Melody's P.O.V.

This is it! My life is going to take a huge turn as soon as Hunter became aware of my horrible past.

If their life is in danger, I have every right to know whatever you're hiding.

He's absolutely right! I decided to leave to protect Cara and others from Stephen. As now my plan was backfired, there's no other option for me than to do as Hunter said. Even if I tell only half part of my life, looking at Hunter, the possibility of him satisfying with it is less than minimum.

I will find it even if I have to force you.

And I don't even want to think what methods he would use to bring out the matter out of me. Sighing to myself, I decided it's time to reveal the bitter truth of me.

Right now, we're sitting on the couch, him waiting for me to start and me, as usual troubled to initiate the talk and scared to see his reaction after knowing it.

"Uhh..... Where should I start?"

He shrugged, "From the beginning."

Inhaling deep, I chanted continuously in my mind..... Be strong, don't breakdown infront of him.

"It's all started when I was six" I began remembering all those horrible memories, "One day, I came running from school angry that they didn't came to pick me up and also excited to tell my parents that I got an A+"

I chuckled through my tears, "More than for that, I was happy that I'll get to eat my dad's chocolate cake as a treat. But..... all that happiness vanished as soon as I stepped in my home."

"PAPA!!! MAMMA!!!!

I ran opening the door to see them but I my met with darkness. I took a step back instantly fearing the complete blackness and terrifying silence.

"Papa?" I called slowly.

Sudden sounds in my back made me turn around and in a flash, a strong hand closed my mouth from behind and lifted me up in his arms. My screams muffled under his palms and I started to kick my legs frantically to escape from his vile grip. I couldn't comprehend what was actually going on. But all I know is I don't know where my parents were and I'm in danger. Out of nowhere, I watched a small cloth covering my nose making me smell something sweet and within seconds, I lost my sense.

By the time I opened my eyes, I was lying in a dark room with my hands and legs tied in my back. I'm feeling so weak that I couldn't even lift a finger.

"Papa....." I mumbled in my hazy state.

Some rustling sounds after, I felt a pair of rough hands grabbing my shoulders hoisting me up in the air so harshly that all the remnant drowsiness in me left in a blink. My eyes widened in fear as I looked into that man's angry glare. My fragile body couldn't compete with his bulky and strong frame as he threw me across the room.

I screamed loudly in pain when I felt my legs tangled as they're tied. Tears pooled from my eyes unable to bear such an intense pain for the first time. Little did I know it's the only thing I'd be accustomed of from then.....

"STOP CRYING LIKE A BABY!" that man screamed making me gulp down my son's with difficulty.

He strolled near me glaring, "If I hear even a tiny sound from you again, I'll slit your throat."

Though I don't understand his words completely, his tone is enough to shut me up in fear. I nodded quickly ignoring the pain shooting all over my body.

He left the room and I laid silently in the same position. I just want to see mom and dad. Where are they? And who are these people? During these thoughts, I don't know when I lost my consciousness again.

When I was awake, this time, I was tied to a chair, and also mom and dad are infront of me making me relax. But it didn't last long as I watched their bruises and blood running down fluently.

"Mamma....." I shouted loudly but they didn't open their eyes.

The door opened suddenly brightening the entire room. A man standing at the door silently. His whole demeanor is hard and cruel and it's enough to increase the fear within me.

"Well..... well..... well..... Look what we got here" he laughed in a way that sends chills to my spine.

He walked to dad and kicked him with his leg harshly.

"STOP!!" I yelled at him when he didn't stopped doing that.

He stilled for a second and glanced at me. Smirking wickedly, he came to me as I tried to release my bounds. He grazed my cheek before gripping my jaw painfully.

"Ahh....." I cried in agony but that only made him grip more tighter.

"Lower that tone, baby girl! You can't tolerate the result of it" hissing, he left me with a jerk.

I whimpered as he went back to my dad and splashed a bucket of water bringing him back to consciousness. I bit back my screams of protest remembering his threat and just stayed like a statue watching him mistreating my parents.

Dad looked at that man in shock, "You?!" he shouted furiously. I never saw him that angry before.

"Tsk....tsk....tsk.... No greetings for your little brother, Henry?" that man asked.

What?! He's my dad's brother!! Then why did he kidnapped us?

"Why did you brought us here, Stephen?" Dad gritted out glaring at that devil who is the reason we are here, Stephen.

"NOT ME!!! You brought yourself here! Had you not opened your fucking mouth like I said, you all wouldn't be here right now" Stephen snarled.

Dad threw a disgusted look at him before yelling, "Like hell I won't! You're selling drugs to kids for fucks sake!! No way am I going to keep quite about it" he spat.

I don't know what they're talking about. But one thing for sure is that in between dad and Stephen, there is some unknown enmity. It's actually quite unbelievable as dad is rather a cool type of person. He don't hold grudges on anyone.

"WHAT THE FUCK IS YOUR PROBLEM IF I SELL DRUGS TO THEM?" Stephen roared terrifying me to the core.

But I couldn't do anything other than watching helplessly. Dad gave him a displeased look and then he noticed me. His gaze immediately turned soft and regretful as he growled at Stephen.

"Leave them out of this issue Stephen. This is between you and me, let them go."

He laughed loudly, "You think I would do that big brother?" he shook his head, "Nah! It's too boring without any fun now-a-days anyway. So, I thought to play with my little niece here" he said stroking my cheek.

"DON'T YOU DARE TOUCH HER WITH YOUR FILTHY HANDS, YOU DISGUSTING BASTARD!!" Dad screamed at the top of his voice trying to break his ties vigorously.

I was sobbing looking at his efforts to reach me, "P-Papa....."

"Henry, big bro..... You have to know one thing..... From now, this little toy will only bear my touches. You won't be able to come near her again" his laughs boomed entire room as my father stared at him in horror.

"Truth to his words, he didn't let them near me ever" stopping for a minute, I raised my head too see Hunter clenching his jaw and I could literally feel the vibes of his rage radiating through him.

He took my hands in his giving me silent comfort and I instantly felt somewhat relaxed and safe.

"You need a break, Melody?" Hunter questioned.

I mumbled a 'no' and continued talking.

"For 4 years, Stephen tortured my parents infront of me. Tell me Hunter, for a mere six year old girl who didn't even see the world around her, who thinks that her parents are her entire world, was it really easy to see them crying out in pain before her? To see them bleeding?" I asked crying bitterly. I couldn't stop myself..... All those haunted memories are too much to bear.

Hunter embraced me tightly in his arms and I, more than willingly seeked his warmth.

"A-And you know what, if I closed my eyes not able to see them, Stephen would hurt them more! I don't had any choice than to watch their abuse. Why did he gave me such punishment? It'd be a lot better if he had killed me right then."

"Don't" Hunter interrupted, "Never ever say that again, you understand?"

Not giving a heed to his words, I asked, "Do you know what's the most unfortunate thing in all these?"

He remained silent not answering.

"I forgot how my parents looks like" I chuckled ruefully, "I could only remember that mom was beautiful and dad was a good looking man and they are perfect for each other. Everytime I tried to remember their faces, I'd only got some flashes of their smiles and some incidents. Apart from that nothing will come to my mind" I cried ashamed of myself.

"They must be disappointed with me, right? Even after loving me so much in such a short span of time, their own daughter couldn't remember their faces. The amount of pain forced upon me washed away all the beautiful memories of them. See my luck, I'm not a orphan, grew up with caring parents for six years, experienced their love, elated with the life I had with them..... still, I forgot them. What an unfaithful daughter I am! They give up their life for me..... Instead of showing gratitude towards them, I actually forgot them. I remember their every word, but can't say the same when it comes to their faces. My mind only gives a blur vision of them" I halted my words to suck a breath between my hiccups.

"But it's not enough for me. I want to see them, I want to see their proud smiles when I did something for them..... That's impossible now. They're gone, dead..... just because of me!"

"What do you mean?" he asked shocked at my revelation.

"If not for me, they'd have been alive today."

Looking at his confused face, I went on.

"Maybe I was 10 when Stephen came to me. Till that day, he didn't hurt me that much. But something changed in his behaviour that day, I couldn't understand what it is. He came near me and s-started t-touching me and he did that while my parents were watching" I choked on my words, "I was just ten! I don't know what he's doing and why. But one thing I was sure about is that I don't like it. It makes me feel disgusted, makes me want to puke."

I closed my eyes as the scenario of that moment played in my mind.

Dad started shouting to not touch me. Though I'm fighting my best to escape from him, my strength didn't matched with his. Dad suddenly snapped his ties, rushed to Stephen and slapped him across the face. In less than a minute they are both fighting and mom rushed to me taking me in her arms. Soon Stephen's men caught dad tearing them away.

"I'll kill you bastard! How dare you to touch my daughter"

His words are dominated by another sound. A gun shot!! My head shot up to see Stephen pointing the gun towards dad and he knelt on his knees with blood streaming out from him.

"HENRY!!"

"PAPAAA!!!!"

We both sprinted to him in a second. Mom took him in her lap crying uncontrollably, "Henry..... Henry, look at me" she pleaded him.

But his eyes are drooping low as he can't keep them open. The bullet hits near his heart and the wound is too deep.

"Papa....." I cried shaking him.

He gasped breathing hardly and smiled faintly at me, "Don't cry, princess."

"Damn it! Just stop your family drama. My head aches watching your shit" Stephen grunted irritatingly.

Mom can't hold back her rage anymore as she grabbed his collar, "I WILL KILL YOU!!" she punched his face.

Stephen pushed her with a force she stumbled back. He glared at her and smirked suddenly aiming the gun at me making both mine and mom's eyes widen in shock.

"No one even dared to look straight into my eyes and you both for the guts to raise a hand on me?!" he hissed, "But don't worry. I perfectly know how to tackle people like you." Smirking, he pulled the trigger and I shut my eyes waiting for the impact to come but I didn't feel any pain. There was only silence. Dreadful and terrifying silence.

Slowly, I opened my eyes and saw someone shielding me from that bullet. Not someone.... but my mom. The bullet hit directly to her stomach and she hunched over clutching the place with pain and fell down on her knees crying out loudly. My body becomes numb not knowing what's happening around me. I tilted my head to Stephen and saw him glaring menacingly at my parents and suddenly some evil glint appears on his face.

He shook his head while chuckling, "You guys are really dumb! Both took shots to protect your princess, but who's there to do that after you both are dead?"

Asking this, he again shot my mom till she went limp on the floor as he laughed at their condition.

My body quivered vigorously due to my constant sobs and never ending tears keep flowing without a break. I saw Hunter holding a glass of water for me and I took it thankfully gulping down the content relieving my sore throat with all the talking and crying that I didn't notice till now.

"We will talk later, Melody. Take rest for now" he concerned.

"No Hunter. Please don't stop me now. I can't bear this burden anymore. It becomes so difficult for me to carry. I'm tired..... Tired of protecting myself every minute, tired of living in fear everyday, tired of my lonely life!"

"You are not alone in this, Melody" he stated, "Just let go of yourself for once and see how many people are there for you to catch. You don't need to feel lonely anymore. I already told you, you're family! We are always there for you. I am there for you."

He pecked my forehead and hugged me firmly. I sighed deep inhaling his addictive scent which surprisingly give me comfort more than his words.

"There's more you need to know" I started fiddling with my fingers scared that what he might think of me after knowing the whole truth.

"I just want to tell you what had happened in the past is completely out of my hands. I never intended to do it" I explained frantically hoping he would understand.

"Shh..... Calm down, kitten. You don't need to explain anything. I know you and I can bet on my life that you won't do any mistake intentionally."

I nodded before lowering my head.

"H-He raped me that day" I revealed hesitantly afraid of his reaction. Just as I thought, his face hardened, jaws clenched, hands curled in fists and totally ready to explode any minute.

"Go on" his voice sounds like a low thunder.

"That day, after they took my parents away from me, Stephen came and—" I gulped not finding words to say.

"It happened then. I pleaded..... begged him to stop, he didn't. He continued with his disgusting acts with my body and I couldn't cope with it. I fainted right there. That day, I lost my everything. My dad, my mom, my innocence, my dignity..... my everything. I don't know what actually happened at that time. I was only a child. How should I know that his acts would taint me for life? He was so brutal than an animal. The only thing I was aware that the pain I had gone through was the most treacherous act anyone could beat. The pain and humiliation I felt that day made me want to end my life. It made me disgusted with myself. And the most sickening fact is he's my uncle! My dad's brother! That makes him a second father to me. How could he do that to me?!"

"I was ten! Did he not see that? How could anyone do that to a mere 10 year old girl? My screams, cries, pleadings did not stop him from doing what he wanted. It became too much to endure the ache in me. It went on for few weeks and everyday, I felt like something dying in me."

"One day, I lost my consciousness and woke up after a week in a hospital. I was admitted due to severe blood loss and on the verge of dying. After I discharged, Stephen didn't do anything for the first few days and I thought it's all over. Little did I know....." My voice at the end.

"What did he do?" Hunter gritted.

"Abusing. He started hitting me for everything. For every single mistake, he used to whip me, makes me stand on barefoot outside in the cold weather throughout the night, makes me starve for days. Sometimes, when he's furious, he..... he would choked me till I lost my conscious and this continued for few years" I halted to take a deep breath.

"He stopped after that?" he asked with a tiny of hope.

I chuckled, "It worsened. Physically, mentally and emotionally, he broke me completely till there's nothing left in me. For him, I'm just a piece of flesh to satisfy his gruesome needs and lust. He became so obsessed with me that he's the one to decide what I should eat, what I should wear. Almost all the time I try to follow his rules as I can't bear his punishments."

"One time, I tried to escape from him, but his men caught me and Stephen was enraged about it. So, he..... h-he....." I stuttered not knowing how to say.

"Tell me" his voice came like a roar.

"H-he.... drowned me in his pool" I let out with utmost difficulty, "And made me stay in it for 3 weeks. I was only allowed to come out to do the chores."

"WHAT THE FUCK?!!" he yelled, shock written all over his face.

"That's why I was sacred when you wanted to teach me swimming. I'm scared of water. The mere sight of water brings those days. So, I try to avoid it as much as possible."

"What more had he done to you, Melody?" his voice seemed crack a little in the end. But I'm not sure about it.

"Drugs" I revealed another bitter part about me, "He experiments drugs on me. At first I didn't realise what he's injecting. I used to forget everything and became numb for few hours. Then, I came to know they're drugs he's selling and always use them on me first. So, technically, I'm a lab rat to him."

"Sometimes, the pain of those drugs was unbearable, but after that the same drugs would felt like a soothing balm for the pain. For years, he used them and that made me an addict" I lowered my really ashamed of myself.

I felt Hunter's body stilled beside me. I'm sacred if I look at him, there will be disappointment in his eyes.

"I tried a lot..... I swear I tried with everything I had within me to not get addicted to them. But..... I'm such a failure! A failure like me won't get what she wants. Same happened with me too. No matter how much I controlled myself, in the end I always lost my battle. I would beg him for those drugs. As humiliating as it is, drugs are the only thing that brought me peace in my world of pain.

"How did you escaped?" his voice hard.

"A woman helped me. She was there with me from the beginning. Nancy..... she was a maid working there for Stephen against her will and the only person whom I could lean on. When my parents died, Nancy was the one who consoled me. She secretly took out their wedding rings and gave them to me as their memory. I'm forever thankful for that. Sometimes, she'd sneak out few books for me, that's how my passion for reading started. When I was 18, one night she gave me some money from her savings, a gun she had stolen from them for protection and ordered me to leave from there. I pleaded her to come with me so we both can start our life afresh. But she denied saying that her life was already over and she'd stay to divert the men for sometime." I thinned my lips to prevent the sob from breaking out.

"They caught her. When I was about to step out of the building, I heard her screams. Without a second thought, I ran back and saw two men were hitting her brutally. Suddenly, a man took his knife and stabbed straight in her heart. I could still hear her wails filled with agony. She collapsed at their feet and do you know what they did after that? They laughed! Those monsters stabbed her to death while laughing at her. Something snapped in me at that time..... something that felt like rage or maybe beyond that. Before I could comprehend what I was doing, I began shooting at them."

Gulping a little, I lifted my head to see disbelief on his face. Even I couldn't believe what I had done.

"I killed them. Those two men..... they're monsters. Without even an ounce of mercy and humanity, they killed a woman who's been living with them for years and who's nearly in their mother's age!"

Silence filled the air completely and we both don't know how to break it. As much as Hunter's presence is calming me till now, I began to tense thinking what he would do after this. No one wants to be close with a killer. What if Hunter thinks that I'm a threat to them?

"I'm no different from them, right?" I whispered, "I killed them without thinking for a second. And whatever I did that night, I too came under the same kind as them. A monster!!"

"SHUT UP!" Hunter roared, "What the hell is wrong with you? A monster..... really?! Just quit thinking with your fucked up mind, Melody."

I swallowed nervously hearing his harsh tone. He cupped my face making me look at him.

"How can you even compare yourself with them? Listen to me carefully, Melody. I won't repeat it again and if I hear those words from you one more time, you can't imagine what I'd do. You are just a victim who suffered awfully by their inhuman acts. And fighting back for our own selves is not a crime. You did that and you won. I can't describe how proud of you I am. Don't ever dare to think low of yourself. Coming to the point of killing, I would have been fucking ecstatic if you killed that Stephen too."

My eyes grew large at his words, "How can you say that?!"

He raised a brow, "Why couldn't I? That bastard deserves a fucking painful death. Don't worry, I'll make sure of it."

By now, my hands and feet turned cold as my mind showed me that scenario.

"You still didn't tell me why you left?" he questioned not noticing my condition.

Sighing deep, I replied, "Stephen called me."

"WHAT???" he screamed.

I nodded, "He threatened me to come to him. Said that he knew where I'm staying and what I'm doing."

"So, you just took off immediately?" his tone accusing.

"No....." I mumbled, "He said that if I don't approach him, he..... he would re-replace me" I looked straight into his questioning eyes, "With Cara."

Within seconds, his whole body started shaking in a frenzy manner with extreme anger.

"That's why I decided to leave. I don't want Cara to suffer like me. Forget about getting hurt like me, I don't even want a scratch on her."

"You should have inform me" Hunter gritted out, "You should have trusted me to take care of the situation, Melody. I'll do anything to provide security for them and to protect you."

"AND THAT'S WHAT I DON'T WANT YOU TO DO!!!" I screamed in frustration, "Why can't you understand? I know you'd do anything, but hurting you is the last thing I want. You can't imagine how cruel Stephen is. He would go to any extent to get me."

"And I'll go to any extent to protect you" he yelled gripping my arms tightly enough to leave me bruises, "You. Are. Mine. Melody! By that I meant, not only your body but also your heart, your soul, your problems and even your thoughts are now belongs to me only. And before you think further, let me clear you one thing..... Don't you dare to think I'm obsessed with you like that fucker! The only thing you should aware of is I'm damn possessive of you and you have no choice than to get used to it. So, wipe out that shit from your mind about him hurting me or others. From now, just stay quiet and stop worrying about everything. I'll take care of it" he ordered sternly and I don't have any other option than to agree with him.

Even I am tired of all this hidden life I'm living. Right now, I just want to be free without any burdens to carry. Just how much baggage a person could take? The way Hunter assured makes me instantly relaxed and also somewhat worried that I became a burden to him.

"I'm causing a lot of trouble to you, aren't I?" I sighed meekly.

"Didn't I just told you to wipe that shit from your mind?" Hunter raised a brow.

I nodded silently, "I just don't want anything happen to you. Already my parents are dead because of me. The guilt of reason behind their death is already eating me. I don't want to add more to it."

"Why are you hell bent on believing that you're the reason?" he asked in frustration.

"Because it's the truth."

"NOOOO...... IT'S NOT!!" Hunter bellowed, "Get this through your head. You are not the reason for your parents death. That fucking bastard is!"

I flinched at his shouts. Immediately, his face softened.

"Every father and mother would do that for their child, Melody. And I'm sure they'd be ready to die thousands deaths again if it's for you. Infact, you should be glad that they're no more to witness the torture you have gone through. It would have been unbearable misery to them."

I nodded realising he's sort of right. They'd be broken beyond repair if they saw what Stephen did to me. My thoughts are broken by a shrill tone of Hunter's mobile. He checked the caller and walked a little far from me. I sighed glancing at his back. It's a wonder how he became so important to me in just a few weeks!

He came back with slight annoyed look, "Get ready. Ryan is waiting for us in the club."

Not wanting to irritate him further, I simply nodded. But a question hit me with a full force as I squirmed awkwardly.

"Does anyone know that I left?"

Hunter studied me for a second before replying, "Everyone aware of it" he smirked, "What do you think? That you can sneak into the club and no one will know you're here now?"

"That's what I thought" I mumbled lowly but he seemed to heard it.

Chuckling, he stated, "Then how will you explain about the injuries?"

I sighed knowing he's right. There's no way Daisy or Jenna would believe whatever stupid reason I give.

"You're gonna have a really hard time convincing them."

I looked up when I heard his words and began to plead.

"Can't you help?"

He shook his head, "Nope! You brought this on yourself, Melody. I'm not going to interfere between you and them. They're damn worried about you."

"Fine" I bit out angry that he's not helping me.

"And one more thing" he stopped.

I huffed, "What now?"

"I think you can imagine others reactions. But you need to know Cara is more upset with you."

Shit!!!!!

***

I lowered my head not able to meet their angry glares. Everyone present in the hall by the time we reached the club. Looks like Ryan told everything that happened with me. It's deadly silent and no one actually tried to take a step to talk apart from throwing daggers at me. With the time passes, my anxiety grew more and more.

"Come on guys, say something" I muttered deciding to break the silence.

Obviously, it's Daisy who replied instantly, "What should we say anything when you are jumping into actions without informing one single person?"

I winced at the coldness in her voice. And like many times, Jenna came to my rescue.

"Leave the poor girl for sometime" she chided, "Let her take rest. Look how weak she is."

"No mom. She wouldn't be like this if she didn't took off so suddenly. She should know it's her own hasty decision that landed her in danger" Daisy growled turning to me.

"If you don't want to stay her that much, you should have told me or anyone. They'd have dropped you wherever the heck you want" she threw her arms scowling at me.

Even with all her scolding, I couldn't help but smile a little at her. She's not angry that I left but for not informing beforehand and stepping into trouble.

"Don't smile when I'm pissed at you" she barked irritatingly, "Gosh!! I'm sure Mel, I'm going to die young of heartattack one day if you continue acting like this."

"Shut up!!"

So many voices yelled at once but most prominent is Hunter's and Tyson's.

"Not a word about death again, Daisy. I mean it!" Tyson gritted out frowning at her.

Daisy as usual scoffed at him as a reply before focussing on me once again.

"Tell me why?" she demanded.

In that moment, I decided I'm not going to lie anymore. This is my family now and they have every right to know about me totally. I glanced over every person in the hall. Their faces etched worry and concern for me. Sighing, I repeated what I told to Hunter. During the whole time, I noticed the changes in their expressions from anxious to angry, sympathy to rage and a few proud ones too. By the time I go finished, I was taken aback by a bone crushing hug of Daisy.

"I'm so sorry that happened to you, Mel" she mumbled.

Returning her gesture, I replied, "Past is past, Daisy. No one can change it, so don't overthink about it."

She freed me with tear filled eyes and gave a tiny smile.

Adrian came forward taking me in his arms tightly shocking me to the core. Till now, we both just shared few acknowledging smiles and even more less words. I instantly felt a sense of protection in his warm embrace. It took a whole lot for me to not break down completely.

"We are like your parents too, Melody" he said kissing my hair as Jenna smiled through tears.

"Thank you" I don't know what to say other than that.

He left me patting my cheek affectionately. Just then I saw Ryan Carter walking to me with all the bruises Hunter gave him and..... wait..... IN A SHERIFF'S ATTIRE?!!

That means..... He is a COP!!!

My jaw dropped in shock. Oh my god..... Hunter beats him!! What if he do something to Hunter?! I quickly glanced at him beside me.

"You fought with a cop!!" I exclaimed worriedly.

He just cocked a brow in amusement tilting his head a little, "First he's a friend for me before a cop, kitten."

"Oh....." I don't know what to reply for that but felt relief at his words.

As soon as Ryan is infront of me, I apologized.

"I'm so sorry in his behalf" pointing to Hunter, I spoke, "He shouldn't have fought with you for some stupid reason that you were late even when you helped me."

"It's not stupid" Hunter retorted.

I glared at him to shut him up, he instantly scowled mumbling under his breath, "Whatever."

Ryan chuckled at both of us, "Don't bother. I'll get one day to beat the shit out of him" he smirked at Hunter.

"What?! You can't do that!!" I cried out frantically gripping Hunter's arms hardly.

"He did that just for me. You can't hurt him because of it" I began to convince him without noticing many glances on me.

"Relax! I'm just kidding" Ryan chuckled amusingly.

I breathed out, "Thank god!"

And that's when I noted everyone's smiling gaze on me. To escape the awkward situation, I asked the question that's nagging me from the time I entered here.

"Where is Cara?"

The whole place fell silent at once. Their hesitancy makes me terrified immediately.

"What happened? Where is she? Is she fine?" firing my questions, I waited impatiently. "Someone speak up damnit!! Is she okay?"

Kade is the one to spoke, "She's fine, calm down" he looked uncertain for some reason.

"Look, I can understand what you did and why. I'm forever indebted to you for taking such a huge decision on your life to protect my daughter. But Cara don't know anything about these and even if she's aware of it, she couldn't be able to understand the intensity of the situation. And you're the first person she got close to apart from us. So, your departure was a huge blow to her. She's been crying from the morning and no matter how hard we tried to convince that you're coming back, she's not willing to believe it as she heard everything that Ryan said to us" Kade stopped looking at Ryan who appeared guilty.

"It took us a lot to make her sleep and before that, she said she don't want to meet you even if you came" he explained apologetically.

To say, my heart crushed at the thought of her not wanting to see me. But I can't blame her for that. In these days, she only spend most of her time with me and I can totally see her point of view.

"I really messed up everything, right?"

Alec came to my side throwing his arm over my shoulder comfortingly, "Hey, don't think like that. She's just a kid and she's angry. That's a dangerous combination. No one can cool off the angry kids. So, give her some time, she'll come around."

I nodded smiling a little. Tyson jumped suddenly grinning widely.

"I got an idea! It's Cara's birthday in 2 days. We'll arrange a big princess theme party for her. Mel, you bake her favourite cake and she'll forgive you in seconds. How is it?"

"Sometimes, I think you have a brain" Daisy giggled at him.

I thinned my lips to stop from laughing aloud as Tyson glared at her.

"I've got a better one." I explained my idea to all and everyone nodded agreeing and I turned to Kade.

"Do you have any problem with it?"

He shook his head, "No. I think it's the best one."

"It settled then. Daisy, we'll start preprations from tomorrow" I grinned excitedly.

"For that you need to rest completely today" Alec stated.

"Maybe for that, you need to take your hands off her" Hunter glared at him.

I can't understand what's his problem with Alec?!

Alec acts like he didn't hear him and did not leave me. Infact, he brought me closer which seemed to rile Hunter more.

He jerked Alec's hands off me and wraps his arms around me before dragging me to his room.

"You are rude" I accused him as soon as he locked the door.

Hunter rolled his eyes, "I don't care. Now go to sleep."

"Then why did you bring me here? I'll go to my room" I said walking to the door.

He hold my wrist stopping me, "No need to go. You'll be sleeping here from now onwards. This is your room too as much as mine."

"Where will you sleep then?" I asked confused.

"Let me rephrase. We will be sleeping here from now" he smirked.

"Noooo.... I can sleep on my own."

"No can do Melody. I decided this for your safety. I'll be relieved to know you are beside me always" he kissed my bandaged head.

"Okay" I agreed reluctantly. I can't really figure out how to react. I'm nervous as it's my first time staying in a room alone with a man. But some part of me is excited because it's Hunter! And another part of me is relaxed that I don't have to sleep alone everyday fearing what might come.

As I laid in the bed, hunter put the comforter on me and grazed my cheek with his knuckles.

"I'll be back in a few minutes, okay?"

I nodded and watched him going out before shutting the door softly.

Closing my eyes, I inhaled the unique scent of Hunter on his pillow and in a blink, peaceful sleep engulfed me completely after so many days.