Hunting Her

Chapter 41

I glanced at Hunter and his expression rapidly changed. "No," he stated, loudly and boldly. He reached his hand out for my wrist but I dodged his grip. He moved again, adjusting quickly.

"I have to go," I said, stepping out of his reach. "It's Aaron." I removed knives, throwing them onto the ground. 

"Lexa, no!" Hunter's voice broke, filled with desperation. His eyes not leaving mine. "You can't do this. You can't sacrifice yourself for him."

"I don't have a choice," I replied, my voice trembling but resolute. "Aaron's life is at stake. Dominic won't stop until he gets what he wants. Once Aaron is dead, he'll come for you guys. I can't, I won't lost anyone else."

"We'll find another way." He replied bluntly. "But your life isn't worth less than ours Lexa." 

Tears stung my eyes as I shook my head. "There is no other way. This is the only way to save him. To save you all." I felt my last knife rooted deep into the side of my left boot, it's fine blade resting against the curve of my calf. I was promised by the man that it would be efficient, that it would be fast.

Hunter's jaw tightened, and he stepped in front of me, blocking my path. "You'll have to kill me first," he said, his voice low and determined. "I won't let you do this."

My heart ached at the sight of his resolve. "Hunter, please," I begged, my voice cracking. "I need you to understand."

"No!" he shouted, grabbing my arms, his grip firm yet tender. "I won't let you go. I can't."

I twisted in his grip, trying to break free, but Hunter held on, his fingers digging into my skin with a desperation that mirrored my own. "Let me go, Hunter," I pleaded, my voice strained.

Hunter's eyes were wild, his face contorted with anguish. "I can't," he whispered, his voice breaking. "I won't. I know you're not planning on getting out of this alive. I know. You can't do this."

With a surge of strength, I pushed against him, but he tightened his hold, pulling me closer. "Don't do this, Lexa. Please," he begged, his breath hot against my ear.

"I'm sorry," I whispered, my heart shattering. 

Hunter spun me around, pinning me against the wall, his body blocking any escape. "No," he growled. "I won't let you. You'll have to kill me first."

Summoning all my strength, I shoved him hard, catching him off balance. He stumbled back, but before I could make my escape, he recovered and lunged at me again. I twisted and readied myself, "Hunter this is my choice you have to let me do this."

He grabbed my shoulder, spinning me around and pinning me against the wall again. "I'm not letting you go," he said through gritted teeth. "I can't."

I brought my knee up hard into his stomach. Hunter grunted in pain but didn't let go. I clawed at his arms, my nails raking across his skin, drawing blood. He winced but held firm, his grip tightening.

With a cry of frustration, I headbutted him, feeling a sharp pain as my forehead connected with his nose. Blood spurted, and he stumbled back, dazed. I took the opportunity to wrench free.  

Before I could strike, Hercules stepped in, his massive frame casting a shadow over us. He gently but firmly pulled Hunter away from me, holding him back. "I'm sorry, Hunter," Hercules said softly, his voice heavy with regret. "We have to let her go."

Hunter struggled against Hercules's grip, his eyes wild with panic as he knew with both of us, he was outmatched. "Don't do this!" Hercules secured Hunter, enclosing his arms around his neck until Hunter's eyes began to droop close.