aHunter4Saken (aHunter4Hire) by Cynthia Clement

outside.”
    “We’re
the ones giving the orders.”
    “There
are women and children in the house.” Niail’s voice was low. “This is not the
place for a discussion.”
    “Is
that what you think we’re having?” The man snorted. “I’ll give you to the count
of three to move. Then, I start shooting.”
    “Your
words condemn you.” Niail’s voice was a growl that sent a shiver of dread
through Kimi.
    Niail
pushed the solid oak table over and shoved her behind it. Bobby jumped down
beside her. Niail lunged at the lead man, and shoved him into the others. She
watched with horror as Niail grabbed the man’s weapon and shoved it to one
side.
    Niail
pushed against the men, backing them up toward her side door. Before they were
outside the lead man grimaced and threw his weight into Niail. It was useless.
Niail flung the man’s weapon hand against the doorjamb. The gun dropped to the
floor and Niail clasped his neck with a vice-like grip. Another intruder from
behind aimed his gun at Niail, but Niail deflected it up.
    Kimi
put her hands over her ears and ducked behind the table. A blast from a gun
reverberated through the kitchen. There was a second shot, a loud scuffling
noise, and what sounded like breaking bones. Loud screams and groans filled the
air. Then there was silence.
    Fear
knotted her stomach.
    Footsteps
sounded on the floor.
    Her
body shook as she ducked lower. Next they would come for her and Bobby. She was
helpless. She prayed that the children would stay in their rooms.
    The
table was pushed away.
    She
was pulled up into strong arms.
    She
stifled a scream just as Wil opened the bedroom door. She struggled to get
loose, but she was held close. It took several seconds before she realized that
the arms were trying to soothe her. Her breath caught in her throat. She forced
herself to look at her captor.
    It
was Niail.
    He
was gazing at her. His eyes dark and emotionless, yet she sensed he was making
certain she was unharmed. Her body sagged with relief. Niail and the children
were safe.
    “I’m
fine.”
    “Good.”
Niail released her. “Wil go back to bed and shut the door. When it’s safe I’ll
tell you to come out.”
    “I
heard gunshots.” Wil’s voice sounded small to her ears. “Are you hurt?”
    “It
takes more than a bullet to stop me.”
    At
that moment Peta’s voice came from her bedroom. “Can I come out too?”
    “Stay
there honey.”
    Kimi’s
voice shook, but she was past trying to hide her fear. Six men had come into
her house to hurt her and the children. It would take days, maybe a lifetime,
before she would be able to forget the horror of it.
    Her
lower lip trembled and she forced back a sob. She almost jumped as Niail’s
finger touched her chin and raised her head so that she was looking into his
eyes.
    “You
are safe.” His voice was low and sincere. “I will always protect you.”
    Words
failed her. She couldn’t answer, so instead she nodded and then sat on the last
upright chair. Someday this would make sense. For now, she focused on trying to
make her body stop shivering. The after effects of fear were wreaking havoc on
her.
    Her
eyes refused to leave Niail.
    The
man’s gaze was mesmerizing. She was drawn to him and even though she hadn’t
moved, she sensed his protective embrace. She felt him reaching out to her. It
was as if he were silently sending her reassurance.
    “Thank
you.” She took a deep cleansing breath. “I’ll be okay.”
    Niail
nodded and then turned to Bobby. “We need to get rid of the bodies before the
children come out.”
    Bobby
nodded. He put the table back on its legs and picked up the napkins that had
fallen to the floor. It was a mundane activity. Kimi sensed that Bobby was
trying to calm his nerves. Niail stood as if nothing had happened. He was calm.
He waited until Bobby had settled himself.
    “Let’s
go.”
    The
two men left the house, closing the door behind them. She glanced around the
room looking for anything out of place.