The Lion and the Lamb

Chapter Three

Briars POV

I found myself in a huge foreign bed, waking up hyperventilating, which I'd seem to been doing a lot the past few days. The sun was shining through the tall windows through drawn curtains, I noted as my eyes darted around the room.

That was all real, everything that had happened, it wasn't a dream. I cuddled closer to the fluffy blankets, wanting to cry, I felt so gross, so violated. I just wanted to melt into the blankets forever, never have to face outside, to speak to anyone. I noted a clock on the wall. Four in the afternoon, I must've slept for a long time. There was a tray of fancy food by my bed, it was growing cold, but I didn't have the stomach to eat it. A robe had been put over the lingerie I was wearing since yesterday, and a neatly stacked pile of clothes that I assumed were for me at the bottom of the bed.

I was silently thankful no one had tried to undress me last night. After Reuben had rescued me I didn't remember much else, expect being carried inside by the warm, giant of a lion, and laid here as someone had tenderly cleaned and properly bandaged the wound on my arm, and then they had cleaned my face with a warm cloth. I'd leaned info their hands sleepily, chirping softly at their kind touch, it felt so much nicer than the rough handling and loud noises I'd endured previously.

I hadn't questioned anything then, I was just happy to be saved. But now it dawned on me- what if Reuben had saved me just because he wanted me for his personal meal???

My heart started to thud in my chest, my hands clammy. The world felt so much less safe after everything, I couldn't help but feel like everyone was now out to use me.

I got up shakily, clambering for the clothes. I ripped the lingerie off, clumsily trying to pull the clothes on as fast as I could. They were too big for me but I didn't care- I had to get out of there, far far away from predator territory. My home wasn't safe anymore, maybe Angie would let me stay with her. No, that'd be a burden to her and her wife and kids, I'd be in the way. I started to cry, god I've been doing so much of that, it hurt my throat, my eyes.

Long gone was my attempt to be distinguished, to not show my weaknesses, to gain my footing in the world. Now I was just a timid weak sheep, a nearly slaughtered one at that.

No one seemed to be around when I quickly walked through the corridor. This place was huge, and I couldn't seem to find a way out.

I stumbled into that wolf from before, he glared down at me. Why did I have to stumble into him of all people today?

"Watch your step. Where do you think you're headed?"

"I need to get out of here," I sniffled, gathering myself back together as I stumbled past him.

"You're going the wrong way," he cackled. "Boss said I can't let you out either."

"Then I'll find my own way," I glared at him, heading the other way this time.

"Good luck! This place is like a maze," he shrugged, not really seeming to care.

He was right about that though, this place was like a maze. I realized I was on the second floor and I looked for the stairs that led downstairs. God, I was just getting more irritated than afraid at this point, I thought I'd never make it out.

Finally I reached the stairs after what felt like forever.

And of course, who was on them blocking my way?

"Afternoon," Reuben drawled, giving me a lopsided grin. My heart jumped to my throat in fear.

"Hello! Can I leave now?" I said, the tenseness probably showing from my pheromones and my face. Fuck.