Page 49 of Hunted

His hand cups my cheek, his thumb tracing the curve of my jaw with a tenderness that belies his rugged exterior. "You’re the spark that ignited that flame. The light that guides me through the darkness, leading me toward a future I never dared to imagine."

I lean into his touch, my heart swelling with the weight of his words, the depth of his emotions.

"I may not understand the concept of love as you do," he continues, his eyes holding mine captive. “But what I feel for you is a force more powerful than any I've ever known. A bond that transcends mere physical desire or possessive instincts."

He pulls me closer, his lips brushing against my forehead in a feather-light kiss. "You're mine," he whispers, his voice thick with emotion. “And I'm yours, now and forever, bound by a fire that will never be extinguished." He kisses me again, deeply and passionately.

I can't believe how deeply I've fallen for this broken, twisted man, but in his arms, I've found my true home—a place of belonging I never knew existed until I came to this wild Norwegian wilderness.

As our lips part, I gaze up at Aksel, his rugged features softened by emotion. At that moment, I see the man beneath the hunter, the soul scarred by a past so dark and primal that it would break most people.

Yet, despite the shadows that linger in his gaze, there is a warmth there, a tenderness reserved solely for me. My fingers trace the intricate tattoos on his arm.

Aksel's hand covers mine. "These markings tell the story of my lineage," he murmurs, his voice a low rumble that sends shivers down my spine. “A tale of savagery and primal instincts, of a family bound by darkness and twisted traditions."

I hold his gaze, silently urging him to continue, to share the burden of his past.

“But you, littlefugl," he says, his thumb caressing my cheek with a tenderness that belies his rough exterior. "You have rewritten my story, blazing a new path where love and light can flourish, even in the most barren landscapes."

His words resonate deeply, burning away any lingering doubts or fears. Undoubtedly, I belong here, in this rugged wilderness, by Aksel's side.

26

AKSEL

Ipace the hotel room, my heart racing faster than ever during a hunt. The thought of meeting Zara’s parents makes my palms sweat. I’m not used to interacting with normal people and trying to make a good impression. It’s foreign territory, and I feel like a caged animal.

Zara emerges from the bathroom, her blonde hair cascading over her shoulders. She notices my agitation immediately.

“Aksel, what’s wrong?” she asks, her green eyes filled with concern.

I run a hand through my hair, struggling to find the words. “I’m... nervous,” I admit, the confession strange. “I don’t do well with people, Zara. Your parents are going to hate me.”

Zara approaches me, her scent of vanilla and roses calming me. She places a hand on my chest, right over my thundering heart.

“They won’t hate you,” she says softly. “They just want to meet the man I love. You don’t have to be anyone but yourself.”

I scoff. “Myself? A psychopath with a dark past and blood on his hands? I’m sure that’ll go over well with your father.”

Zara’s eyes harden. “You’re more than your past, Aksel. You’re the man who protected me, who loves me fiercely. That’s who they’ll see.” She stands on her tiptoes and presses a gentle kiss to my lips. “Besides, I returned David's equipment and left my old life behind. I’m with you now, no matter what. We’re in this together.”

Her words soothe me somewhat, but the anxiety still gnaws at my insides. I’ve never cared about anyone’s opinion, but I'm desperate for her parents’ approval.

I fidget with my tie for the hundredth time, cursing. The damn thing feels like it’s choking me, a constant reminder of how out of place I am in this polished hotel.

Zara notices my discomfort and gently touches my arm. “Aksel, take it off,” she says. “There’s nothing wrong with just wearing a shirt. You don’t need the tie to impress them.”

I hesitate, torn between wanting to make a good impression and feeling like an imposter. “Are you sure? I thought...”

She smiles. “I’m sure. Be yourself, remember?”

With relief, I loosen the tie and pull it off, tossing it onto the bed. The simple act of removing it makes me feel less constrained.

“Better?” Zara asks, straightening my collar.

I nod, pulling her close for a quick kiss. “Much better. Thank you, littlefugl.”

We walk out of the room and down to the hotel restaurant, my stomach twisting with each step. The place is filled with gleaming silverware and crisp white tablecloths, a far cry from the rustic simplicity of my cabin. I feel like a bull in a china shop, acutely aware of every movement I make.

---