aHunter4Ever by Cynthia Clement Page B

on Cygnus were
demolished. Our genomes were destroyed and any existing Hunters were
terminated.”
    “Genocide is what we call it on Earth.” Grace shivered. “How can you
speak of it so calmly?”
    “We were bred and trained for one purpose. We serve by protecting and
fighting. To die with honor is the best we can hope for.
    “You make it sound as if you were machines.” Grace’s fingers fluttered
against his arm. “I’ve seen you injured. You’re flesh and blood like any other
human.”
    “We were bred to obey the Kaladin. We do not question our orders. That is
why the Holman thought that we would go willingly to our death.”
    Grace nodded. “I’m assuming other Hunters fought too.”
    “No. All others obeyed the extinction order.” Partlan put his shirt back
on. “We were the last to be executed because we were away on a mission when the
orders were given.”
    “So you are the only Hunters left?” Grace’s voice sounded hollow.
    Partlan nodded. “Less than half our unit survived the crash.”
    “That explains why those guys who kidnapped us are so eager to get their
hands on you.” Grace paced the small cell. “If you are human, but have
modifications, then that means they want to understand what those changes are.”
    “Perhaps.” Partlan rubbed the back of his neck. “They may also want us
for our fighting ability.”
    “If they have your genes, they’ll make more of you.” Grace’s voice was
dry. “No, I think they need you for experimentation. If that is what they intend,
then there is no need for me. I’m just here to make certain that you don’t
fight them. They have no intention of keeping either one of us alive.”
    “Escape is imperative.” Partlan’s tone was decisive. Grace finally
understood the danger that they were in. She would not fight his protection of
her.
    There was a shuffling noise outside their cell. Partlan moved to the side
of the door and crouched. He steadied his breathing and slowed his heart rate.
His course was clear. He would kill the person who came through that door and
fight for their freedom. He could not let Grace stay in this place and die.
    There was a scraping sound and then the unbolting of a lock.
    The door opened a crack.
    Before Partlan could attack, a voice sounded in his head. “ I am Eogan,
clan Rioge. Are you a Hunter? ”

Chapter
11
     
    Grace’s mouth dropped open at the size of the man who came through the
entry. Partlan had been set to attack, but for some reason he stood and stepped
away from the door. The newcomer had the same dark hair and eyes as Partlan. He
slipped through a tiny opening of the door and closed it with an almost silent
click. He glanced at her before his eyes dropped to the ground and he turned to
Partlan.
    “Hunter?”
    Partlan nodded. “I am Partlan, clan Obair. Team leader, under the command
of Ardal, protector of the High Council.”
    The stranger nodded. “Impressive.”
    Partlan took a step toward her. “Grace Kelly, this is Eogan. He is also a
Hunter. Grace and I were kidnapped in Los Angeles several hours ago. Can you
tell us where we are?”
    “You are at a secret facility in Australia.” Eogan’s voice was clipped.
    “No.” It felt as if a hammer hit her in the chest and knocked the breath
from her. How had they gotten all the way to Australia? “Why?”
    “This facility monitors communications
world-wide.” Eogan leaned against the door. “I believe someone mentioned Hunter
on a newscast and they sent scouts to see if it were true.”
    Grace winced. “The Walters. They complained to the media about how the
FBI had treated Partlan.”
    “What did they do?” Eogan’s tone was serious.
    “We shot him.”
    Eogan nodded and turned to Partlan. “Have you recovered?”
    “There is an ache, but the wound has closed.”
    “Good. If you’re going to escape, then you must be fit.” Eogan glanced at
the ceiling. “Are there cameras?”
    “I can find none.”
    Eogan walked away from the