aHunter4Right: aHunter4Hire, #8

aHunter4Right

Cynthia A Clement

Text copyright © 2018 Cynthia A Clement

Kindle ePub Edition

ISBN: 978-1-988019-28-4

All Rights Reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in, or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form, or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise) without prior written permission of the copyright owner and publisher. For the purposes of a reviewer, brief passages may be quoted in a review to be printed in a newspaper, magazine, or journal.

This book is a work of fiction. The characters and incidents are from the author’s imagination. Any resemblance to actual incidents or persons, living or dead, is coincidental and unintentional.

Book Cover designed by RomCon®

Cover photo - Deposit Photo

Dedication

To Andrea.

Thank you for your support, insight, and advice.

A special thanks to Kim and John for editing, proofreading, and inspiration.

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Table of Contents

Table of Contents

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Chapter 27

Chapter 28

Thank You

Author’s Note

Books Available

About the Author

Chapter 1

Jehon hoped they could get through the wedding vows without bloodshed.

It was the society wedding of the year. The nuptials were as real as the preparations for battle. The chapel was in readiness for combat. Flowers, streamers, and candles decorated the ancient sanctuary that was now filled with beautifully dressed guests, and soft organ-music. Everything was in place to engage the enemy.

Jehon, had been a warrior longer than most. He’d fought many a battle, but never in a chapel filled with innocent guests. They had run out of options to entice the traitors into the open. Humans had laughed at the plan to stage a fight during a wedding. Jehon didn’t understand their amusement.

He was a Hunter, an elite soldier, born and bred to defend the Kaladin on his home planet, Cygnus. He lived by a code of honor. He’d been trained to protect women, obey orders, and fight to the death. He had also been forbidden to mate. All that had changed when civil war on Cygnus had seen the Kaladin defeated and the Holman take control. That was when all Hunters had been slotted for termination and transported into space. Ardal, his commander and friend, had made the decision to defy the extinction directive. Instead of blindly accepting execution, they had fought for their freedom.

Their spacecraft had crashed on Earth.

That had been three years ago.

Since then, they had learned to adapt to this planet and thrive. Without Kaladin implants and chemical enhancements, they had discovered that their ancient legends were true. Hunters were able to mate. Genetic modifications had intensified the pair bonding of a Hunter and their mate and this was why it had been forbidden by the Kaladin. Once a Hunter mated, his pair bond was more important than obeying orders. So far seven of his fellow brothers had found mates.

Their role as warriors had changed as well. Instead of fighting the galactic wars of the Kaladin, they fought for justice on this planet.

Jehon’s skills had been paramount to the survival of his breed on this planet. First, in escaping the military forces that hunted them, and then in combating the aliens that had threatened to destroy Earth. They had succeeded in abolishing the Albireon aliens, but the organization they had constructed, Albirsion Corporation, still remained. Humans controlled the Shadow Government that was bent on decimating this planet.

Today, they would force the enemy to show themselves.

This was going to be no regular skirmish. The battleground was a large society event, and they had set a trap that should entice the remaining members of Albirsion Corporation out into the open. He had overseen the logistics and planning for the protection of not only the innocent guests but also the mates of his fellow Hunters.

Under no circumstances were any to be harmed.

They were in the Royal Holloway Chapel of the University of London. The pews were filling up with friends, family, and invited dignitaries. Scattered amongst the invitees were his fellow Hunters and the human allies that they fought alongside.

Jehon stood at ease in the rear of the chapel and watched as one of the human soldiers approached him.

Is everything in place? Hank Davis stopped beside Jehon and put his arms behind his back.

Hank was the leader of the Human Resistance Force. He was tall, with graying black hair and a long scar down his right cheek. Jehon judged him to be about forty years old. He was a good leader and Jehon admired that. There was only one problem. He had a traitor in his ranks. Until they found out who the perpetrator was, no human could be trusted.

We have everything under control.

The cars?

All the vehicles are equipped with weapons and bullet-proof glass. Jehon crossed his arms over his chest. Cameras and monitors cover every square inch of the chapel and the grounds leading to the parking area.

What about the reception hall in London?

It is secure in the same way. Jehon raised an eyebrow. You have no need to worry. My fellow Hunters are waiting in readiness for an attack.

Hank’s jaw tightened. I don’t doubt you’re capable of dealing with this, but knowing I have a traitor in my midst has set me on edge.`

It is unfortunate, but we will find them.

Hank grimaced. Before they sabotage this operation?

That is the plan.

I’ll have to take your word for it. Hank’s voice held a note of suppressed anger. I wish Ardal would tell me what he intends.

It is for the best.

There had never been a traitor within Hunter ranks. It was impossible for a Hunter to act in such a cowardly and dishonorable way. Jehon’s time on Earth had taught him that humans were capable of anything. Betrayal, murder, deceit, and harming women and children, were just a small amount of the atrocities he had witnessed on this planet.

That was why only Hunters knew the details of the trap they had set.

The traitor could be anyone.

Hank rubbed the back of his neck. Once you have captured him, you’ll let me deal with the spy first?

Ardal has given you his word. Jehon’s voice was gruff. A Hunter does not lie.

Hank shook his head. Of course Ardal will do as he said. I’m having a hard time believing why any of my people would do this.

They are weak. Understanding their behavior is not necessary.

Maybe not for a Hunter, but I need to know where I went wrong.

It was not your mistake.

It might help me in the future.

There will be no reason to continue your fight. Jehon’s voice was firm. We will defeat the Albirsion Corporation.

I appreciate your optimism. Hank’s voice contained a note of humor. I’ve always trusted my judgement of a person’s character. Knowing how I made a mistake could prove useful in the future.

Are you expecting another invasion? Jehon didn’t hide his doubt.

Hank chuckled. I think one a lifetime is more than enough. I’m talking about my dealings with people once I return to a normal life.

You will not be a soldier anymore?

Those days are over. Hank slapped him on the back. What about your unit?

Hunters fight until they die.

Hank tilted his head. Even when you have a wife and children?

There is no other life for us. We were bred to be warriors. Jehon motioned to the guests who were filing into the chapel. We protect those that need it.

Hank sighed. There will always be people who require help.

Hank turned and walked toward the front.

Jehon frowned as he watched the man return to his post. He had never seen him so concerned before a battle. Perhaps it was the knowledge of a traitor that had unsettled him. Whatever the cause, it was best he did not know the full details of their plan. Hank might be the leader of the resistance, but he was human. The less he knew, the better chance they had of victory.

Jehon leaned against the rear wall of the chapel and scanned each guest as they arrived. It was a comfortable fall afternoon and the Royal Holloway Chapel was filled with the elite of British society. The occasion was the wedding of Sir Robert Creighton’s daughter, Tamsin, to her bodyguard, Darrogh. The papers were filled with speculation as to why a well-bred British darling would marry a man without money or prospects.

The reporters and guests would never understand.

Tamsin and Darrogh were as one.

A Hunter mated for life and the bond was so strong that not even death could break it. Nothing could destroy the tie that bound them to each other. Jehon had seen many of his fellow brothers find their human mates and even he did not fully appreciate the connection. It was a sacred union that only the two who were mated comprehended.

The chapel was a perfect setting for the occasion.

There was limited access, making it easy to defend.

It was Victorian in style, with oak pews facing the center, three story high windows, a frescoed ceiling, and ornate moldings and sculptures. Flower arrangements flowed down from the altar and spilled into the aisle. The air was filled with the fragrance of roses, peonies, columbine, cornflowers, and nigella. Tamsin had wanted to recreate the look and fragrance of an English country garden. Jehon knew little about gardens, but the colors were bright and a floral scent filled the space.

The seats were almost full, and the organist was playing a soft melody. Jehon glanced at his watch. Five minutes before the ceremony started. So far, there had been no uninvited guests or spectators. A few reporters hugged the back wall, but Tamsin had insisted it would be easier to monitor their activity if they were allowed inside. She was right.

The journalists were in place and understood that if they moved, his men would remove them. A few looked with skepticism at the warriors who flanked them on each side, but most were grateful to have an invitation to witness the ceremony. Short of a royal wedding, this was the largest society event of the year.

The minister walked out to the altar.

Darrogh and three other Hunters followed.

Ardal, Partlan, and Eogan.

There were a few coughs and clearing of throats and then silence.

"Report." Jehon used mind connect to contact the Hunter sharpshooters who were standing ready to fire if necessary.

"My sights are on the altar." Breanon’s response was brisk.

"I am trained on the door, Niail reported. No one will get by."

Jehon glanced at the cameras that had been placed along the upper window embrasures. Every inch of the chapel was in full view of the computer monitors they had set-up in an outside van. Each guest would be noted and compared to any known member of the Albirsion Corporation. They would be killed instantly if they made a move at the ceremony.

"Is everything visible?" Jehon reached out to Savis, the Hunter responsible for the electronic surveillance.

"Yes."

The organist began the processional music.

The first bridesmaid, Eogan’s mate, Hester, started up the aisle. She was followed by Partlan’s mate, Grace, and then the Matron of Honor, Ardal’s wife, Fiona. They were all dressed in blue, floor-length chiffon gowns. Grace was the only one prepared to fight. She carried a pistol strapped to her leg. The others had orders to hide if shooting began.

The organist paused and then started playing the Bridal Chorus.

Tamsin and her father appeared in the doorway.

The four men who had been checking invitations slipped in behind. They closed the chapel door and then moved off to the side where the journalists stood.

Jehon pushed away from the wall as they walked down the aisle. He surveilled each guest with narrowed eyes. They were all intent on the bride and her father. Camera lights flashed in a frantic effort to capture the moment. Jehon caught movement out of the corner of his eye and lunged toward the door.

"It’s a woman. Niail’s words rang in Jehon’s mind. I cannot shoot her."

"I will deal with it. Jehon reached the door and blocked the intruder. Ranon take my place."

The woman who’d entered was out of breath and pushing a pair of dark rimmed glasses up her nose. Jehon took her by the arm and guided her back outside. A shock tingled up his fingers and when she tried to break his hold, he had to concentrate on keeping his grip on her. He couldn’t release her until they were outside the chapel. The enemy might be aware of the code that all Hunters lived by. There was nothing to prevent them from using it against them.

A Hunter never harmed a woman.

It was a good reason to send one as a decoy.

The woman frowned up at him. What are you doing?

This is only for invited guests. Do you have your invitation?

The chapel doors were closed now and Jehon released her arm. She took a step back and pushed her dark horn-rimmed glasses back up her nose. For the first time, he let himself look at her. She was exotically beautiful, with golden-brown skin, deep brown eyes, and black hair pulled back into a ponytail. Tendrils of hair framed her delicate features. She was wearing dark cotton slacks, a tan, fleece-lined sweater jacket, and a rust-colored scarf.

He had never experienced such a visceral reaction to a woman.

Jehon inhaled a sharp breath and forced himself to look away.

I’m a friend of Tamsin. The woman brushed the wisps of hair away from her face. I know I’m not an invited guest, but there’s no law that says you can’t watch someone getting married.

It is a closed wedding. Jehon forced his voice to remain firm. He sensed that if this woman insisted, he would relent.

Tamsin and I were at uni together. We went to Royal Holloway and were in residence at Founder’s Hall.

That does not explain why you are here now.

I haven’t seen her since she walked away from her first wedding and when I read the announcement that she was getting married here, I couldn’t resist stopping by.

Jehon’s opposition weakened.

It might be a trap.

I’m Aashi Banerji.

Jehon scanned the woman.

She seemed sincere.

Couldn’t you make an exception? Aashi’s voice was a plea. I promise to leave as soon as the ceremony is finished. We really are friends. She even asked me to be a bridesmaid at her first wedding.

You will need to stay beside me. Jehon’s eyes narrowed. I will remove you immediately if there is a problem.

Aashi nodded. You’re taking this security very seriously.

It is necessary. Jehon reached for her bag. May I check it for weapons?

Aashi frowned and then held it out to him. It was a large, dark-brown leather bag and Jehon felt the outside first before glancing inside. It was full of papers, pens, a tablet, and a small wallet. There were no weapons. He gave it back to Aashi.

Satisfied?

I had to be certain.

I don’t know if I should be insulted or flattered that you think I’m capable of harming someone.

A woman can be used as a weapon. Jehon’s voice was harsh. It has happened in the past.

I’ve told you my name. What is yours?

He hesitated a second. Jehon.

Aashi held out her hand. It’s nice to meet you.

Shaking hands was a human custom that he’d