Page 45 of Hunter's Trial
I’m not looking for redemption or loopholes that will make things easier for myself. I regret that this will cause Kate pain, because she doesn’t deserve it. Least of all from me. The only fitting punishment for the sins that I have committed against every person in this cell would be to live the rest of my life with the constant reminder of what I’ve done. There will be no atonement without it. Let my guilt haunt me and leave me down here to rot. It’s what I deserve.
But Kate? She needs to have a future to look forward to.
That’s not something that I can give her. Even getting out of prison was never supposed to extend my lifespan by too much. A year or two to properly put my affairs in order. Live in whatever semblance of peace I could muster. Bleak outlook perhaps, but it was the best that I could look forward to. Better than being fucking killed in my damned sleep.
In a few years, her memory of me is bound to fade. I hope that when that day comes, she will at least look back on me favorably. She’s free now. She can go anywhere and do anything so long as Alek keeps the Camorra away from her.
The only other thing that I would want to use my freedom for would be finding a way to sneak back into that prison and choke the life out of Di Gennaro with my bare fucking hands.
“There is nothing that Volkovich would hate more than having to take orders.” Alek says with a cruel smirk. “I think we can all agree on that?”
Kate looks confused. I have to say that I am a bit, as well. I’m not going to work for them. I couldn’t do it. We would simply end up killing each another. I can’t imagine that either Daniel or Alek would hesitate if they thought that Kate wouldn’t find out. I’m sure that she’s the only reason they aren’t beating the shit out of me right now as it is.
“That does paint a very pretty picture, though, doesn’t it?” Daniel says with a hum. “Ordering the bastard around… having him forced to obey my every order just like he used to bark orders at me when I worked for him. Turnabout is fair play, and all of that poetic justice nonsense.”
He’s having far too much fun with this. I can’t stop from rolling my eyes.
“Sounds like a win-win, when you put it that way.” Alek laughs to himself.
“Does that mean that you will do it?” Kate interjects. “He can stay, live his life as he wishes?”
“I would hand him that opportunity, if that was what he wished. He could stay and attempt to build a life with you, should you agree to it, while working for me. It would extend protection under the Cosa Nostra officially…” Daniel says, mulling it over. “No offense to Alek, but the Camorra might be willing to step up against the Bratva, but they would never risk making a move against the Cosa Nostra.”
They seem to be overlooking the fact that I said no. Hell no, in fact.
I’m just about to say as much when Kate turns to look at me. There’s so much hope and excitement in her gaze that I fold. How could I not?
“You’re really going to take him on? He’s a slippery bastard.” Alek comments.
“You don’t have to tell me that. If you and I can figure things out, perhaps there’s hope for the bastard along the way as well.” Daniel says.
Alek laughs, but it’s without the angry bite that was there before. “I will have the right to punch him in his ugly mug from time to time.” Alek turns to look at me with an accusatory finger. “And you don’t get to hit back. I owe you a hell of a lot of bruises as it is.”
He’s got a point. I can’t even be mad about that one. Kate and the other girls look a little shocked and offended, but I just shrug my shoulders. The chains holding me in place rattle loudly, echoing around the room.
“I guess it’s settled then.” Daniel smiles and turns to Helena, and then Anya. He’s looking for permission. He’s looking for one of them to give a reason that they should not take Horus up on the idea that he proposed. Some part of me knows that Horus is only suggesting such a thing out of some latent loyalty towards me, or perhaps even gratitude for the things that I have taught him over the years.
It’s an opportunity for a far more peaceful life than I’ve ever been offered before. Though, the concept of allies is something rather foreign to me.
“Just one thing left to do.” Alek says with a smarmy grin when neither of the wives protest.
Alek and Daniel exchange knowing looks.
“What are…?” Kate starts to protest but I know what’s coming. It’s not like I really get a say in this deal. I might ruin Kate’s life. I might not be able to end up playing well with others. I never could take orders, and the scars from my young-adulthood prove it, but I’m willing to give it a try for her. For the future that might await us both.
I close my eyes and keep my jaw loose.
Alek hits first - I would know that left hook anywhere. Damned bastard always puts his whole frame into it. He’s a good deal bigger than Daniel, but that doesn’t stop the second punch to my gut from him hurt any less. Breathing through the pain would be a hell of a lot easier if I wasn’t still healing from my stint in prison and all of the bullshit that happened there.
One of them opens the chains holding my wrists, but I don’t see which one. My fist lands on the ground, holding me upright as I inhale sharply through my nose. I swear that I hear Anya whisper something along the lines of ‘that was satisfying’ to one of them in the room.
Free.
I still don’t know how to feel.
At least not until Kate’s here in my arms once more. She pushes up under me on her knees and wraps her arms around my neck. I’m not normally into overly public displays of affection - least around so many people who hate me, but Kate’s perfect lips all over my face feel damn nice. Over and over, she kisses me.
“I’m so sorry. Thank you so much. I’m so sorry.” She says between kisses. If she were wearing lipstick right now, I would be covered in red. “I never should have let you leave. I was stupid. I’m sorry. Thank you.”