Read Untamed Hawaiian Heat (Rift Hunters) for Free Online Page B

history.
    “Shortly after the treaties were signed and some of the followers began to intermarry with the natives, it was revealed that the cores of the planets contained vast amounts of energy or magic, some richer than others. The gods, being who they are, battled over who would settle on each of the planets.” Tiaki scanned the faces of everyone present. Ash and the interrogator, Elias, were the only ones who didn’t look surprised at the information he was delivering. Interesting.
    He noted Kiana’s expression was one of curiosity, while Mateo’s held doubt and disinterest, although he could feel the other man’s magic stirring restlessly.
    Elias finally spoke up. “I sense there is more. Please continue.”
    Tiaki nodded. “Eventually agreements were reached, and new governments were set up. Each planet now had a pantheon of gods, and a ruling family was chosen among those who had intermarried as well. The gods were loath to cut off all ties with Earth, though. Whether this was because of their fascination with the human race or not is anyone’s guess. For years they used rifts through time and space to travel back and forth between Earth and the Phoenix Galaxy. Possibly even other galaxies. They granted the privilege of using the rifts to their loyal followers occasionally.” He sent a pulse of his magic to the computer, and the images of the maps disappeared. As he explained the next succession of events, he flipped through a series of pictures.
    “Over the centuries, it became obvious the newer generations of followers were evolving. Some were born with a natural magic within themselves. When those individuals reached puberty, it was discovered they were able to harness the power within the planets’ cores as well. The gods took advantage of this and asked Merlin to train them to protect the cores and guard the rifts from being used inappropriately. Merlin divided the magic into orders and assigned them to the knights to master and teach. Those who are trained in the orders are called Rift Hunters. A cohort of Hunters is stationed on each planet.”
    “So you’re saying the people who followed the gods developed the ability to wield this magic?” Kiana asked.
    Tiaki turned his attention to Kiana. “Not everyone. We’re still doing research to figure out how it happens, but the magic seems to choose those it feels worthy at a very young age. Once it’s recognized—”
    Lieutenant Commander Pearce interrupted. “Mr. Jamison, we don’t have time to go over every detail. Please finish with this so you can explain how you came to be in the middle of the Waimea Valley during a skirmish with our enemy.”
    “Of course, sir. I’ve uploaded a copy of what I’ve told you. The files explain everything in greater detail.” He closed his eyes for a moment, trying to decide what they needed to know immediately while attempting to block out the tempting scent emanating from Kiana’s and Mateo’s latent magic. It stirred each time he used his. Deciding it best to focus solely on Pearce in hopes his total devotion to the task at hand would help keep a leash on it, he opened his eyes and looked at him.
    “There has been unrest among those who are unable to wield the magic, and they have formed a rogue group. We had just discovered they’ve been building machines designed by Dr. Aizik Quintilius to harness the magic within a planet’s core. Among his machines was one called a transdimensional gate. We believe this machine would allow them to create a rift. During a meeting of the Ternion Council, which includes representatives from the Council of the Gods, the Kings Council, and the Rift Hunter Council, it was decided it was in the best interest of all the galaxies for all rifts to be closed permanently. I was sent back to the Milky Way Galaxy to the year 2013 to close an unstable rift we detected, while another team was sent to destroy Aizik’s gate and arrest him.”
    “Is that what opened up in the sky