Disclaimer: Not mine so get over it already. They belong to Cameron etc.

Authors Note: I hope you like this chapter, let me know what you think!

DARK TERROR

Chapter 9 - Hunted

The motorcycle crashed through the alleyway at break neck speed. It was night and the stormy sky poured down sheets of torrential rain, making the roads slippery. Max clung tightly onto Alec as he steered the motorcycle through the dangerous streets. The air was whipping her hair behind her and the rain stung her face so she tried to shelter herself by pressing her cheek against the soft leather of Alec's jacket.

Alec swerved violently then as he took a tight corner. White had put up the pressure on them by offering a bounty on their heads to several contract hunters across the country. Right now they were trying to escape from a group of ex military mercenaries who were eager to collect the ample award for delivering Alec's dead body and Max's alive one.

Max heard the sound of other motorcycles coming up behind them. Shit! "Alec, they're gaining!" Max yelled above the noise of the engines and the rain. Alec risked a glance behind him to see their position.

"Hang on Max!" Alec gunned the machine harder and turned abruptly cutting through the busy traffic of the inner-city area. Taken by surprise their pursuers tried to follow but the first crashed straight into the side of a truck and flew across the concrete street. The others braked and backed up, looking for another way to catch up. Alec wasn't hanging around though and he increased his speed, knowing this would be their best opportunity to get lost in the dark streets.

Alec rode on at high speed for another ten minutes or so before slowing to check behind them. The road they were on was empty except for a few homeless people living in boxes on the pavements. They'd lost them. Alec breathed in relief. "You okay Max?" He asked, twisting in his seat slightly to try and get a glimpse of her.

"Yeah." Max responded, tightening her arms around his waist, reminding him that he didn't have time to check her over now, not while they were still in danger. They had been involved in a bit of a fight before trying to make their get away. Max was still weak and had taken a few good hits. Alec kicked up the engine again. They couldn't afford to be caught now, they had to get somewhere safe and hole up for a while.

Without the previous urgency, Alec rode down the streets, looking to put more distance between them and the bounty hunters while at the same time looking for a place to crash for the night. Now that the immediate danger had passed Alec became more aware of the feeling of Max's warm body wrapped around his. Her thighs were pressed up against his and her arms wrapped tights around his waist. Alec could feel Max's chest pressed against his back through the leather coat and he relished the softness of her body.

Alec stamped down on the emotions and physical reaction that surged as the realisation of Max's presence asserted itself. It had been several weeks since they had left the farm where they had found their safe haven. Since then it had been moving around, robbery and motel rooms. This was the first real trouble they had run into but the situation was serious. White must be getting desperate if he had risked bringing in outsiders to hunt them down. The risk of exposure for him was greater as was the chance that other governments would hear of them and decide they were worth getting their hands on. Alec hoped that White had people he trusted working for him. If only because the last thing they needed was a couple of other governments coming after Max.

They had ridden for another 30 minutes before Alec decided they had put enough distance between them and their pursuers. He slowed when he saw a motel. It didn't look too bad, considering the area. Alec pulled over and parked the bike. He would have to get rid of it in the morning. Shame, but he couldn't afford that they might have got the number plate. Oh well, I can always steal another one.

Alec swung himself off the machine and reached to help Max. They had lost all of their possessions but they were alive. Max grasped Alec's hand gratefully. She was feeling a little shaky now. The adrenaline had worn off, leaving her weak body exhausted. Max stumbled slightly but Alec was there to catch her.

"Hey." Alec said softly, alarmed as Max faltered in her step. He grasped her arm and steadied her. "You alright Maxie?" Max nodded but didn't look up at him, her face mostly hidden by the wind swept hair that fell randomly over her face.

"I'm good, just tired." Max tried to reassure Alec, hating the way he fussed over her. It made her feel weak, reminded her of what she used to be and what she now was. Max had been making a real effort to eat more and build up her strength again in an attempt to show Alec that she wasn't a fragile doll that would break under the slightest pressure. It was hard and it was taking time, but inch by painful inch, Max felt herself regaining what she had lost, physically and emotionally.

Alec didn't look convinced but he released her arm, letting Max stand under her own steam. "Lets get a room then." He waited for Max to precede him so he could observe her walk. Max was aware of this and straightened her spine, willing herself not to collapse until she was in the safety of the motel room. Alec shook his head at her stubbornness and followed her into reception.

"One room please." Max said, getting straight to the point with the man seated behind the bullet proof glass.

"All we have left is a single. Cash up front sweetheart." The middle age man raised an eyebrow at Max and smirked while eyeing up her leather clad form. Alec stepped up beside her and put an arm around her shoulder.

"That's fine." He gave the man a hard look. Max tucked a long lock of dark hair behind her ear and the man hesitated seeing a purple bruise decorating Max's cheek bone. He looked between Max and Alec as he reached behind the counter for the right key.

"Room 17. 48 bucks."

Max's eyes widened as she realised she had forgotten about the bruise and she instantly stepped away from the counter, letting her hair fall forward again. She grabbed the key. "I'll see you there." She told Alec before walking out the door, leaving Alec to settle up.

Alec looked confused at Max's abrupt departure but reached into his pocket to fish out the money. "Walked into the door right?" Alec looked up at the man in confusion. What is he talking about?

"Sorry?" Alec said, his brow furrowed. He didn't like unnecessary interaction when they were trying to keep a low profile.

The man grinned showing broken and capped teeth. "Your girl. Hey don't get me wrong man, sometimes the little ladies need showing who's boss." Alec stared blankly at the nasty little man for a moment while his brain leaped forward and made connections. Max. Max must be hurt. While he was still processing this the man made another mistake.

"Hey I don't s'pose you do a little business with her, I mean she sure is a looker, I'd pay-" The rest of his words were cut off as Alec's hand reached through the cash slot and gripped his throat in his strong hand. Anger flooded him at the mans implied remarks and he used all his self control to keep from crushing his windpipe.

The man flailed about for a moment, his hands trying to free Alec's grip. "You go near her and you'll regret it." Alec growled. The mans eyes started to bug and his face turned a purple shade from lack of air. Alec released him and shoved the cash through the slot.

While the man lay coughing on the floor Alec turned and walked out. It wasn't the smartest thing he had done but Alec was willing to bet the weasely man would want to avoid the cops just as much as he did. This place wasn't exactly the type known for legitimate business.

Alec hurried to the assigned motel room. He needed to see Max, to see how badly hurt she was. Alec cursed himself for not noticing. He knew he was over reacting. If Max had been seriously injured she would have told him, or he would have noticed. But still… Alec was unable to control his reaction to the thought of Max being hurt.

The door was unlocked and Alec saw the room was empty. "Max!?" He called urgently kicking the door shut and locking it automatically before crossing over to the bathroom door. He opened it and saw Max standing in front of the mirror. Her hair was covering one side of her face.

"What?" Max asked him calmly. Alec ignored her and reached over to pull her hair aside. The ugly mark was instantly visible. Alec took a deep breath.

"Why didn't you tell me?" He asked, trying to reign in his emotions. Max pulled away from him.

"Its not like I've never been hit before Alec. What's your problem?" At this calm response Alec lost his temper and grabbed Max roughly spinning her around to face him.

"Why didn't you tell me!" He yelled. Inside he was wondering why he was acting like this, why he was yelling at her because she had hidden a simple bruise from him. Max struggled momentarily to free herself before giving up.

"Because I knew you'd act like this! It'll be gone in a couple of days, its no big deal! What is wrong with you!?"

Alec felt his emotions spiralling out of control. He was trying to protect her! Didn't she understand? Didn't she know how much he feared for her, how much he loved-

Max was speaking, he could see her mouth moving but he couldn't hear her. All he could see was that face, that beautiful face that he loved, those full lips… Alec lost what little remained of his sanity and he pulled Max against his chest and leaned down, taking her lips with his in a bruising kiss.

TBC.