Page 78 of Hunter's Game
“The Minister’s reforms, no doubt.” Alexander studied Hunter with new intensity. “Your outlaw has good instincts, Eden. Though I’m not convinced keeping him around is wise.”
“Hunter’s proven his value.” Eden let her hand brush his arm, enjoying the brief contact. “Besides, isn’t that what you wanted? For me to develop my own resources?”
“Among other things.” Alexander moved to the window. “Tonight’s gathering isn’t just about finance ministers. It’s about something much older. Something in our DNA.”
“The Mitchell legacy?” Katherine asked with careful interest. “Sarah’s files mentioned certain...family traits.”
“Sarah found pieces of the truth.” Alexander’s reflection smiled darkly. “But she never understood the full scope of her heritage. The real potential in your DNA.”
“And what potential is that?” Eden felt Hunter tense beside her.
Alexander turned, his eyes calculating. “The ability to communicate with advanced predictive algorithms. To optimize probability assessments. Haven’t you ever wondered why your genetics produce such exceptional strategic thinkers? Why complex systems seem to align with your projected outcomes when using our technology?”
Eden exchanged a look with Katherine, remembering how often their operations had come together perfectly. Too perfectly.
“It’s not just talent or training,” Alexander continued. “It’s something deeper. Something coded into your DNA. The same genetic markers that built empires and toppled governments. The same markers that make you both so dangerous.”
The atmosphere felt charged, the specialized environmental systems subtly adjusting light and air composition to enhance neural responses. Eden was acutely aware of Hunter’s solid presence beside her, his warmth a comfort amid Alexander’s chilling revelations.
“And tonight’s gathering?” Katherine asked steadily. “What role does this...genetic compatibility play?”
“Tonight we begin the next phase.” Alexander smiled. “The Minister’s reforms are just the beginning. With you both fully embracing your potential, we can reshape the entire financial system.”
“Using what?” Eden forced herself to sound eager rather than horrified. “Romano’s old networks?”
“Romano was a crude instrument,” Alexander dismissed with a wave. “We’re going to use much older methods. Methods that require your DNA to activate.”
Understanding dawned. “The artifacts Sarah was investigating. They’re not just ledgers or antiquities...”
“They’re sophisticated technological systems,” Alexander confirmed with satisfaction. “Advanced programs designed to respond to specific genetic markers—particularly those found in the Mitchell lineage. The technology embedded within them is programmed to recognize certain DNA sequences. Your mother found some of them, tried to expose their existence. But she never understood their true purpose.”
“And what purpose is that?” Hunter’s voice carried carefully controlled anger.
“To change the world.” Alexander spread his hands. “Tonight’s gathering includes people who understand real power. People willing to pay anything for access to these systems.”
“You’re selling access to this technology.” Katherine’s voice held genuine horror. “Using Eden’s DNA to activate these devices...”
“Using my granddaughter’s genetic compatibility to reshape global financial systems,” Alexander corrected, pointedly looking at Eden. “With you fully trained, embracing your legacy, we can do more than just manipulate markets. We can alter the fundamental laws of probability.”
Eden felt the specialized technology activating—responding to her proximity as biometric scanners identified her genetic markers. The heightened awareness and pattern recognition was familiar—not mystical inheritance but engineered technological response.
“And if I refuse?” Eden’s voice was barely audible.
“Refuse?” Alexander laughed. “My dear, you’ve already accepted. Every time you’ve used these systems, every time you’ve deployed this technology, you’ve been accepting your heritage. Tonight just makes it official. The gathering begins in three hours.” Alexander headed for the door. “I suggest you both prepare yourselves. Tonight, we reshape the world.”
The door closed behind him with barely a sound.
“Well,” Hunter said stiffly, “that explains a few things.”
“Like how we always seem to be in exactly the right place at the right time?” Eden turned to facehim, letting him see the fear and fury in her eyes. “How everything falls into place when we need it to? We already knew that,” she scoffed, terrified but unimpressed.
“Like how we’re going to stop him.” Katherine was already moving, her fingers moving over her phone’s screen. “The channels are in place. Everything we’ve gathered—”
“Won’t matter if he’s telling the truth about this technology,” Eden cut her off. “If he really can manipulate systems that way...”
“Then we use it first.” Hunter’s hand settled on her lower back, his touch warm and grounding. “Using whatever this technology is to burn his empire instead of building it.”
Eden leaned into his touch, savoring the connection between them, finding assurances in their go-to connection that always settled her nerves. “It’s not that simple. If what he’s saying about my DNA is true...”
