Derek was a little startled at the sudden hug and rush of emotion, though he caught her and tentatively patted her back soothingly, still a tad bit stunned at the force of her gratitude but glad he could help and make someone feel so thankful.
The speed of his reaction surprised her; he’d been so cautious before. She turned the protein bars over in her hands, not confused by them, but just thinking. Thinking about the way she’d turned to fit herself in the car, and the way her hands had automatically reached for the seatbelt. Putting the bars down, she tried to twist the bottle’s cap off, but her hands were shaking too much. She bared her teeth at it, frustrated.
Derek saw her struggling with the bottle and the bared teeth. He was a wolf, bared teeth weren’t a good sign. As gently as he could, he laid one hand over hers on the plastic, the other gently sliding the bottle from her grip. “Don’t get frustrated. It’s alright.” He twisted the cap off and placed it back in her hand. “I’m here to help, I’m going to help.” He slipped one of the bars from her lap and peeled the wrapper open, placing it back on her thigh and then stepping back to close the door without another word. He walked around the front and slid in, buckling and starting the car.
She blew out a breath, hanging her head a little. Even if she could use them, there weren’t enough words in the world for how much she hated being this helpless. She inspected the protein bar at close range, then ate it, and another one, and drank most of the water. She wasn’t really paying any attention to the world going by the car, except once, as they were waiting at a stoplight.
Idly letting her mind range out, she brushed against the hunter. She jerked up to look out the window, eyes a little wild, pulling her mind back. But — she was with Derek. She was safe, right? He would protect her? She turned away from the window, locking her hands around the water bottle. And then the light changed, and they moved on.