Hunter's Claim: The Alliance Book 1 Read online

“What about Dagger?” Hunter asked.

  “He’s alive,” Jordan said. “He’s alive and I think I know where he is.”

  “Jordan,” Hunter said in concern. “He is dead. They found his body.”

  Jordan shook her head. “No, they found two bodies that were never identified. They just assumed it was Dagger and Edge but a DNA test was never done to prove it was them. I’ve gone over all the records and reports again and again. I think at least Dagger and maybe Edge got away before their transport exploded.”

  “What makes you think Dagger is alive?” Hunter asked.

  “I’ve been running scans with Dagger’s name and the word Trivator as a filter. I’ve gotten several hits but I finally found an image with him in it from one of the illegal fight stations,” Jordan said holding up the tablet in her hand. “It’s Dagger. I know it is. Hunter, please. He’s alive. I just know it!”

  Hunter handed Lyon to Jesse and took the tablet Jordan was holding out. His face paled when he saw the grainy image. He would know the features of the male in the center of the fight ring anywhere.

  “Hunter?” Jesse asked quietly.

  Hunter looked at her before turning his gaze back to Jordan. His mouth tightened into a hard line. He glanced back down at the tablet once again.

  “I need every bit of information you have, Jordan,” Hunter bit out in a low, dangerous tone. “When was this taken?”

  “Yesterday,” Jordan said. “I’ll give it to you but on one condition. I go with whoever goes after him.”

  “Jordan,” Jesse whispered in shock.

  “Impossible,” Hunter snarled. “It would be too dangerous.”

  “I found him once,” Jordan insisted as she reached for the tablet. “If he disappears, I’ll find him again. I won’t lose him.”

  “We do not leave any of our men behind,” Hunter reminded Jordan. “We will bring him home.”

  “You almost did,” she whispered back. “You all believed it was them but never proved it.”

  “Hunter?” Jesse said, holding Lyon against her.

  “I will see what I can do, Jordan,” Hunter replied grimly. “Whether that means you go, I cannot guarantee.”

  “Just… try,” Jordan begged. “I’ll transfer everything to your console in your office.”

  Jesse and Hunter watched as Jordan turned and ran back into the house. Jesse turned to look at Hunter in concern. She was afraid for him as well. If it was dangerous he could re-injure his back.

  Hunter turned, sensing Jesse’s fear and smiled tenderly down at her. He shook his head and pulled her and Lyon close to his body, breathing in their calming scent. He could not go even if he wanted. His duties here were too important. He had many people depending on him now.

  “I will contact Dagger’s older brother, Trig,” Hunter murmured. “He works to bring down such places. He will want to know about this.”

  “Thank God!” Jesse said, curling up against Hunter’s side. “What about Jordan’s desire to go?”

  “She is family,” Hunter said. “It is my right to deny that she go due to the danger. She will be upset but she will accept that she must follow my decision.”

  “I agree with it being too dangerous, but I think it best if we both sit down and explain why it is best she not go. I think she might be more receptive if she hears both of our reasons and understands why we feel this way. I hope it really is Dagger and his brother can bring him home safely,” Jesse said before sighing as Lyon began to bounce. “I think Lyon is ready for his afternoon swim. I’ll take him while you go contact Dagger’s brother.”

  “You are an amazing female,” Hunter said, brushing her hair from her cheek and bending to rub his nose along her cheek. “Has anyone ever told you that before?”

  “Maybe once or twice,” Jesse laughed as she brushed a kiss across his lips. “Now, go do what you have to do before I make you remind me just how amazing I can be.”

  Hunter watched as Jesse walked down the path to the area set aside for swimming. Their son bounced in her arms in excitement when he recognized the direction Jesse was taking him. Small arms waved in delight and their laughter filled the air.

  Hunter smiled as he turned to head back into the house. Now, it was time to find his surrogate brother and bring him home. He thought of Jordan and her tenacious resolve to find Dagger and Taylor’s determination to make Saber live again. All the females in his family continued to amaze him.

  His family was small and unusual but it was his. He was slowly learning how to handle three strong-willed alien women and now he had a small son added to the mix. He glanced at the tattoos circling his wrists and couldn’t help but think that he had made the best decision of his life when he made a rash promise to an alien female and claimed her as his.

  He turned when he heard a squeal followed by laughter. From the top step he could see Jesse standing in the shallow pool of water. She was holding Lyon who was splashing her when he kicked his feet. Warmth and pride flooded him at the sight of their happiness. His fear of not being able to make his Amate happy melted away as love filled his heart.

  To Be Continued:… Razor’s Traitorous Heart

  ABOUT THE AUTHOR

  Susan Smith has always been a romantic and a dreamer. An avid writer, she has spent years writing, although it has usually been technical papers for college. Now, she spends her evenings and weekends writing and her nights dreaming up new stories. An affirmed “geek,” she spends her days working on computers and other peripherals. She enjoys camping and traveling when she is not out on a date with her favorite romantic guy. Fans can reach her at [email protected] or visit her web site at: http://sesmithfl.com. Join me for additional information about the books at http://pinterest.com/sesmithfl/s-e-smith/, http://twitter.com/sesmithfl, http://facebook.com/se.smith.5?fref=ts and at my new book discussion forum at http://www.sesmithromance.com

  Additional Books:

  Abducting Abby (Dragon Lords of Valdier: Book 1)

  Capturing Cara (Dragon Lords of Valdier: Book 2)

  Tracking Trisha (Dragon Lords of Valdier: Book 3)

  Ambushing Ariel (Dragon Lords of Valdier: Book 4)

  For the Love of Tia (Dragon Lords of Valdier: Book 4.1)

  Cornering Carmen (Dragon Lords of Valdier: Book 5)

  Paul’s Pursuit (Dragon Lords of Valdier: Book 6)

  Choosing Riley (Sarafin Warriors: Book 1)

  Ha’ven’s Song (Curizan Warrior: Book 1)

  Hunter’s Claim (The Alliance: Book 1)

  Lily’s Cowboys (Heaven Sent: Book 1)

  Touching Rune (Heaven Sent: Book 2)

  Indiana Wild (Spirit Pass: Book 1)

  River’s Run (Lords of Kassis: Book 1)

  Star’s Storm (Lords of Kassis: Book 2)

  Jo’s Journey (Lords of Kassis: Book 3)

  Rescuing Mattie (Lords of Kassis: Book 3.1)

  Tink’s Neverland (Cosmo’s Gateway: Book 1)

  Hannah’s Warrior (Cosmos’ Gateway: Book 2)

  Tansy’s Titan (Cosmos’ Gateway: Book 3)

  Cosmos’ Promise (Cosmos’ Gateway: Book 4)

  Gracie’s Touch (Zion Warriors: Book 1)