You Can Run But...

@ castle.

It had been weeks since James' had seen Blake, and at this point, he had given up all hope. If he and his pack couldn't find her, it meant that she was long gone and far from his reach. It had devasted him to the point where James had locked himself away in his house for a good period of time. Some days, he didn't even eat as it seemed pointless to. Losing Blake caused James to feel worthless, especially as he didn't understand why she would ever run away in the first place. Did he not love her enough? Not take care of her enough? Did she still feel trapped with him? Was it possible that she never loved him? Thinking about all of it hurt James to his core.

Though his pack would have none of James' self-loathing or leave him in his 'den of despair' for long. There was only so much they could do when James sent them away but they were persistent. And soon, it seemed James had lost the desire to throw them out of his house. When that happened, they were quick to work on their alpha. Getting him to shower and eat, take care of himself and then moving up to actually running the pack again. Though it had taken much time and effort, things were beginning to look up. James was doing what they needed him to, and they didn't have to deal with this human lover. It was clear he was still rather unhappy but they were rather positive that would change soon, especially once they found a proper mate for him.

So, in continuing to help raise their alpha's spirits, they were quick to push James to head to a party now that his appearance was back to normal. And, just to get them to shut up, James agreed and brought one of the male pack members along with him, Donovan. The beginning of the party moved along as usual. Plenty of drinking and other wolves showing off their slaves. Some pleasant chatter as well as casino games to be played. James partook in some small talk as well as gambling. Though he kept his distance from any discussion on female slaves, not wanting to get bogged down again with thoughts of her.

But, as James glanced around the room, one slave, in particular, caught his eye. It was a female, something that he was trying to avoid. But, nonetheless, he found himself staring at her. There was something about her that was... almost familiar? Was that it? Or maybe something just peculiar? It was hard to figure out but it unsettled him. James was beginning to get persistent about keeping his sights on her, needing to know what was so strange about that slave. Though, it was hard to just walk up since she seemed to be owned by the devil himself, Killenger.

It took some time, but James waited for the perfect time to move closer. He just wanted to get a look without causing any trouble. So, with Donovan gone to the bathroom and Killenger making his way towards the Blackjack table, James made his move. He started to walk through the aisle, pretending as though he was heading to the bar. Though, once he was downwind of Killenger and his slave, James stopped dead in his tracks. He could feel his heartbeat in double-time, his chest becoming tight as that all familiar smell hit his nose. James had known there was something odd but he never imagined this. It took James a moment to collect himself, to confirm that what he was really smelling was Blake. Though, when he was sure, pure anger started to soar through his body, and without a moment of thought, James turned and threw his brandy glass at Killenger, hitting the man in the head.

James could feel himself beginning to grow his wolf fur, but he forced himself to stay in human form as he ran straight for Killenger. Killenger's eyes widen for a moment as he saw the man coming at him. But, before he could even yell out, they collided and both men were on the floor. "WHAT DID YOU DO TO HER?!" James raged, feeling as though he was going blind with anger as he swung at the man under him. "YOU'RE GOING TO DIE FOR THIS! I'M GOING TO KILL YOU!"

Blake was relieved as she continued to follow after Killenger. The party was far from over, she was sure, but it seemed like she hadn't done anything wrong yet. If she managed to keep this up, she would get through the night without incident and then maybe Killenger would reward her. And even if he didn't, at least she would have proved herself. That she could behave and that Killenger didn't have to punish her any more. Ever again. She hoped. Her thoughts continued in the same manner as she followed beside Killenger, jolting when she felt him flinch suddenly.

"M-Master?" her voice was hesitant, afraid of speaking out of turn because she knew what it could mean for her. But if something was wrong with him... before Killenger could answer her, there was someone else shouting at the top of their lungs. Her head snapped up as fear flooded her system. Blake's eyes widened as she scrambled backward, yelping as her back hit the blackjack table behind her. Her eyes were wide despite not being able to see anything that was happening in front of her.

Blake was shaking as she pulled her knees to her chest, trying to make herself as small as possible. "Master?" Blake flinched at the sound of her own voice, knowing that just in that moment she had managed to screw up. That she had spoken out of turn and she would be punished for embarrassing Killenger.

When there was no answer to her inquiry, Blake whined and tried to make herself impossible smaller. She knew that she probably looked like a fool - she had seen what her outfit looked like before she was forced to put the lens in. She was curled up, trying to be as small as possible so she wouldn't somehow get in the way of anyone else and make her situation worse. While she hadn't recognized James' voice, she realized that Killenger was fighting someone. He was going to be in a bad mood... and this was going to be even worse for her when they finally did get home.

@ castle.

A circle quickly formed around the two men but no one moved in to intervene. It was actually pretty common for two alphas to start fighting it out, for whatever reason. This was how most debates were settled. Though, the crowd was confused as to what exactly the two were fighting about. Not that it should really be called a fight since one alpha was clobbering the other. Blood and whatever else was flying all over the place, and soon enough, Killenger was beginning to fall in and out of consciousness.

But that wasn't enough for James. He didn't care if he passed out, James knew what Killenger deserved and that was death. But, before he was able to follow through, he was getting pulled off of Killenger. "STOP!" James screamed out as Donovan pulled him off. "HE DESERVES TO DIE! DO YOU HEAR ME! GET OFF OF ME NOW." Though, unlike usually, Donovan disobeyed orders and pulled James the rest of the way off until Killenger's pack members were able to grab him quickly and pull him away from James.

"You need to stop," Donovan whispered to James, still holding him back. "He'll get what he deserves but we can't do it like this, we can't do it like this." He kept whispering to his alpha, trying to calm him down enough to let go. Though, James only stopped trying to fight back once Killenger was gone from the room and out of his sights. His mind quickly shifted to another matter and he started to look around the room in a panic. Fear entered his body again, worried that he had managed to lose Blake in the process of beating the shit out of Killenger. Though, he soon saw Blake curled up under the blackjack table.

Shaking and essentially shoving Donovan off of him, James scrambled over to Blake. She looked so different. It was almost impossible to tell that it was her, but there was no doubt about it. Now that he was closer, now that he was able to smell her, he knew that it was Blake. Tears started to stream down his face as he grabbed onto Blake's cheeks. "You're okay. You're okay, I promise. I'm here. I'll take care of you." He whispered to her before wrapping his arms around her tightly, pulling into a tight hug. "I'm so sorry. I didn't know. I didn't know he kidnapped you. I-I didn't know." He cried into her. "But you're here now. I have you back and it is all going to be okay."

Blake lifted her head, looking from side to side as she tried to figure out what was going on. She couldn't see and that much was obvious by the way that she never really focused, she just kept moving her head back and forth. The longer that she sat there, the more frantic that she grew because she couldn't seem to figure out anything and she didn't know where Killenger was. If he was injured... or he left without her... Blake shuddered at the thought. The punishment that she would face wasn't something that she wanted to suffer through.

She wrapped her arms tight around herself, tears filling her ears as panic shot through her. No. She wasn't going to start crying because then she would make a fool of herself and then she would embarrass Killenger and... swallowing thickly, Blake hardly realized someone was kneeling in front of her until James grabbed her cheeks. She flinched, looking up to him blankly.

"S-Sir?" Her voice was quiet as she tried to calm herself down. "I-I.. I'm terribly sorry. I.." Blake paused, dragging in a deep breathe. "Can you help me.. f-find my master? His n-name i-is.. Killenger," Blake managed to form the words, bowing her head to do her best to show some sort of submission. Blake's heart had skipped a beat at the promises that the wolf gave her but she wasn't about to let herself fall for the trap. She was afraid that it could end up being just that and she didn't want to risk it.

Blake straightened slightly, moving so that she was kneeling instead of sitting down. "Please. I-I'm sure that he'll reward you for r-returning me to his possession," she explained in a quiet voice, careful to keep her voice low as to not offend.

@ castle.

Despair started to spread through James' body as he heard Blake start to speak. A pang hit his heart, hearing that she wanted to be returned to Killenger. Did she not realize who she was speaking to? Or did that fucker just break her down like this? As much as he wanted to know the answer, it did not matter much right at that moment. He was going to get her out of her and return her home where she belonged. "Blake, it's James." He whispered to her, his hold on her tightening. "You don't have to go back to him. I'm going to protect you, I promise."

Donovan came up and started to tug on James' shirt. "We need to go." He grumbled to the alpha, desperately wanting to pull the man onto his feet. "Come on, we need to leave." James hesitated for a moment before grabbing onto Blake, wrapping his arms around her bridal style and picking her up. "We're going home," James whispered to her before he started to carry her out of the party. Many eyes were still on him, but it didn't matter much to him. James got what he wanted, even though it was not what he was expecting from the party.

If Blake tried to fight him, James kept his hold tight on her, refusing to let her go. He would hold on no matter the cost to get Blake into the car. Though, if she was submissive, James would be careful with his love. Making sure to hold her close to him but doing so gently. He would even rock her a little, wanting her to stay calm.

Once they were at the car, James slid Blake into the backseat and pulled her seatbelt on. He then closed the door, not having to worry about her scrambling out of the car because it was child locked. James then slid into the driver's seat as Donovan moved to the passenger's seat. "You should sleep." James murmured softly as they started to drive. There was a lot they needed to talk about, but it could wait until they were at the house, alone.

Blake jolted when she realized who was holding her. Her eyes widened as she reached out, hesitating for a moment before she set her hand on his chest. She bit back a sob, trying to inch herself closer to him. She wanted to wrap herself up in his arms but she was still unsure of what to expect. She didn't know if she could trust that James would still want her. After all, Blake had run away on her own accord and gotten kidnapped by Killenger. There had been no way for her to get word to James and certainly not a way for her to escape. This had all happened because of her.

She yanked her hand away from his chest when she heard Donovan speak, her head dropping forward. This was the moment, she was sure. James was going to stand and walk away and Killenger would reappear, to taunt her for not trying to get back to him more. The thought had her shaking worse than she had been earlier and she hardly realized James was holding her until he moved to his feet. She gulped, burying her face into his neck as she whimpered.

"'m sorry," Blake mumbled, knowing that there was no fight that she could possibly give. James was a wolf and she was just a slave. If he wanted her to come with him, then she would be. "Y-You... you don't h-have to.. I d-don't deserve.. this help," Blake started, sure that there was no way James could want to still be with her. All of this hurt was because of her. There was no escaping that.

Blake sank into the seat that James placed her in, turning toward him though her gaze remained unfocused. "Thank you, sir," she spoke gently when he buckled her into the seat. Blake pulled her knees up, shifting around slightly so she could get into a more comfortable position. When he told her to sleep, Blake frowned slightly as she looked toward his general direction. "I-Is... is there nothing that you require of me? I-I.. I can stay awake. It is no concern. Sir."

@ castle.

James could feel his heartbreaking the more that Blake continued to speak. There was so much wrong in the tone of her voice, and with what she was saying. This was not something that he ever wanted for her, but all he could do was hope to reverse what Killenger had done. He wasn't sure that it was even possible, but he was going to help Blake in any way possible. She was the love of his life and that was not something that James was going to ignore just because it was easier. He had tried once and it didn't work then, so he knew he had to work hard on this. "Sweetie..." James whispered, his voice breaking a bit as he did so. Though, he let out a small sigh before continuing on. "I just need you to sleep. Please, just rest until we get home."

Hours Later

It had taken some time for them to get back to the house. While the party wasn't all that far away, James did need to drop of Donovan as well as call a physician to check on Blake. He wanted to know everything that Killenger had done to his lover. Every single bit so that he could figure out the best way to bring her back to him. To make her whole again...and the best way to destroy that son of a bitch.

Though, once they got home, James carried her to his room and laid her down on the bed, wanting her to continue to rest until the physician arrived. It took much longer than he wanted, but soon the man was there and walking down the hallway with James. The servants were on edge since James arrived, but the house had grown much quieter than usual. But it did cause a lot of the staff and slaves to whisper among themselves as they tried to piece together what had happened.

James knocked on the door twice before slowly entering the room with the physician. "Darling, the doctor is here. He just wants to do a check up." James whispered as they walked further into the room. Soon, he was at the side of the bed, looking at her with worried eyes.

The physician, on the other hand, was setting his bag down and pulling out a few items. Once his gloves were on, he took a few steps forward to Blake. Though he was also moving slowly, being cautious with someone who might be scared and traumatized. "I am going to look at a few things, okay? I just need you to follow my instructions as well as tell me about your time with Killenger. Is that okay with you?"

Blake was quick to answer James with a 'yes, sir' when he asked her to sleep, again. It was odd to her that she was being given permission to rest outside of her room but she was not in a position to argue. She leaned back in her seat and did her best to relax but even as they drove around, she wasn't able to sleep. Her thoughts were racing too much as she continued to wonder if Killenger was going to find her. if he would be angry at her for not being able to get back to him. The thought had her petrified because she knew that if that happened, that she would likely end up suffering for the rest of her life.

When she was left alone in James' bed, Blake shifted around as much as she dared to try and get comfortable. She didn't dare to reach for the plug inside of her or the contacts, deciding it was best to rest with both for she hadn't been told otherwise and she knew better than to do something without being directly ordered to.

Blake had managed to slip into an uneasy rest after a bit, jerking awake when James knocked on the door. She pushed herself up into a sitting position, already moving so that she was kneeling atop the bed. It was natural to her now. When she was in the presence of a wolf, she was always to make herself available and have her attention on them.

"Yes sir," Blake answered, nodding her head. While she had listened to James in the past, it was nothing like now. She wouldn't so much as go to the bathroom unless she was given permission to.

The doctor started his exam slowly, explaining everything that he was doing for both James' and Blake's benefit. It wasn't until he tried to do a quick test on her eyes that he realized something was off because she didn't seem to react to the light and her pupils also didn't respond. The doctor frowned as he straightened, looking back toward James for a moment.

"Blake, has something.. happened to your sight? Was your head hit really hard? Or something similar?"

Blake jolted when she realized what the doctor was talking about. She shook her head quickly, taking a moment to find her voice before she spoke. "M-Master... he prefers I to wear t-these.. l-lenses when o-out in public."

The doctor seemed to relax at that, nodding slowly. "Can you take them out? Will it hurt you to?"

Blake shook her head quickly again before she turned in the direction she thought that James was in. "Sir?" She prompted in a quiet voice, only reaching up to take them out once James gave the go ahead.

@ castle.

"Yes, take them out," James said softly. A deep frown came over his lips as he thought about the contacts. It was clear from what the physician said that they were used to stop her sight in some way, but he didn't fully understand what they did. "Does it hurt your eyes?" James asked her after a moment, trying to get a better sense of what was going on.

The physician looked to James for a moment before taking the contacts from Blake. He took a moment to look them over, trying to get a better sense of what exactly they were. Though, after a moment, he let out a small hum before looking to James with a shake of his head. "They probably do not hurt her at all. Though, it appears, that they block her from being able to see at all. Is that correct, miss?"

Setting them down to the side, the physician continued on with the check-up. He looked at her eyes as well as down her throat. He then continued down, pointing out any sore or injured areas. Though, he then moved onto her crotch. It was important that he check her there as well, and proceeded to do so. But the physician found the butt plug rather quickly and took his time in sliding it out of her. "No more need for that." He murmured as he continued on.

James continued to stand to the side, watching uncomfortably as he did so. Part of him wished he could leave the room and wait for the physician's report. But it was important to stay by Blake's side, even when she didn't think she needed him. Once the physician was done, James thanked the man before having a servant lead him out of the house. With that, he then turned to Blake. There was a lot he wanted to do but he didn't want to overwhelm her. So, instead, he moved to the side of the bed and spoke quietly, "Did you want to talk at all? Or rest?" James whispered gently. "Is there anything you want right now?"

Blake was quick to hand the contact lenses over to the doctor. Her eyes were squeezed shut as she tried to let her eyes readjust to being able to actually see. She shrugged slightly at the question, relieved when the doctor started to answer for her. "They don't hurt except when I take them out. The lights are all so bright," she answered softly. "They just make it so that I can't.. see things. Only shadows. If they are dark enough," she tried to explain, feeling like it was the proper thing to do. It seemed like both the doctor and James wanted to know more about the lenses. She didn't know what they were made of or anything but she knew the effects well enough.

She made sure to keep her head lowered still, opening her eyes slowly. Blake blinked repeatedly, her face scrunching at just how bright the lights still seemed to be. She tensed when the doctor reached the plug, clamping her lips shut so that she wouldn't make any noises that weren't called for. Blake didn't so much as shiver when the doctor continued to examine her intimate parts, figuring it was all part of the exam that seemed to be required.

While she had twisted and turned and bent as the doctor needed her to but the moment that he stepped away from her and declared he was finished with the exam, Blake moved back into her standard position. On her knees with her thighs spread, her head bowed as she waited to hear what they wanted from her. When the doctor left the room, Blake nearly lifted her head but the same moment that she started to look up, she seemed to remember her place and her head snapped back downward.

Blake frowned at the questions that James asked, seeming to contemplate how to answer him. "Whatever you require of me, sir. I will do as you please," Blake finally offered. She was sleep if she was told and of course, if James prompted her to talk she would otherwise she had no clue what to even say to him. "I can move to the floor so you are able to be comfortable," Blake offered after a beat of silence. Part of her knew it was wrong. That James would never ask such things of her but it seemed so completely wrong not to.

@ castle.

James' head dropped a bit as Blake continued on with her good slave routine. It really was killing him inside, that she was like this. That she continued to think that this was what he wanted from her. James could feel his throat growing tight and he shifted a bit uncomfortably on his feet for a few moments. This was difficult for him to figure out what to do. He wanted to dig down deep into Blake, to figure out what she wanted, how she truly felt. But was now really the time for that? Shouldn't he let her rest for a few days? To hopefully let her slave routine start to fade before doing so?

Though there was more than that James wanted. He wanted to crawl into bed with her, to wrap his arms around her and pull Blake in close. But would she want that too? Or would she feel sick at the forced intimacy? He didn't want her to just accept it because she thought her 'master' would want that from her. James felt like he was in a field filled with bombs and he didn't know how to get through it safely. Though all he could do was take one step at a time.

James cleared his throat, trying to seem pulled together as he spoke. "I want you to do as you please." He told her, hoping that if he said it enough, Blake would start to understand that he truly just wanted her to be herself and now some perfect sex slave. Though, James would be a fool to think that something like this would be fixed so quickly and easily. James hesitated for a moment before heading to one of the drawers and pulling out a long-sleeved shirt and a pair of boxers. He headed to her side and set them down onto the edge of the bed. "I want you to put these on, and relax... I will get you some food as well. What do you want to eat?"

Lifting his head up a bit, James took a moment to look her over again. He still couldn't believe how much she had changed after just a few weeks. It seemed more like this would be years. Even so, she still smelled the same. And he knew that somewhere deep inside of her was the same Blake as well. "You don't have to do that pose with me either," James told her.

Blake frowned, lifting her head slightly at James' request for her to do as she pleased. She didn't even know what to do in regard to that. There were plenty o things she wanted to do. It would be wonderful to go soak. Vaguely, she remembered how luxurious James' tub was but she wouldn't dare request that. No. Unless James told her to, Blake wasn't nearly brave enough to ask for such a thing. She hadn't proved herself enough to ask for something so frivolous.

"Yes, sir," Blake was quick to answer, starting to speak the moment that James had finished after setting the pajamas down on the bed. She pushed herself up, sliding off of the bed long enough so that she could peel her layers off. It wasn't awkward to her at all to stand naked in front of James, even after so much time away from him. Her body was riddled with healing bruises and cuts from her time with Killenger but she seemed to hardly falter in her movements. Sure, some of the bruises hurt but they were because of a punishment. They weren't supposed to feel good - they were a reminder to be better next time.

Blake took her position back on the bed, starting to move into the position she knew so well when James told her that it wasn't necessary. She faltered, opening her mouth to ask how James wanted her to sit before she realized it was out of turn. If James wanted something from her, she was sure he would tell her. Instead, Blake settled back against the headboard as she played with the edge of her shirt.

"Oats would be wonderful... with a few pieces of fruit if it's not too much. Or.. A piece of toast would be fine as well," she was quick to add, not wanting to seem ungrateful for his offer of food. "I will appreciate anything you feel is acceptable," she added after a moment of silence. Blake forced a smile to her lips, trying to ignore the pounding of her heart.This was all so strange. It was nothing like Blake was used to now, she fully expected to be used until she wasn't required and only after that would she be allowed to eat or rest or anything else deemed a necessity.

@ castle.

Silence fell over James for a moment before he gave her a small nod and headed out of the room. Part of him thought that he should have sent a servant to grab her meal, but James was also feeling that he needed a small break from it all. He wasn't going to give up on her, and he was full of determination to help Blake become better again. But, it was hard to watch her. It was easy to tell that she was holding back for 'his benefit' and that she didn't know what to do when she didn't follow her routine. Seeing all of it made it hard to breathe, so he just needed a small break to try and collect his thoughts.

Only about 20 minutes had gone by before James was making his way back to Blake with a tray in his eyes. He had thought that the small walk through his house would make things clear, or at least help him feel better. Though James certainly did not feel that way. He did not have a solid plan on what to do with her nor did some time alone make James feel any less upset about what he had seen so far. But he hoped that time would not only help Blake but would also help him figure it out.

Despite it being his room, James knocked twice before walking in. He set down the tray of food on the side of the bed. "You should eat." He told her gently. James then turned and set a glass of water on the bedside table. He had thought about what she asked for before deciding to give her something more fulfilling and appetizing than oats. A Belgian waffle, two pieces of bacon and some fruit. James knew he would need to start keeping track of what she was eating, just in case Killenger had taught her something terrible in order to stay weak or scary thin.

"I think after you are doing eating, we should sleep for the night. And tomorrow morning, we can figure out what to do." James was quiet for a moment before giving himself a small nod. It seemed like a good idea to him. Plus, James needed to rest as well. And he needed time to figure out what to do about Blake. Slowly, James sunk into one of the chairs in the room before turning towards Blake. "Unless there is something you want to do tonight?" James said softly. "And, did you want to share a bed tonight or would you rather sleep alone?"

Blake felt her fatigue sneaking up on her but she wouldn't dare lay back against the pillows and fall asleep without James here. She didn't think it would be wrong. She didn't think it would upset him but the very thought of it being a possibility had her utterly terrified. She sat on the bed, her head lowered as she stared at her lap. It felt foreign to be wearing clothes and they were oddly uncomfortable to her. She wasn't meant to be wearing anything other than scantily clad lingerie, at the most.

Chewing on her bottom lip, Blake picked at the bottom of the shirt as she waited for James to return. She was nervous because she knew this place. Blake knew that she had been here, she knew that she had a relationship with James. And hell, she knew that she was supposed to love him but Killenger had her completely manipulated. She was convinced that Killenger would find her, that he would take her back and she would be punished for her thoughts. For wanting to be loved by James and wanting to return the feelings.

Blake's eyes welled with tears at the thought before she squeezed her eyes. No. Crying wasn't allowed. She knew that. Blake jumped slightly at the knock on the door. She lifted her head, her eyes widening slightly at the sight of so much food on the plate that James carried. She was quick to write it off, deciding that the fruit was for her. When James explained that it was all for her, Blake could only stare dumbly at the food.

"Sir?" Blake's voice came out, confused as she willed herself to look up to him. The moment that her gaze met his, she was quick to look back down. Blake ate a few of the grapes before she glanced toward him. He was giving her so many choices and she had no clue what to do with them. She knew that James would want to be close to ehr but Killenger... he would be so mad. Especially if he found out that Blake only wanted to be held by James. To feel safe.

Blake forced herself to take a bite of the waffle to give her another moment to think before she answered James. "Rest would be good. Your day had been long, sir," she spoke quietly, sure that his day had been just as long as hers... if not longer. Blake finished most of the waffle and the fruit before she decided that she was full. Blake frowned, starting to push the food around but every so often she'd continue to force herself to eat for she didn't want to upset James by not finishing the meal he'd brought for her.

@ castle.

"You don't have to call me that. Sir, I mean." James reminded her gently. He didn't want Blake to get the sense that he was going to push her around or try to dominate her. It was the last thing he wanted at this point. This needed to be a safe place for Blake where she could begin to open up again. And he felt sure in the idea that trying to enforce any kind of structure like that or do anything that Killenger did would only cause her to stay close to him. Besides, James wanted their relationship to be an equal one.

As he folded his hands in his lap, James took a mental note of Blake not responding to his question. At this point, it was probably a difficult one for her to answer, whether or not she wanted to share a room with him. Though James was afraid to answer for her. It was hard to say. Did she want some space for herself? To decompress and think? Or would that just make Blake feel alone? But, on the other side of the coin, James didn't want to overcrowd her or feel as though he was forcing his way to her.

"We don't have to share a bed if you don't want. I will go to the room next door if you wish for some privacy. Or I can sleep in here and you can take the bed if you want someone close by?" James felt nervous as he asked these questions. He was not really want to be plagued with indecision, but now he didn't know what to do. Blake mattered so much but it was clear she had been twisted in horrible ways. He just didn't want to make it worse but the path was unclear.

Though he was careful to watch Blake, to take her in the best he could. And when he noticed how she was pushing the food around, he cleared his throat a bit and spoke. "Don't feel the need to eat it all if you are full. I'll have the food cleared out once you are finished and then we can both get some needed rest."

Blake's brows pulled together at James' urging but she didn't dare open her mouth to argue. She didn't think there was anything at all that she could be offered that would convince her to argue with a wolf. She knew her place. She was a slave - nothing more. Even if she longed to return to the way they had been before she ran away, there was simply no way. Blake was convinced of that. Her stomach twisted into a firm knot but she forced herself to continue taking a few bites of the food.

The options that James was giving her had her heart skipping a beat. She had no idea what she was supposed to say. Her eyes flitted around her lap as hse struggled to come up with some sort of answer. It was clear as day to her that James wanted an answer but she couldn't figure out what was the best option. She was with James right now but what would he prefer? She knew Killenger would be angry at her for enjoying James' company but she didn't know if... or when she would return to his care. Did she answer knowing to please James or did she listen to the fear that had settled in the pit of her stomach? If Killenger found out... a chill ran down her spine at the thought.

"But.. I.. won't.." Blake let out a strangled noise as she glanced toward James' direction. "It will go bad," she said in a weak voice. She had gotten used to not eating often, all too quickly. Food was only used as an extreme reward when she had been with Killenger. "I should not waste it," she added. Her hands hovered over the plate before she dropped them to her sides, admitting defeat.

Sitting up a bit straighter, Blake nodded toward the chaise in the corner of the room. "I can sleep on the couch. I don't want to... inconvenience you. You are big, a wolf.. you deserve to sleep on a comfortable bed," she added, clutching the plate as she turned so that she could push to her feet. "Should I.. should i return this to the kitchen?" She asked quietly, still refusing to actually look in his direction.

@ castle.

Reaching over, James took the plate away from Blake once she dropped her hands to her sides. He could tell at this point that Blake wasn't hungry anymore. It was more like she was trying to eat it out of fear. Fear of being punished? Fear of wasting it? Fear of not eating enough before she was starved? He was not positive as to what caused her to want to stuff herself but it was twisting his stomach to think about. "It will not go to waste," James assured her gently before setting the plate away from her. "Please do not concern yourself with the food. You will be given enough to eat, and it will be taken cared for when you are done."

Once James saw Blake starting to move, he was on his feet. He tried not too make too quick a movement, or to frighten her, but James was not going to allow Blake to head out of the room and do any work. "No," James told her, his voice gentle but firm. "The plate will be returned to the kitchen for you. You need to rest. And, you will sleep in a bed. I have many comfortable beds to choose from. I am taken cared of. You do not need to worry about me. It is your job to care for yourself."

James was quiet for a moment before continuing on. "Is it that you do not wish to stay in this room?" He was concerned that perhaps she was uncomfortable staying in his room. Did Killenger make her afraid of him? Afraid of intimacy? Perhaps thinking of their past relationship was too much for Blake to handle right now? It was hard to tell. He could see problems folding before his eyes but as to what those problems actually were was too hard to figure out.

"You will sleep in a bed tonight," James repeated, his voice gentler now. "You will be comfortable. And I promise breakfast will be brought for you in the morning. You will be cared for. Is this room satisfactory or do you wish to have your own room?" James asked her gently. He knew she did not answer his other question, but maybe she would at least answer this one.

Blake had to force back a whine of protest when James took the plate out of her grasp. She had no way of knowing when the next time she'd get the chance to eat was but she was sure that whenever it was... it wouldn't be soon enough. She lowered her gaze to her lap, giving a stiff nod of her head even when James attempted to reassure her. She didn't think she believed him at all but she wasn't going to dare tell James. It would anger him if she expressed not trusting him. She was positive about that, at least.

Chewing on the inside of her lip, Blake tensed when James stood but she simply nodded, again. She frowned at his words. It was her job to take care of herself? No. Absolutely not. She opened her mouth to protest before she seemed to realize just what she had been about to do. No. Blake's opinion did not matter. It would never matter. She was a human, a slave. Nothing more, ever. Blake had managed to swallow that pill.

"I will do as you please," Blake answered in a calm voice. She shifted her weight around until she was a bit more comfortable on the mattress. It was as clear as day to her that James wanted her to relax and enjoy herself but she was far too stressed. She couldn't. Killenger would find her - he would punish her. He was going to be so angry with her. A shudder ran down her spine at the thought. If she had thought his punishments in the beginning of her time with him was bad, she was sure that would be nothing compared to what she was going to face.

"Master... H-he'll.. be mad," Blake forced the words out. They tasted sour on her tongue but there was no way around them. "Slaves.. they are not to be in beds unless they are of use." That was all there was to it. There was nothing more that needed to be said, she didn't think.

@ castle.

James rubbed the back of his neck as he tried to figure out what to do with Blake. It was clear that she was not going to voice her opinion on any matter in the fear of being punished. And while he thought leaving Blake alone would allow her to rest, James was fearful of what she would do if he did leave her alone. So... it seemed he would just need to make decisions for her while still trying to get her to voice what she wanted. That didn't sound easy.

"You do not have a master anymore," James told her firmly. "You do not need to fear punishment from him any longer. I promise that you are safe here. He will never get ahold of you again, I swear it." Taking a step forward, James looked over his tortured lover once again. The man then cleared his throat and looked off to the side. "I will stay here tonight, to protect you."

In truth, James just wanted to stay there to watch over Blake. He was worried about what that psycho put in her mind and what he made her do. James headed over to Blake and gently brushed his fingers down her cheek. "You will be okay. You are safe with me." James hesitated for a moment before leaning down and pressing a kiss against her forehead. After a moment, James pulled away and took a step back.

"I am going to take a shower and then head to bed. You should get some sleep tonight as well. Is there anything that you need?" James asked her.

Blake would never admit to James that she was relieved when he said he would stay with her. She didn't know if she believed fully that it was to protect her but all she did was give a tiny nod of her head. It was better than ignoring his response, she thought. She bit down on the inside of her lip, tensing when James leaned forward to kiss her forward. Blake was quiet at first when James asked if she had anything else that she needed.

She gave a tight smile as she shook her head, rubbing her arm absentmindedly. "No. Thank you," Blake answered quietly. It wasn't until James had left the room entirely that she pushed herself back on the bed. She stretched out before closing her eyes. She rolled onto her side, staring at the wall as she curled up a bit. Blake didn't want to disrupt the blankets but the bed itself was far more comfortable than what she was used to so it didn't take more than a few minutes of listening to the shower running before Blake drifted off to sleep.