"Where am I?" The words come out too loud. Too sharp.
He stops. Sets the water on the dresser. "Vee—"
"Where am I, Finn?" I'm backing toward the window now. "Where's Ragon? What's going on?"
He raises his hands. Palms out. Non-threatening. "You're okay, Vee. You're safe."
"Safe?" A laugh bubbles out. Hysterical. "You kidnapped me. How is that safe?"
"We didn't kidnap you—"
"I didn't ask to be here. I didn't consent to leaving. You moved me while I was in heat." My tone is rising. "That's kidnapping."
"Vee, breathe—"
But I can't breathe.
The panic slams in. Full force.
Ragon.
Oh god. Oh god. Oh god.
Ragon is going to be furious.
He'll think I left on purpose. That I chose them over him. Over the pack.
He'll punish me.
My old nest flashes through my mind. Their combined scent in my safe space. Marie's scent. Being forced to watch.
What will he do this time?
"He'll punish me." The words come out strangled. "Finn, you have to take me back. You have to tell him I didn't ask for this."
"Vee—"
"Please." I'm shaking now. "Please. You don't understand what he'll do. The last time I—" My voice breaks. "He ruined my nest. He made me watch. He banned comfort and I—"
I can't finish. My lungs have gone shallow. The room tilts.
"Guys!" I hear him yell.
Footsteps pound down the hallway before the door flies open.
Malcolm appears first. His eyes find me immediately. I'm sliding down the wall now. My legs won't hold me.
His purr starts before he reaches me. Deep and strong. It hits my nervous system like a wave.
He drops to his knees and pulls me into his lap. Solid. Warm. His arms wrap around me.
"It's okay, Vee," he says. Steady. Calm. "We've got you."
"I can't—" I'm sobbing now, each breath coming in ragged and wrong.
"Yes you can. With me. In through your nose."
He demonstrates. I try to follow. Fail. Try again.
