Lex knew what was happening before Winnie did. He could feel the way she was shaking and breathing - she was working herself up into a panic attack.

He thought back to Christian, and what he would do in this situation. He controlled his own breathing, keeping it nice and even.

He rubbed her back, drawing circles with his fingers.

"Focus on me," he said.

He could feel her trying to make an effort, but she was still not getting any better.

"Lex," she sobbed. "They would chain me to the wall naked, and-"

Lex felt an intense anger, one that was fiery and red, one that he tried to swallow down.

"Winnie," he said, trying to keep his voice low and soothing. "Baby, you're safe now. We won't let anything happen to you."

She took a shuddering breath. Focusing on his voice helped her calm down.

"Please keep talking," she mumbled.

"Yeah?" he gave a chuckle, but not a real one. He was too damn angry to be amused. "No one ever tells me to keep talking."

He thought for a moment. "I never felt like I belonged anywhere, not until I met Wilder. And then our house flooded. I was so pissed off because I didn't want to stay with some crusty, bossy Alpha. Wilder is bossy enough," Lex rambled.

He felt her shaking lessen and he continued to trace circles for her to focus on.

"Christian is not some crusty Alpha though. He is so smart, and he puts so much care and thought into everything he does. I didn't understand the connection I felt to them, not until I met you."

She took a final shuddering breath, feeling sweaty and exhausted.

"Come on. Let's get you a drink," he whispered, sitting them up.

She protested when he tried to move her off of his lap.

She seemed to be feeling extra clingy so he scooped her up, carrying her into the kitchen. Having her around kept his own anger at bay. What did Winnie do to deserve that kind of treatment? She was just a baby at thirteen years old.

He shook his head, setting her on the kitchen counter so he could fix her a glass of water. She drank the whole thing, relieved that the sensation that she had swallowed sand was gone.

"I'm going to take a shower," Winnie said, looking up at him.

He nodded.

"Will you sit in my room with me?"

"Of course," he whispered, kissing her cheek.

She felt way better after her hot shower and changing her clothes.

Lex had also changed and was sitting on the edge of her bed.

"Are you worried?" she asked him.

"No. You shouldn't be either," he said, pulling the blankets back so she could get in.

"Don't go," she protested when he tried to get up. She patted the space next to her. "Can you sleep here? Just until they get back."

He smiled, getting under the blankets with her. He was happy to do whatever she asked.

She tucked into his chest, and they both fell into a blissful sleep.

---

Christian and Wilder slowed as they approached a building, shifting back into their human form. It took them about half a day to complete the same journey as Winnie.

"I can't believe she traveled this far," Christian said quietly.

"She's so fucking strong," Wilder growled. "Something isn't right here."

The entrances were heavily guarded with large men with guns.  Christian and Wilder quietly crept around the whole building. It was massive, like a compound. Who knows who or what was inside.

"This is a bigger operation than we were imagining," Christian added. "We're going to need back up."

"Let's stake out for a while, and then go home and make a plan. We're going to need several other warriors with us to take whatever the hell this is down," Wilder mumbled. He really wanted to go in and tear the bastards up, but he knew that wouldn't help much. He wanted them finished for good.

"I can't believe this was happening so close to my house. The audacity," Christian scoffed.

They watched for awhile, but nothing eventful was going on outside.

"I wonder if we can send someone in undercover," Wilder mumbled. "That way we know what were are getting ourselves into."

"I know a dude who looks just like they could fit in here," Christian said pointedly.

"Me?" Wilder gave a laugh of disbelief. "They'll recognize me."

"So what? They don't know you're Winnie's mate. You could claim you're tired of my shit."

It was a bad idea, but also a really good idea.

"Christian, I don't think I could control my temper in there if I see them beating on someone."

"You're my head warrior for a reason, Wild. You can do this. I will wait out here for you."

"You're fucking insane," Wilder huffed. "How will I know what to say?"

Christian shrugged. He gave him an eager grin, not the least bit nervous for him. Wilder was right. He had gone insane.

"If I tear everyone up, I'm blaming you."

Wilder straightened his clothes, dusting off his pants. He headed right for the entrance.