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Hunter's Choice Chapter 19

Chapter 19: Seeing Things 

----------Cassie's Perspective-------

I'm sitting in front of the Council with Mal standing next to me. 

"May I inquire the reason for your visit?" Wow, Mal is so formal right now. It's such a different side of him. Normally, he's so....I don't know. The Council stands in front of us. 

"We are here to speak with you about your hunter's actions." The Head woman looks straight at me. 

"Is there something Cassandra has done to upset you? Or to break our laws?" I see the Council begin to shift and murmur. Dammit, I wish I was in shape. If I was, then I know I could make a run for it. 

"Well, in the time she's been with you, she has done quite a bit. Including: killing several hunters, taking in a witch child, and saving a werewolf. Have I left anything out?" I see her look at me again. 

"Nope. I think that's all of it." 

"I do not see how that breaks any of our laws." 

"Oh, so starting a war with hunters isn't against our laws?" I see the werewolf leader gesture. 

"Marco has a point. She has caused quite a commotion in the supernatural world." 

"And that is because I requested her to." I look at Mal. Wait, what? 

"You did?" 

"Yes, I instructed her to become a hunter for the supernatural community. To protect those that cannot protect themselves. I bear the full weight and responsibility for her actions and any unforseen consequences." Dammit, Mal! You don't need to protect me. I can handle this. I'm not some damsel in distress. I mean, he is the one who suggested it, but it was my choice. 

"And what do you have to say about this, hunter?" 

"Yes, he did suggest I be a hunter for supernatural kind. I needed to renounce my hunter title but I didn't want to stop being a hunter altogether. So, he came up with the plan. But, I chose to do his plan. It helped me escape my unwanted marriage. But, that's not the only reason I did it. I honestly believe in protecting the innocent, no matter what species they may be."

"I see. So, your actions have been in the service of that cause. Including taking in the witch girl." Don't bring Dani into this! 

"Her name is Dani. And she is mine. I took her in, not out of pity or duty. I took her in because she was a little girl all alone in the world, and no one deserves that. Least of all a beautiful, innocent, sweet girl like her. She is mine and I will kill anyone who tries to take her from me." I stare straight into the Head Council's eyes. I see something flicker. 

"How interesting. What does the rest of the Council think of a hunter taking in a witch child?" I can hear the murmurs and whispers. 

"Don't care about that. Not a bit. The thing I care about is her causing a war." I hear some agreeing murmurs. Phew, at least I know they won't take Dani from me. 

"She didn't do anything wrong!" Dani?! She bursts into the room, braids flying. 

"Dani, you shouldn't be here. This is a grownup meeting." Her gaze turns to me and its swirling with ferocity. 

"I won't let them hurt you. You're my Momma and I will protect you." 

"Daniella. Please leave, now." I look at Mal. He looks fierce too. 

"But, Dada." 

"No. You will do as you are told. I will protect your Mother. I promise. Now, go." Dani looks to me. 

"It's okay. Dada will take care of it. I promise." 

"Okay." She walks out. 

"Um...Dada?" Marco the Werewolf guy seems really confused. 

"Oh, yeah. Mal and I are taking care of her together." Everyone looks at me, shocked. What, is it really that shocking? 

"Cassandra, you used my first name. In front of company, you should use my title." Oh. s**t. 

"Sorry. I'll try to remember." 

"You know what, enough distractions. You killed a bunch of hunters and now the city is swarming with those black coats. They're all looking for you. The community is in danger because of you." f**k. I didn't think. Of course, they won't stop looking for me. 

"I'm sorry. I never meant to cause trouble or hurt anyone. I swear to you. The second I'm healed, I will kill every hunter who even thought to lay a hand on an innocent." 

"What do you mean, healed? Are you injured?" The Head Council looks me over. 

"Yeah, I was injured. That's why I'm not standing. I thought I could convince the hunters to see the supernatural world the way I do. I failed. Horribly." 

"Wait, they hurt you just for advocating for us?" 

"Well, not exactly. I did kill a bunch of hunters. They beat me up for that. I took the beating because I thought it would help the cause. It didn't." 

"I see. So, you knowingly took a beating for us. For supernatural kind. Is that correct?" Her eyes pierce mine. 

"Yes. I did." I can hear the murmurs and whispers again. 

"Okay. These are your people. The people who raised you and trained you. And they beat the s**t out of you?" 

"Yeah, they are. And yeah, they did." 

"Now, I'm f*****g furious. I knew hunters were assholes but I had no idea just how evil they are." Seems like Marco is coming around. 

"Her own Mother wants her dead. In fact, she plans to deliver the killing blow herself." I look over at Mal. He's definitely different in front of the Council. I can hear the shock and disbelief in the murmurs. 

"We need to make a decision. Does the supernatural community approve of the hunter Cassandra? Do we accept her hunting for us and all the consequences that may bear?" Everyone goes quiet. Mal raises his hand. Marco raises his next. Then, one by one, everyone does. 

"Then it's unanimous. Cassandra will be our hunter. I need a moment with Cassandra." Mal moves away from me and so does the rest of the Council. 

"What do you want to talk about?" 

"I need to know. You and Lord Everett, what is your relationship?" What kind of question is that?

"Um...why do you need to know?" 

"I just do. Now answer me." Her eyes bore into my soul. 

"Um....I'm his mate." 

"And what is he to you?" Seriously?! Dammit. 

"Um....he....is important." 

"Is that all?" No, Cassie. You need to do this. You can't falter now. You love him. You can do this. 

"Um...I'm not good at talking about my feelings. Especially with a stranger. But.....for him.....I love him. I love him and I consider him mine. That's how I feel." The whole room goes quiet. s**t, I forgot about supernatural hearing. Dammit! 

"Well now, that's a surprise. Quite a surprise. Aren't you worried about him biting you? He is a vampire." Can't this lady just leave me alone?!! 

"Look. Mal is mine. Period. That doesn't change when he's baring his fangs. That doesn't change when he drinks blood. And when I am ready, I'm sure he'll be gentle with me. In fact, I know he will. Because that's the man he is. He will never hurt me. Never. And I will never hurt him." 

"Even though he killed your Father?" Dammit, is there anything this lady doesn't know? What the f**k? 

"I've forgiven him for that. I know it might seem crazy. He took the one person who loved me. The thing is, that would be true of my Father had he lived. He would've taken the one person capable of loving me for who I am. So, if I had to choose between my Father and the man I love. I choose Mal. Every time. And I know my Father would forgive me for it. Because that was the kind of man he was. He's where I get my compassion from. Any other questions?" 

"No. I've heard what I needed to hear." 

"Good. If you are done with me, I would really like to lie down. I'm a bit tired." I feel a whoosh and I'm in Mal's arms. What the hell?! 

"Thank you for your visit, Council. My mate and I will be taking our leave of you." I feel him bow with me in his arms. The stairs are a blur. I feel myself being laid gently on my bed. 

"Mal-" He kisses me. Hmm, feels so damn good. His tongue moves with mine. His body is on top of mine, I feel him all around me. He pulls back. His sea blue gaze blinking blood tears. 

"You have no idea how much your words mean to me. Thank you, love. I promise you, I will not make you regret your choice. Not ever. I love you." 

"I love you too. And I meant every word of it. I promise. It's not always easy for me to say how I feel. But I promise, when it counts, I'll tell you." He wipes away the tears with his fingers. Wonder what his blood tastes like? Wait, what? What the hell am I thinking? 

"Um, Mal? May I...have a taste?" I look up into his shocked eyes. Yep, all I do is shock him. 

"Of course, love. Here." He holds out his finger still lightly covered in his tears. I pull it into my mouth. It tastes...sort of salty and coppery. It feels good to have his finger in my mouth. Why? Hmm, I suck all of his tears off of his finger. I pull away with a pop. I look into his eyes and they're filled with lust. Yep, I do that to him too. 

"How do I taste?" Dammit, why does he have to make it sound so s****l? 

"Um...kinda salty and coppery." He smiles. So beautiful. 

"You're beautiful." Wait, did I say that out loud?!! His eyes brighten. 

"Thank you, love. You are beautiful as well." He's only saying that. I'm not as beautiful as him. 

"Um..right. Thanks." I look away. He pins me and cups my cheek. Here we go again. Hmm, so good. 

"You are beautiful. I promise you, I am telling you the truth. And I will list every beautiful thing about you, if I must." I can see the determination in his eyes. 

"Alright, I give in. I'm beautiful." 

"Do you truly mean it?" Do I? I know I have great breasts and I don't mind my ass. I have an hourglass figure, which I think is cool. But, am I beautiful? I have grey green eyes which are interesting. In fact, they're also really cool. And I like my lips, they're full. Huh, I guess I am beautiful. I never thought of it before. 

"Huh, I guess I am. I never realized it. I mean, no one ever really looked at me the way you do. You see me. I thought Julian saw me, but he didn't. And he never complimented me or talked about how I looked. And my Mother never talks about it either. No one ever really saw me, until you. So, I never thought about it before. But, yeah. I'm beautiful." 

"I am so happy, love. I am so glad you feel seen by me." 

"Of course, I do. All you do is flirt with me." I smirk. He smirks back and kisses me. Hmm, so wonderful. He pulls back and I groan. 

"You love the way I flirt." 

"Cocky bastard." 

"Yes, love. But I am your cocky bastard." 

"Damn straight." He lets go of my arms. I pull him into me. His body feels so good against mine. I can feel him getting larger. Hmm, feels good. Wait? Really? It doesn't feel weird like it did before. It feels really good. I rub up against him. I hear him groan. 

"Please, love. My control is not endless." I see his eyes clouded with lust. I push him off of me. 

"Um...right. Sorry. I just....really liked....having you there." I can see him smirk. 

"I see. I like being there, love. But, if you had kept on rubbing against me, I may have started something you would not like so much." 

"Right. Thanks." 

"It is nice to know you are getting more comfortable with me." 

"Yeah. It's great. Still not ready to have sex." 

"I respect that. I always will." He looks directly into my soul. Hmm, he's amazing. 

"Thank you." I fall back onto the bed. I'm exhausted. And I'm hungry. 

"Um, would it be okay if I ate something. I'm kind of hungry." 

"Of course, love." He whooshes out. He really does take such good care of me. I hear the door open and there he is with a tray and Dani. Right, Dani was forced out of the room. 

"I'm so sorry, sweetie. I know you just wanted to protect me. But, Dada had that handled. You need to trust Dada to take care of me. Okay?" She bobs her head and her braids bob with her. She's so cute. Mal turns her face to him. 

"It really hurt my feelings that you thought I could not protect her." I see a shocked look in Dani's eyes. 

"Oh, Dada! I'm so sorry. I know you can protect Mama. I'm sorry. Please forgive me. Please." He lays a kiss on her forehead. 

"Of course I do, ma petite. I want you to promise me that you will trust me with Mama's care from now on." 

"Yes, I promise." 

"Good. Let's eat." She smiles and she's so beautiful. Beautiful. Right. 

"Hey, sweetie. You're really beautiful. Truly beautiful." She looks shocked. 

"But, I'm not. You're beautiful, Momma." 

"Thank you, sweetie. But, you are beautiful. With your blond hair in those braids. With your sweet smile. And your fierceness. I love you. You are beautiful." I see Mal smile as he fills up a plate for me. 

"Oh. I love you too!! Thank you, Momma." She grins from ear to ear. Yep, beautiful. I take the plate from Mal. 

"Yes, ma petite. You are truly beautiful." 

"Thank you, Dada. You're beautiful too!!" I laugh. God, so cute. 

"What? He is." 

"Yes, he is." 

"Thank you, ma petite. Thank you, love." He sits down on the bed and Dani sits down as well. I pick up my fork and things are pretty great. I'm here with the two people I love. But, I know things won't stay this peaceful. Whatever comes, I will protect what's mine. I will always protect the ones I love. 

End of Chapter 19