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there no other way?” Her voice shook.
    “I looked outside and there is no vehicle that we can hide in. This is
our best chance to escape this place unseen.”
    Partlan took her arm and coaxed her toward the container. He needed to
find a way to convince her to push past her fear. The threat of the Albireons
was more serious than being captured by the FBI. He could escape from law
enforcement, but he was not sure what power the Albireons had on this planet.
    “Once we are free, I will go wherever you want me to.” His words were a
promise.
    “You won’t break your word?” Agent Kelly lifted one trembling leg into
the box.
    “A Hunter’s word is a vow.”
    “And you never break your oath, right? Because other men do.” Her hand
gripped the edge of the coffin.
    “I am not like other men.”
    “I swore I would never rely on another man.” She bit her lower lip and
then took a deep breath. “Don’t make me regret trusting you.”
    She climbed into the container and then looked back up at him. “I’m
afraid of the dark.” Her voice was a low plea.
    Partlan’s chest tightened at her entreaty. Her fear was real and he
couldn’t ignore it. If all she needed from him was reassurance, then he would
give her what she wanted. He pulled her gun out of his waistband and placed it
in her hands. He hid the broom he carried in the other box and then checked
that everything was in place before he climbed in.
    “You will not be alone.” His voice was soft with reassurance. “If you get
overwhelmed and need to leave, I can get us out of here.”
    He closed the lid and then twisted his large body so he lay beside her.
She pushed over to the side and he gathered her closer to him. She was
shivering uncontrollably. He rubbed a hand over her back and moved his leg so
she could rest on top of him. He sent her calm and soothing energy. Her heart
beat and breathing slowed and after a few minutes her shivers stopped.
    “How long do we have to be here?”
    “As long as it takes. Remember, you are not trapped. Relax.”
    “How can it not affect you?” Her whisper was filled with reproach.
    “I have been trained since I was a baby to deal with fear and pain.”
    “Nobody trains a baby.”
    “When I started to walk, that is when the training began.”
    Partlan’s voice was devoid of emotion. His life and training were not
something he reflected on. He accepted that his breeding meant that he was
destined to fight and die. He did not question the method or the means. He did
what was necessary to survive and at this moment, he needed to keep Agent Kelly
safe.
    The Albireons might have come for him, but they would not rest until they
had captured both of them. He understood how their minds worked. Agent Kelly
had refused to hand him over. She had stood in their way and they would never
forget that. They sought complete control, even if they disguised it as
assistance. Once Agent Kelly had questioned their authority, her fate had been
sealed. She might not know it, but she was in the same danger he was, perhaps
worse.
    A Hunter was of use to Albireons.
    A human was dispensable.
    His arm tightened about her. He had to protect her, no matter what the
cost. She was his pair bond. If he had any doubts, just holding her near,
dispelled them. He was complete and at peace. There would be no greater joy
than being able to be by her side for the rest of his life.
    He had seen the look of adoration in the eyes of Ardal, his leader, when
he looked at Fiona, his mate. Niail and Catal both gazed on their mates in the
same way. Now he understood. It was more than just the physical reaction of
having her near. It was a complete connection on every level.
    Her essence surrounded and embraced him.
    He desired to know everything about her.
    “Your fear is easing.” Partlan kept his voice low.
    “Yes.” Agent Kelly cleared her throat. “My brother locked me in the
closet when I was a young girl. He was supposed to babysit me and he left