Chapter 99
Love
***
Pain.
Hunter thought that he could stand seeing Leila like this. But he couldn’t. He had to tell her the truth. Even though she thought that he was just doing this for his family.
She deserves to know the truth.
And she needed to open her eyes that whatever the Triads were trying to tell her even convince her to do was always because of their greed and selfishness.
However, if he had a chance he would want to let her know about this while his arms wrapped around her. He would love to be with her comforting her about this truth. But he knew that right now it would be impossible to do so.
And it pained him so much.
Especially while he was looking at her now crying her hearts out.
“It is your choice to believe this or not, Leila.” Hunter whispered under his breath as he looked away.
Then, he swallowed the lump in his throat as if every word just wouldn’t escaped from his mouth.
Leila’s dark brown eyes reflected brokenness and pain and he had to look away just for him to not to see her that way. But it was too late. Her expression already etched in his mind, heart, and soul.
“But I am not telling you this because I want to clean my parents’ name.” Hunter uttered those words gently.
It was as if he was trying so hard to lessen the pain that those words might give to Leila. However, he knew that it would be inevitable. It won’t change the truth. And it was such a cruel truth.
“In fact, if they are the one who truly killed your father, I won’t tolerate what they did. But apparently, they didn’t do it.” He seriously explained but there was a huge part of him that was quietly hoping that she would believe her.
Hunter was silently hoping that she would stop going to the enemy’s lair. He was hoping to save her. He was inaudibly hoping that she would go back to him and if that happens, he will make sure not to let her go anymore.
But he knew Leila.
And she could be stubborn if she wanted to. Even though he was trying to hold the fact that he trusted her. He trusts that she will decide cleverly.
Leila swallowed her sobs and darted him a deadly glare.
Slowly, Hunter thought that there might not be an easy way to make her believe his words.
“And how is that so? You believe them instantly. How sure are you that they are telling the truth? You are just telling me that because they are your parents. Stop this, Hunter. You are just making everything worse.” Leila tried to reason out.
He took a deep breath trying to contain himself.
His mind was already in chaos. He was torn between being desperate and almost giving up. However, his resolve was just as strong as those two that it won’t get down without a fight.
“I am with them when that happens, Leila. That day when I thought that they always had eyes on my brother and doesn’t care about me.” Hunter replied darkly.
Then, he looked straight in her eyes.
This was the truth. And this was his last card.
When he remembered Lindon, he knew that he was a good man. But it was just a short encounter with him. A short one but gave him a huge impact. However, at that time, he couldn’t find himself believing his words.
Besides, he was full of negative thoughts about everything that was happening around him. He wouldn’t simply listen to anyone. He was trying to guard himself stop the pain by blocking everything around him.
Leila felt like she was slowly believing him.
However, she just wouldn’t let herself trust him easily.
“Besides…” Hunter continued.
This time, his expression softened and so was Leila’s heart. Well, almost but not quiet. She was trying so hard to find holes around his words.
Because why wouldn’t it?
She wanted the truth.
But why was it so hard to believe Hunter?
“Because you want someone to blame for your father’s death.” Silver commented inside her head causing her to groan in frustration inside her mind.
She could hear her inner wolf scoff at her.
“Just believe your heart, Leila. It always led you to do something good. And look at you now, it also leads you to me. You have to believe. You have to use your discernment as well as your heart.” Silver tried to convince her.
She only pursed her lips tightly.
Leila didn’t want to say anything.
In fact, she wanted to weigh everything down.
She was torn between her heart and mind. Her principles and her emotions were just too chaotic and messy. She needed peace but it seemed like Hunter wanted to tell her a lot more. And her heart was enjoying every bit of it because it was simply Hunter.
“I can’t lie to you, Leila…” Hunter whispered tenderly.
Then, he stared at her his deep ocean blue eyes were filled with so many emotions that she tried not to name.
It was just too much for her to bear. The pain, the passion, the hope… The love… She didn’t know whether she could accept it altogether. She was just so scared that she would choose the wrong path again and felt so betrayed.
There it is.
She finally accepted what she feared of.
The very reason why she couldn’t accept Hunter and his words fully.
But his next words made her heart skip its beat then, it doubled its pace. It was as if it was all that it was waiting to hear. It was as if everything blurred even the pain, sadness, and betrayal she felt for the past few days. It was as if her heart was resurrected in just a snap.
“I love you so much that way, Leila. I love you that when you hated my parents, I decided to stay away from the pack. I would certainly not go back if they didn’t tell me the truth.” Hunter confessed emotionally.
He could see Leila’s confusion and guilt reflecting her eyes.
But it was short. She immediately looked away.
“That’s how much I love you. I am willing to throw everything just for you… I am willing to turn my back to the principles I believed in if what you said is the truth.” He uttered softly.
Then, he shook his head slowly.
“But it wasn’t the case… And I hope that you find it in your heart to find the truth…” He continued gently.
But Leila remained looking away from him. But he believed that she was smart weighing down everything.
This time, Hunter could only hope for one thing and that’s Leila… who would believe him and the truth.
Because all that he was just hoping right now was to make sure that she is safe even though she turned his love for her down. He just wanted her to be safe from the enemy. He wouldn’t want her to be used by the enemy for its own gain.
He wouldn’t allow that to happen.