Hunter's P.O.V

Something is wrong!!

I can feel it in my bones. From the time Melody kissed me..... I had this nagging in my gut that didn't sit well with me. Not that the kiss was bad. Infact every kiss I shared with her is the BEST. But it also something more than that. It's not a normal one, I feel like she's trying to convey some message through that kiss. But I couldn't decipher what it is!

If the present situation doesn't demand my immediate presence right now, I would have asked her then itself. I will ask later what's bothering her, atleast she's safe now in the club. That's that only thing I'm relaxed about. Now it's time to get into some real action!

Marching to the dark secluded cabin in the dungeon, I barged in and welcomed by a very pleasant view. David Jackson tied to the chair with his head hung low and bleeding profusely!!

Sadly, he's still in his conscious. Well, he won't be after I finished with him. A sinister smirk made its way to my face looking at his pathetic figure.

His hands were tied back and face with some dried blood and some is still seeping through his busted lips. Damn!! What a pretty sight to see.

I don't fucking care if it seems sadistic..... but seeing this bastard in this way gives me tremendous satisfaction within me.

Gabriel and Tyson stood beside his chair grinning at their piece of art. Indeed they have done a fine job with him! Stepping infront of that idiot, I punched his already broken jaw, he howled in pain.

"Where is your good for nothing father?" I hissed.

He shook his head in a 'no' and instantly the anger flared deep within me breaking my control.

I forwarded my hand to Gabriel and he immediately understand what I want. Smirking menacingly, he gave me a sharp golden dagger I always use to torture these type of fools.

I smirked looking at David's horrifying expression. In a blink, I stabbed his thigh and satisfied by his loud scream of agony.

"Now, will you tell me?" I sneered.

He spit out the blood before glaring at me, "Fuck you!"

"Okay then!" I spat twisting the dagger that still in his thigh.

But now, he tried to bit back his screams only letting out few groans and muffling sounds.

"Tsk tsk!! Trying to be brave, aren't we? Let's see how hard you try to be quiet" smirking, I took out the dagger from his thigh and brought it up to his face and wiping the blood on his cheek.

Bringing it down slowly grazing his skin, I halted at the side of his stomach and pressed it little by little, giving him more than enough time to feel the pain. David thinned his lips to prevent the screams. But I'm not going to let him do that. In a second, I forced the dagger more into his flesh, twisted and again thrusted it completely. And now, his agonized cries resounded throughout the cabin.

"Ah! That's what I want to hear!!" I chuckled at his face.

David glared making me laugh out loudly and I detached the dagger from him and again thrusted into his thigh exactly where I stabbed before.

"Just spit out where the fuck he is!" I roared.

He threw a smirk at me, "Even if you kill me..... I won't ever tell you about his whereabouts."

My anger crossed it's all limits with his reply and I started to beat him harshly. Due to the force,he fell sideways along with the chair, I keep on kicking him with my foot non-stop and if Gabriel didn't stopped me, I would have killed him right here! By the time I finished with him, he's unconscious.

"Are you mad?! If you kill him, how can we find Andrew?" Tyson yelled.

"We can find another way for it. Let me kill him first" I sneered kicking where his limp body.

"Damnit Hunter! Just stop it! We'll handle it from here. Go away before you do more damage" Tyson shouted.

I know he's right. Even after searching for months, we couldn't be able to find Andrew and the only option ahead of us right now is David. We can't lose him now.

Taking a huge sigh, I ordered, "Clean his wounds. No internal damage was done, so it's a waste to call the doctor. And don't give him food at all. Only water to survive and that too only limited."

After a thought, I continued, "And torture him till he uncover the truth. I want to know where that a**hole is within 2 days" I hissed before storming out of the dungeon.

If I stayed even a minute more, then I'll surely kill that David and also regret it later if we don't catch Andrew. And that fucker inside won't open his mouth even if we kill him. He's going to see what real hell is! No way am I giving him a simple ending. By the time I'm done with him, he'll spill where his father was and beg us for death!

The game of revenge is a nasty one. A dirty war between two rivals and anyone could die in this. My people are always ready for death in this battle. But I can't let them hurt for me. This is my battle. My revenge. At the end of it, only one should be alive, it can be either me or Andrew. But I won't die without killing him and that's fucking sure!!

I've been riding mindlessly for hours till now, still I couldn't lessen my rage bubbling inside me. Finally, I stopped infront of the club and dashed straight to my office.

Gone the problem of Andrew..... Now it's time to look into Stephen Hyde!!

The day after Melody's emotional breakdown, Gabriel handover the file with full details he could get on Stephen. Even after reading it thoroughly many times, I still had the feeling of something is missing. The information Gabriel brought had nothing against him. It's completely clean and harmless. But something is missing. There's something else. Though I didn't saw him personally, looking at his picture, I bet there's more of him. Gabriel couldn't gather anymore info about him other than this.

Deep inside me, I have a strong belief that he's the one who abused Melody. It's ridiculous to believe that she was abused without knowing wether it's true or not. It may not be true but I'm fine sure Stephen had a link to her past. And I'm also fucking sure that it's a painful connection. If not, Melody wouldn't have a panic attack like that after his presence in the library.

Reading his file for hundredth time again, I threw it away in irritation of not finding anything unusual. Businessman, wife dead 15 years back, no children, no criminal records, claimed to be a respectable person in society.....

Raking through my hair, I cursed out loud frustrated at the lack of his info. It's a good thing I've already demanded Ryan to collect the records on him.

Leaning back, I closed my eyes putting a stop to all these chaos in my mind to get some peace. But everytime I shut my eyes, I only see Melody's tear stricken face with extreme vulnerability and helplessness. I glanced at my watch. 12:50 AM..... Melody must be asleep by now. Tomorrow, I'll ask about her past and she have to tell my everything. I won't leave till she spills each and every detail. I have already gave her enough time hoping she'd come to me herself. But she didn't. If she's adamant, then I'm more stubborn than her. I won't back out ever till I get what I want.

Melody is a tough nut to crack. If she set up her mind to do something, she'll do it at any cost. I saw it when she keep on hiding the truth of her past. If not me, then she could have share it with Daisy..... But no! She didn't!!

Normal people would have open up by now about their life at some point. No one was that much experts in masking their entire life. Still, Melody had done it..... so efficiently!!

Now it's time to break down her walls. Even if it has to be done forcefully. In the midst of all these, I couldn't help but praise her strength. Till now, many problems knocked her but she didn't lose her courage. Yeah, she did break down in particular situations..... but she didn't let it affect her, didn't lose her calmness.

I always believe that being strong is not about facing every obstacles thrown at us without falling weak, without feeling that we're losing ourselves. It's actually completely opposite thing. We do fall apart, we do cry, and we'll feel entirely broken..... but in the next minute, we gather our broken pieces and arise with a newfound spirit. And Melody is the perfect example for it. It's the one of the many aspects I admire in her.

Thinking about her, I had an instant urge to hug her..... and kiss her senseless. Only she can make me sane again.

Not waiting a second, I got out of my office and went to Melody's room. Everyone must be in deep slumber including her. Though I don't want to disturb her, a weird agitation within me tells to check on her.

And I realised the meaning of that feeling when I entered her room. She is nowhere to seen. A sudden tightness gripped me as I checked every corner of the room and still didn't find her. When I was about to go out to search, a paper on the bed caught my eye.

Unfolding it, my heart squeezed automatically when I saw it was written by Melody. My eyes followed the content in it fastly. Uncontrollable anger emerged as soon as I completed reading it.

How dare she?!

My hands curled in fists as the letter crumbled under my palms. Just then, my phone rand breaking my trance. Relief flooded through my veins looking at the caller. Quickly accepting the call, I fired my question.

"Where is she?"

Soon the relief turned into extreme horror after hearing the response from other side.

***

Melody's P.O.V.

Pain and darkness.....

The intense feelings I'm undergoing right now. I more I tried to open my eyes, the more pain in my head intensifying. It feels like a huge bulldozer ran over my head. Groaning at the increasing ache even in my body, I put a stop to my failed attempts to open my eyes.

All I'm seeing is pitch black. Darkness. I'm already afraid..... and pairing it with the pain I'm having only make it beyond terrifying.

I began to think where I am. I struggled to reminisce the last memory in my mind to find the cause of the pain in my head. When it hits like a blow, I regret thinking about it as my breaths became uneven with every part of the flashback striking hardly.

How that nasty man pulled me into that dark alley.....

How he kissed me forcefully.....

How he slapped and choked me.....

How he slammed my head to the wall.....

How he tried to RAPE me.....

Why is it always me to face these type of situations? Am I really that bad to get these punishments?!

I couldn't move an inch without feeling like someone stabbing and punching my body to pulp. I couldn't even cry without feeling any ache! Still..... my heart is bleeding. Crying silently at the miserable fate I have.

Sudden noises around me forced me to open my eyes ignoring the hurt and discomfort. Bright light flashed my vision making my eyes shut again when I felt like shock passed through my head.

I opened my eyes ignoring the headache, that's when I noticed that I had my head bandaged and my face too hurts like hell. Arms had a lot of scratches and seems like someone dressed them. Suddenly, a loud unfamiliar voice reached my ears.

"JUST FUCKING STOP IT, YOU A**HOLE!!"

The very next second, I heard weird sounds like thudding, crinkling and some breaking noise. Rushing outside, I was beyond shocked to see a person is punching another one so brutally. I couldn't see his face as his back is facing me.

Scared out of my wits at the scene going on infront of me, I ran back to the room I woke up and hide behind the bed shutting my eyes with both palms and started shivering in fear of them finding me. My body flinched involuntarily each time I hear shouts and thumps from the hall.

Out of nowhere, the door bursted open and I heard footsteps making its way to the bed. Please....please.... Don't let them find me!

But my prayers are wasted as I felt them reach where I am. I'm sure they could see me completely but in fear, I didn't raise my head.

"Melody"

My body froze when the familiar voice called me. There is only one person who can utter my name with such an euphonious voice.

I lifted my head up only to get shocked by seeing Hunter infront of me with another man who is bruised and bleeding.

Hunter stood there without any emotion while looking at me. I would have jumped in his arms after what I have been through last night if not for something in his eyes that stops me from doing that. The concern and softness which he always held in his eyes from me are absent now. His cold demeanor shook me to the core.

Ignoring me, Hunter turned to the man, "We're not done."

With that, he hold my wrist pulling me up on my feet before dragging me out of the stranger's house.

Soon the car stopped infront of Hunter's cottage and throughout the time, there's a dreadful silence. He didn't glance at me even one time and infact, it's a miracle that we didn't met with any accident with the speed he drove.

Hunter came to my side, opened the door silently. The minute I stepped out of the car, he closed the door with a loud thud. With that, I realised he's being angry with me. Lowering my head, I followed him inside without a sound.

The silence between us is nerve wrecking. Hunter stood with his back to me and I could see his fists clenching tightly.

"Hunter" my voice came out meekly as I called out for him.

He turned around in a blink and glared sharply. If it's possible, I would have burn into ashes with the intensity of fire in his eyes. Not meeting his eyes, I casted down mine feeling scared.

"What is this Melody?" he asked blankly showing the letter I left for them.

I gulped as tears brimmed in my eyes looking at it.

"I-I'm s-sorry" I apologized between my hiccups.

He throws the crumbled paper harshly and it landed at my feet. I flinched at the contact of it and gazed at him shocked. He raked his fingers through his hair with a frustrated sound before shooting daggers in my way.

In next second, he's infront of me gripping my arms strongly. I winced in pain as he hold where my wounds are.

"You once told that sorry should be from heart and not just by words, Melody. So, don't even try to apologise when you clearly don't mean it at all" he growled pushing me as I stumbled to keep my balance.

Shocked would be understatement for what I'm feeling right now. But I'm beyond hurt by his words.

"Please, l-listen—" I started but cut off by his shout.

"WHY? WHY SHOULD I LISTEN TO YOU?" he yelled, "Do you listen to me when I said to stay in the damn club? Then why should I listen to you, TELL ME DAMNIT?"

I jumped back at his scream and tears flowing continuously at his words. Swallowing down my cries, I stepped towards him but halted when I saw him backing away from me. And this hurts more!!

"I respected your decisions Melody! You wanted to continue your work.... even though when I don't want to put you out in danger because of me, I agreed to it knowing very well that I don't have any right to deny your wishes on your life."

"I gave you space after that day when you broke down in the library. You didn't ask for it but I know you need it. I didn't pried though I wanted to know what happened and why you behaved like that. Because I want you to come to me willingly to share your problems and worries. I valued your every choice. Is it really that difficult to consider my one wish to not to leave??"

He closed his eyes shaking his head before looking at me disappointed.

"Looks like I respected the feelings of a girl who don't value others feelings!"

"No—"

"THEN WHAT?!" he screamed suddenly.

"Then what Melody? You didn't care how much your absence will affect Daisy, you didn't care how dejected Jenna would feel, you didn't care how much Cara would miss you. You're close to them, right? Yet, you didn't even think for a second before leaving!!"

"I'm glad to know your true face. It's just a facade you care for them. In reality, you're just a selfish women who only think about yourself forgetting all the people who loves you dearly!"

His every word is shooting at me like a sharp dagger straight through my heart. Is that what he thinks of me? I do care for them and that's the reason I left. But in return, all I get was accusations. I know it's not Hunter's fault as he don't know the reason behind what I did. But accusing me like this..... I couldn't take it anymore!!

"I LEFT ONLY TO KEEP THEM SAFE!!" I cried out loudly completely breaking down infront of him.

Heavy sobs shook my entire body so violently. It hurts..... It hurts that Hunter thinks so low of me.

"What happened?" his calm and composed voice brought me back to present.

It's then I realised what I blurted out in anger. Sucking deep, I lifted my eyes and saw him waiting patiently for my answer. No!!! If I tell him why I left, then I have to tell about my past also!

I shook my head negatively weeping constantly. Hunter's expression changed to frustration and swiftly turned his back to me.

"Go from here before I do something I'll surely regret later."

I didn't thought my decision would hurt him to this extent. Giving one last look at his back, I silently made my way to one of the rooms. Once I closed the door behind me, I fell on my knees sobbing almost hysterically. Why Hunter? Why?

H-How could he accuse me something I'm not? Is this what he learn about me in all these days I'm staying with him? That I'm selfish?!

He's not even ready to hear me out. No..... He have to listen to me!!

Just then, a loud bang of the door outside tells me he went to his room. I have to talk to him and explain that that whatever I did was for their sake only. I may not be able to reveal my entire past..... But I can tell some part of it, that could help him to keep everyone safe.

With that, I got up and strode to his room. I knocked the door and for another few long minutes, I keep on knocking but there's no response from inside. Getting tired, I called him.

"Open the door, Hunter! Please...."

Still there's no use!

"Just hear me out once, please....." I tried again, "Then I won't come infront of you."

A loud noise of glass breaking came from inside makes me jump in fear and worry instantly filled me.

"Hunter.... What's that sound? You're scaring me, please open the door..... Hunter" I banged the door non-stop.

I heard the door unlock and in next second, Hunter stood before me glaring.

"What do you want?" he hissed.

"Are you hurt? What was that sound?" I asked frantically searching his body to see if there are any injuries.

"Are you worried for me?"

I looked up at him surprised at the change in his tone. He's neither mocking me nor it is a sarcastic comment. He is asking me quite genuinely.

Stepping inside, I replied honestly, "Ofcourse, I am!"

"Then can you imagine my situation when I literally saw you unconscious with full of bruises and bandages?"

I sucked a sharp breath not expecting this question. He's right. Just the thought of him being hurt scared me to the core. Then what must be his state witnessing me in that condition?

"You can't, Melody! You can never imagine what I felt that time!"

Hunter cupped my cheek and placed his forehead on mine before mumbling his next words.

"It feels like my breath has stopped."

Tears stung my eyes hearing him. Holding his wrists, I cried in his hands not able to control myself.

"Why did you leave us?" he asked in a low voice, "Why did you leave me?"

Shutting my eyes letting few more tears fall, I answered back as my voice cracked in the end.

"I had no choice."

He sighed, "Will you tell me the reason if I ask?"

"Not now" I mumbled ducking head.

Hearing his cursing, I looked up in fear, "Tomorrow Melody! I have given you enough time and now I can't wait more. You have to talk every single detail about your past and the reason you left."

What?! No way!! How can I reveal EVERYTHING???

When I opened my mouth to protest, he cut me off.

"Earlier, you said you left to keep them safe..... If their life is in danger, I have every right to know whatever you're hiding. And I will find it even if I have to force you. It'd be better if you don't make me do that" he said sternly.

I nodded meekly while his words still reeling in my mind. He is right. If its the matter of their safety, he have every right to know about it. Still, it didn't sit well with me that I had to open up all my past to him.

"Okay! It's already late. Go to sleep. We'll talk in the morning" he said in a final tone that I had no choice but to leave his room.

***

Hunter's P.O.V.

"Ahhh......"

I jolted up from my sleep hearing a piercing scream. Without a second thought, I ran to the way the scream came from. Melody's room! Thankfully, she didn't locked the door, she continued to scream trashing side to side almost violently.

"Melody" I rushed trying to wake her.

"LEAVE ME!!" she shouted aggressively pushing my hands still in her sleep.

I shake her harder, "Wake up DAMNIT!"

But she's not in her senses and began to beg, "Please..... No, leave me please, please....."

Her face drenched with tears and sweat and brows furrowed full of worry and fear. Her body shivering vigorously and trying to shielding herself and continued to plead to leave her.

This time, I didn't wait to pull her up and shake her hardly from her nightmare. Melody jerked her eyes open and tried to move back from my hold without having the knowledge that it was me holding her. Her harsh breaths are erratic with the aftershocks of the nightmare, body trembling with fear and terrified eyes darting around to acknowledge the surroundings. Cupping her face, slowly I made where look at me.

"Calm down Melody!" I soothed her, "You're safe."

"Hunter" she whispered brokenly, soon it turned to heart wrenching cries. Taking her in my arms, I stroke her back to calm her.

"Shh..... Calm down, sweetheart. I'm with you. You're safe."

She tightens her arms around my waist burying her face deeper in my neck.

"Save me, please" she hiccuped, "He's coming for me."

I instantly realise that she's talking about the man from last night. Pecking the side of her bandaged head, I assured her.

"No one will ever dare to step near you! I'll make sure of it."

She shook her head negatively not believing my words. Pulling her out of my embrace, I asked.

"Do you trust me?"

Melody nodded almost instantly. A small smile came without my consent despite the situation.

"Then believe me when I say..... I'll never ever let anyone hurt you in anyway. They have to go through me to reach you. That's my promise and I will go to any extent to keep my word."

She nodded lost deep in thoughts.

"Are you okay now? Do you want me to stay?" I asked even though there's no way am I going to let her be alone right now.

"I'm fine, thank you. And I'm sorry for disturbing your sleep. Please don't worry about me, I'll manage. Go back to your room, you're already looking tired."

I could help but chuckle at her, "I'm not going anywhere."

She frowned, "Then why did you ask?"

Shrugging nonchalantly, I replied, "Just to make you feel that you have a choice."

Her eyes and mouth widened in shock at my statement before hitting me on my chest and pouted cutely.

I pinched her cheeks, "Sleep now."

I made her lay down properly and joined quickly pulling her into my arms to make her feel aware of my presence. A content sigh left her when I kissed her forehead. Silence embraced us completely but only I know how my mind is battling in the midst of utter chaos. The insults I hurled at Melody earlier slashing me to pieces with guilt. It won't let me in peace till she forgive me.

"Melody"

She mumbled in low sleepy voice, "Hmm....."

"Look at me."

She raised her head confusedly. Kissing her temple again, I apologized, "I'm so sorry, kitten."

Instantly, black shadows spread over her face and unbearable pain is clearly visible knowing what I'm sorry for. But she quickly hide it giving me a small smile. But I could still see her hidden pain in her expressive eyes.

"It's okay."

A frown developed in a flash at her response.

"That's it?! Do you even remember what insults I threw at you in the heat of moment?"

She sighed, "You only said that it's in the heat of the moment. Then what's the use of pondering on it?"

"But what I said was not something easy to forget!" I replied disappointed in myself.

"Yes....." she gulped painfully, "It's not easy to forget. Your words..... they pierced straight through here" she pointed to her heart.

My throat tightened and I felt like someone choking the breath out of me.

"You said I don't value other's feelings. That I don't care for any of you. And that I'm a s-selfish women."

Hearing my words from her made me want to kill myself for uttering those. How could I said all that to my kitten?!

"I-It hurts, Hunter."

I closed my eyes as regret washed all over me once again as she continued.

"It hurts to know you think so low of me. It hurts to hear those words from you when I'm not any of that" she looked straight into my eyes, "And it hurts even more because I thought you knew me better than that."

I shook my head immediately and tried to explain that's not what I think of her. But she didn't let me speak.

"Though it hurts like hell, I also know that you're not entirely at fault too. You don't know why I took the decision of leaving suddenly without informing anyone. But that doesn't mean I could forget your words completely. They imprinted in my mind and occasionally, they will keep ringing in my ears not giving me a chance to ignore them. For now, all I can say is, I can forgive you..... but it takes some time for me to forget your words."

Melody gave a small smile and I stared wondering how can someone be like her? So forgiving and understanding. Yet..... I called her selfish. Even if I'm angry, I should realise what and to whom I'm speaking.

"Don't forgive me" I said strongly.

She gazed me surprised at my statement.

"Let me earn your forgiveness. Let me make it up for my mistakes" I said determinedly, "And let me show you that I don't mean what I said."

Melody nodded with tear glistening eyes and a satisfied smile. Placing my lips on her, I made an vow to myself. I'll show how much you mean to me.

***

"Good morning."

A sweet voice greeted behind me. I stopped preparing breakfast and turned back to see Melody standing near the kitchen door looking fresh but still somewhat drained and exhausted.

"Good morning, kitten" I replied back smiling a little, "Wait for few minutes. Breakfast is almost ready."

"Need any help?" She asked slowly.

I nodded negatively and continued my work.

During the breakfast, she was so nervous and I clearly know the reason for it. She's afraid of our talk. She keep stealing glances at me.

"Hunter" she called.

"Yeah?" I replied not looking at her.

"Who's the man last night you fought with?" she whispered.

If she's not next to me, I couldn't be able to hear her.

"Ryan Carter."

"He's the one who saved me, right?" she asked again.

I nodded not getting what's her point.

"Then why did you beat him?"

Oh! So, that's the matter!!

"He's late."

Seeing her confused face, I explained, " Do you really think just because Gabriel was busy, I would leave you alone unsafe and unprotected? No!! I asked Ryan to look after you" I wait for a moment to calm my nerves, "But he failed!" I hissed punching the table in anger making her jump.

"He failed to protect you. If he was not late to reach you, then you wouldn't be in this condition."

She stared with wide eyes as I tried to control myself.

"B-but he did sa-saved me" she stuttered.

"NO!!" I shouted as my anger snapped, "He should have stopped that bastard from slapping you" I gently grazed her cheek where the finger marks are, "From hurting you!"

Sighing, I said, "Leave that. I don't want to talk about it right now."

She nodded slowly before playing with food.

"Finish your breakfast soon. We have to talk about you."

Melody quivered slightly making me smirk internally.

You can't escape now, kitten! I won't leave till you expose every bit of your secret life.....