Chapter 25

MORNING CAME MUCH too soon for Firbin. He had fallen asleep with Marissa in his arms. A sense of well-being and peace that he’d never felt before filled him. His need to pleasure Marissa was insatiable. Even now, after making love almost non-stop, he wanted to join with her again.

It wasn’t possible.

Already, he could hear some of the others moving about the villa. Duty called. He was a Hunter and he must report for the planning meeting. With a sigh, he pushed upright on the bed. A quick shower and then he’d be ready for new orders.

“Where are you going?” Marissa’s voice was groggy with sleep.

“To shower.”

Marissa rubbed a hand down his back. “I know a wonderful way for two people to share one.”

Firbin grinned at Marissa. “We don’t have much time. The others are already gathering. It is important for us to leave Vadim’s hotel soon.”

Marissa shrugged. “We both need a shower. It will save time.”

Firbin reached for her and gathered her in his arms. “A Hunter obeys a woman’s wishes.”

Marissa wrapped her arms around his neck. “I promise you’ll enjoy it.”

Firbin stood and carried her to the shower. “I love everything I do with you.”

Thirty minutes later, they were toweling themselves dry when a knock came at the door. “Ardal wants to finalize the plans.”

“Coming.”

Firbin jumped into his clothes and was at the door in a few seconds. He turned back to Marissa. “You can stay and sleep if you wish.”

Marissa shrugged into her t-shirt and jeans. “I want to be there.”

They left the room and found their way to the main living area. The others were assembled and once Firbin had made certain Marissa was comfortably seated he went to stand beside Niail.

“Vadim has advised me that there have been some developments.” Ardal turned to Firbin. “This concerns your mate.”

The muscles in Firbin’s chest tightened. “She must be protected.”

“Always.” Ardal turned at the sound of the main villa door opening. “Vadim is here.”

The casino owner entered the room along with one of his security men. He motioned for the man to set down a computer on the large bar. When it was opened, the man stepped back and Vadim hit a button.

“We have managed to crack the hidden security in Norcott’s computer.” Vadim moved away from the screen. “It is very damaging. It seems Mr. Norcott saved everything. He trusted that his encryption would never be penetrated. He was wrong.”

“Does it prove that he killed Rebecca?” Marissa’s voice sounded hesitant.

“Yes.”

Firbin felt the tension leave Marissa. “So what do we do now?”

“I’ve already done it.” Vadim leaned against the bar. “All of this information was sent to the FBI over an hour ago. Right now they are escorting Mr. Norcott out of my security area and into their cars.”

“He won’t stay there for long.” Niail’s voice was dry. “From what we know about the Albireon organization, there is no place that hasn’t been breached.”

“True.” Ardal frowned. “I think we can safely say that they won’t be coming for Marissa though.”

“Yes.” Vadim closed the laptop. “I’ve sent copies of these files to all of the news organizations across this country. Hopefully, someone will pick up the story.”

“Don’t count on it.” Marissa crossed her arms. “Norcott has money and influence. There are very few willing to take him on.”

“Agreed.” Vadim’s voice was firm. “That is why I’ve arranged to have you flown out of here. It isn’t safe for you until this has settled.”

“Marissa stays with me.” Firbin took a step closer to Marissa.

“We’ll make certain she is protected, Vadim,” Ardal said. “We appreciate your offer, but Marissa will be secure with us.”

Ardal’s voice eased the tension that Firbin felt at the thought of being separated from Marissa. He had only just found her and he wasn’t ready to trust her to anyone else’s care. Unless she was safe with the other mates in their compound, he wasn’t going to let her out of his sight.

“All Hunters have taken a vow to protect another’s mate at all costs.” Ardal’s voice was firm. “We would appreciate your help in getting away from Las Vegas without being tracked, though.”

“My helicopter is on standby.” Vadim nodded. “Or we could take you to the airport. My private jet is at your disposal. When would you like to leave?”

“An hour should give us enough time to sort everything out.”

Vadim handed the computer to his security man. “I will meet you back in the monitoring room. Arrange breakfast to be delivered immediately.”

When the man had left, Vadim turned to Ardal. “Everything I have is at your disposal. My pilots are on standby always. Just let me know where you wish to go.”

“You have been most helpful.” Ardal looked at Firbin. “I would like your mate to stay with the other women. Would you feel comfortable leaving her there?”

As much as he didn’t want to be separated from Marissa, he knew that there was still a battle to be fought. He could not concentrate on the work that had to be done if he was worried about Marissa’s safety.

“Where is this place?” Marissa asked.

“In northern Canada.” Firbin kept his voice steady. “It is well guarded and secure.”

“My mate and her children are there now,” Niail said.

“As is my wife and daughter,” Ardal added. “Some of my best Hunters are guarding the compound. You will be comfortable there.”

Marissa bit her lip. “You think that would be better than me staying with my parents?”

“Yes.” Firbin’s voice was definite. “I could not continue fighting, if I knew you might be at risk. Just because the charges have been dropped against you, doesn’t mean that you are safe.”

Marissa sighed. “You’re right. I’ll go where you want.”

The band of anxiety that had tightened around Firbin’s chest relaxed. “You will like the compound.”

Marissa smiled. “I believe you.”

“That is settled.” Ardal looked back to Vadim. “I have access to transportation in Chicago. We will need help to get there.”

“I’ll notify my pilot. He will file a flight plan immediately.”

There was a knock at the door and Vadim admitted several waiters who were carrying large trays of food. They laid the spread out on the bar and then left.

“Eat. If there is anything else let me know.”

“You have been most helpful,” Ardal said. “By Cygnus and Warrior, you will not be forgotten.”

Vadim smiled and left the villa.

There was silence in the room for several seconds and then Jehon picked up a plate and loaded it with food. Everyone else followed. Firbin handed Marissa some scrambled eggs and bacon and sat beside her. The atmosphere was relaxed and when they were finished eating and sipping their coffee, Ardal stood.

“It is time to discuss what has been happening through the night.”

The room became silent.

Firbin put his coffee down.

“We’ve been successful in North America. The Albireons have been eliminated from all of their hiding places. They no longer have any strongholds on this continent.”

“That is good.” Jehon’s voice was gruff.

“Several of the H.R.F. lives have been lost in the battles.” Ardal lowered his eyes. “Sadly two of our brothers have died in combat in Europe.”

“When?” Firbin asked.

“Last night.” Ardal crossed his arms. “We lost Cael and Feil. By Cygnus and Warrior, we will bring honor to their memories.”

Firbin nodded. Death was part of battle. They had died with honor and their deeds would be remembered. To live and fight another day was what all warriors wanted, but to die fighting was the ultimate reward.

“Eogan has reported that they did not experience any problems when they stormed the bases in Europe or Australia,” Ardal continued with his update. “There were no Ancient Staffs found.”

“They have a new hiding place.” Niail spoke what all of them were thinking.

“We must find it.” Jehon’s eyes narrowed. “There must still be some Albireons alive.”

Marissa cleared her throat. “It might be a human who has them.”

“I have considered that.” Ardal sighed. “It is hard to accept that humans would participate in the destruction of their planet, but we must face that possibility.”

“Some people will do anything, if they think there is a profit to be made.” Marissa shook her head. “Look at Norcott. He knew the destructive capabilities of the Staff and he was one of the humans who authorized its manufacture.”

“Where do we search?” Firbin asked. “I’ve seen what it is capable of. I can’t rest until all of them are found.”

“Darrogh reports that there is unusual activity in London and Germany,” Ardal advised.

“What is happening there?” Jehon straightened up in his chair.

“Computer chatter and it looks as if a new organization has popped up.”

“Friend or enemy?”

“We need more information.” Ardal leaned against the bar. “Darrogh’s team is searching now.”

“There is another problem.” Jehon’s voice was hesitant. “When we were in Nellis we found evidence that our attack may have been anticipated.

“You think there is a traitor?” Ardal frowned.

“It would have to be someone in the Human Resistance Force. No Hunter would betray one of his brothers.”

“Agreed.” Ardal’s voice was clipped. “I will speak with their leader, Hank Davis. He will be meeting us in Chicago.”

Thero held up a memory stick. “We still may find out what we need in these files from Creech.”

“You will have time to search them on the plane.” Ardal straightened away from the bar. “It is time for us to leave. Firbin, you are to take your mate to the compound and once she is safe, meet us in London.”

Firbin nodded. “I will join you as soon as possible.”

“Good. Your skills will be needed, if we are to find these Staffs.” Ardal motioned to the other men. “Gather your stuff. Vadim’s helicopter and plane are ready.”

Within minutes, they were heading to the top floor of the hotel.

Firbin held Marissa close as they climbed the stairs to the roof. She leaned into him and let him help her into the chopper. His heart soared as they rose into the air. His greatest desire was to keep Marissa safe. The Albireon threat must be put to rest. The Earth had to be cleared of those who sought to menace and destroy the human population. Firbin had a renewed desire to defeat their enemy quickly. Then the world would be safe, and he could return to Marissa, his one and only.

As he held Marissa close, he saw his future in front of him.

A life with Marissa by his side.

The End