Daisy's Perspective

Why was she taking so long? She's never left me alone like this. What if they had found her? I couldn't go back. I wouldn't.

I huddled in on myself, drawing the threadbare blanket tighter in an attempt to fight the chill that was slowly seeping into my bones.

Someone was coming. I could hear their footsteps. I prayed it was her.

It went unanswered.

A man walked in carefully scanning the room for danger I suppose. His eyes landed on me and he relaxed. He had found what he wanted.

Me.

No. I wouldn't go back there. I wouldn't. I dragged myself off the cold floor and made to run but he blocked the exit.

"Settle little one, everything is ok, you're safe" the man murmured walking towards me with measured steps. Everything was most definitely not ok. They had found her. They had found me. I wouldn't go back. I couldn't.

Aden's Perspective

Brown hair. Dirty. Watching me like a caged, skittish fawn. My mate. The urge to hold her in my arms and promise her the world was overwhelming, but I couldn't do that, not when she was so terrified.

My words seemed to have the opposite effect of their intention, as she shuddered and cowered away.
"I'm a friend of your sister, my brother is looking after her very well and she was concerned for your wellbeing. I'd really like to take you to see her." I continued speaking softly, hoping for her to understand but expecting the worst.

Which was the response I received.

She turned a deathly shade of white and stood stock still in shock. Except for her hands which clenched and unclenched. She eventually moved one hand and scraped her nails along her arm, almost subconsciously. I watched in bewilderment as her hands and breathing became frantic and her arm turned a bright pink from her incessant scratching. My wolf howled in angst at seeing my mate hurt and I moved towards her instinctively.

I shouldn't have been blind to her fear and more preoccupied with her injuries. It didn't go well.

She screamed and went to run, but I couldn't let her leave. I couldn't let her go when she was so hysterical and distressed. I gently wrapped her in my arms and murmured words of what I hoped were comforting;
"It's ok sweetheart. You won't be hurt little one. You are safe now. I am safe. I promise. Please try and breathe for me. Please."

She paid no heed and continued to thrash and sob, until I had no choice.
I called for back up and within a moment my tracker team had arrived. I watched her terror increase as she noticed more people and her resistance turn frantic.
'Sedative. Now. She's going to hurt herself otherwise,' I commanded the Delta. I, as my brother had not so long ago done with his mate, gently bundled her against me so that she couldn't see the needle, whispering "you're going to rest now little one and when you awaken we can talk. I promise you are safe and will be unharmed". I wasn't sure if she comprehended or even registered I was talking to her, she was screaming so much. The sedative worked quickly and effectively though and soon she was still in my arms. I breathed a sigh of relief that she was safe and for the most part unharmed.

I nodded my thanks to the team and walked her to the car, sitting with her in the back so that she could rest on my lap. I enjoyed the feeling of peace that enveloped me as I held my mate, knowing that when she awoke this would not be possible given her total terror.

****
She awoke an hour into the two hour drive, not pleasantly or calmly at that either. She bolted upright in a scream and surveyed her surroundings in disorientated terror. Her eyes skimmed over my face, quickly dropping to avoid eye contact and took in my obviously intimidating mass. I held my arms up in a silent peace offering, praying she'd calm down.
She tried to pry open the car door instead, which had been child locked as an extra, now definitely well thought of, precaution. Her breathing became shallower as she realised she was to stay in the confined space with me.
'Help mate', my wolf grumbled.
"Little one, it is ok, we are taking you to your sister," I murmured gently but she just shook her head, tears streaming down her face. I moved forward to embrace her, but she whimpered and pushed herself further away.
I cursed myself for being so stupid; of course she didn't want my affection.
I blew out a breath of frustration as I observed her continue to hyperventilate.
"Stop the car please" I ordered, my Delta glanced at me in confusion but followed my command anyway.
I opened the door and calmly got out, waiting for her to follow. When she didn't, glancing up at me in terrified confusion, I opened her side door; "come on out for a bit little one, let's get you some fresh air," I cooed to her gently. She clambered out of the car and immediately went to run. I blocked her path, spreading my arms wide to prevent her from escaping and hurting herself further. She paused and watched me wearily.
"How about we just sit for a minute and breathe?" I suggested lightly watching her for signs of compliance or the opposite absconding.
I sat down in what I hoped was a placating way. She eyed me warily but sunk to the floor too, clearly exhausted now that the adrenaline was wearing off.
"That's good little one, well done, are you cold?" I murmured, she flinched and vehemently shook her head. I raised my eyebrows, of course she was cold! It was freezing outside and she wore nothing but a chiffon slip. I shrugged and handed her a blanket anyway.

Well tried to. She whimpered the minute my hand reached out and violently pushed herself against the car door, trying to stay as far away from me and possible. I slowed my movements and placed the blanket a little away from her, shuffling back to give her some space. She noticed and watched me in confusion.
"I'd really like for you to have the blanket little one" I persisted gently.
She sat watching me in abject terror, her breathing still laboured. She glanced down at the blanket and then away, tightening herself into her little huddle.
"Ok then little one" I murmured, "that's ok, you don't have to do anything you don't want to."
She glanced up at me, hesitant, I caught her eye and tried to smile but she was already cowering again, avoiding my gaze.
I wracked my brain for inspiration. What could I do? Then it hit me! Distraction.

The skills I knew to help her with her panic wouldn't work right now. She didn't trust me enough. I laughed at the irony of having a psychology degree but being unable to help my beautiful mate.
"How about we watch something?" I suggested, keeping my tone upbeat but gentle.