Silenced

Chapter 26.

"I'm sorry about the sudden change in plans. It's uhh work stuff." Thomas said shaking his head. I shrugged and offered him a slight smile of reassurance.

"At least the movie was good right?" He asked.

I nodded but it was a lie. The movie had been a lot of explosions and some awkward steamy scenes. Thomas pulled into the drive way of the pack house and parked.

"I'll get your door." He said and was out before I could process the oddity of his decision. My door opened. I slid out of the seat. Thomas stepped back slightly to shut the door but it wasn't enough for me to walk away yet. It made my stomach twist with nerves.

"I had a lot of fun with you tonight." Thomas said glancing toward the porch. He smiled brightly. I smiled a little in return and nodded. There wasn't much I could say or do to communicate without the space to use my whiteboard.

 Thomas shifted suddenly closing the space between us and crushing his mouth against mine. I gasped and cringed in an attempt to get away but I couldn't move. I was pinned between him and his truck. Thomas deepened the kiss. He pushed closer and his teeth scrapped my lips. I was terrified. I couldn't move. I couldn't breathe. I felt like I was suddenly drowning in fear. Thomas pulled back a little. I could see the confusion on his face but I needed to get away. I ducked under his arm and took off toward the porch as fast as I could.

"Rylan!?" Thomas called. I could feel him chasing after me and it only added fuel to the burning pain in my chest. I managed to stumble up the steps of the porch. Waves of fear were crashing into me harder and harder with each small breath I took. Tears stung my eyes and my vision blurred. Air became impossible to obtain. I hit my knees and grasped at my chest and throat. I had to find a way to ease the pain and breathe. With every second that I couldn't breathe my fear intensified making it even more impossible.

"Easy Rylan..." A calming voice soothed. I could feel the warmth suddenly surrounding me with the scent of the forest. My hand was pulled away from my throat and pressed against someone's chest. "Just breathe with me." A hand stroked down my hair and the combination seemed to dampen my fear.

"Breathe..." He repeated almost as a whisper. The burning in my chest gave away and I managed a small breath. I pushed away the memories that were threatening to crush me and focused on the breathing of the person holding me.

"Just slowly... in and out..." He said. His voice was so calm and soothing. The tension and pain were fading.

"I am so sorry alpha. I swear I didn't hurt her. I have no idea..." The sudden sound of Thomas voice made my breath catch. I had forgotten he was there.

"You need to leave. Now." The tone remained calm but the under bite was far from soothing. "Keep breathing Rylan..." He said smoothing my hair again slowly. The motion sent another calming wave through me and I closed my eyes to focus on breathing. The sound of an engine started and faded. I was relieved that Thomas had left. I couldn't face him like this.

I lifted my head a little. Silas familiar green eyes were distant, closed off, but he was still somehow assessing me. I tried to wrack my brain, to remember any signs I could use, and to think of something to say. He released my hand, wiped the tears off my cheek, and shook his head.

"Panic attack on the second date? I wouldn't consider a third..." He said quietly. His tone shifted to what sounded like teasing. I nodded and tried to stand up but only succeeded in falling back on my butt.

"I've got you." He scooped me up in one swift motion and carried me into the house. He set me on the couch carefully. "I'm going to grab you something to drink. Don't get up yet." He said and disappeared.