Chapter 2: Buckle up

Amelia's POV

"You're perfect. A fighter", the male figure said in a deep, raspy, almost demonic voice. Every hair on my body stood on end with his comment. "Stop!", I yelled, fighting off roaming hands. A single strike to my face had me seeing stars. 

"Ma'am? Are you okay?", the dispatcher was still in my ear. "Help", I uttered, tears streaming down my face, as he ripped my shirt open. I attempted to punch him, failing miserably after the blow I took to the face. I could hear sirens in the distance. 

My attacker did as well. "You fucking bitch. I'll find you again", he hissed in my ear, before he stood and took off. "He's gone", I cried out, curling up into the fetal position. The sirens grew louder as a squad car and ambulance turned onto main street. 

"Ma'am, can you hear me? They are almost to you", the dispatcher informed me. "I know", I uttered through tears. "Hang in there with me, Amelia. Help is on the way", she said, trying to be supportive. Both emergency vehicles came to a shreeching halt in front of me. 

Soon, an officer and two EMTS surrounded me and bombarded me with questions. My brain was befuddled as I answered them to the best of my ability. 

The EMTs loaded me onto a stretcher and tried to put me in the back of the ambulance. "Do you want to go to the hospital?", one of them asked. I shook my head 'no'. That's the last thing I need, an ambulance and hospital bill, all in one day. 

"I have to call this into the Chief. So you can't leave just yet", the officer informed me. I nodded my head in understanding. I sat still as the EMTs did their jobs. "You might have a concussion", she explained. "Maybe a fractured cheek bone. We do recommend that you go to the hospital for further examination", she uttered, scanning my cheek. 

"They can't do anything for it that I can't do at home", I said. I hate hospitals. I am not going. Under no circumstances. 

A black SUV pulled up with blue lights flashing. "Chief's here", the officer announced to the three of us. "She's cleared to go, since she refuses the hospital", the female EMT said. The male EMT jumped out of the ambulance and met the Chief at his vehicle. 

I took my time getting off of the stretcher, not wanting to hurt myself further. I tightened my hold on the blanket that I was provided. It's the only fabric keeping me from flashing every emergency personnel present this evening. 

"Chief wants to speak to you. So, just sit right here for me", the officer said, pointing to the back step of the ambulance. I humored him and took a seat. 

The officer joined the two huddled men by the Chief's vehicle. The Chief's eyes kept drifting to me, warming me with each pass. 

I've seen him many times, even shared a few words before. However, I can't recall his eyes ever reflecting so much worry before. My heart stuttered as he approached me. His presence is intimidating. It always has been. He walks with confidence I have never witnessed before. Not something that is necessarily a bad thing, either. 

Jaxon Knight. The 6'3", all muscle, Chief of Teela. Every detail of his body sculpted by God himself. Jeez, Amelia. What is wrong with you?

"Miss Amelia, firstly, I would like to apologize for what has happened to you this evening. I am grateful that you called the police and made it out alive", his smooth voice wrapped around me, warming me better than this blanket ever could. 

"Do you mind coming with me to the station to answer a few questions?", his words were gentle. You could tell that he didn't want to push me, but he wanted to know what happened as soon as possible so he can try and catch this man. I nodded my head as I stood up.

Chief Knight held his hand out, gesturing the way to his cruiser. I stopped at the back door, waiting for him to open it. I was surprised when he opened the passenger door instead. "You are a witness, Amelia. Not a criminal", he uttered gently. 

 I scoffed internally. I guess it's better than being called a victim. "Buckle up", he said, before tenderly closing the door.