Hunter started packing their things at his house, preparing to move to a new location. He had talked with the boss, who had given him a new address, and Mallory was hysterical.
Blade did his best to comfort her, and Hunter hurried as much as he could. He shuddered after hearing what Wyatt had told them, and he knew that the man coming after Mallory was rich and dangerous.
"We need to move, Mallory. We can't stay here anymore."
Hunter heard his phone ring, and he hurried to answer.
"Hunter. I am so sorry,"
"I don't have time for you, Maddie." Hunter roared,
"Wait! I did something stupid. I think."
"What did you do, Maddie?" Hunter muttered, and he heard Mallory sob in the background.
"I was drinking by a bar downtown after you yelled at me, and a man approached me. I muttered stupid Mallory, and he overheard that. He asked about her, and I told him where she was because he told me that she was a runaway."
"Are you stupid? Do you know what you just did? He thought that he had killed Mallory. And now he wants to redeem and do it once and for all!"
"I'm sorry. I was angry and jealous."
Hunter milled, "Jealous enough to kill someone? Really Maddie. Fuck off!"
Mallory overheard the conversation and gasped for air.
"He knows where I am? Oh no. He's gonna kill me." Mallory whispered, tears streaming down her face, and she kneeled to the floor.
"No, Mallory. He's gonna have to go through us to do so!" Blade mutters, and Mallory spots a gun in the waistband of his trousers.
"Why do you have a gun?" Mallory asked and stood up.
"Hey. It's okay. It's for protection."
"Protection? Only criminals and the police have weapons?" Mallory said, confused.
"We are the good guys, Mallory. But some things we do might not be legal in every law book." Hunter added, and Mallory took a step back.
"Hey. It's okay." Hunter said softly and walked before her.
"Come here," He mumbled and stretched out his arms.
Mallory hesitated but then gave in and let him hug her.
________________
Duncan was a little distraught. Hunter had sounded very distant on the phone when he asked for a new address to move to, and something seemed a little off with him lately.
Duncan saw it was nearly seven in the morning and decided to head over to the house to ensure it was in order, look around, and wait for Hunter there.
________________
Mr. Wraith was on the edge. He had been to where Mallory was supposed to be, but it was empty. He had banged on the door and even thrown a rock through a window in complete rage.
He didn't want to risk getting caught, so he left shortly after.
But Mr. Wraith decided to return in the morning to look around instead. And the clock was nearly seven in the morning now, and he hadn't slept a bit. He drank a cup of coffee and headed out again.
________________
"She's alive and well?" Calvin asked after Mr. Wyatt had told him about Mallory.
"Yes. She's recovering," Wyatt replied, and Calvin felt tears in his eyes.
"And my mother?" Calvin whispered, but Wyatt shook his head. "I need a little more time," He replies, and Calvin nods. "It's gonna be okay, Calvin," Maria said, hugging him from behind.
"Maybe I can try to phone home and see if she answers since her pager is off," Calvin said, and Wyatt shrugged."You can try. But be sure to hang up if your father answers." Calvin nodded."Come on then, and I will show you the phone." Mr. Wyatt said he led them to his office on his landline.
________________
Hunter and Blade packed the car, complete with luggage, before they left the house behind.
"I'm sorry you must leave," Mallory stutters from the backseat.
"No, don't be. It's okay, Mall!" Blade replied. "No. You can drop me off the streets somewhere. You should not have to pack up your lives because of me," Mallory mumbled, and Hunter sighed.
"No, Mallory. We are not dropping you off anywhere. You are one of us now. And we take care of each other!" Hunter said, and Blade nodded. "Yes. Besides, it is good to switch up your environment occasionally!" Blade said, and Hunter nodded. "Yes. Don't think of anything else. We want you in our lives. But we need to talk more about this, Mallory. It's time for you to tell us your story. Because I have a hunch that you remember more than you have told us." Hunter looked in the rearview mirror, and his eyes met a nervous Mallory.
And Mallory gulped. Her hands began to sweat, and she began to feel claustrophobic when the memories of her past washed over her. Her breath shortens, and she panicked.
"Hey, Mallory. Breathe. It's okay." Blade said and climbed back to her.
"Look at me." He said, and it took a moment before Mallory had gained control over her breathing. She met Blade's calm eyes, and he nodded.
"Good, Mallory. You are getting better at regaining control." He said and put his arm around her shoulders.
"You know, I never had a little sister, Mall. But I had come to think of you as mine now!" He said, and Mallory smiled.
"Really? You'll have me?"
Blade smiles, "Yes. But I am a pain in the ass, you know!"
"I'll take it!" Mallory smiled and rested her head against his shoulder.
________________
Will Calvin's mother answer his call? How will Duncan react when he meets Mallory?
And will Mr. Wraith find the new address?
Keep reading to find out.