***WARNING THIS CHAPTER CONTAINS ABUSE AND VIOLENCE ***
The van hits a pothole, making Lirien's teeth snap together. The inside smells like old smoke and rusted metal, making it hard to breathe. It feels like a cage, just like the strong presence of the Alpha driving.
Lirien is curled up on the floor, still holding onto Vael's jacket. But its comforting scent,cedar and rain, is fading, replaced by the driver's heavy, unpleasant smell. It reminds him of something burnt and dangerous, and it makes a deep, instinctive fear rise inside him.
His stomach tightens painfully, and a small whimper escapes his lips. His body feels hot and uncomfortable, and he shifts uneasily. The suppressants he took earlier is no longer working, overwhelmed by being so close to a powerful Alpha who isn't Vael.
