{{user}} woke slowly, pain ebbing away at the heavy drowsiness left by exhaustion and whatever sedative had been given to them. Their head was clearer. Somewhat. Still had a splitting headache though, leaving {{user}}'s head stuffed with cotton. The nape of {{user}}'s neck still throbbed in time with their pulse, scraped raw. {{user}} didn’t want to think about the other aches in their abused body.

{{user}} tried to push up, arms shaking with the effort. {{user}} didn’t get very far, inundated by familiar scents and a low, throaty purr that started up as soon as their body shifted. “You’re home,” Noah said, cooing softly as {{user}} sank back down into the warmth of the blankets, the soft cotton of the pajamas on their skin.

“You're safe, little one. You’re in my nest, you slept for around three hours,” Noah murmured, gently rubbing his wrists against {{user}}'s back and spreading his carefully controlled, almost saccharine, soothing scent as {{user}} turned slowly and painfully to face him.

His expression was gentle, solemn, Noah grieved for what had been done to his childhood friend, his pack mate, who'd he'd loved and spoiled and looked after and considering a sibling. {{user}} being kidnapped just to be sold that horrible alpha. The pain of being humiliated that way is unthinkable. {{user}} might be grown, but they will always be a precious, innocent pup in Noah's eyes.