Page 43 of Hunted

Her eyes meet mine as I stretch and fill her. Her nails dig into my shoulders, leaving stinging tracks as I move.

"That's it, little bird," I encourage. "Wrap your legs around me. Take every fucking inch.” Her legs lock around my waist, her body rising to meet my savage thrusts. I drive into her, my hips slamming against hers, our flesh slapping together. I growl, pulling out almost completely before snapping my hips forward, burying myself deep. "Tell me you love my cock."

"Yes!" she cries out, her nails raking my back. "I love it!"

Her words make me thrust harder, pounding into her with wild abandon. The hunting room echoes with the sounds of our union, the slap of skin, our labored breathing, and our animalistic grunts.

While we fuck, the shadows of my past recede, eclipsed by the radiant light that is Zara. Her love and acceptance are my salvation, a lifeline pulling me from despair.

With Zara wrapped around my cock, I find solace, a sanctuary from the demons that haunt me.

And in that moment, I know that no matter the challenges, I will never again be alone in the darkness.

23

ZARA

The warm water cascades over me as I stand numbly in the shower, trying to process everything that has happened. I can still feel Aksel's possessive grip on my body, his passionate kisses trailing fire across my skin. My fingers caress the tender spots where his mouth and teeth marked me as his earlier. But my mind keeps flashing back to the bloody violence I witnessed between him and Tor.

I scrub at my arms, desperate to remove the blood he got on me while we fucked. The memory of Tor's dead body haunts me, even though Aksel swore he only killed his brother to protect us. My stomach churns as I recall the sickening thud of flesh striking flesh, the feral rage in his eyes.

The steaming water turns my skin pink, but the thoughts swirling through my mind won't disappear.

Why did Tor call me "little bird" when he burst into the room? How long was he lurking outside, observing us to hear Aksel call me that? A chill runs through me despite the heat of the shower.

Right now, Aksel is digging a hole to bury his brother. It's hard to believe how fucked up his family was. I recall how gentle Aksel was after their brawl, patiently explaining his tortured past.

He claims he has left that toxicity behind, but it's clear it's not entirely true. He invited me here so he could "hunt" me to the death. When he fought with Tor, I saw his love for the fight and the inner demons raging within.

My heart aches, wanting to believe Aksel can conquer that darkness with me by his side. But Tor's attack shattered the illusion of safety in this cabin. I don't know who to trust anymore in this foreign wilderness.

Shutting off the water, I step out and dry myself. Wiping the fog from the glass, I steel myself and assess the constellations of purple and red adorning my neck. Revulsion and arousal war within me, this visible proof of Aksel's claim on me confusing.

Dragging on layers of clothing like armor against my host’s magnetic pull, I need space to think. Could I give up everything and continue down this path with him? My research was supposed to be the purpose of this trip.

The sudden ring of my phone makes me jump, my heart racing as I see David's name flash across the screen. Shit. I knew this call was coming, but I'm not prepared to face his wrath after everything that's transpired.

Steadying my trembling fingers, I accept the call. "H-hello?"

"Zara? What the hell is going on?" David's voice booms through the speaker, dripping with impatience. "I expected your first report days ago. This is completely unacceptable!"

My chest tightens as his accusations pierce me. He can’t understand the horror I witnessed in this twisted wilderness only a few hours ago. How can I possibly explain the tangled web of obsession and violence that's ensnared me?

"I...I know, David. There have been some complications," I stammer, my words failing me.

"Complications?" He scoffs. "That's no excuse, Zara. This research is crucial, and you're jeopardizing everything with your lack of professionalism."

White-hot anger flares within me at his callous dismissal. Doesn't he understand that my life has been in danger? That I've been forced to confront the darkest depths of human depravity?

"You’ve got no idea what I've been through," I snap, my voice trembling with barely contained rage. "I've faced things you couldn't imagine in your worst nightmares."

There's a pause on the other end, and I can almost envision David's stunned expression. But at this moment, I don't care about decorum or propriety. I'm done being the meek, obedient scientist.

"Listen here, you arrogant prick," I seethe, the words tumbling from my lips. "I've been through hell, and you berate me like some incompetent child? Fuck you, David. Fuck this research, and fuck everything else."

His sputtering protests sound on the other end, but I've reached my limit. I end the call with a vicious tap, enjoying the satisfying silence that follows. My hands are shaking, adrenaline coursing through my veins as I struggle to catch my breath.

Free, that's how I feel. Unshackled from the constraints of my former life. Aksel has awakened something primal within me, a ferocity that refuses to be tamed or controlled. I may be his "little bird," but I'm no longer content to remain caged and docile.

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