Melody's P.O.V

Taking a huge breath, I took my bag and stuffed my clothes in it. Rushing to washroom, I grabbed my medicines. My sleeping tablets are almost over. Since that day, I started using them extra dose as my nightmares became regular. I need to buy them before I leave.

Once the packing is finished, I hide the bag under the bed. It's obvious no one would let me go I inform them I have to leave. Especially Hunter!! So, I decided to go from here without anyone's notice.

Stephen gave me one week time. But I can't use it to take another decision cause I know until I give up, nothing could stop him. It'll be so selfish of me if I take any risks with Cara's life. Till I had breath in me, I won't let anything happen to her. And definitely won't let her go through the hell I went on.

I always saw myself in her. But I'll fight with the entire world till my last breath to make sure that she won't have the same fate as mine.

I couldn't wait to get my hands on her!!

I shut my eyes as Stephen's words echoed in my ears. Why did I even came into their life?! Because of me, an innocent sole is in danger.

Enough is enough! Everything has a limit.... looks like my freedom has one too. Now it's time to be caged again!

What hurting me most is.... after getting out of their lives, I won't be able to meet them again. Probably, tomorrow is the last day for me with them. So, I should put these depressing thoughts out of my mind and enjoy the left time with all of them.

Coming out my room, I directly strolled to Cara's. Everyone must be asleep as it's already late. But I want to see her now. I need to make sure she's safe. Until then, my heart won't stop beating rapidly in my chest.

Opening the door, I witnessed the most heartwarming sight infront of me. Cara was fast asleep cuddling her teddy with a cute pout adorning her innocent face.

With slow and steady steps, I silently reached near the bed and kneeled down. Unable to stop myself, I stroked her hair smoothly and smiled when she snuggled more into my touch.

Taking her hand in mine, I placed a small feathery kiss on her palm.

"Nothing will ever gonna be happen to you, Princess" I whispered, "I'll protect you with my life."

Covering the duvet around her securely and giving one last kiss, I exited the room with a determined mind.

***

The next morning....

"Daisy, can we go to Nessa's today?" I asked as soon as I saw her.

She shot up her brows in surprise. Why wouldn't she?!
Since 10 days, I have not stepped outside the club and everyone was aware of it. Though they know something was wrong, they never voice it out. I'm gonna miss them real bad!!

"Why all of sudden?" Daisy questioned back.

I shrugged nonchalantly, "Just like that. And moreover I miss Eddie and his coffee" I grinned.

Chuckling, she nodded and stared at me for a moment.

"Are you okay, Mel?" She frowned scrutinizing me.

I nodded with a smile knowing very well why she's asking that. Since that day, I locked up myself in my room almost throughout the day only coming out if necessary. Daisy tried a lot to bring me out of my depression but it didn't help me. So, obvious when I myself came to her asking about going out, it's natural to be surprised and even doubtful.

"Let me change then. And I'll inform Gabriel about our plans" she replied.

"Yeah."

Informing Gabriel means going along with him and Tyson too as he don't leave Daisy's side. Like Gabriel, Tyson is guarding Daisy 24/7. Anyone could see that he loves to do it. I don't understand how Hunter didn't know about their feelings for each other. Maybe he's stupid to not notice that or he does know but decided to kept mum!!

I chuckled at my own thought of Hunter being a stupid. He's far from it. I guess he trusts his his best friend with his sister.

"What are you smiling about?"

I heard Tyson asking looking at me weirdly. Shooking negatively, I saw Gabriel and Daisy coming.

I nodded and soon we reached Nessa's cafe. I sighed looking around memorizing every single detail in my mind.

"STOP RIGHT THERE!!"

A voice boomed from inside the cafe. Looking up, I saw Eddie coming out glaring at us. Rather say, at me. When I step forward to give him a hug, he showed his palm making me halt abruptly. Uh oh..... I'm dead!

"You better have a decent explanation for why you disappeared from the face of earth so suddenly, Melody Jacobs!!" Eddie roared fuming.

"I didn't disappear, Eddie. I'm still going to library and-" he it's me off before I complete my sentence.

"Yet you don't get enough time to come and meet me for once?!" He accused.

It's true I didn't met him like I'm used to before but it's not because I don't have time. The main reason is Gabriel. He had to accompany me everywhere I go and I don't want to annoy him with the constant visits to my regular places. So, I thought to minimise going out for the sake of him.

Quickly launching myself in his arms hugging him tightly, I apologized.

"I'm so sorry, Eddie" I mumbled in his chest holding onto him.

He didn't hug me back for sometime. When I began to pull back, he embraced me in his warmth securely.

"Just- Just don't ever do that again..... I was so worried! Especially after hearing what happened to your home...." he grumbled, "the only relief I had was you're staying with Daisy."

I swallowed hard feeling my throat constrict.

Nodding, I broke the hug, "Sorry for worrying you, Eddie" I'm also sorry I had to do it again.....

For the next hour, our meet went smoothly in bliss. I'll remember these good and happy times forever in my heart. I can't believe it's been years since I've known these wonderful people. Time really flew by so fast when we're happy. We don't value those moments until they snatched away from us.

When it's time to depart, I can't help but hug Eddie again. He's always been a father figure to me. Always reminds of my dad. Now just like him, I'm going to lose Eddie too. Goodbye Eddie!

"Anything wrong, Sweetness?" He asked confused at my behaviour.

I shooked, "No....nothing. I just missed you so much these days."

He smiled but I could see he didn't buy it.

"You know, you can stay with me if you don't like it in the club. My home is always open for you" he stated.

Smiling a little, I assured him, "Glad to hear that, Eddie. But no need for that. I'm completely fine there."

Besides, it's only till tonight..... I'll be out of their lives after that.

"Fine. But remember, I'm always there for you."

Elated to hear those words, I nodded at him in gratitude.

***

"Hunter, c-can I have a minute, please?" I asked him.

I haven't talked to him since that day and he too gave me time to become normal again and didn't make a move to talk to me. But now, I want to spend sometime with him. I want to feel that safety again being with him for the last time.

Hunter gazed up surprised at my sudden request. He seems to be hurry for somewhere to go.

"Can't it wait for tomorrow? I'm going to out right now."

To say, I'm utterly disappointed hearing his reply.

"I just came to say thank you."

He appeared confused as he furrowed his eyebrows.

"For taking care of me that day. And for not revealing anything about that to anyone."

He stood there without moving an inch analysing me with his keen and intense orbs. My face flushed instantly as his gaze keep on sending thousands of tingles throughout my body like neverending waves.

"So, thank you" I whispered in a small voice only he hear, "For everything."

"It's fine" he nodded curtly.

I nodded back with a heavy heart. I thought I could talk to him properly and spend sometime with him before I leave. My bad luck I couldn't.

Turning back, I ran towards the door to get away from this awkward meeting. When I put my hand on the knob, a sudden truth struck me like a bolt.

This could be the last time seeing Hunter!

And that mere thought crushed my heart brutally.

Last time..... That one word is enough to make me weak.

Closing my eyes shut, I tried to gather all my lost courage just for a few minutes to do what I have in my mind right now.

Come on Mel!! You can do this.... It's not like this is the first time you're doing this.

Just one last touch..... to feel that sparks again!

Just one last hug..... to save that memory for a lifetime!

And just one last kiss..... to relish the feeling of belonging to someone!!!

I may not accept it often, but whenever he said I was his, I felt as if I was flying in the sky like a bird. I'll become so giddy with happiness.

I know this is fast.... and it's completely absurd to feel like this in the short span of time, still..... I want to belong to him! Only him!!!

But my fate won't allow to happen that ever. So, this is my last chance and I don't want to lose it with my shyness.

With that, I turned around and looked into his cold eyes. What actually happened to him that he's acting so cold towards me?!

But that didn't stop me from taking steps to him. As soon as I reached him, his intoxicating scent hit my nostrils making me inhale deeply and slightly dizzy.

When I looked up to his eyes, Hunter raised his brows in confusion.

Breathing strongly, I slammed my lips on his surprising him to the core that Hunter stiffened and let out a gasp at the sudden act I attempted.

Feeling a little bit of courage fade away in me, I was about to move back but the next second, Hunter grasped my waist tightly and responded to the kiss angling his head to a side for more access.

An involuntary sigh left me at the touch of him. Without thinking, I linked my arms around his neck bringing him more closer.

This is what I want..... What I need!!!

I'm addicted to his touch like I'm addicted to him. Hunter is my drug.... At the same time, he is my cure. And I don't ever want to leave my addiction.

The pleasure I feel is very heavenly and intriguing. All of sudden, Hunter nipped at my lip causing me hiss in pain. Soon, he lapped there soothing the sting in his own amazing way. My heart started to beat erratically long ago, but now it's aggressive.

I could feel my head pounding at the various thoughts running continuously without a break. Still the only thing I'm feeling among them all is, his touch, his soft caresses on my lips.

This kiss is nothing like others. It's more sensual, passionate, warm and emotional.

Tears stung my eyes at the intensity of our kiss. This must be a dream. A beautiful dream to be precise. Because it's too good to be real. And if this is really a dream, I hope I don't wake up forever.

Our lips moved in a perfect sync like dancing to a sweet harmonic tune. Our bodies melded as one snugly sending the euphoria to its peaks.

Hunter cupped my face so gently that my arms tightened on his neck. Involuntarily, my fingers played with the hair at his nape. Shortly, the kiss ended as we parted and began gasping to catch our breaths. A little disappointed by the shortness of the kiss, I leaned on his forehead. Ending our kiss felt like ending my life. So painful and devastating.

Even more painful was the truth that I won't get to kiss him again after tonight. A tear betrayed me by falling on my cheek.

Hunter wiped it away with his thumb before making me look into his eyes. His captivating grey bluish eyes had an unfathomable power that force your soul to submit to him no matter how hard you tried not to. And my soul was already in his captive. It now solely belongs to him. I don't regret it though!!

Stephen may have succeeded in making me return to him. He may also have succeeded in getting hold of me. But not my heart. Never my heart. Because now it purely Hunter's only.

This feels like a victory against Stephen. He can never own my heart.

A small content smile graced my lips as my heart filled with peace.

"What was that for?" Hunter whispered in a bewildered tone.

His cold demeanor was long forgotten. Without answering, I hugged him tightly shoving my face deep in his chest.

"I'll miss you" mumbling, I inhaled his musky scent to heart's content for the last time. Hunter chuckled probably hearing my words.

"Sweetheart, I'm going only for tonight. I'll be back by the morning and you won't even have time to miss me" he replied chuckling.

You have no idea, Hunter!!

I nodded nevertheless still reeling the feel of his warmth. Remembering he was in rush, I stepped back reluctantly leaving my safe haven.

"Is something wrong?" Hunter asked.

I smiled at his concern before shooking my head in a 'no.'

"Be safe. I've sent Gabriel out for some work. It may delay his return. So, don't step out of club today" he informed.

"Okay."

Giving a long kiss on my forehead, he left the room. I kept staring at the way he had gone and sighed heavily.

Forgive me, Hunter.

***

Zipping my bag after checking out if I put everything I need, I took out a paper and started writing.

To everyone,

I'm so sorry for going away without informing to you all. I know you won't let me go, that's why I had to take this step. But I can assure that it's for the best only. Please don't search for me anywhere.

I'm always thankful for the love and care you all shown upon me. I won't ever forget it. Especially, Daisy and Jenna. I've found a sister and a mother in both of you. Please don't be angry at me for doing this. And do tell Cara that I love her and I'll miss her very bad.

Take care and forgive me if you could.....

Love, Melody.

My vision blurred by the time I finished the letter and few drops fell on it smearing the words. Not bothered by it, I kept the paper on the bed and took my bag.

I headed towards the entrance without looking back even for once. If I take one look, I'm sure I'll breakdown right here and now.

As I neared the main gate, my steps became more determined and more strong when I reminds myself one thing. I'm doing this for my people!

No way in hell I'm letting anything happen to them because of me. I'll even brace the death itself for them whom I consider as my family.

It's my luck that there's not much security around the club tonight. Or else it would become so damn difficult to leave from here.

Once I hit the deserted road, I fastened my pace as a sudden anonymous fear engulfed me. Just then, to increase my anxiousness, I heard a ruffling noise behind me. Holding my bag tightly, I prepared my body and mind to make a run at any moment if necessary.

All of sudden, the noises stopped. Just when I was about to be relieved, a hand closed my mouth and another one circled my waist dragging me to the nearby alley.

My screams muffled under his palm as my heart started beating with a rapid force. As my instincts kick in, I kicked whoever it is with my legs trying to escape from his clutches. But he didn't even budge and pushed me in the abandoned alley. Stumbling a bit, I turned back facing him.

He looks like an ugly drunkard who was completely a psychopath with torned and muddy clothes. Not to forget, with even more a dirty face. He smirked wickedly showing his nasty yellow teeth in almost inhuman way. Goosebumps araised on my skin as shivers evoked in me. I looked side to side only to get disappointed to know there are no other people or anything to help me get away from him.

Suddenly, he lunged forward, clutching my arms tightly and bend down trying to kiss me. I fought with all my strength but he's bulky and heavy compared to my small form.

"LEAVE ME!!" I shouted at the top of my lungs and continued to protest his advances.

The very next second, a harsh slap landed on my cheek making my head bend to a side due to that heavy blow. It took few minutes for me to comprehend my surroundings. Taking advantage of my state, he crashed my back to the wall and leaned down kissing my neck. Disgusted, I brought my palms to his chest pushing him but he held blocking my attempts with one hand and squeezed my throat cutting off my windpipe.

Lack of oxygen makes me dizzy instantly and my vision clouded infront of me. He slapped me agan, this time more brutally than before that I feel that I'm only a minute away from passing out. But I can't have that right now. I have to fight more..... Gaining all my pent up energy left within me, I kicked him between the legs with my knee. Instantly, he freed me and scrooched down groaning in pain. Grasping this chance, I made run to save my life ignoring his cries.

"YOU B***H!! I WONT LEAVE YOU" he screamed in between his panting.

I didn't dared to look back after hearing his threats. Just when I thought I escaped from him, that man gripped the back of my neck and hauled me back to the dark place shoving me forcefully. I fell on the ground with a thud scraping my hands. I crawled forward weakly away from him. But to my hard luck, he fisted my hair pulling me up and slapped me one more time.

"You'll regret for kicking me. And I'll make sure of it b**ch!!" he hissed dangerously.

I shut my eyes in fear already regretting. Not for kicking him, but for leaving the club tonight. I should have planned leaving tomorrow.

He then clasped my neck and slammed my head to the brick wall so hard that I felt the blood flowing from my forehead to my cheek. A sudden shock jolted throughout my body due to the huge impact. An unbearable pain shot up to my head. In just few seconds, I can feel my face is full of blood and it still not stopped oozing. I felt myself weaken with every minute passing and my eyes dropping shut.

The last scene I saw is someone pulling that man off me as darkness engulfed me completely.