Freya and Hunter have been having a good week. Hunter has been very loving and such a good boyfriend, Freya had a bad day because the recruit, pick me, Kelly, had been harassing her and being mean to her all day. So Freya decided to go find Hunter to vent and get some comfort. She sees Rowan in the hallway "hey have you seen Hunter?" Rowan looks up from what he's doing "Hey! Ya I think he's in the training room blowing off some steam."
"ok thanks!" Feya then makes her way to the training room.
When she gets there, she finds him there with Kelly. Their clothes are scattered across the floor. Kelly is bent over a bench with Hunter behind her going to town.
Hunter is pounding into Kelly from behind, his hand gripping her hips tightly. He's sweaty and focused on his task, completely oblivious to Freya's presence. Kelly moans loudly, throwing her head back in pleasure as Hunter hits her deep spots. "Oh God, Hunter…" She whimpers.
Freya feels like she's been punched in the gut. Her boyfriend is fucking that bitch right Infront of her. Kelly sees her standing there first and smirks, pushing her ass back into Hunters thrusts.
Hunter finally notices her standing there. But he didn't stop. Instead, he picks up the pace, slamming into Kelly harder and faster. He looks Freya dead in the eye as he does it, challenging her, "Keep watching. Baby." He grunts, slapping Kelly's ass.
Freya looks at him for a moment, nods with a thumbs up, then leaves The worst part wasn't that he cheated. It was that he looked proud.
Hunter watches Freya walk away, a smirk spreading across his face. He turns his attention back to Kelly, gripping her hair and pulling her head back as he thrusts into her. Kelly moans loudly, loving the attention. After a few more minutes, Hunter pulls out and comes all over Kelly's back.
Kelly laughs softly, running her fingers through the cum on her back. She looks up at Hunter, who is zipping up his pants and smirking.
"Damm baby. That was good." she says, standing up and grabbing her clothes.
Hunter watches her dress, then checks his phone. No test from Freya, no reaction at all. He expected her to make a scene or cry or something. But Freya's calmness throws him off. "Im gonna go shower" he says to Kelly, who is fixing her makeup.
Kelly nods while applying lipstick. She notices Hunter's distraction and asks. "You think she'll break up with you now?" she laughs softly, "I mean.. You literally just screwed me right in front of her. No girl wants to see that." she smirks, expecting an answer
Hunter runs a hand through his hair, his expression thoughtful.
"She didn't even react. No crying, no yelling, no 'how could you?' She just… left. Like she expected this shit." He pauses, grabbing his towel.
Kelly raises an eyebrow, watching Hunter carefully. "Expected it? You think she knew you were gonna cheat?" She steps closer, touching his arm. "Or maybe… she just doesn't care enough to fight for you." Hunter looks away, that possibility making his stomach clench.
"Nah she cares. She just… processes shit differently."
Kelly shrugs, not understanding relationships or how Freya handles things. "Whatever. I gotta go. Text me later?" she kisses his cheek and leaves, leaving Hunter alone in the empty training room with his thoughts and a used condom on the floor. "Fuck."
Hunter picks up the condom, tying it off and throwing it in the trash. He sits down on the bench, his elbows on his knees, his head in his hands. He stays like that for a minute, then stands up, grabs his towel and heads to the showers. Meanwhile, Freya's back in her room. She sits on her bed, staring at nothing. Her phone buzzes with a text from Hunter. she glance at it but doesn't open it. She knows it's him. Her thumb hovers over the screen
His text says: "where are you?"
Another buzz "we need to talk."
Freya ignores the texts, standing up and grabbing her joggers and a tank top. She changes quickly, pulling her hair into a messy bun. She needs to clear her head. She heads out of her room, walking down the hallways aimlessly, "fuck."
She ends up outside, the cool night air hitting her face. She sits down on a bench, watching the stars. Another text buzzes. She glances at her phone "Answer me. I'm coming to find you,"
Freya tosses her phone on the bench beside her and closes her eyes, letting the quiet wash over her. Footsteps crunch on the gravel path behind her.
Hunter appears from the darkness, his silhouette illuminated by the moonlight. He sees her sitting alone on the bench and walks over slowly. His hands are shoved in his pockets, his expression unreadable. "There you are." He stops a few feet away, not sitting down next to her.
Freya keeps her eyes on the stars, not acknowledging his presence. The silent stretches between them, heavy and thick. Hunter shifts his weight, his jaw clenching. He expected anger, tears, a reaction. Her complete indifference is unnerving.
"I fucked Kelly." he says bluntly, stating the obvious. "You saw us."
He pauses. "Say something."
She remains silent, staring at the stars as if he isn't even there.
Hunter patience snaps. He steps closer, grabbing her chin and forcing her to look at him. "Look at me when I'm talking to you." His voice rough, demanding.
"What the fuck is wrong with you? You're not even acting like this affects you."
She looks at him "what do you want me to say? You chose this... Just don't regret it " freya pushes his hand gets up and go.
Hunter watches Freya walk away, his heart pounding in his chest. Her calm response guts him more than any argument or tear-filled scene could. He feels a pang of jealousy-jealousy that she's handling this maturely, jealousy that she seems unaffected by his cheating.
"Fuck…"
Over the past few days, Hunter finds himself acting weird. He's distant with Kelly, snapping at her for no reason. He keeps checking his phone for texts from Freya, even though she's been radio silent. He misses her -her presence, her touch, her smart mouth.
Freya finishes some paperwork and heads to Axel's office.
Axel is at his desk, paperwork scattered everywhere. He looks up when Freya knocks, pushing his glasses up his nose. His eyes narrow when he sees her expression- calm but hollow, like something inside her has been hollowed out.
"Sit down," he says, motioning to the chair across from him. He knows her.
Knows something is wrong. Freya sits down; her hands folded in her lap. She doesn't cry or vent or complain about boys. Axel knows this means whatever happens is bad. Really bad. "You wanna tell me what happened with Hunter?" He asks gently, closing his folder.
"What happened?" She asks.
Axel sighs, leaning back in his chair. He knows she's playing dumb. "You and Hunter. There was something there. And now… there's not." He pauses, studying her face. "He cheated on you, didn't he?" His voice is low, almost angry.
Freya takes a breath "he and… what's her name again ... ah Kelly fucked in the training room"
Axel's eyes widened. "That little bitch?" he's surprised by her calm delivery-she's always so passionate, so emotional. This flat tone is scarier than tears. "When did this happen?" "And more importantly, how are you so calm right now."
"A few hours ago…? I dunno why i am like that"
Axel watches her closely. He can see the light trembling in her hands, the tiny cracks in her calm facade. He knows she's hurting really hurting. But she's bottling it up, pushing it down. He unbuttons his shirt sleeves, rolling them up.
"You know what your problem is?"
Axel says suddenly. Freya looks at him, surprised by his angry tone.
"You're too nice. You always see the best people. You give second chances like they're candy and look where that got you!" He slams his hand on the desk.
Freya flinches at the sudden outburst.
Axel sees it and immediately feels bad. He sighs, running a hand through his hair. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to yell." He pauses softer now. "But you can't keep doing this. You deserve better than some asshole who cheats on you."
Axel watches her closely. He sees the way she's trying to keep it together, trying to act like this doesn't hurt. He knows her-Knows that underneath this calm exterior, she's probably dying inside. He makes a decision. "Come here." He stands up and opens his arms.
Freya doesn't hesitate. She stands up and walks into his embrace. He holds her tight against his chest, one hand on the back of her head. She stays like that for a moment, letting herself be held. When he pulls back, he cups her face. "You're going to be OK, love"
Freya's phone buzzes. She pulls out her phone. It's a text from Hunter. "I need to talk to you."
Simple and to the point. Axel leans over her shoulder and scoffs "is he fucking serious?"
He wraps an arm around her protectively. "You don't owe him shit"
Freya stares at the text, torn. The part of her wants to know why he's messaging, wants to hear his explanation, but the rational part knows that there's no good reason for cheating. Axel seized the conflict in her expression. "Don't answer it," he says firmly.
"We are on the same base Axel." "Fair enough, you're a soldier, you can handle it." He squeezes her shoulder "just. Don't let him manipulate you back into something." Another buzz, another text from Solomon. From Hunter ". I'm outside." She feels Axel standing beside her. Freya takes a deep breath and heads out of Axel's office. Hunter is leaning against the wall; his arms crossed. He looks tired. Dark circles under his eyes she's never seen before. When he sees her, His jaw tightens and he pushes off the walls, standing straighter.
Kelly is right behind him. That annoying smile plastered on her face. " Hey babe, i--"
Freya looks at her. " I suggest you get out of my sight tonight. Now." Kelly's smile flatters, Eyes widening at her tone... She expected tears, begging weakness, not this cold, dangerous calm. She opens her mouth to say something snarky back, but something in her eyes makes her shut up and back away, quickly disappearing down the hallway. Hunter watches her go, then turns back to Freya. Hunter looks at her, really looks at her. She's not shaking, not crying, not begging him to explain. Her eyes are empty, a hollow look He's never seen on her before. It terrifies him.
"I fucked up" He says quietly, so quiet she almost doesn't hear it " I fucked up so bad." He takes a step closer. He reaches out like he's going to touch her, but she flinches away; his hand drops instantly. He seized the rejection in her eyes, the disgust. He swallows hard." "I didn't mean for it to happen." He runs a hand through his hair.
"Nah, you were in your right mind, not even drunk. You chose to fuck that slut—bold move. You kept going when you saw me, and you made this stupid comment while doing it. But thanks for showing it. Sooner: I'm sorry, I thought you were different or worth anything. That's on me."
His face pales with each word. Her words cutting deep. Really deep. He opens his mouth to argue. But she's right, completely right. He was sober. He chose her. He commented, He did. He kept going even after seeing her , he feels sick.
" Stop..."
He sees the way she's looking at him like he's nothing, like he's the biggest asshole in the world. And honestly, right now he feels like he is. It takes a deep breath, stealing himself. Let me explain." He says quietly.
"Explain what? I saw it with my own eyes. You saw me. You didn't stop. You looked at me, like you were challenging me, you don't challenge me with these things. She was being mean and harassing me all day. I thought I would phone you to tell you. But what's a coincidence you two were fucking? I hope her pussy is worth what you did and what you are losing." Freya gives him a last glance and leaves.
The words hit him like a physical blow-her Calculated Delivery. Makes them cut even deeper. He watches her walk away, his mouth hanging open, completely speechless. For the first time in his life, he has no comeback, no excuse, no defense. She's dismantled him with nothing but the truth.
Kelly's voice echoes behind him.
"She is just mad baby; she'll get over it."
She tries to touch his arm, but he jokes away. He is left standing alone in the hallway, staring down the path he took. Freya's words keep replying in his head. " Challenging me," "-her pussy is worth what you did"
He never expected her to walk away, this composed.
He watches her go feeling absolutely miserable. He can't even enjoy the victory of having her, because she's right; she's always better than him, smarter, stronger, and kinder. And he threw it all away. For what? A cheap thrill used with Kelly? He suddenly feels ashamed. Kelly tries to get his attention again. Running her hands down his chest. He pushes her away, roughly this time. "Not now." His voice is cold and distant. All he can think about is Freya's face. -The heart mixed with disgust that she tried to hide.
Freya walks aimlessly through the base, trying to clear her head. The cool evening air helps, but the image of Hunter and Kelly together keeps popping into her mind. She shakes her head, trying to dislodge it. She hears footsteps behind her but doesn't turn around. The footsteps stopped behind her; she could sense someone's presence, but she kept walking. Then she hears his voice, the one person she doesn't want to see right now.
"Luv" Axel, of course he followed. He always does. He follows instead, beside her, matching her pace.
"You, OK?"
Kelly doesn't answer, just keeps walking. Axel sighs, running a hand through his hair. He knows her; she's not one for drama or breakdowns. Her silence is actually scarier than if she were crying or yelling. He walks beside Kelly, not pushing for conversation. He knows she needs space to process the two have been through hell and back together. -He trusts her judgment. After a few minutes of comfortable silence. He speaks again.
" I'm having a few lads over tonight... Roll some meat, drink some beer, Forget our problems." He looks at her. Kelly looks up at him, her eyes still hollow. He notices. But don't comment on it. That's Axel. Respects her boundaries even when he is worried
" Come on." He says softly. It will be messy and loud and bloody annoying. But you won't be alone tonight."-
He bumps his shoulder against hers gently. " What do you say, love?"
Kelly hums in response.
He nods, accepting her nonanswer. That's as good as a yes from her right now. He puts a gentle hand on her back as they keep walking. Kelly doesn't pull away, which tells him everything he needs to know about how shaken she is. Axel leads her back to his quarters, already starting to gather his mates. McMillan. Frost. Rowan. All the familiar faces who know her better than anyone. They see Kelly's face and immediately understand something's wrong, but they do not Pry. Instead, they just taught setting up drinks and food.
The room fills with the familiar sounds of their banter and laughter. McMillan. Is telling some ridiculous story, trying to make everyone laugh. Axel is grilling meat outside, the smell wafting in praise, then hands her a beer without a word, knowing she could use it. Kelly takes the beer, her hands brushing against his. He holds her gaze for a moment longer than necessary before turning back to his mates. The night goes on. Beer flows. Food is eaten; stories are told. She laughs at the right moments, smiles when expected, but she is distant. Bryce watches her from across the room; his expression is unreadable. He knows she's putting on a front. He's seen her do it before. When she is hurt or upset, she smiles and jokes like nothing's wrong. It's a defense mechanism. He calls it her "War face."-
One by one the lads start to notice. Macmillan pauses mid story looking at her. Rowan glances over from his spot by the grill, Frost frowns, tilting his head as if studying her. They all know her too well to be fooled by her fake smile. Realizing everyone's attention is. On her. Freya quickly averts her gaze. Taking another swig of her beer. Axel takes this opportunity to subtly shake his head at the others, signaling them to drop it. He knows she'll talk when she's ready. Or not at all. The night continues in a more subdued manner. They give her space focusing on other topics. After a while Freya excuses herself to the balcony with her beer. The cool air is refreshing against her heated skin. She can hear Axel behind her but he stays inside giving her Privacy. For now.
Freya's phone buzzes in her pocket.
She pulls it out. It's him. Hunter.
" Please talk to me."
One message. That's it. No excuse, no explanation. Just that.. Freyas stares at the screen, thumb hovering over the button that would block his number forever. His second message pops up before she can decide.
" I love you."
Freya chuckles and takes a swig from her beer. Staring through the night.
Inside Axel hears her chuckle and the sound of her beer bottle clanging against the railing. He steps out into the balcony, closing the sliding door softly behind him. He finds her leaning against the railing. Beer in Hand, a small smirk on her face as she reads the messages. "Let me guess."
He leans against the railing beside her, not looking at her screen but already knowing. "Our dear Hunter finally realized he's a complete Knob head."
Kelly doesn't answer, just shakes her head and takes another swallow of her beer. Axel can see the glow of her phone screen reflecting in her eyes. She looks torn between amused and furious.
Her phone buzzes again.
" I'm coming over."
Another buzz.
"I am sorry."
" Please. 3 words. That's all you ever wanted."
Axel snatches the phone from Kelly's hand before she can think, scrolling through the messages.
His jaw tightens visibly.
" That little bastard." He mutters, scrolling further. Her phone buzzes again.
"I'm at your door." The message reads. Axel's eyes widen as he looks past her. Indeed, there's a figure standing in the hallway, visible through the window, helmet in hand, looking absolutely miserable.
Axel hands her the phone back to her. His expression serious. "You need to decide love. Now, before he gets any ideas about making a scene."
The sliding door opens with a quiet woosh Everyone inside falls silent as Hunter stands there looking dissolved. His hair is messy, like he ran his hand through it all hundreds of times. His eyes immediately land on Freya standing with the Axel on the balcony
"Jesus."
Everyone freezes Macmillan mid laugh, Rowan mid sentence frost mid sip they watch Hunter, a typically arrogant cocky bastard-look completely…broken.
His voice carries across the room." Can I have a word with…her? Alone.?"
Axel steps forward protectively and says before Freya can. "Over my dead fucking body"
His tone is low and dangerous. The room temperature seems to drop. Macmillan swallows his laugh, Rowan's face turns serious, Frost's hand tightens around his glass.
Hunter's eyes flash with something.- Pain. Anger, desperation.
He takes a step forward ignoring Axel's threat. "Please. His voice cracks slightly. The room is silent except for the distant home of the city. Outside, everyone watches as Hunter splits. "Just 5 minutes. Alone."
Axel crosses his arms, his stance widening protectively in front of Freya. The other lads look ready to intervene if needed. Hunter looks pathetic, not arrogant, nor charming. Or any of the things that normally makes him irresistible. Just desperate and sorry.
Freya takes a breath, goes back inside, grabs another beer and heads back out to the balcony.
She takes another deep breath." Go." she says to the rest of the team.
The lads. Exchange. Confused looks but obey filing out silently. Axel shoots Hunter a warning Glare. Before following. The balcony door slides shut with a soft click, leaving her alone with Hunter. He watches as she grabs another beer, his expression unreadable. "You are drinking."
It's not an accusation, just a blunt observation. Freya takes a long sip, eyes fixed. At some point in the distance, not looking at him, not acknowledging his presence, the silence stretches between you, thick and suffocating.
He takes a step closer. She hears his boots against the concrete then another. She still doesn't look up.
He stops right behind her, close but not touching. Freya can feel his presence, smell his familiar scent. A mix of leather, metal, and something uniquely in his hand comes up to grab the balcony railing on either side of her, caging her in slightly. " Turn around."
The command is quiet but firm. Freya doesn't move .Her beer bottle makes a click against the granite countertop. Hunter's breathing is heavy behind her, his chest rising and falling against her back. She can feel the tension radiating off him.
" Please." He whispers, the world barely audible." Please just. Look at me."
Freya takes a swing from her beer bottle, turning slowly, bear still in hand. And there he is. Hunter. Her Hunter. But not the Hunter she remembers. Eyes are red rimmed like he's been crying. His hair is a mess. His stubble is longer than usual, his face is pale, he looks. Destroyed.
For a long moment, they both just stare at each other.
Then his hand reaches up, trembling slightly, hovering near her cheek but not quite touching.
" I am so.fucking sorry."
His voice breaks. Like actually cracks. The Hunters standing in front of her. Is he even real?- Has he ever cried before? She can't remember. She wants to say something, mean something cutting, something to make him hurt the way he made her hurt.
Freya chuckles softly the sound hollow "you didn't look sorry you looked proud"
His jaw tightens.
"I was angry. I was stupid."
"You were deliberate."
Silence.
The kind that exposes truth.
"You saw me," she continues, finally turning to face him. "You saw me standing there. And you kept going."
He flinches.
His hand drops. He thinks a step back, his expression crumbling. For a moment, he looks like he might actually break down right there. His voice is barely a whisper " I know. "
He swallows hard, running the hand through his messy hair.
"That's the part I can't forgive."
His voice breaks. "I didn't think-"
"That's exactly the problem."
Her eyes did not shine with tears. They're dry. Devastatingly calm.
"You chose her. Not once. Repeatedly. While looking at me."
Freya takes another swig. Watching. Seeing him carefully. He's actually trembling. He's Hunter , the man who faces death laughing, who teases her mercilessly ,who never seems fazed by anything… is shaking. He takes another shaky breath.
" I was an idiot and massive fucking colossal idiot." His eyes search Freya's desperately. " Please."
" You lost the right to be… This…" she laughs "You fucking fucked her In the training room.! YOU! You smirked! You said "watch." When I entered.! I. Is that a .." she barks a laugh. "I didn't really think you would turn out like that. Ever. But I guess. That too was wrong."
Freya's laughter cuts deeper than any insult ever could. He actually winces, looking truly horrified by his own behavior. When she mocked his usual confidence. It's like she punctured his ego completely. He deflates, looking Properly ashamed for the first time, maybe ever.
He opens his mouth to speak, but nothing comes out. Because you are right, he did. He fucked her in the training room. He smirked at her when she walked in, he watched her break and didn't even try to stop it. His jaw tightens, guilt written all over his face. " I didn't.--" He stops, knowing there's no excuse.
She takes another angry swig. And Hunter just takes it. Take her anger, her disappointment, her laughter that hurts more than any scream ever could. He deserves it. This. He knows. He fucking deserves this.
Finally, he whispers." Then tell me what to take." His voice is raw, desperate. " Tell me what I have to do to fix this. I'll do it. I'll crawl through hell barefoot if that's what it takes."
His eyes glistened in the balcony light, And she realized?
-Holy.fuck, Is he about to cry?
" I don't know, Hunter. I wish there was, but I don't think I can ever look at you the same. Why? Why did you do it? Am I not enough for you? You knew. Since she joined, she was already harassing me personally. You knew and you two just did that together. What the fuck is wrong with you?"
His head drops, unable to meet her eyes anymore. That's the worst part. She never broke him before. Not once. He took bullets, knives, torture Hell.-He never flattered. But this? Her quiet Hollowness. And brutal honesty ? that's breaking him.
When he finally speaks again, his voice has shattered. "I didn't.-- "
He stops again, because what can he say? There is no excuse. None. He knew. He fucking knew. He watched. Her target? He watched her make her life hell and then he fucked her anyways. Made it worse. Enjoyed it.
His shoulders slump. "You are right There's…. Nothing wrong with you.. There's everything wrong with me."
Freya takes a breath. Pushes him Back. And the heads back inside. Going through the base.
As she pushes him. He staggers, catching himself on the wall. She doesn't look back. She just keeps walking through the base, past the training rooms, the mess hall, the bunks. Everyone stares, whispers. But she doesn't care. She's numb.
Freya hears boots behind her. Heavy. And hurried. Someone calls her name, but she ignores it. Keep walking. She reaches the exit. Push through the doors and step out into the cool night air on the other side. The base is quiet now. The only sound is the distant hum of generators.
Axel's face is mixed with worry and shit, he's gonna wreck something.
Behind him. Rowan, Jack, Johnny, and Bruce emerged from the base door. Hunter follows last, hanging back, watching like he doesn't belong anywhere.
Axel takes the beer from her loose grip. "All right, give that here."
His stone firm, but not unkind. The other lads form a loose semi-circle around her. Hunter lingers at the edge, looking like he wants to help but knows he's the problem." Enough."
Axel says quietly. "You've had enough. "
Jack steps forward voice Gentle.
" Come on, love. Let's get you inside." Freya lets them guide her. Let guys wrap an arm around her shoulder. Let Johnny take her other side. But she doesn't look at Hunter. She can't. The base feels smaller now. Claustrophobic. She thinks of him smirking at her in the training room. The way his hand moved on that bints back.
Suddenly she feels like she can't breathe. Freya pulls away from Jack and Johnny breathing hard. Her face is pale, eyes wild. The lads exchanged worried glances. Axel steps forward, hands out like he is calming the skittish animal.
" Hey. Easy there." He murmurs.
" Look at me, love."
Freya looks at him, a big, burly, tattooed Axel. her captain. Her friend. He meets her Jacke steadily., No judgment. Just concern. Behind Him., the others watched silently. Hunter is barely visible., Partially. Obscured. By Roach." You're having a panic attack." Axel states quietly
Freya realizes he's right. Her heart pounds against her ribs. Her lungs burn. Her stomach churns. She feels like she's going to throw up. Axel steps closer. His voice low. " Breathe with me, alright? In… And out… In.… And out."
Freya tries to match his breathing, but it's hard. Too hard. Her mind keeps flashing back to the training room, to Hunters and to that woman, to his smirk, to the way he looked at her. She can't get the Image out of her head. She feels like she's drowning.
Freya's knees buckle. Jack catches her before she hits the ground, lowering her gently. The panic attack is in full force now. Tears stream down her face, silent and hot. She can hear Hunter's voice somewhere behind her, pleading with Axel, but she can't make out the words. Her vision tunnels.
Axel's Hands are on her face " Look at me."
Freya tries to focus on Axel's face. He's right in front of her, blocking out everything else. His voice is calm, steady. " You are safe. You are with us. You are not there right now. You're not seeing that. You're not hearing that you're here."
The wards penetrated the haze. His hands are firm on her face. His eyes are steady. She focuses on his voice, on his breathing, on the familiar presence of her lads around her.
Slowly, the panic attack lessens. Her breathing evens out. The world stops spinning.
Axel cups her cheek. " That's it, love. That's my girl."
Freya was vaguely aware of Hunter pushing through, desperate. And Rowan blocking it, so intercepting. Jack's arms tightened around her protectively. Axel's Voice is low. Deadly serious.
" You fucked up. In you she made this one's Life hell. You knew. And you still. --" He cuts himself off, jaw clenched tight.
Axel releases her to Jack's care and stands turning to Hunter. The look he gives him a look that would freeze hell over. Hunter looks wrecked-Like he's just Witnessed his own death. The other lads have never seen Axel this angry." You are a grown man."
Axel says coldly.
" You know better. You know her. And you still choose to.--"
Axels, voice drops, lower dangers. " You know how many times she's been hurt? How many nights she's come back from ops with nightmares You know the therapy she goes through to stay functional and you throw that in her face.?" His hand Balls into a fist.
Rowan and Jack exchange glances. That this is bad. Axel never loses his temper like this. Hunter looks like he's been punched in the gut. He opens. His mouth to speak. But Axel cuts him off. "Save it." he snarls. Not a word."
Jack murmurs softly to Freya, his
arms tight around her like a shield.
The other lads watch Axel and Hunter tense. Rowan steps forward cautiously, like he's diffusing a bomb. "Axel... maybe-" He starts, but Axel whirls on him. "Don't."
Hunter tries again, voice barely audible. "I'm sorry. I didn't..." His words trail off, hollow and pathetic.
Axel laughs—a harsh, bitter sound. "You didn't what? Think? Care?"
He gestures at her , still shaking in Jack's arms. "Look at her. Look what your little... indiscretion did."
Everyone's silent, tense. Hunter looks destroyed. He looks at her, really looks at her, and sees the panic attack wreckage. Sees how badly she is shaking. How pale she is. How utterly devastated.
Something in his expression crumbles. "Fuck..."
Axel nods coldly. "Yeah. Fuck indeed. You fucked up royally." He takes a step closer to Hunter, lowering his voice. "You know what? I'm not even gonna let you explain or apologize right now. You made your bed..." He glances at her again.
Axel pauses, seeing the sheer destruction on her face. Seeing her clutching Jack like a lifeline Seeing the panic attack slowly resurging.
Something flickers through Axel's eyes-something dark and deadly.
"...You lie in it." His voice is cold as ice.
Hunters face contorts with guilt and anguish. He opens his mouth, but Axel cuts him off with a sharp
gesture. Rowan steps in, gently taking Axel's arm. "That's enough, mate. Look at her..." He nods at Freya, curled into a ball in Jack's arms, silently crying. "This isn't helping."
Axel's jaw clenches, his gaze flicking between her curled up in Jack's arms, sobbing quietly, and Hunter, who looks like he's been run over by a truck. Rowan's hand on his arm keeps him from saying something he'll regret. "Fuck,"
He mutters the word, low and dangerous, staring at Hunter. Then he turns away, done. Because shes his priority. Hunter is an adult who made a stupid, hurtful choice.
She's the one shaking, crying, having a panic attack. Jack is murmuring soft reassurances, holding her like she might break.
"Come on, love,"
Axel approaches her carefully, his demeanor completely shifting from the angry commander to the gentle friend. He squats down in front of her, his voice soft and calming. "Look at me, sweetheart." He waits until her tear-filled eyes meet his.
Jack slowly uncurls her from his arms, knowing Axel needs to see she's okay. She's trembling, cheeks streaked with tears, and she looks so small and broken.
Axel's heart clenches at the sight.
He reaches out and gently cups her face, wiping away her tears with his thumbs. "Shh, it's alright. You're safe. I've got you." He pulls her into a sudden hug, holding her close and protective. "My poor baby..."
Behind Axel , Hunter looks absolutely destroyed. Rowans talking quietly to him, but his eyes are fixed on her-on how utterly devastated she is. On how Axel is holding her like she's something precious and fragile. On how Jack looks like he wants to murder someone.
Roach catches Hunter's eye and shakes his head slightly, a silent message: Let her be. Let Axel comfort her. And you? You fucked up.
Axel murmurs into her hair:
"You're such a good girl. Such a brave girl. This isn't your fault, love. None of it."
Freya buries her face in Axel's chest, still crying quietly, still shaking.
Behind him, Hunter opens his mouth like he wants to say something, but Rowan claps a hand on his shoulder and shakes his head firmly. Don't make this worse.
Hunter swallows hard, his eyes burning with unspoken words and regret. He watches as Axel continues to comfort her, rocking her gently. Rowan's voice is low and stern in his ear. "Not now, Hunter.
Not fucking now."
Freya's body finally gives out. The panic attack, the shock, the grief— it's all too much. Her head lolls against Axels chest, and she goes limp in his arms. Axel catches her instantly, cursing under his breath. "Oh, love, no—" He scoops her up, cradling her against him like she weigh nothing.
. "She's out cold," Roach says quietly, moving the couch cushions aside so Axel can lay her down.
Jack watches as Axel carefully sets her on the couch, covering her with a blanket. Freya's face is pale, tear-stained, peaceful only in unconsciousness. Hunter takes a step forward, desperate, but Rowan blocks him with an arm.
"Don't," Rowan says, voice cold.
"You've done enough damage for one night."
Axel straightens up, turning to face Hunter. His expression is unreadable-dangerous calm. He approaches slowly, deliberately.
Hunter doesn't back down. He deserves whatever Axel's about to give him.
Axel stops inches from his face.
Hunter's voice comes out broken, rough. "I didn't mean—" He stops, shaking his head. "I know. I know I fucked up. But she needs me right now." He tries to look around. Axel and Freya on the couch.
Axel's hand shoots out, grabbing Hunter by the throat and slamming him against the wall. Hard. "Needs you?"
"She needs you?" Axel repeats, voice low and deadly. "She's fucking unconscious because of you. She's crying her heart out because of you. She needs someone to hold her while she sleeps? Someone to comfort her when she wakes up?" He squeezes Hunter's throat tighter.
"Not. You." Axel punctuates each word with a squeeze of Hunters throat. "She needs someone gentle. Someone caring. Someone who won't fucking hurt her." He leans in close, their faces inches apart. "And that's not you, Hunter."
Hunter's eyes are wide, but not with fear-with pain and realization.
Because Axel's right. He's absolutely fucking right.
Rowan watches, tense. Roach moves to intervene but Axel's free hand shoots up in a "stay back" gesture.
Jack just looks... done. Tired.
Heartbroken for her.
Axel releases Hunter's throat, shoving him back against...
Hunter slides down the wall, gasping for air, eyes fixed on her unconscious on the couch. His hands are shaking. This is all his fault. He looks like a man who just lost everything that mattered.
Axel turns his back on Hunter, done. He walks back to the couch, kneeling beside Freya .
He brushes hair from her face, so gently. So protective.
Hunter stays slumped against the wall, staring at the ceiling, breathing hard. The other lads exchange heavy glances. Jack moves to sit on the floor beside her, close but not too close-just in case she wakes up scared.
Rowan crouches by Hunter, voice low.
"What the fuck were you thinking?" Not even angry anymore. Just... disappointed. Hunter doesn't answer immediately.
His throat hurts. His chest hurts more. He looks over at her, so small and broken on the couch, with Axel and Jack hovering like guardian angels. He made that. He did that to her.
"I wasn't," he finally whispers, voice raw. "I wasn't thinking at all." He looks at Rowan. "She was..."
Rowans face darkens, knowing exactly what Hunter is about to say.
"Don't," he warns. "Don't even try to blame this on her. You're the grown man here, Hunter. You're the fucking idiot who can't keep his dick in his pants."
Hunter flinches like he's been slapped. Because it's true. It's all true. He has no one to blame but himself.*Across the room, Freya shifts in her sleep, a soft whimper escaping her lips. Axel's hand immediately goes back to her hair, his thumb stroking her temple. "Shh, I'm here," *he murmurs.
Hunter watches that small gesture—Axel's thumb on her temple, the way Jack tenses ready to comfort her-and something inside him breaks all over again.
He made her cry. He hurt her. He made her... not want to be in this world anymore for a little while. He fucking destroyed her.
He stands up shakily.
Rowan Watches Hunter stand, wary.
Roach moves to block the door— just in case Hunter tries to leave. But Hunter doesn't move towards the door. He moves towards the couch. And everyone stiffens, expecting a fight. But Hunter just stops beside the couch, looking down at her.
Axel's hand moves protectively over her shoulder, his eyes narrowing at Hunter. Jacks is on high alert, ready to intervene if Hunter makes a wrong move. But Hunter just stands there, hands clenched into fists at his sides, staring down at her sleeping form.
Time skip
Time Skip - The Next Morning Sunlight streams through the curtains of the safehouse. Freyas curled up on the couch, wrapped in a blanket. Her head is resting on Axel's lap-he stayed up all night, watching over her. Her eyes flutter open slowly, and she freezes when she remembers everything.
what she saw in the training room, his look on the balcony, the apology, the panic attack .
Sobbing echoes in her memory.
The feeling of his lips on her. His hands on Kelly . Her heart shattered into a thousand pieces.
Freya squeezed her eyes shut, but the tears came anyway. They leak out silently, trailing down her temples.
Axel immediately feels the movement. His hand is already in her hair, and he feels the dampness. Axels heart clenches. He looks down at her seeing the tears streaming down her face. He gently brushes them away with his thumb, his expression soft and pained. "Shh, love... it's alright," he whispers, trying to soothe her.
His thumb strokes her temple, waiting. She doesn't have to say anything yet. He'll wait as long as she need.
Across the room, the others stir.
Jack is in the armchair, crashed out.
Roach is on the floor with a blanket. Rowan appears in the kitchen doorway, coffee mug in hand, eyes immediately finding Freya on the couch with Axel.
And then-Hunter appears in the hallway. Fully dressed. He hasn't slept. Dark rings under his eyes. He looks like hell. His eyes find Kelly immediately. He takes a step forward, but Axel's head turns— cold warning enough.
Hunter stops.
He just stands there, watching her cry into Axel's lap. Watching Axel comfort her. Watching what he lost.
She can't even look at him. She can't. The image of him kissing her —fucking-burns behind her eyelids again.
Freya buries her face deeper into Axels leg, muffled sobs shaking her shoulders. She feels so pathetic. She feels so fucking heartbroken.
Axel's hand moves to your back, rubbing slow circles. His other hand stays in your hair. He shoots Hunter a look that could kill-pure, protective fury.
Rowan steps forward, putting himself between Hunter and the couch. Jack is already awake, watching Hunter with narrowed eyes.
Silence stretches, thick and heavy.
The only sound is your quiet weeping.
Hunter looks at Rowan blocking his path to her . Looks at Axel comforting her. Looks at Jack and Roach, both giving him death glares. And he knows.
He knows he's lost her. Not just as a girlfriend. He's lost their trust. Their friendship. Their everything.
And he deserves it.
He opens his mouth to say something-maybe an apology, maybe a plea-but Rowan cuts him off. "Don't," Rowan says, voice low and dangerous. "Not a fucking word."
Hunter's mouth snaps shut. He looks at Rowan, then back at Freya, face crumbling. But he doesn't move closer. He just stands there, looking like a man who's finally realized the weight of what he's done.
Freya sobs into Axel's lap, feeling all of it. The betrayal. The hurt. The shame.
Axels voice is soft, gentle, as he speaks to her alone. "Hey... look at me, love." His hand on her back encourages her to sit up a little. His other hand tilts her chin up, wiping her tears with his thumbs.
"You're okay. I've got you." Freya looks up at Axel through blurry eyes, seeing only kindness and safety in his face. He leans down and presses a soft kiss to her forehead-gentle, comforting. Not like Hunter's kisses at all.
The room seems to hold its breath as Axel kisses her forehead. Rowan watches with a mix of relief and something almost protective. Jack looks away, uncomfortable. Roach
just stares, waiting for the drama to unfold. But Hunter—Hunter sees red.Something snaps in Hunter's chest watching Axel touch her like that.
His Property. His Girlfriend. His Woman. And Axel is fucking touching her.He takes a step forward but the room tenses. Jack is on his feet instantly. Rowan shifts his weight.Roach moves to the side.But Freya doesn't even look at Hunter.She looks at Axel-safe. Warm.
Axel feels the tension shift. Feels Hunter's anger like a physical presence. But he doesn't pull away from her. Doesn't stop comforting her. If anything, he gets closer, wrapping an arm around her shoulders. Marking his territory without even meaning to.
Hunter's hands ball into fists at his sides. He can feel the jealousy and rage boiling inside him, but he knows pushing further will only make things worse. She's not looking at him, not reaching for him. She's leaning into Axel. Rowan notices Hunter's reaction-the possessive fury in his eyes. And Rowan realizes something: Hunter still thinks she's his. That he still has a claim on her. That needs to stop.Now.
Rowan steps directly into Hunter's line of sight, blocking his view of Freya .
"She gets to decide," Rowan says, voice low but carrying.
Hunter's eyes snap to Rowan, his face contorting with anger and something else-pain?
Desperation? He opens his mouth to argue, to protest, but Rowan cuts him off sharply. "You lost that right when you stuck your dick somewhere else. let that bitch recruit lisa be any use to you"
"You're a fucking disgrace," Rowan hisses, low enough that only Hunter can hear. "You took the one good thing in your life and you threw it away for a piece of ass. And not even a good piece of ass-you took the one girl who fucking harassed her!"
Hunter flinches like he's been slapped. Because it's true.Rowan sees the recognition flash across Hunter's face-that moment of realization. Hunter knew. He fucking knew she harassed her. He saw. He stood there in the training room. He watched her try to provoke her. And he did nothing.He let it happen.
And then he kissed her anyway.
Hunter's face goes pale under the mask. Rowan sees it. Rowan knows he's hit a nerve. He knows he's right-and he knows Hunter knows it too. Rowan leans in closer, voice low and cruel. "You're not getting her back, Hunter. She's done with you. And she deserves to be. You're fucking worthless."
Hunter clenches his jaw but doesn't respond. What can he say? Rowan's words are a knife twisting in his gut-because every single fucking word is true.
Across the room, Freya's still in Axel's arms, still crying quietly.
Axel is whispering something soft against her hair.
Hunter watches you fall into Axel's embrace. Watch him comfort her in ways he never did.
Watch the woman he took for granted accept affection from someone else. Someone else.
His hands are shaking. Not from anger anymore. From loss. He's lost her. And he doesn't deserve to have gotten her back even if he could.
He turns and walks away without a word.
His boots thud heavily against the floor. The room holds its breath as he disappears down the hallway.
They hear his door slam shut. Then silence.
Rowan exhales, running a hand through his hair. Jack sits back down with a heavy sigh. Roach's shoulders slump.
Axel looks down at her, thumbs still stroking her cheeks.
"Baby..."
Freya sniffles, blinking her red eyes up at Axel. He sees the devastation there-devastation that Hunter caused. He feels his protective instincts kick into high gear. He pulls her closer, almost possessively. "You alright?" He whispers, his voice low and gentle. Freya just nods.
Axel nods back, pulling her against his chest. His hand settles firmly against her lower back, holding her in place like he's scared she'll disappear.
"Good girl," he murmurs against her hair, his voice a low rumble she feels more than hear. "That's my girl."
Rowan and Jack exchange a look across the room. Something unspoken passes between them.
Rowan watches Axel hold her— really hold her. He's never seen Axel like this before. So... soft. So protective. So fucking gentle. Axel is a hard bastard-rough around the edges, sharp tongue, doesn't suffer fools. But with freya? He's melting.
Jack sees it too. He raises an eyebrow at Rowan, Rowan smirks slightly, mouthing back: "He's fucking claimy." Jack chuckles silently, nodding in agreement. They both watch as Axel nuzzles his face into her hair, inhaling deeply. He's marking his territory without even realizing it. "My girl,"
Freya feels exhausted. Emotionally drained. Hunter's betrayal hits her again like a punch to the gut, and fresh tears prick at her eyes. She lets out a shaky breath, pressing closer into Axel's chest.His hand moves to the back of her neck, holding her steady. "I got you," he murmurs, his stubble scratching gently against her forehead.
Axel feels her small frame shaking with silent sobs. He tightens his arms around her, lifting her easily into his lap.Without breaking contact. He sits back down, settling her comfortably against him like he's done this a thousand times before.
"Shh….. it's okay,"
Hours later, the room is finally quiet. Everyone's gone to bed-Rowan, Jack, Roach.Axel is still awake, still sitting on the couch with Freya curled up in his lap. She's asleep now, her breathing steady and even.
Axel doesn't move. Doesn't want to. She's warm against him, soft and small. He watches her sleep— her tear-stained cheeks, her slightly swollen eyes, the way she still grip his shirt in her fist even in sleep. Like shes terrified he'll disappear too.
His thumb traces slow circles on her lower back. His jaw tightens.
He hears footsteps in the hallway— quiet, hesitant. Then Hunter appears in the doorway. He's still in his gear, mask pulled off. He looks... wrecked. Hollow. Like someone carved him open and left his soul on the floor.His eyes find Freya first-curled up sound asleep on Axel's chest.
Then they meet Axel's eyes.Axel's expression is unreadable.
Hard. Cold. The fatherly warmth from earlier is gone, replaced by something sharp and unforgiving.
*He doesn't shift her. Doesn't offer to hand her over. Just holds her tighter, a silent message: She's not yours to take.
*Hunter swallows hard, eyes flickering between Axel's face and Freya's sleeping form. Hunter takes a step forward, but Axel's hand tightens on her hip— possessive. Warning. Territorial. His voice comes out low, dangerous.
"One more step, Hunter. I dare you." Hunter stops. He looks broken.
Defeated. His voice cracks when he finally speaks. "I just want—" Axel cuts him off.
"She's not a toy for you to play with when you feel like it," Axel's voice is deathly calm. His fingers dig slightly into her hip-marking, claiming. "You broke her. Now you get to watch someone else pick up the pieces."
Hunter's face contorts with pain—
Axel's words hit their mark. He looks like he's aging right in front of them, lines etching deep into his forehead. His jaw tightens as he tries to defend himself. "It's not like that—"
Price scoffs, the sound harsh and bitter. He shifts her slightly, turning her sleeping face into his chest to hide it from Hunter.
Protecting her from the sight of the man who hurt her. "Save it, Hunter. We all know exactly what it was like."
Hunter's eyes snap to the way Axel is shielding her, his expression darkening. He's never seen this side of Axel before-the protective, possessive father figure.
It's clear he's fallen in love with her, each passing day making his feelings grow stronger. "You don't know shit,"
Axel's expression hardens further. "I know she cried herself to sleep because you fucking left her betrayed her in front of her own eyes and smirked. I know she's still crying hours later. I know she's holding onto my shirt like it's a lifeline because she's fucking terrified I'll leave too."
Hunter's face pales under his tan, his expression crumbling. He looks sick-guilty and ashamed. He opens his mouth to speak, but Axel cuts him off again, his voice rising slightly. "And I know that you're standing there expecting some sort of fucking pity after everything you've done."
Hunter flinches, stepping back as if physically struck. His hands clench into fists at his sides. He wants to argue, to explain, to beg for forgiveness, but the words die in his throat. Because Axel is right. Every single fucking word is true.
He looks at her-small, vulnerable, asleep on Axel's chest-and something inside him dies.
This is his fault. All of it. He did this to her. He broke her. He destroyed whatever trust she had in him.
And Axel...Axel is fixing her.
Picking up the pieces Hunter shattered.
His voice, when he finally manages it, is barely a whisper.*
"I... I'm sorry." He says it to you, but he can't look at you. Can't bear to see the tears or the heartbreak on her face. So he looks at Axel instead, his eyes filled with regret and self-loathing. "I'm so fucking sorry."
After a few hours Freya stirs awake slowly, her body still curled into Axel's chest. He feels her move and immediately wraps his arms around her tighter, pressing a soft kiss to the top of her head. Hunter is sitting across the room, elbows on his knees, head in his hands.
She freezes when she sees him. The memories flood back-the smirk, the cruel words, her feeling like nothing. Her body instinctively presses closer into Axel, seeking warmth and safety.
Axel notices. His hand slides up to cup the back of her head, shielding her from Hunter's view.
"Hey, baby. You're safe." His voice is low, soothing. Hunter hears Axel's soothing voice and it's like a knife twist to his heart. He sees her hiding her face deeper into Axel's chest, seeking comfort from him, not from the man who broke her. Hunter feels like the biggest monster in the world.
She turns her face up to Axel, still pressed against his chest. His thumb gently wipes away the fresh tears that appear. He leans down, pressing a tender kiss to her forehead-something paternal, something loving, something that makes Hunter's chest ache with jealousy and regret.
Price looks at Hunter over her head, his expression unreadable. Hunter's eyes are red-rimmed and haunted. He watches the way Axel kisses her forehead like it's the most precious thing in the world.
He sees how Freya melts into Axel's touch, how she seeks his comfort over Hunters. It breaks something deep within Hunter.
Axel stands up, keeping her cradled against his chest. He walks over to the couch and sits down, arranging her so she's sitting on his lap, her back to his chest. He wraps his arms around her, holding her close as he looks at Hunter over the back of the couch.
Hunter watches as Axel holds her like a precious treasure, his large hands gentle and protective. He swallows hard, seeing the way she snuggles into Axel's embrace, her small body fitting perfectly against his muscular frame. It's a stark contrast to how she used to fit against Hunter. "Axel..."
*Axel's expression remains stoic,
but there's a quiet intensity in his eyes. "You've got something to say?" *His voice is calm, but there's an underlying tension-like he's daring Hunter to say the wrong thing. Hunter hesitates, his throat bobbing as he swallows.
Hunter looks at her sitting on Axel's lap and something inside him snaps. Jealousy, regret, shame
—they all mix together into a bitter cocktail. "She used to sit like that with me." His voice comes out harsher than he means it to.
Freya hears the bitter tone in Hunter's voice and it makes her shrink back against Axel instinctively. Axel's arms tighten possessively around her, pulling her closer. His voice is dark when he speaks up. "Well, she's not sitting with you now, is she?"
Hunter slams his fist into the wall, the sound making her flinch.Axel's hand comes up to cover her ears, shielding them-both from the sound and from seeing Hunter lose his shit.
"It's not fair," Hunter spits, turning back to face them both. His dark eyes are wild, desperate now. "You couldn't even—"
"Let me stop you right there,"Axel cuts him off, his voice dangerous.
"Before you say something you can't take back." He shifts slightly, keeping her tucked against his chest. "She trusted you. Loved you."Hunter's breath hitches at the word
'loved.' Past tense. His voice cracks.
"She still loves me."Axel lets out a humorless laugh.
"Does she? Because the only person this girl looked for when she was sobbing her heart out was me. Not you."
He presses his lips to her temple, holding her tighter. "So no."
His shoulders slump forward, the fight draining out of him. When he speaks again, it's quiet-defeated.
"I just want to know if she's okay."
Axel doesn't look at him. Keeps her safe against his chest, one hand stroking her hair slowly.
"You don't get to ask that anymore." Axel's words hang heavy in the air, the finality of them cutting through Hunter like a knife. He stumbles back, like he's been physically hit. His eyes find her, taking in Freya's tear-streaked face and the way she's clinging to Axel. The realization of what he's lost settles over him, cold and brutal.
Over the next few weeks,Axel watches over her carefully. He sees her heal-slowly, painfully. He sees her laugh again, smile again. He sees her trust him. He falls in love with her -slowly, quietly. Like a fire burning in his chest, warm and steady.
One night, Axel finds Freya curled up on the couch in the common room, watching a movie while the rest of the team sleeps. He sits down next to her, his arm automatically going around her shoulders. She leans into him instinctively, seeking his warmth and comfort. As the movie ends, he turns to face her, his expression serious.
She looks up at him, her eyes meeting his. She can see the love and affection in his eyes, and it makes her heart flutter. She's known for a while now that she has feelings for him too, but she's been too scared to act on them.
Axel's hand comes up to cup her cheek gently, his thumb brushing over her bottom lip. "I love you," he whispers, his voice hoarse with emotion. Before she can respond, he leans in and presses his lips against hers in a soft, sweet kiss.
It's her first kiss with Axel-the man who held her when she was broken, who stayed up with her when she had nightmares, who made her tea when she couldn't sleep, who told her she was beautiful even when she felt ugly who held her when she cried because of Hunter. It's gentle and loving and perfect. Freya kiss him back, pouring all her feelings into it.
Axel deepens the kiss slowly, his other arm wrapping around her waist to pull her closer. He kisses her softly, sweetly-like she's the most precious thing in the world.
When he pulls back, he rests his forehead against her's, his eyes filled with love and devotion.
Time Skip - 6 Months Later
Freya and Axel are officially together now. He moved her into his room, and she's been happier than she's ever been. The team loves seeing her smile again. Even Rowan and Jack tease Axel about being a "softie" now.
Hunter has been on a long-term mission for the past four months. She hardly thinks about him anymore-Axel has made sure of that. He's given her everything Hunter never did: security, consistency, love without conditions. She's thriving.
Until today.
Hunter walks into the base at exactly the same time Freya and Axel are leaving for the day. The hallway is too narrow, too crowded. Hunter freezes mid-step when he sees her —really sees her.
She looks different. Healthy.
Radiant. Smiling. And she's wearing Axel's oversized hoodie, his ring on her finger. His expression goes blank-the mask of a man who's lost everything.
Axel steps slightly in front of her, protective.
Hunter's eyes drop to her left hand.
See the ring. See how she leans into Axel without thinking—like it's the most natural thing in the world. His jaw tightens.
"When—" His voice comes out rough, broken. "When did this happen?"
Axel doesn't let him finish. "Four months ago."
Hunter's eyes snap back to Freyas.
He's looking for something-any sign of the old her. The girl who used to wait up for him. The girl who cried herself to sleep over him. The girl who loved him more than anything.
He finds nothing.
She just looked at him calmly. No tears. No shaking. No longing.
Just... nothing.
Axel sees the way Hunter is looking at her-like he's trying to memorize her face, trying to find a way back in. His hand tightens around hers, pulling her slightly closer. He leans down to press a kiss to her temple, staking his claim. Hunter watches the affectionate gesture. Axel's ring on her finger.
His hoodie on her body. His girl at his side. He feels sick-physically ill. Like he's losing her all over again, only this time, there's no getting her back. "Congratulations,"
The word tastes like ash in his mouth. Freya nods politely, her expression unchanged. No flicker of pain. No hidden smile. No reaction at all.
*Axel gives Hunter a curt nod.
"Welcome back, mate."
*He starts to steer her away, but then Hunter's voice stops them both.
"Can I talk to her?"
Axel tenses, his grip on her hand tightening. She can feel his protectiveness radiating off him.
But she stop, surprising them both. She looks at Axel, and he sees it-the determination in her eyes.
He sighs reluctantly.
"One minute," he warns Hunter quietly, deadly calm.
Hunter watches Axel walk away, giving them two some space. He runs a hand through his hair—a gesture she used to love. He looks tired, worn out. Nothing like the man she used to know. Nothing like Axel. "You look good," he says softly.
Freya hums.
"I meant what I said. You look... really good. Happy."
His eyes scan her , taking in every detail. The way she fills out Axel's hoodie. The way she stand straighter now. The way there's no sadness in her posture. "He treats you right?" There's a question underneath the question-some last desperate hope that she's miserable.
But freya nods.His face falls at her simple nod. No hesitation. No doubt. Axel treats her right. Hunter swallows hard, his next question careful. "Do you love him?" He watches her reaction closely, his heart pounding in his chest. He realizes suddenly how much he doesn't want the answer.
"..ya"
The single syllable hits him like a bullet to the chest.
She loves Axel.
She's not just with him-she's in love with him. The man who rebuilt her from the pieces Hunter shattered. The man who gave her everything Hunter couldn't. The man who made her his. "I'm... I'm glad," he forces out, his voice cracking. "You deserve—""—you deserve to be happy. Really, truly happy. And if he gives you that, then... then that's good. That's really good."
He's trying to be noble. Trying to be okay with it. But his voice is breaking. His hands are shaking.
And he can't stop looking at her ring-Price's ring-the symbol of everything Hunter threw away.
Axel reappears at her side, his arm sliding around her waist possessively. He feels the tension radiating off Hunter, the
desperation in his eyes. He pulls her tighter against him.
"Time's up,"
Hunter watches Axel pull her close—watches the way she automatically leans into him, like it's instinct. Watch the way Axel's thumb strokes her side in a gesture of comfort and ownership.
His eyes drop to her left hand again, to the ring that should have been his.
He lost her. Properly. Completely.
Finally.
Without another word, Hunter steps back, putting distance between them. His face goes back to that blank mask. He gives them both a curt nod and then turns away, walking down the hall with stiff shoulders .Axel watches him go, his arm still around her waist.
Axel looks down at her , a silent question in his eyes. Freya meet his gaze steadily, her expression calm. He nods slightly Then lowers his head and kisses her behind Hunters retreating back.
*Hunter hears it. The soft sound of her lips meeting Axel's. He doesn't turn around, but his shoulders tense, his hands clenching into fists at his sides. He keeps walking.
Price pulls back just enough to whisper against her mouth,
"Come on, love. Let's go."
And just like that, he's taking her away from the Hunter of her past.*
Time skip - 3 months later
*Life with Axel has been perfect.
She's settled into his home, his habits, his heart. She's met his family. She's even started taking missions with the team—under Axel's careful supervision, of course.
Today, there's a party at the base.
Some mission completion celebration. Axel has his arm around her *
As she walks into the party hand in hand, Axel leans down to kiss her temple. Freya laughs at something one of the team members says, her face glowing with happiness.
Suddenly, the room goes quiet.
Everyone turns to look towards the door.
Hunter stands in the doorway, looking disheveled and dangerous.
His eyes immediately find her's, his expression intense. He's back from some long-term mission. He looks like hell-like he's been living off adrenaline and caffeine for months. His gaze is locked onto Axel's arm around her waist.
The room is silent except for the low hum of the music. Everyone is staring at Hunter then at Freya and Axel, then back at Hunter. The tension is thick enough to cut with a knife. Axel's arm tightens around her waist possessively, pulling her closer to his side.
Hunter's eyes flick down to where Axel's hand rests on her hip. He sees the way she automatically shifts closer to Axel-like She's programmed to be near him. Sees the ring she wears. Sees the happiness in her eyes that he never managed to give her.
But then his gaze catches something new. Something different.
Hunter watches as she laughs again, her head tilting back. He sees the soft curve of her neck, the way her hair falls. His eyes narrow slightly. He notices something he never did before-something that makes his blood run cold. "Axel."Axel turns to face Hunter, his expression calm but guarded. The room is still silent, everyone watching the interaction carefully.
"Hunter," Axel acknowledges with a nod. "Just got back?" Hunter nods distractedly, his eyes still locked on Freya . Something's off about his gaze subtly. Freya notice the shift in atmosphere and look at Axel questioningly. He shakes his head slightly, telling her to ignore Hunter, before steering her toward the bar.
Hunter watches her walk away, his eyes finally dropping to her stomach. He freezes mid-step.*
"Fuck."*
He blinks, wondering if he imagined it.
Freya doesn't notice Hunter's reaction, distracted by Axel ordering her a soda instead of her usual drink.
She's about to joke about him going all protective dad when Hunter's sudden curse makes everyone turn. His gaze is still locked on her stomach, realization dawning on his face.
He's staring at the slight swell of her belly. At the soft curve hidden under her dress. By the way Axel just ordered her a soda. On the way her hand unconsciously drifts to rest on her stomach when she thinks no one's looking.
Hunter's face goes white. His fists clench at his sides. Time seems to stop.
Jack and Rowan exchange glances, immediately understanding what Hunter just realized. She's three months along. She looks good. She look... radiant. And Axel clearly knows. Axel clearly did this to her .
Axel put a baby in her and is standing here with her like he's won the fucking lottery.
Hunter takes an unsteady step forward, his voice rough and broken.
Axel moves in front of her instantly, shielding her with his body. His voice is low and dangerous. "Don't."
Hunter stops, but his eyes are wild, desperate. "You're..." He can't even finish the sentence. His eyes flickers between her face and her stomach. "You're pregnant."
There's no accusation in his voice— just raw, naked devastation.
Freya places her hand on Axel's arm with a light squeeze that's fine then looks at Hunter for a moment " ....mhmm i am."Hunter's breath catches. He sees the gentle way she touches Axel's arm, the soft smile she gives him.
The way Axel immediately relaxes under her touch. The way he puts his hand over hers, intertwining their fingers possessively.
"Whose?"
"His"
The single word drops like a bomb.
Axel's hand tightens possessively on hers. Hunter's face contorts with pain and jealousy. He takes another step forward, Axel matches it step for step, always keeping her behind him protectively. "How far?" Hunter asks through gritted teeth.
"Three months"
Hunter's knees nearly buckle. Three months. That means it happened right after he left you. Right after he broke your heart and walked away.Axel got her pregnant in the wreckage he left behind.
"Fuck..." He runs a hand through his hair roughly.
The room is silent except for the distant hum of the party. Everyone is staring at the three of you, the tension so thick it's suffocating.
Hunter looks at her, really looks at her , and sees the happiness in her eyes. He sees how she looks at Axel.
And he finally realizes something worse than losing her. He's lost her forever now. She's carrying Axel's child. Axel's ring. Axel's life.
Axels everything.
Jack steps up beside Hunter, his voice low. "Mate, let it go." Hunter doesn't hear him. He steps closer, ignoring Axel's warning growl. He's right in front of her now, finally able to look at her properly. His eyes drop to where her hand rests over her stomach. "Are you... happy?" His voice cracks on the word. "Are you actually happy with him?"
Price opens his mouth to reply, but you speak first.
"I am Hunter."
Hunter flinches like she's physically hit him. The words cut deeper than any bullet ever could.
He searches her face, looking for any sign of lie or uncertainty. But all he sees is the truth—she's happy. She's happy and pregnant and in love with Axel.
His hand reaches out before he can stop himself, fingers gently brushing over her stomach. He wants to feel it, to feel the life growing inside her that's not his.
Axel's grip on her hand tightens dangerously, ready to pull her back at any moment. "Can I...?"
She nods slightly.
Hunter's fingers spread out over her stomach, feeling the slight curve. His touch is soft, reverent, like he's afraid she'll disappear.
Tears prick at the corners of his eyes as he feels the baby move slightly under his hand. He looks up at you, his voice barely a whisper.
"I'm sorry."
The words come out broken, shattered. The first time he's ever apologized for anything. His thumb brushes over her stomach once more before he pulls his hand back like it was burned. "I'm so fucking sorry."
Price watches him with cold satisfaction-watching the man who broke your heart crumble before you. He pulls you closer.
Suddenly the door swings open again. Lisa waltzes in-Hunter's old fling. She's wearing something tight and red, her hair done perfectly. She freezes when she sees the scene-Hunter standing close to her , tears in his eyes, her hand resting on her belly. Her expression shifts from confidence to confusion to dawning horror as she pieces it together.
Freya looks at her "ah your still ...alive i see"
Lisa's face goes sheet-white. She's clearly heard the rumors but seeing her pregnant with Axel's child? Seeing Hunter's devastated reaction? It's a punch to the gut.
She looks between the three of them, her mouth opening and closing like a fish.
Hunter turns to look at her, his expression turning to stone.
Axel chuckles darkly behind Freya .
Lisa's eyes drop to her stomach, then to Hunter's stricken face. She realizes exactly what she cost her
—her relationship, her trust, her happiness. And now she's seeing the result of her actions growing right in front of her. "l... I didn't realize..."
"Didn't realize?"Axel's voice is ice.
He steps forward, finally revealing her fully. "Didn't realize the woman my Sergeant broke his heart over is now carrying my baby? Didn't realize that when you fucked him over, you fucked yourself out of everything?"
Lisa flinches. Hunter looks like he wants to die.
Freya steps slightly in front of Axel.
Lisa's eyes flick between her and her stomach, putting the timeline together. Three months after Hunter cheating... Three months into her relationship with Axel...
"You're... you're pregnant with his baby?" Her voice is small, realization dawning. "Like, actually pregnant?"
Freya nods slightly. Axel's hand comes to rest on her shoulder, a silent show of support and ownership. Hunter's eyes are locked onto her stomach, his expression unreadable. Lisa's face contorts with jealousy and shock.
What she stole Hunter back then ...she let it happen... not again.
Lisa's mouth drops open. Hunter swallows hard. The room is silent except for the faint hum of the party outside. Axel's hand tightens on her shoulder, his thumb brushing over her collarbone possessively. He understands what she's saying-she let Hunter go once, but never again. Hunter's eyes snap up to meet hers, filled with a complex mix of emotions-pain, longing, regret, and something that looks almost like... pride? He opens his mouth to speak, but Lisa beats him to it. "You can't be serious. You're choosing him over-"
"Over what?" *Axel's voice cuts through like a whip. He steps fully out from behind her, his presence dominating the room. "Over a girl who couldn't keep her legs closed?
Over a boy who threw away the best thing that ever happened to him? She's not choosing, love. She already chose. Months ago. In my bed. In my life."
Lisa's face turns red with anger and embarrassment at Axel's crude words. Hunter looks like he's been punched in the gut but also deserves every harsh word. Axel pulls her closer, his hand moving to rest protectively on her baby bump possessively. "She's having my baby." He says simply.
Lisa's eyes darted to her stomach, then back to her face. She sees the calculation happening behind her eyes—weighing her options, her ego, what she could salvage from this disaster. Hunter steps toward her.
Wrong move.
Axel's other hand flies out, gripping Hunter's jacket.
"Don't even fucking think about it."
*Axel's voice is deadly calm. "You had your chance with her. You threw it away. For what? A quick fuck with this cheap slut? You think you deserve to even breathe the same air as her now?" Hunter doesn't move. He just stares at her -with the baby belly, the ring, Axel's hand on her. He nods once, bitterly, accepting the truth he's been running from.
Lisa grabs Hunter's arm. "C'mon baby, let's go. We don't have to take this—" She starts dragging him toward the door. "This is pathetic."
Hunter doesn't resist. But as Lisa pulls him away, he turns back to look at you one last time. His eyes travel from her face to her belly to her hand, then to Axel's possessive grip.
And something inside him breaks completely.*
*As the door slams shut behind them, Keen and Rowan exchange glances. Jack lets out a low whistle.
Axel pulls her into his chest, his face burying into her hair. His hand still rests on her stomach, possessive and warm. He presses a kiss to the top of her head. "You alright, love?" He murmurs against her .
The room slowly starts to disperse
-everyone giving them space.
Freya nods into Axel's chest, letting his warmth and comfort wash over her . she hears Rowan chuckle softly,
"Damn, that was intense." Jack claps Axel on the back as he passes, whispering "Good job keeping your woman." Keen just smiles sympathetically at her .
Axel looks down at her , his thumb rubbing soothing circles on her belly. "Let's get you somewhere quiet, yeah?"
He guides her away from the main party, toward his private quarters. Outside, she hears Lisa's frustrated scream and Hunter's muffled voice trying to calm her down. Axel smirks darkly. "Serves them both right."
Freya lets Axel guide her , her mind finally starting to relax now that the confrontation is over. As they reach his quarters, he opens the door for her , letting her enter first.
The room is dark and quiet, a stark contrast to the loud party outside.
"Come here."
He pulls her into his lap once they're inside, wrapping his arms around her waist. He nozzles into your neck, inhaling deeply. "I know that was tough, love. But you handled it like a fucking queen." His hands rub soothingly over her belly.
He kisses her neck, then her jaw, then finally her lips-soft and reverent. "My beautiful, strong girl.
I'm so fucking proud of you." He pulls back to look at her , his thumb brushing her cheek. "Are you hungry? Tired? Need anything?"
The baby chooses that moment to kick-hard-against his hand. "Oi!"
He chuckles, his face lighting up with surprise and delight. "Did you feel that? Fucking hell, that was strong." He presses his hand against her stomach more deliberately, waiting for another kick. When it comes, he laughs out loud. "Little bugger's in there."Axel stares at her stomach in awe, his hand flat against where the baby kicked. He looks up at her with the most vulnerable, breathtaking smile. "I still can't bloody believe this is mine. That you're mine." He kisses her belly button. "Both of you."
Suddenly, without warning, Axel scoops her up in his arms and lays her back on the bed. He kneels between her legs, pulling off her shoes and socks. He unbuttons her jeans, slowly pulling them down her legs along with her underwear. Freya gasps, realizing his intention.
He spreads her legs gently, positioning himself between them.
He runs his hands up her thighs, pushing them apart even more.He looks down at her most intimate part, already swelling and pink with pregnancy. He swallows hard, his voice hoarse with desire. "Let me... see something."
He gently pulls her legs further apart, revealing her wet, puffy, pregnant cunt. He stares at it like it's the most beautiful thing he's ever seen - which it probably is to him. His baby is growing inside her , making her pussy all swollen and sexy. "Fuck..."
Axel's breath hitches as he traces a single finger along her slick folds, swollen from pregnancy hormones. "Look at you," he murmurs, pressing a kiss to her inner thigh. "All plush and soft, carrying my child." His tongue flicks against her clit experimentally, drawing a shudder from her . When freya gasps, he groans against her skin. "That's it. Let me hear you."
Axel didn't just taste her—he worshipped her . His tongue lapped at her folds with a reverence reserved for sacred things, his hands gripping her thighs to keep her spread wide. Every flick of his tongue against her swollen clit sent shocks of pleasure through her , her back arching off the bed as a moan tore from her throat. He growled against her flesh, his stubble scraping sensitive skin, the contrast of rough and soft making her squirm. When he slid two fingers inside, curling them just right, her hips jerked involuntarily. "Fuck—*Axel*—," she choked out, fists twisting in the sheets. He added a third finger, stretching her obscenely, his mouth never leaving her clit. She came like that—with his name on her lips and his fingers buried deep, his tongue coaxing every last drop from her until she was limp and gasping.
He didn't let her recover. Axel hauled her up onto his lap, his cock already thick and leaking against her stomach. "Look at me," he ordered, guiding himself to her entrance. When he pushed in, it was slow, agonizing, his grip on her hips bruising as he bottomed out. She whimpered, oversensitive but craving more, her nails digging into his shoulders. He didn't move at first, just stared into her eyes as her body adjusted around him. "Mine," he gritted out, finally rolling his hips. The pace was relentless—deep, punishing strokes that had her seeing stars. One hand tangled in her hair, tugging her head back to expose her throat as he bit down on the tender skin. She came again with a broken sob, her walls fluttering around him, and he followed with a groan, spilling inside her in hot pulses.
Months passed like that—Axel's hands always finding her, his mouth always claiming her , even as her belly swelled round and heavy with his child. The base noticed, of course. The way he'd snap at anyone who dared hover too close to her , the way his hand lingered on the small of her back during briefings. Hunter kept his distance, his face unreadable whenever he saw her waddling past, Axel's arm slung protectively around her. Lisa had been transferred—conveniently—to another unit. She didn't ask questions.
Then came the contractions. Sharp, sudden, like a knife twisting low in her gut during morning drills. Axel's coffee mug hit the floor with a crash when she doubled over, his hands catching her before she could stumble. The medbay was a blur of pain and shouting—Axel snarling at the medics to *fucking do something*, his grip on her hand bone-crushing as she screamed. When the baby finally came, slippery and wailing, Axel's knees gave out. He caught the tiny bundle before the medic could, his rough hands impossibly gentle as he cradled his son to his chest. "Christ," he whispered, staring down at the squirming, red-faced infant like he'd hung the stars. She reached for them both, exhausted but smiling, and Axel pressed his forehead to hers, his breath shaky. "You're a fucking miracle," he muttered, and she believed him.
The after was better than before. Axel's quarters became *home*—cluttered with toys, the crib wedged beside the bed. He changed diapers with the same efficiency as field-stripping a rifle and sang off-key lullabies in the dead of night when the baby fussed. Sometimes, when the three of you were tangled together in bed, the baby dozing on Axel's bare chest. He'd catch her eye and grin—wild, disbelieving, *happy*. And she'd know, with absolute certainty, that she'd chosen right.