Chapter 10:
Meanwhile walking a path and a car following
Loris: “I still think this is a bad idea. Going there, unannounced. he’ll be pissed.”
Gabrielle: “Come on Ris, we’re trying to be good cousins.”
Loris: “Careful there, don’t forget we’re trying to offer help to the devil himself. Do you really think he needs our help?”
Gabrielle: “He’s gonna welcome us with open arms, you’ll see.”
Loris: “Or maybe with open fire.”
Gabrielle: “Ris, look. I’m damn sure she needs our help. She can’t be a devil, can she?”
Loris: “Let’s ask her if she needs a ride.”
Gabrielle: “Hey, do you need a ride?”
In Amara’s head: Of course, I can’t walk anymore. Let’s see if he would give me a ride to Diavolo’s mansion, shall we.
In Gabrielle’s head: Holy shit.
Gabrielle: “Do you see that, Ris?”
Loris: “Of course I can see that. She’s walking barefoot God knows how long. For the love of God, don’t scare her away with your cringy pick up lines. She needs our help.”
Gabrielle: “My pickup lines are out of this world and work every time.”
Amara: “I’d appreciate it. If you could drop me off at Diavolo’s mansion.”
Gabrielle: “Now that’s fate. We’re visiting our cousin there. Get in the car. Do you always accept a ride from strangers, bellissima? You shouldn’t, it could be dangerous.”
Amara: “What’s your name?”
Gabrielle: “Gabrielle…and he’s Loris.”
Amara: “Well Gabrielle, you know what I think…when you give a girl a ride and she accepts it without hesitation then you should be scared. I mean, you never know. She could be dangerous, a serial killer or a psychopath even.”
Gabrielle: “Trust me, I’m an expert in dealing with danger. Do you work for Diavolo?”
Amara: “Don’t insult me Gabrielle, I don’t work for anyone. I’ve been staying there for the past few days now.”
In Loris’ head: That’s something new. Diavolo never lets any stranger stays in his house and she isn’t one of us. (Ryan’s living room)
Aira: “What is it Willow?”
Willow: “I’m sorry but I don’t think I can help Rico. He’s different from other kids when it comes to the sessions. He doesn’t try to open up. How would I help him if I don’t know what things are bothering him? He’s traumatized right now. These past three days I tried everything I could but he isn’t ready to even come out of his room. Last year after that accident when he recovered we had hope he would be able to shift when the time comes. He might not be as brave as the rest of us when he shifts but now we can’t expect him to shift. I really have no idea how to help him. Only a miracle can make him strong enough mentally and physically to accept his wolf side. Let’s not forget how weak he physically is as well. I’m really sorry. (two hours later)”
In Silvia’s head: Who the fuck is she? Is she wearing Diavolo’s shirt?
Silvia: “Who are you, bitch? Oh silly me, you must be one of Diavolo’s sluts. But why are you still here? I mean yeah he spent the night with you but he’s not gonna see you again. All I’m trying to say is get the fuck out of here…whore. (Aria’s room)”
Walter: “What the hell is that? Why is Yaakov feeling threatened?”
Aria: “She’s here.”
Walter: “Who? (wveryone runs in the living room)”
In Walter’s head: She’s the one who’s making our wolves feel threatened?
In Aria’s head: She’s gonna lose her head today. What the fuck did she say to make Amara this angry? Amara’s face is showing no emotion but our wolves can feel her rage. We can feel them pacing around, they don’t wanna be here.
In Damon’s head: Shit. She’s fuming. What did she say to her? These people have brought nothing but trouble to our lives. She’s giving her the same stare a lion gives to his prey before he rips its head off. This girl is already paralyzed by fear. She’s a wolf, has good reflexes but it’s useless in front of Amara. If Amara decides to snap her neck it wouldn’t take her more than a few seconds to fall dead on the floor. I have to stop her.
Damon: “Amara…little one. She’s not worth it and you know that. Please don’t do it.”
Amara: “You know I’m in pain. I’m not one of those people who become vulnerable in pain. In fact, I become more dangerous in pain. I’m not sure why you’re giving me your title. I’m too fucking pretty to be a slut. Even your mama over there thinks I’m pretty and I don’t wanna show her a side of mine which is actually not that pretty. So here’s what you’re gonna do now. You’re gonna stay the fuck out of my way as long as I’m here. If you really don’t wanna lose your precious yet useless life. You can go back to your room, brother. Don’t worry, she’ll live…for now anyway.”
In Amara’s head: As long as she stays out of my way.
Gino: “Silvia, go home right now and wait for me, we’re gonna have a talk.”
Amara: “Aria, is Rico okay? I hope I didn’t let any bullet…did I?”
Aria: “No and I have no words to describe how grateful I am. He’s physically fine.”
Amara: “But?”
Aria: “But not mentally he’s really disturbed since that night.”
Amara: “Don’t worry. Let me talk to him, I think I can help. Um, quick question…whose car was it? The red one which I had taken with me that night?”
Luca: “It was mine.”
In Luca’s head: Please don’t tell me my car has been dented.
Amara: “Sorry to break it to you but it’s gone.”
Luca: “What do you mean by ‘gone’?”
Amara: “Turned into ashes.”
Luca: “What? How?”
Amara: “I burned it.”
Luca: “You burned my precious car…my baby.”
In Amara’s head: For the love of God don’t you dare laugh.
Amara: “Don’t worry, I’ve ordered another baby for you. I mean car. It’s red, fast and super sexy you’re gonna love it, trust me.”
In Amara’s head: And this is how you fix it.
Luca: “But first let me mourn for her and peace.”
Amara: “Sure, no one will disturb you.”
Luca: “My boss will!”
In Luca’s head: My precious car.
Ryan: “Everyone out!”
In Ryan’s head: I’m seeing her after three days. Even though it’s only been three days it feels like it’s been a long time since I last saw her. I didn’t even know if I would see her again after that night but Damon believed she would come back and she did. But where has she been these past three days? Is she fine…healed? No, I don’t think so. The way she’s standing, I can tell her she’s in pain and she’s wearing my shirt. Luca told me his car was missing after that night. We always keep spare clothes in our cars.
In Amara’s head: I used to think people like him are full of scars, physical and mental scars but when I saw Diavolo for the first time he was nothing like I imagined a person like him would look like. He was undeniably the most good looking man. Without any scar, at least not a physical one but now when I saw his face, that scar caught my eye. I can’t help but to think that it’s making him look more attractive and badass. His beautiful emerald eyes are full of questions again. Questions I can’t answer. Why am I feeling like I missed him? I don’t miss anyone. I had nothing to wear. Thankfully I found some spare clothes in that car. Turns out I’m wearing his shirt and underwear. It can’t be his, can it?
Ryan: “My eyes are up here.”
In Amara’s head: I know that.
Ryan: “I can give you a more clear view if you want. All you have to do is ask.”
Amara: “What? Ahh…”
Ryan: “Easy…are you okay?”
Amara: “Yeah, I’m fine.”
In Ryan’s head: No you’re not.
Loris and Gabrielle: “Ciao cugino.”
In Ryan’s head: What the hell are they doing here?
Gabrielle: “We meet again, bellissima.”
Ryan: “Watch your mouth, Gabrielle. How do you know her?”
Gabrielle: “We saw her walking alone so we offered her a ride.”
Amara: “I’m outta here.”
Ryan: “In my office now.”
Gabrielle: “Is this how you’re gonna welcome us? (Rico’s room)”
In Rico’s head: Angel died because of Rico.
Amara: “Hey kiddo.”
Rico: “Go away, Rico don’t wanna talk to anyone.”
Amara: “Are you sure you want me to go away?”
Rico: “Ye…ANGEL!!”
Amara: “Why are you crying kiddo?”
Rico: “Rico thought you died because of Rico.”
In Amara’s head: Oh you innocent child. Blaming yourself for what happened.
Amara: “Kiddo, do I look dead to you? Am I not standing in front of you? I’m not dead, please stop crying. Let’s sit and talk. I’m not going anywhere. (Ryan’s office)
Ryan: “I asked what the hell are you two doing here?”
Gabrielle: “Jeez, you need to get laid cousin.”
Loris: “We heard about the attack, we're here to help.”
Ryan: “Why would I need your help? Do you not think I’m not capable enough to find those fuckers myself?”
Gabrielle: “That’s not what we mean. We know what you’re capable of but we’re just here to speed up the process.”
Loris: “We know if those people have already left the city, we can find them.”
Gabrielle: “After all, we’re known for our speed.”
Ryan: “Yeah, bloodsuckers.”
Gabrielle: “Gosh…when was the last time you got laid?”
Ryan: “Why are you so eager to know about my sex life?”
Gabrielle: “Leave it. Tell me about that fine piece of art. (Ryan’s eyes turn red)”
Ryan: “I’m only gonna say this once…stay away from her.”
In Gabrielle’s head: Why does he have to go all red?
In Loris’ head: What are we missing here? (Rico’s room)
Amara: “Tell me kiddo, what’s wrong? Your mama told me you’re not eating properly, not leaving your room.”
Rico: “Rico is scared.”
Amara: “Why are you scared?”
Rico: “Whenever Rico go out, something bad happens. so Rico will never go out now.”
Amara: “That’s what those fu…I mean those fishes wanted.”
Rico: “Fishes?”
Amara: “Yeah those bad people, they’re like rotten fish. Look it up, those attackers wanted to scare you, it was their goal and if you stop going out now that means you’re letting those bad people win. Tell me, would you let those evil people win? Would you let those people scare you or stop you from becoming the person you’re meant to be? Or would you fight back? Would you try to overcome all of your fears? Let me tell you, if you let them win today then you’re destined to lose every battle in your life and life is not a short period of time. It would feel even longer if you let people have their own way with you. Or dictate your every move, control you. Life is easy when you live it on your own terms. So tell me, would you let them win?”
Rico: “Rico won’t let them win. Rico isn’t brave like angel. Rico can’t fight, Rico is weak.”
Amara: “Your story tells me otherwise. You know, your mama told me when you came into this world you wasn’t breathing, you were underweight and very weak. Everyone was ready to give up on you, they lost hope but you didn’t. You fought to live, you proved everyone wrong. You’re very brave, Rico. You were born a fighter and I know a little girl, like you. She also used to think she was weak. That she can’t fight, she’s nothing but a coward but she decided to fight, she never gave up. No matter how many times life kicked her when she was down she always came back stronger. If she can do it then you can too.”
Rico: “Where is she now?”
Amara: “She’s sitting right in front of you.”
Rico: “Rico will fight and be brave like angel but no one wants to teach Rico anything.”
In Amara’s head: What are you waiting for? This child needs your help. If you won’t help him then he’ll have no other choice than to live and fear all his life.
Amara: “I’ll teach you. I’ll help you overcome all your fears.”
Rico: “Really?”
Amara: “Yes.”
Rico: “Why are you so nice to Rico?”
Amara: “Because you’re the only one who welcomed me with open arms when I first came here and I never forget the people who showed me kindness and affection. I would do anything for a kid like you. Now, I’m really hungry. I’m sure you are too. Your mama must have made us something special. Isn’t that right, Aria? (Aria and Walter listening outside the door - one hour later Rico and Amara eating)”
Hailey: “Do you need something else, Amara?”
Amara: “Yes, can you get me more pizza please?”
Hailey: “Sure.”
In Hailey’s head: Is she okay? She’s eating like she hasn’t eaten for centuries.
Amara: “What are you guys looking at?”
Luca: “Nothing. Let’s get back to work guys. We need to visit Benz. Buon appetito.”
In Renato’s head: She’s behaving differently. Our wolves have been on edge since morning. I don’t know what’s happening. (two hours later in basement lockup)
Ryan: “Why don't you open your mouth and tell us what we want to know and in your misery and save us time. you know I can make it stop. Speak!”
In Ryan’s head: Who the fuck let her in here? He’s so dead. She’s the only one who doesn’t fear me and I like it. But after seeing this site she’ll fear me. I know what words are going to come out of her mouth. ‘You’re a monster’. ‘How could you be so cruel’? ‘Leave him, spare his life’ and all that shit then she’s gonna run away crying. That’s what every woman says when they come into a dungeon. She’s holding a soda can, she took a sip. Then she said something I wasn’t expecting at all.
Amara: “Don’t mind me gentleman, I’m here to enjoy the show. Please, continue.”
In Walter and Renato’s head: She’s something else.
In Ryan’s head: As you wish, love.
Amara: “It’s not ‘loyalty’ that’s keeping him from telling you what you want to know.”
Renato: “Then what is it?”
Amara: “Fear. Feel free to stop me mr whatever your name is if I’m wrong. Let me guess, the people who hired you have someone you care about and you fear if you open your mouth they would kill him or her. Who is it? Wife? No, girlfriend? Kid? Yes, your kid. Now tell me, the people who kept your kid captive in order to get their dirty work done. Are they really gonna leave your kid now that you failed your task? They’re not. Let me tell you what you already know. They’ve already gotten rid of the people they kidnapped. You know what I mean. It’s a suicide mission, they knew you all were gonna die and they can’t afford to leave any Trace behind, can they? You know why I left you alive that night? It’s because you didn’t try to shoot me. It was clear you weren’t present there of your own free will. In addition, you can’t expect that person to leave your kid alive when their order was to kill Rico. Either you tell their name and let Diavolo avenge your son or die like a coward, the decision is yours.”
Emmett: “Connar. His name was Connar. He’s the one who used to give us the orders, train us. He provided us with those weapons but we never saw who he was working for. Who was he taking orders from? Find him, he’ll lead you to his boss. (Amara goes to leave). Wait…I’m not done talking. You would wanna hear what I’m saying. You’re not safe anymore. Connar sent one of his men to give him every update. He escaped right after you saved the kid or let me say after watching the show you had put on. They’ll come after you now.”
Amara: “To kill me? I’ll be waiting.”
Emmett: “No, not to kill you. If I’m not wrong, those people are the rulers. They rule the world you’re unaware of and they do everything to bring someone as powerful as you on their side. If you’d resist doing what they want they’ll hurt or even kill the people you care about in order to force you to obey them.”
Amara: “Could you repeat that?”
Emmett: “They’ll hurt or kill the people you care about in order to force you to obey.”
Amara: “If this thought even crosses their mind and they try to come near the people I care about, I’ll burn their whole kingdom with everyone in it. Everything they’ve built till this day, I’ll turn them into ashes. I’ll fucking destroy them all and that’s a promise. I know you won’t listen to me, Diavolo but try considering leaving him alive. Why would you bother killing someone who’s already dead inside?”
Ryan: “Now that she’s gone you’re gonna tell me everything you know. What do you mean by the rulers of our world?”
Emmett: “You already know who I’m talking about. The Legion and the people who lead ‘The Chamber’. (later that evening Damon’s room)”
Damon: “Don’t you ever do that again. Don’t you know you’re the reason I live? After Elora I was in a very dark place in those days I didn’t know if I would ever find a reason to live again. But on that day when I saw you laying on the ground in a pool of blood fighting for life you gave me hope. A reason to live. Just don’t ever do that again, little one.”
Amara: “What else could I do this time, brother? That kid would’ve died if I had waited for another second. There wasn’t any other way to save him and I’m fine. I’m standing in front of you in the flesh, aren’t I?”
In Damon’s head: You say you’re heartless yet you jumped in front of bullets without thinking twice to save a kid you’ve met a few days ago.
Amara: “Don’t worry, I won’t stop being your headache anytime soon, brother.”
Damon: “Where were you these past three days?”
Amara: “In a creepy abandoned house.”
Damon: “What?”
Amara: “Yeah, I couldn’t go to any hospital or hotel, could I? Otherwise I would’ve had to burn the whole hotel down.”
Damon: “So you’ve taken care of…your blood?”
Amara: “The car, the house, all ashes but my blood was all over that campus that night.”
Damon: “Don’t worry, I took care of it right after you left. I don’t think anyone was able to get his hands on your blood.”
Amara: “Now that that’s off the table we have more important things to discuss, brother. Don’t worry, no one can listen to our conversation right now.”
In Damon’s head: But I would still like to be cautious. There are things that should never be revealed to them.
Damon: “I know what you’re gonna ask but trust me I didn’t know that the government was planning to do something like this.”
Amara: “I don’t interfere with your business because I don’t like to but this is messed up. How could they do something like this? Those motherfuckers didn’t even think about shooting a kid. They were given orders not to spare kids. I knew those guns would be fucking destructive in the wrong hands. What the fuck did I…”
Damon: “Calm down. What I’m about to say will make you mad but I want you to listen to me. I don’t want you to go after them.”
Amara: “If I wasn’t in pain I would’ve laughed. That’s the best joke I’ve heard in days.”
Damon: “I’m not joking Amara. I’m dead serious right now.”
Amara: “I think you know me well enough that I don’t need to explain to you again what kind of person I am. You know I don’t forgive someone who tries to hurt me and those people caused me three days of excruciating pain and discomfort and you don’t want me to go after that? To leave them just like that?”
Damon: “I know little one, I know very well but you know you can’t kill each person who was involved in this. If you go after them you’ll make a lot of enemies and then you’ll be on the run all your life. I would never want that kind of life for you.”
Amara: “I won’t be running because I won’t leave anyone alive to haunt me. I’m not the fucking prey, brother. I’m the hunter. I’m the one who will hunt and they’re the ones who should watch their back.”
In Damon’s head: I wish I could tell you the truth.
Damon: “I know you’re angry but please hear me out. Let me handle this. If I won’t be able to fix it and if things get out of my hands I’ll tell you then you can do whatever you want however you want. I promise.”
Amara: “Okay.”
In Damon’s head: Really, she’s convinced?
Amara: “I’ll take matters in my own hands when I’m convinced I should…”
Damon: “That’ll do for now. You said discomfort. What kind of discomfort? Nightmares?”
Amara: “Not just nightmares, weird nightmares. I feel different. I can’t explain it but I can feel something’s changed. It’s like the same feeling I had after waking from the coma.”
In Damon’s head: She’s breaking free. That explains why everyone could feel her rage this morning. She’ll be more authoritative, ferociously powerful and she’s living in a house full of wolves and the alpha was feared by every creature. Great, just great. I hope she learns to control it as soon as possible. I’ll have to keep her away from every kind of possibility. That car accident was the first hit. Getting shot by that weapon was the second. One last hit in a shell that’s suppressing her true form will break free. But it has to be a heavy blow. I pray that day never comes.
Amara: “What are you planning to do?”
Damon: “Nik is trying to fix a meeting with that son of a bitch. Aka Secretary of Defense Gregory Williams. I’ll fly to DC in a few days. You can come with me if you want.”
Amara: “I think I’m fine here.”
Damon: “But the gathering is over, we can go back to New York.”
Amara: “But I don’t want to.”
Damon: “May I ask why?”
Amara: “Maybe because I made a promise to Rico I’d help him overcome his fears.”
Damon: “You see your younger self in him, don’t you?”
Amara: “No one was there to help me, I learned everything all by myself. Not everyone is strong enough to do that. I know I can help him so I will. Is that a bad thing?”
Damon: “No little one.”
In Damon’s head: The fact that you’re getting attached to these people is starting to bother me but I know what I’ll have to do when it comes to your safety. (Amara’s room)
Amara: “What are you doing in my room, Diavolo?”
In Ryan’s head: How did she know I’m here?
Ryan: “I’m here to ask some questions.”
Amara: “How lovely but I don’t wanna answer. Now leave.”
Ryan: “Don’t worry, love. I’m not in a hurry. I can sit here all night long until you’re ready to answer my questions.”
In Amara’s head: I know what he’s gonna ask. Where was I? How would I explain to him where I was and how I’m still alive?
Amara: “I said I don’t wanna answer.”
Ryan: “And I said I won’t leave you alone until you answer my questions.”
In Amara’s head: I hate him.
Amara: “So you won’t leave?”
Ryan: “No.”
Amara: “Are you sure you don’t wanna leave my room?”
In Ryan’s head: Her tone, expression changed. I wonder what’s going on in her head.
Ryan: “I said I won’t leave.”
Amara: “Okay.”
In Ryan’s head: She took off her heels, put her hair in a bun. She’s an enchantress. The last three days I didn’t get a wink of sleep. She never left my mind, I don’t think I cared about anyone as much as I care about her. I don’t know her properly yet I’d kill for her without even thinking twice. If I could, I’d always keep her in front of me. She’s a never ending pleasure to my eyes. There’s something different about the way she’s looking at me and it’s making me feel a bit uncomfortable to be honest. It’s a kind of gaze that can make any man fall to her feet. She’s slowly closing all the distance between us. What is she up to? (Amara sits on Ryan’s lap). Fuck.
Ryan: “What are you doing?”
Amara: “You said you didn’t wanna leave. So, let’s do something fun.”
In Ryan’s head: Shit. Azrael’s going crazy, I can feel him wagging his tail like a fucking dog. How can I say anything to him when I’m unable to breathe myself? She starts running her fingers through my hair. Placing her lips close to my ear, she started whispering, sending shivers all over my body.
Amara: “I’ve heard things about you. Like you don’t let any girl come close to your face and I wonder why. I have theories. You see, I know about sensitive spots and I think your face, neck…are your sensitive spots. Let’s see how sensitive they are…”
In Ryan’s head: She’s fucking torturing me and I can’t take it anymore. Fuck it.
In Amara’s head: In a blink of an eye he lifts me and puts me on the bed gently as he knew I was in pain and he was on top. I don’t know if he’s angry. Unfortunately he can’t intimidate me. None of us wanna break eye contact. Even if that’s what we should do. Maybe I took this too far. Well…next time he should leave when I ask him to leave.
In Ryan’s head: I know she was just messing with me but I had no idea that she has this kind of power over me. She doesn’t fear me at all. Even when I put her on the bed her expression didn’t change and that bothered me. What kind of majestic creature is she? This dim light didn’t take away her beauty, instead it made her look even more beautiful.
Ryan: “You’re playing with fire, love. I’m not the hero you seek.”
In Ryan’s head: Then she said something that really took my breath away.
Amara: “Why do you think I want a hero when I’m a villain myself?”
Ryan: “Never do that again unless you wanna deal with the consequences afterwards, love. And I don’t think you’ll be able to handle it. (in the hallway)”
In Ryan’s head: Azrael you horny ass dog.
Ryan’s Wolf: “Who you calling horny? Why don’t you have a look down there?”
In Ryan’s head: Wait a sec…you were getting way too excited in there. You despise me for fulfilling my needs with different women but you’re the one who was jumping with joy first when she sat on my lap. Azrael? Azrael, answer me?! And he went on his silent mode again. I need a cold shower. (Amara’s room)
In Amara’s head: What’s wrong with me? Did I sit on his lap? Those bullets must’ve messed with me.