"Norma!"

Alex sprinted from the car, reaching her in seconds.

He quickly stooped down to her eye level, analysing her injuries. His expression looked pained.

Norma leaned weakly against him feeling his strong arms slip behind her back and under her legs, preparing to carry her.

"Alex." She sighed.

"What the hell were you thinking?! I've got you, you're okay Norma."

Alex gently lifted her effortlessly towards his car.

Norma slowly drifted into unconsciousness.

Slowly waking up, Norma suddenly remembered everything that had happened. She sat upright and gasped in pain.

"Easy, Norma." Alex sat on the coffee table surrounded by bandaids and antiseptic. Norma looked around, realising she was in the Sheriff's house.

Alex gently grasped her shoulder.

"Norma, I need you to tell me where you're hurt and no bullshit. I've cleaned your head and cheek wounds, but tell me where else your hurt."

Norma's pride quickly kicked in, refusing to show weakness.

"Alex, thank you so much, but I really am fine. I'm sorry for startling you but it looked much worse than it is and I'm really fine."

Refusing to meet his expression, Norma quickly tried to stand up.

Her ribs pounded as a scream escaped her lips and she buckled sideways.

Alex reacted instantly, catching her before she fell and slowly guiding her back in the couch, his face grave.

"Norma Bates you're not moving until I know you're okay."

She sighed in defeat and slowly lifted her shirt.

Alex and Norma gasped simultaneously. Dark bruises coated her entire side in the shape of a shoe.

Alex's jaw tightened. He slowly wrapped a bandage around her torso.

"Norma, what the hell were you thinking. I mean really. You could have been killed. Why didn't you just listen to me? You had me worried sick. "

Alex stared into her eyes, a warm but fierce expression on his face.

Suddenly, Norma began to cry. Tears rolled down her cheek as she hugged herself. Alex quickly sat on the couch, wrapping his arms protective around her.

"I'm so scared." Norma whispered into his chest.

"Norma, he will not come within 100miles of you while I'm here. I'm not going to let him lay a finger on you. I will get him and I will protect you. Please trust me."

Norma nestled her bruised cheek into his shoulder.

" I will get him Norma. He will never harm you again. And I'm not going to let you out of my sight until I have him. You're staying here."

Norma looked up at his sincere face.

"Alex, I, I can't ask you to do that." She stammered.

Alex interjected.

"You're not asking. It's nonnegotiable. You'll stay here where I can keep an eye on you until I get the bastard. I'm not leaving you unprotected again."

Norma smiled softly in his warm embrace, slowly feeling fatigue overtake her. Alex lowered her onto the couch, placing blankets over her and scanning the house protectively.

No one was ever going to hurt Norma Bates. Not while he was around.