The Hunter's Angel

Nothing Else Matters

The gentle lull of chirping birds was the first thing I heard, the peaceful sound slowly drawing my eyes open as I left the darkness. 

I felt the soft cushion of a bed beneath me, and, as my eyes adjusted to the early morning light, I carefully took in my surroundings. 

The tension inside of me slowly shifted to ease as my gaze fell on familiar posters adorning the walls of the all-black room. 

I was in Hunter's room. 

Turning my head to the side, I winced against the dull pain in my cheek as my gaze shifted to see Hunter, sleeping in a chair beside me. 

His chest moved up and down in slow, deep breaths as he slept, and I nearly cried with relief at the sight of him—perfectly safe and unharmed. 

He was here. Next to me. 

We were safe. 

It felt too fucking good to be true.   

Swallowing against the dryness in my throat, I shifted up in bed, sucking in a short breath as my head throbbed from the student movement. 

Hunter stirred awake in his chair, and, when his eyes finally opened to meet mine, he visibly paused. Utter relief washed through his face as he held my gaze, and I couldn't resist the soft tug that pulled at my heart at the sight of him. 

God, I loved him so much it hurt. 

"You're awake," he whispered, his voice sounding far too raw and his eyes looking far too heavy.

I wanted nothing more than to take the heaviness away from his eyes, to take the pain from his voice. 

"You just can't stay away, can you?" I teased lightly, my voice sounding scratchy and hoarse as I spoke.

Hunter's lips pulled into a soft smile, though it didn't reach his eyes. 

He leaned forward, placing a gentle hand on my arm, the other on my back as he rubbed soothing circles. "You had me worried sick," he rasped. 

Now that he was closer, I could make out the dark circles under his eyes and the shadow of stubble painting his face. 

And fuck if it didn't kill me to see him like this. 

"What happened?" I asked, slowly adjusting in bed. 

"You passed out," Hunter explained softly, worry lining his face. "I damn near had a panic attack when you fell under, but Casper and Micah assured me that it was the intense shock your body had gone through." 

That sounded about right. Lord only knew it had been an intense fucking night. 

"How long have I been out?" 

"You've been in and out for two days," Hunter murmured. 

Shit. Two days? 

No wonder my throat felt so damn dry. 

Hunter's gaze shifted over my face, studying me intently. "How are you feeling, love?" 

My head and cheek still ached slightly, but I had a feeling that pain would be around for a bit. 

"I'm okay, thanks to you," I breathed, sending him a feeble smile. 

The shadows painting his gaze told me he didn't think he deserved any thanks. 

"You saved me, Hunter," I urged softly, squeezing his hand gently. "You know that, right? Don't beat yourself up over what happened." 

Hunter let out a tight breath, tucking a strand of my hair behind my ear. "I just wish I could have saved you sooner." His eyes fell to my cheek, and I knew there was a mark there from the way his gaze flared with fury.