49 In the Wake of Terror

Amalia woke the next morning to the strong arms of Hunter, holding her securely to his side. She lay there still for a few moments just inhaling his scent. The memories from the days earlier danced across her mind like shadows. Hunters' presence helped to keep them vague and harmless.

In the safety of his arms, she braced herself while her mind walked through the revelations of what she had learned. She had killed a man, and while terrified of the fact she was not entirely remorseful. He had kidnapped her after all. The men who had taken her father, and as a result her innocence, were still at large. She would find them no matter the cost. And their death would be nowhere near as merciful as the others. She was a ticking bomb, inside her was a silent and lethal killer. She had always known this, she just hadn't realized how scared that would make her. This was what bothered her the most, that she had no control or recollection of her own actions. It was terrifying.

Her hand paused in its play of Hunter's hair. Her breath stilled as she allowed this to sink into her thoughts. She had honed herself to be a weapon and even prided herself on her skill. However, it now became apparent to her that while she had succeeded far beyond her wildest dreams, she was now a risk to anyone she loved. They were few, but this did not diminish their importance.

While Amalia lay there lost in silent introspection Hunter had slowly roused himself from his sleep. He lay there watching her quietly as she struggled with her invisible demons. He could protect her from so many things but he could not protect her from herself. It bothered him more than he would ever admit. While she sat there, poised over him her fingers deathly still in his hair, he began to wonder if he had done the right thing. She was so strong in so many respects but in others, she was still so fragile. He could feel her fingers tense and relax in the silence that seemed to grow between them, while shadows of doubt and uncertainty moved across her eyes. He could bear it no longer.

"Lia" he called to her, his voice firm but gentle as he drew her hand down to his lips and pressed them lightly to her knuckled before holding it to his chest.

"You did what you had to do. No more, no less. If you hadn't already killed him, I would have. I told you, he signed his death warrant when he touched what belonged to me."

Hunter paused for a moment, allowing his words to sink in. Hoping they did the trick.

The sensation of Hunters lips pressed to her knuckles drew Amalia back down to earth. Her hand which had been moving restlessly in his hair with the passing of her thoughts came to a still and instinctively she drew closer to his warmth.

He was her rock. How many storms had he brought her through. Even now at the shakiest part of her life, having seen the devastation she could cause unleashed, he still continued to be her strength. Seeing her quiet at his words he pressed her tightly toward him, deep in thought.

Something had to change. She was no longer safe under her alias. Not to mention the chaos Luke had brought to the club as well. They needed a fool proof plan, as they now knew where to find her and had come close to discovering her alias.

Pressing his lips against her forehead he murmered softly against the soft down of her hair, "Lia, how much do you trust me?"

Amalia looked up at him in contemplation a frown knitting her brows. "Enough" was all she said.