “What about me?” Peter’s voice was a low whine.

  “You wanted to come with us.” Darrogh’s voice was harsh. “Your skills will be needed.”

  Peter straightened his shoulders. “I understand, but I need to sleep.”

  Tamsin stood. “You can have the den. It has a comfortable couch. The rest of the rooms are being used by the men.”

  When Tamsin and Peter had left, Firbin looked at him. “Was it wise to tell the human?”

  “We had no choice.” Darrogh pushed away his own doubts. “His services might be useful and I think once he has processed everything, he will be fine.”

  “We still have his photos.” Savis stood. “In the morning I will have him re-examine everything to see if there is a pattern. We may be able to find out where the Albireons have stationed themselves.”

  “Look into Grosvenor House.” Darrogh leaned against the fireplace. “If there is a nest of them there, we will eliminate it first.”

  Savis picked up his computer. “I will access their files.”

  “Work begins in the morning,” Darrogh said. “We need to understand the full extent of the Albireon infiltration into the bank before we can act. I will apprise Ardal of the situation in case we need reinforcements.”

  The men left the room.

  Darrogh wiped a hand over his face. The threat to Tamsin was worse than he had originally suspected. It was one thing to think that humans might be out to hurt her, but to know that it was Albireons, heightened his concern. He had always been vigilant when on a protection mission, but this was the first time he was personally involved in the outcome.

  “You look deep in thought.” A surge of joy raced through him at the sound of Tamsin’s voice. “Are these aliens that big of a threat?”