HOME | DD

Description
WARNING: This story contains references to violence/abuse. If that in any way bothers/triggers you, do not read it.

I winced and dug my back further onto the cool glass of the cage, trembling violently. Keeping my eyes down and my face hidden behind a curtain of once pretty brown hair, I avoided the huge pair of grey eyes that were currently staring at me. Why doesn’t he just leave? All of them do… except for the evil ones.

“Oh no sir, you don’t want that human.” The perky shopkeeper’s words made the man drag his consuming gaze away from me, and he regarded the worker curiously.

“Why not?” his voice boomed, making my heart race. I clenched my eyes shut. Please, please leave me alone.

The worker tapped on the glass cage like a child would on a fish tank. “This one is pretty broken.” Her voice was a soft whisper, as if I wouldn’t be able to hear her, I thought sarcastically.

“She had an abusive owner before she came to the shelter. Doesn’t let anyone touch her.” I drew further into myself when the worker looked at me with poorly disguised pity. I hated that. “She was practically out of her mind when we recovered her from that awful man’s house.”

“Dear god…” the grey-eyed man breathed, bending down yet again to look at me.

No. I don’t want your sympathy. I just want to be alone. Leave me alone.

As if the worker could hear my silent pleas, she touched the man’s arm, “Why don’t we look at some of the humans over there sir? I’m sure they’d be a better fit.”

Yes, please leave. It was bad enough when the workers that ventured back into the furthest ends of the shop and shot me a couple curious glances, but it was worse when someone would stare at me like I was an animal on exhibit on a zoo. I pulled my legs to my chest and drew in a ragged breath, refusing to open my eyes.

The man’s voice rumbled again, “No, I think I’ll stay here. Thank you, though.”

The worker sounded taken aback, “Uh, alright. Just let me know if you need anything.” Her steps shook the floor as she departed, leaving to greet the customers that had just entered the pet shop.

I could hear him breathing, and I imagined his exhales fogging the glass of the cage. I could barely get any farther from him, huddled in my ragged clothes and shivering from both the cold temperature and from sheer terror. Please stop staring at me. I could feel his grey eyes on me, making me feel naked and violated. I just wanted to disappear, fade into nothing. I must look utterly pathetic, barely four inches tall compared to this monstrous being.

I wanted to throw up. My stomach churned as he continued to stare at me. I turned my head away from him, leaning my forehead against the icy glass. At least he wasn’t trying to pick me up. I shuddered, remembering how I acted like a rabid animal when a creepy old man tried to handle me, screaming and kicking. That taught the rest of the shop workers to stay away from me and keep me in the far back, away from the rest of the humans.

In a way, I was thankful for that. I could drown in my own sorrow in solidarity. I was always introverted, but my thoughts quickly turned poisonous after a month of continued loneliness.

I sucked in a sob, that worker was right. I was broken.

Chris broke me. And I didn’t think I’d ever recover from his torment and abuse.

Being alone wasn’t helping. I just relived those two years over and over again in my mind. A soft voice broke through my dark thoughts and I flinched.

“H-hi.”

Why was he still here? Why didn’t he go find one of those cute little blonde humans, the ones the probably don’t suffer from numerous mental problems?

“I’m Luke.” His voice was deep and kind, but then again, Chris sounded like that too. I resolutely remained turned away from him. Maybe if I ignore him, he’ll leave.

“I’m not leaving.”

I frowned, wanting to pull my hair and scream. I have nothing to offer you! Get the message!

“Please look at me. I want to see your face.” His voice rumbled again softly, and I could hear the fabric of his jacket crinkle as he shifted to his knees in front of the cage.

Hah, you thought. There’s no way in hell I’ll do that. I gave him the smallest shake of my head, but that just seemed to make him think that I wanted to talk to him.

“Alyssa, right?”

Yes, please continue to identify with me, you giant. That’ll be sure to make me less terrified of you. I gave no indication that I heard him this time, remaining curled up in the pathetic lump I was in the corner of the cage. Pleasepleaseplease leave.

“Alyssa,” he breathed again. I flinched when I heard my name on his lips. A monster’s lips, like the rest of his kind.

“That’s a beautiful name.”

I scoffed silently to myself, rolling my eyes. No sir, flattery will get you nowhere. Does he have a problem with social cues or something? Can’t he see that I clearly want nothing to do with him?

Something nudged the glass, making it vibrate, and in turn, making me jump in fear. Dammit, I hated that the tiniest interaction with monsters always left me breathless with terror. Out of instinct, I wildly looked around, eyes wide.

And my eyes met… his.

I don’t know how eyes could be gentle, but his were. They were as different as they could get from my previous owner’s. Grey eyes flecked with green around the pupils were framed with thick and long eyelashes: the kind most girls would kill for. Oh, how different they were from Chris’s unforgiving and piercing black eyes.

I cursed myself from suddenly feeling self conscious, but how could I help it? He was... beautiful.

A hobbit-like mane of untamed black curls haloed his face, making his eyes more striking and almost… harsh. His face was still a bit boyish, but he was clearly a man. He had a strong jaw, dusted with faint stubble. Dimples dipped his cheeks as his pink lips lifted into a faint smile. The giant’s nose and cheeks were stained pink from the snowy weather outside, the remnants of the snow plastering some hair to his forehead and dampening his expensive looking coat.

Okay, so I wasn’t trying to stare, but could you really blame me? His face was the size of a fricking billboard to me. It quite literally filled my view.

His eyes were wide as they regarded me too, like he was surprised that banging on my fricking cage would really get my attention. No duh, you moron. And it quickly grew awkward. I could sure as hell feel it in the air. Here I was trying the best I could to be as far away as I could from him, and yet he leaned his face even closer to the glass that separated us.

Jeezus, this guy couldn’t take a hint. Personal space, please? I shivered even more violently as I fruitlessly pushed my back against the cage.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

When the tiny human finally turned her wild and frightened green eyes on me, the rest of the world dropped away from existence. The only thing that existed was her. She was breathtaking, a soft beauty that was shy and humble. Even dressed in rags. I instantly reprimanded myself after comparing her to Cinderella, but she sure looked like she went through hell. Fading bruises and healing scars covered her skinny arms and legs, and this… feeling arose in my chest from the sight. I suddenly wanted to beat whoever it was that hurt this tiny girl to a pulp. The human gulped and trembled, scrambling against the back of the cage, looking even more frightened than before, if that was even possible.

But she was so freaking small. And it was even scaring me. I must look monstrously huge to her.

Ugh, way to go Luke. You’re terrifying her. She probably hates you.

A warm hand touched my arm and I jumped in surprise, whirling around to face the bewildered salesgirl.

“Ah-sorry sir, I didn’t mean to startle you.” She apologized and looked around my shoulder to glance at the little human behind me. A surprised look crossed her face, “Wow, you’ve made some progress. I’ve never seen her interact so much with one of us before.”

Interact? The tiny human barely acknowledged me, besides looking terrified out of her mind!

“I, uh, sure. I guess we have.” I reply, at a loss for words. I nervously ran a hand through my tangle of curls.

She leaned in closer to whisper to me, “She won’t last much longer here, she’s facing transition to a facility where… the other broken ones are kept. If she doesn’t get adopted in the next two weeks…” the salesgirl trailed off, “…well, that poor little thing.” She shook her head in pity.

Oh man, I didn’t come here looking to adopt a human. I just came to entertain some of my buddies who thought I was lonely, but I sure as hell wasn’t planning on walking out with one of the little things.

But I found myself changing my mind as I looked back at that human girl in the cage, who was shivering pathetically. My heartstrings pulled in a flurry of confusing feelings.

“Could I get some adoption papers, please?” I asked before the rational side of me could protest.

The salesgirl beamed widely, “Oh, of course sir.” she patted my arm again, “You are a very good person.”

I frowned at her back as she hurried to the front of the store to retrieve the papers. It didn’t make me good person to just remove this poor human from this god-forsaken place. I was just being decent and I had a soul. I turned back to the cage and my heart sank as I saw that the girl had returned to her original position, back to me and huddled in the corner. Had she heard that exchange?

In the least threatening, most comforting voice I could muster, I whispered to her, “Don’t worry, I’m gonna get you out of this awful place.” She winced from my voice.

I faltered, “I won’t hurt you. I promise.” I received no response, but that was expected. I couldn’t help but feel like a mountain as I rose from my crouch and signed the adoption papers. She gave no indication whatsoever that she wanted to come with me, but I wasn’t going to let her wither away in some facility.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Oh, hell no. There was no way.

I refused to go with this monstrous yet simultaneously attractive giant, no matter how much his eyes made my heart flutter. His pen scratched across the adoption papers, quite literally signing my fate.

I put my face in my grimy hands, trying to think of a way out of this. Fake a seizure? No, I was a horrible actor. Maybe I could jump out of his hand- No. I immediately dismissed the thought. I didn’t want to be ‘Alyssa the stain on the floor of the pet shop’. Panic built up in my throat.

“What’s her last name?” His voice made me shiver.

The salesgirl shrugged, “No idea. It took months to figure out her first name.” she gave him a copy of the papers, “I’ll get a carrier for you. I’d avoid holding her for a while. She’s feisty and doesn’t enjoy being handled.”

I scowled at the salesgirl’s words. I’m not a hamster, bitchwad! The giant turned back towards me, grey-eyed gaze on me like a spotlight.

Nonononono. I silently pleaded with him. Please just let me stay here. His huge eyes just blinked sympathetically. Dammit.

“I’m sorry.” He mouthed to me. Don’t be sorry! Just don’t adopt me! I choked back a sob as he just regarded me with those piercing eyes, sadly looking over my terrified form. Tears stung my eyes and I tried to swallow them back, but they spilled over, streaking my dirty face. I was out of options.

The metal door on the top of my cage creaked open, sending pieces of rust fluttering down my cage like snow. I scrambled away, tripping over my rags and sliding over the smooth surface of the cage.

My heart went crazy when a fish-tank net entered through the opening, moving towards me. A scream built up in my throat as fear washed over me, blocking out all other senses. I stumbled to the right when the net crashed over where I had just been standing. I moved to the corner, pressing my body into the glass. Something wet was covering my cheeks.

I was sobbing, and I didn’t even realize that I was crying so much. The neon green net tentatively moved closer, trapping me in my corner.

“No!” I screamed, turning into a blubbering mess. My voice was hoarse from disuse and my throat quickly turned raw from my continued screaming.

The green net scooped me up and I rolled to the bottom, shaking in terror. I tried to scramble out, but the net was too deep and my feet were trapped in the little holes. The comfort of the glass floor of the cage disappeared as I was whipped upward at breakneck speed. I wrapped my arms around my trembling body as I was lifted to eye-level of the salesgirl, who smiled sympathetically at me.

I was dumped unceremoniously into a small cardboard box. I hit it on my hands and knees, collapsing to a heap on my stomach. I dragged myself to the corner of the box as it was passed to my new owner.

“Here she is, sir.”

Whop-dee-fucking-do. I looked up at him in fear, tears still coating my cheeks. Great. Now he can do whatever he wants with me. He looked back at the girl and I was greeted by his very attractive under-chin.

“Thank you, I hope you have a great day.” His voice vibrated my box and I pulled myself into an even tighter ball. Darkness fell over me as the top was pulled over it, and I rolled and hit the other side of the box when it swayed with his gait. I groaned, pressing a hand to my aching back.

The door chimed as he pushed it open, and the cold seeped through the thin cardboard walls of my prison. I shivered, trying to keep my body heat. He walked for a couple seconds and reached what I guess was his car. My owner’s car.

The swaying stopped and I shuddered as he opened the car door with a grunt, placing my box and me on a seat. The door slammed shut and I winced. Jeez, it was freezing, even in his car. The other car door was pulled open and the car’s weight dipped as he sat in the driver’s seat. The keys jangled and the car purred to life, heat blasting. It smoothly pulled out of the shelter and jolted forward as the giant sped away.

I silently mulled over my situation while he drove, thankful he hadn’t tried to pick me up with his hands yet. What the hell was I supposed to do now? If I escaped, it was too cold outside and I’d die of pneumonia in a couple days. Maybe he won’t be as bad as Chris. Maybe he’ll be gentle. I shuddered as I remembered Chris’s less than considerate handling of me. I glanced at the bruises winding up my arms.

I slid to the front of the box with a surprised yelp when the car abruptly stopped. Oh no. We can’t be here already. Dear lord no. His weight left the car as he opened the door and closed it again. Silence filled the emptiness around me, suffocating me as I tried not to panic. I wished they’d drugged me. At least I’d be unaware of what’s going on now. Maybe it would lessen my dread and fear.

My car door was pulled open and I jumped, scrambling away from the loud noise. My prison rocked sickeningly as it was lifted off the seat and carried by the man into his house. His feet crunched in the snow. I really wished I could faint on demand. I needed that right now. I was shifted to his other arm, sliding precariously in the box as he fumbled with his house keys.

I sat there, crying like a baby as I awaited my fate. A rush of warm air hit the inside of the box as he finally opened the door and quickly stepped inside. The box swayed for a couple moments with me bumping the sides and trying to wipe away my tears.

It finally stopped and I felt myself drop when I was set onto a steady surface. I couldn’t keep myself from trembling more in terror: I hadn’t been touched by a giant in a month and I sure as hell wasn’t ready for it now. The top opened and I blinked at the sudden light, blinded. I immediately moved into a corner, pulling my knees to my chest.

“H-hey…” a tentative voice rumbled around me. I pulled myself even closer into a ball, wishing I could disappear. I refused to acknowledge him. Wiping the tears off my face, I tried to contain the terror that built up.

A heavy silence washed over us, and I could hear him shifting uneasily, unsure of how to proceed. I tried to drag my rags closer around me for some semblance of warmth, but I still shook. Sudden warmth touched my arm and I screamed, scooting as far away as I could get from it. Oh my god, his hand just touched me.

“Let me help you.” The deep voice said again, making my stomach twist, “If you let me get you out of there, I can get you food and a bath. I promise I won’t hurt you.”

Pshh, how many times had I heard that from Chris? They almost say ‘I won’t hurt you’ in the same way, voices low and soft, as if they were offended by my fear. I shook my head, hoping this nightmare would end.

“Look, you’re freezing. I can see you’re shivering.” I’m literally quaking in fear because of you, not because I’m cold, you moron! “You aren’t doing yourself any favors staying in that stupid box.”

I couldn’t keep back the sneeze that erupted from me and my face paled when I realized I couldn’t feel my toes. Oh god, he’s right.

“Bless you.” His voice was soft with amusement and… concern? I couldn’t tell. Maybe I was deluding myself, thinking he actually cared about me. This giant was probably like all the other sickos, only adopting me to use me like a plaything.

“Alright.” His words boomed around me, tone decisive and final, “I’m not gonna let you freeze to death. I’m getting you out of that damn box.”

Before I could blink, leathery tree-trunk sized fingers wrapped around my frame. I screamed louder than I thought was possible, using my remaining energy to kick and scratch at them. Terror flashed through me as I was transported back to my days with Chris from this simple action. Tears streamed down my face as the fingers lifted me from the box, but I clenched my eyes shut, petrified of what was going to happen next.

“Shh-shh, calm down Lyss, I’m not gonna hurt you.” I didn’t even register his use of my nickname before the fingers set me down on an equally warm and squishy platform. Ohnoohnoohno, he just set me on his palm. I stumbled to my knees, eyelids still closed, gasping for air as I hyperventilated. Sobs chocked my breathing, making me light headed. I blindly tried to leap off the palm, even though I was well aware I could fall to my death. But I didn’t care. It’s not like I had anything left to live for.

“Dammit!” he cursed as air rushed passed me from my fall. But there was a loud crash and I was enveloped in warmth and leathery skin yet again.

I finally cracked open my eyes when I was set on a cool surface and I immediately scooted back from a furious-looking giant that towered over me. My stomach twisted as he looked down at me in anger. Dammit Alyssa, why did you jump? I flinched when his hands came up, expecting a harsh grip to come around me like Chris had done when he was angry. But those hands only went to the giant’s hair as he ran them through it, breathing heavily as he shut his grey eyes, They opened again, and immediately softened when they saw that I was practically about to die of terror.

“Lyss, you can’t do rash things like that!” he reprimanded me and I winced, scrambling further away from him. His dark brows furrowed, “Do you have a death wish or something?”

I remained silent, contemplating. It wasn’t like I wanted to kill myself, it’s just that I wouldn’t particularly mind if I died. His eyes widened as though he could read my thoughts.

“What the hell did that bastard do to turn you into… this?” Even though his voice was a whisper, it still made my heart clench from the hint of anger in it. You have no idea, buddy, I thought to myself.

I did a quick sweep of my surroundings, while remaining tense and alert to the giant’s movement like the paranoid, damaged human I was. I was seated on an expensive slab of white marble in what looked like a kitchen. Everything was so… expensive. I had never seen such a fancy room before in my life. White marble covered the countertops, complimented by mahogany cabinets and shelves. The refridgerator hummed in the background. Oh my god, it looked like I was in one of those mansions you’d see in those realtor shows. My eyes whipped back to my new owner, who stood by the edge of the countertop, towering over me like a fricking mountain. He even looked rich, dressed in a fancy charcoal coat with a dress pants and shiny shoes.

As a human that had (literally) exchanged various hands, in my experience it was the richer the owner was, the sicker and crueler he was, because his wealth allowed him to get away with more. My eyes widened in fear and my heart raced as my eyes glued to his face, anticipating the worst possible scenarios.

A hurt expression crossed his ginormous face before he composed himself. He raised both hands in mock surrender, but I still started at this abrupt movement, feeling like a trapped animal. I stifled a sob.

“Lyss—is it okay if I call you that?” I just stared at him, giving no indication I understood his words. But no, it’s certainly not okay. You have no right to brand me, no right to make me yours. His voice boomed again, shaking me to my core, “I have no desire to hurt you. I adopted,” he spat that word out with distaste, “you to prevent any further harm that would come to you. You’re safe.” His voice lowered to a gentle whisper, his grey eyes reassuring and worried, “You don’t have to look at me like… like I’m a monster.”

I stared into his eyes warily, locked muscles shaking from exertion. Was this some sick joke? Was he trying to build up my trust and then break me, like Chris? But I was so tired: tired of being terrified of his kind’s every movement, tired of feeling so tiny.

My arms and legs ached from the purple and blue bruises that dappled them. But his face was kind, different from Chris’s. His actions towards me showed me that he was trying to be gentle and considerate, along with the blatant concern splashed on his face. He was sincere, kind. I opened my mouth but found that I could produce no sound. I just gave him a hesitant nod, desperately hoping I wouldn’t regret it.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

She gave me the smallest of nods, and I could help but beam widely from my triumph. She looked at me cautiously, like she expected me to gobble her up or something. I couldn’t help but feel monstrously titanic compared to this girl, especially when I had to take her from the box. My hand still tingled from that moment, when I held a person in the palm of my hand. Her heart raced as quickly as a mouse’s as she screamed in terror and her face blanched to a deathly white.

My stomach twisted from that memory. I would never again grab her or hurt her in any way. From the way her eyes darted from my eyes to my hands, I could tell she was petrified of me and my strength, and I had never so much wished I was smaller, less imposing and intimidating. Every time I move the slightest, she would flinch or gasp and scrambled back.

And that hurt. I didn’t like feeling like a… well, giant. My disgust for my own kind was overwhelming when I saw her disfigured limbs and when I stared into her broken eyes.

I forced myself to speak again, heart panging as she flinched yet again, “I’m Luke, I introduced myself at the shelter but I didn’t think you’d remember.” I lowered my voice to a whisper to spare her sensitive ears.

She nodded yet again, green eyes wide like a caged animal’s.

I extended a single finger in greeting, slowly approaching so as not to startle her. She regarded it blankly, a brief look of confusion on her face she tried to decipher my intentions. Dammit. Why does she think my every action is to hurt her?

“It’s nice to meet you,” I say softly, trying to gain her trust. Her green eyes shot daggers into mine, and I felt self conscious and almost uncomfortable under the intense scrutiny of this tiny creature. I held my breath when she slowly stood up, still shaking. Her ratty t-shirt and pants were torn and dirty beyond recognition, who knew what color they were originally? But she held herself, even trembling from my size, with this almost regal air. Her feet tentatively shuffled towards my finger and I held back a gasp as a miniscule hand was placed on the top of my finger.

I could feel everything. Her tiny, tiny fingers and the rough calluses that weathered her tiny palms. Where did she get those? She didn’t look a day over twenty, probably seventeen at the youngest. My heart wrenched in sympathy: she must have gone through horrors.

Her eyes met mine again, and our gazes locked. I could see her face clearly now. It was small and heart shaped, with huge, striking green eyes and a button nose. She was really pretty, she looked like she belonged in a castle, not in a crappy shelter. Her dark hair fell in unkempt tendrils down her back and I couldn’t tell if it was black or brown. She was pale and dainty, like a little snow-white owl. I wondered what she’d look like clean and in nice clothing, she would probably be gorgeous. My face heated at the thought and I mentally slapped myself. Dammit, Luke, are you falling for a human?

Her hand withdrew and she stumbled back, clearly uneasy around me. Alyssa’s voice cut through the air, hoarse and faint.

“Why?”

I withdrew my finger, which still tingled from the electricity of her touch. “'Why', what?” I asked, puzzled.

She opened her tiny mouth again, looking surprised at her own audacity. “Why did you adopt me?”

I frowned, “Why wouldn’t I?”

She retracted, a flash of fear on her face. Luke, you’re doing a terrible job trying to get her to like you, I reprimanded myself.

I forced my voice to be gentle and soft, trying to make my face match it, “Lyss, what do you mean? I couldn’t leave you in that awful place. They were going to transfer you to a facility… and you just looked so…”

A flash of indignance crossed her pretty features, “’I looked so’ what?”

I gulped, suddenly unsure of myself. Why did this tiny woman who was barely the size of my biggest finger make me so nervous? “You looked… broken.”

A look of surprised hurt made her green eyes darken.

“Lyss, I wasn’t going to let you die in there.”

“I’m so glad you decided to take on a charity case. Thank you so much.” she snapped, eyes glistening with unshed tears.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I immediately covered my mouth with my hands. Oh my god, I’m so stupid. Why the hell did you just anger the giant that’s hundred times your size? I wanted to sink into the cold marble counter when the gian-Luke’s grey eyes flared with anger. His huge hands slammed the counter with enough force to kill me and I screamed in terror, curling up into a pathetic ball of sobs.

A silence fell over us, and I could hear him pacing back in forth, breathing heavily while his wet shoes squeaked loudly on the smooth floor.

Alyssa, you idiot. You just angered the person who has the strength to kill you.

When he spoke again, I flinched involuntarily. But his voice was controlled and kind, “You are not a charity case. I just wanted to help you. I want be your friend, not your owner.”

What?

“I was lonely, I just want a friend. I’m sure you need one too…” he added sheepishly, with an enormous hand rubbing the back of his neck.

I lifted my head from the counter and moved into a sitting position, ignoring my aching limbs. His cheeks were tinted pink. He wanted a friend? Why the hell did he go to a human shelter to find one? And why did he choose the most messed up human in existence? I was suddenly aware of my physical state as his beautiful grey eyes flicked up my body. I cringed: I must be a complete mess.

“I, uh,” I croaked, voice faint.

He leaned in even closer, filling my view with his massive face. Dang, this guy must have no boundaries. His warm, minty breath washed over me, “What? Sorry, speak up.”

I forced my voice to work again, faltering under the intense gaze of those stormy eyes, “I… Is there any chance I could take a bath or something?” I squeaked, blushing pink.

He leaned back, mouth in an ‘O’, and he blushed. “Yeah-yeah, of course.” He lowered a hand next to me and I stared at it, mind going blank. Then it hit me. He wanted me to get on it. Oh frick. Nope. No. Noppity-nope. I wasn’t gonna get on that thing voluntarily.

He sighed, breath ruffling my hair. “Oh, come on.” Something nudged me from behind and I shrieked in surprise, falling face-forward onto the leathery surface. It twitched beneath me and smelled faintly like pleasant cologne. I immediately pushed myself up with my arms and tried to jump backwards off it, but his other hand caught me.

“Geez, you have to stop jumping out of my hands.” I rolled with an ‘oof’ into the dip of his right palm. Heat radiated from his skin, but I had to prevent myself from enjoying it in my freezing state. Instead I stood up, and almost fell back down when I realized how close I was to his face. His grey eyes dilated in curiousity, studying me. I felt like a lizard that was caught by a adolescent boy, fascinating and foreign.

A small smile briefly lit his face, pink lips curving up and revealing endearing dimples on his cheeks. He murmured faintly, “Sorry ‘bout that.”

I quickly sat down and clenched my eyes closed. This was probably the most uncomfortable situation I’d ever had to endure. Fear built up in my throat and I collapsed into a ball, pulling my knees to my chest and resting my cheek on the skin of his palm. Stop panicking Alyssa, you’ll be fine. He seems nice. He probably won’t hurt you with his massive hands. Nope, it’s not as though his pinkie finger could kill you. But he wouldn’t do that… right?

His hand began to move and I gasped, curling more inward on myself. It rose, but left my stomach behind. I would never, ever get used to that sickening sensation of nausea that accompanies being held by a massive being.

I was still annoyed at his reasoning for adopting me. I wasn’t a fricking project. I wasn’t some broken toy that needed fixing. I’m a person.

And there are some things that are beyond fixing. Things that are too broken, shattered by the way they were treated.

I considered myself one of those things. Beyond mending.

I, Alyssa Weavers, was too damaged to be helped.