Page 73 of Hunter's Game
“The Mitchells weren’t chosen for any special qualities,” Hunter added, his fingers now tracing gentle circles on Eden’s back. “They were chosen because—”
“Our genetic profiles made us ideal candidates for his experiments,” Eden said, her anger rising. “All those arranged marriages...”
“They were about creating optimal test subjects,” Katherine said coldly. “People who would be particularly susceptible to his technology.”
Through the feeds, they watched Alexander demonstrate another “activation,” making ancient tablets seemingly respond to specific people. Now Eden saw the careful choreography—hidden scanners reading genetic markers, processors calculating responses, UV-reactive materials creating timed displays.
“So what’s our plan?” Hunter asked quietly, moving closer until Eden could feel his warmth against her back. “Now that we know what we’re really dealing with?”
Eden exchanged a look with Katherine. “We use his own tech against him. Let him think we’re still believing his lies while we gather evidence of what he’s really doing.”
“It’s not just about weapons and political influence,” Katherine said, adjusting their plans. “He’s building an army of people who think they have special abilities.”
“When they’re just puppets dancing to his strings.” Eden’s focus sharpened. “And we’re going to expose all of it.”
“While dealing with whatever forces he sends after us.” Hunter’s dangerous smile made Eden’sheart race. “Now that we know they’re not really special—”
“Just well-trained operatives with advanced tech support,” Eden finished, enjoying how naturally they completed each other’s thoughts now. “Makes them easier to handle.”
Katherine typed rapidly. “Sarah left everything we need. Not just evidence of his experiments, but ways to counter his technology.”
“Speaking of family,” Hunter’s voice turned thoughtful as he studied certain files, one hand still resting possessively on Eden’s waist. “These neural mapping protocols...they’re about choosing successors.”
Understanding hit Eden. Through the feeds, she watched Alexander moving among powerful players, each thinking they were being chosen for special abilities.
“He’s profiling potential heirs.” She met Hunter’s eyes, feeling the electric connection between them intensify. “Looking for someone whose neural patterns match his own. Someone who can take over his operation...”
“And maintain his illusion of special abilities,” Katherine finished grimly.
“Well then,” Eden said with cold certainty. “I’d say it’s time to shatter some illusions.”
“Starting with the ones he’s built around us.” Hunter’s hands slid around her waist, pulling her gently back against his chest. “Let him think we’restill playing his game while we burn his whole operation down.”
“Using his own tech to expose every lie,” Katherine said sharply. “Every experiment, every manipulation, every deception...”
“While dealing with whatever forces he sends to stop us,” Eden added, leaning into Hunter’s embrace. “Think you can handle working without supernatural backup?”
Hunter’s laugh rumbled against her back, sending pleasant vibrations through her body. “Baby, superpowers or not, I always thought you were superwoman.”
Eden turned in his arms and pulled him down for a kiss that made her pulse race. The connection between them had been forged through danger and mutual respect—not manipulated by technology or predetermined by genetics.
His hands settled at her waist with protective strength she’d come to crave—firm enough to make her feel secure, gentle enough to show he respected her capabilities. Unlike other relationships she’d had, this one developed naturally, despite every professional reason to resist it.
When they separated, both breathless, they exchanged a look of complete understanding. Discovering the technological manipulation behind their supposed ‘powers’ hadn’t diminished what they’d built together—it had confirmed its authenticity.
It was just blood and bullets and a connection deeper than either had expected to find.
They had twenty-four hours before Alexander would expect another demonstration. Twenty-four hours to prepare for the final confrontation with a man who’d spent decades building his empire of lies.
Eden smiled as she made plans with Katherine and the man whose touch sent electricity through her veins. Let Alexander think they were still believing his lies.
They’d show him exactly what determination and training could really do.
After all, the best revolutions weren’t built on illusions. They were built on exposed lies and shattered deceptions.
They knew exactly what they were fighting, and now it was time to show Alexander what happened when his puppets cut their strings.
The feeds showed more of Alexander’s recruits arriving for tomorrow’s demonstration. Eden felt her focus sharpen as she made final preparations, keenly aware of Hunter’s protective presence beside her.
