Scene - Lesson Learned: Part 2 - Ren

He bent and picked her up. Carried her to the couch. Sat down and put her on his lap. "Come on back sweetheart. Nobody's gonna hurt ya. You're safe."

Henrietta saw Ren's face, and her own looked shocked. She moved to Ren, almost shoving McKay away.

"James, allow me, please."

Her voice dropped into a soothing range, as if she were speaking to a frightened child.

"Ren, where are you. What buttons did he push."

It was going to be a cold day in hell before he let go of Ren. He let Henrietta move close enough to talk to her. But he kept Ren in his lap.

She didn't fight, didn't struggle. Her gaze was on her lap, where her still clenched fist were resting.

He rocked her back and forth. Much like a child. "Told ya that guy was a bad idea." He grumbled it under his breath. But he kissed the top of her head again. Reached down to her lap to gently unclench her fists.

Henri continued to speak softly. There was something behind her words, something strong, but not anything that came from a power of the blood.

"Ren, baby, you need to talk to me. Tell me who the monsters are and I will frighten them away forever. I promise."

There was a tiny glimmer in her eyes, though she was still wasn't moving.

A whispered single word slipped out and then there was silence again. "loyal"

Henri's voice remained powerful, yet soothing, finding exactly the right mix to make Ren open up and feel comfortable.

"Loyal to who, love."

This time there was no sound, but her lips moved.

Camarilla

Henrietta nodded.

"Of course you are. We know that. Who doubts you?"

He still rocked her back and forth. Slid his hand into hers. Held her hand and kissed the top of her head. "You didn't do anything wrong sweetheart." It was a quiet murmur. Almost too soft to be heard.

Another word, barely spoken.

"tremere"

Henri let loose a soft string of French curses.

"Ren, I'm so sorry. What did they do to you?"

She leaned in, falling against James' chest.

"questions"

Henri brushed her hair back from her face, her expression intent.

"No one here questions you. You are safe, and wanted, and no one will ever question your loyalty."

He turned her face into his chest. Ran his hands through her hair. "Oh baby." He sounded upset. He turned to look at Henrietta. "I know what that means." He shook his head. "Shh. Jim's here. No Tremere. See? No more Tremere. No questions baby. I ain't gonna let anybody hurt ya."

She took a little hitching breath just before she began to shake violently.

He continued to rock her back and forth. Ran his hands through her hair. "I gotcha baby. Ain't gonna let tha Tremere have ya." He held her firmly in his lap. "Shh. Jim's gotcha. No questions. We know ya loyal. No question at all." He kissed the top of her head. "No Tremere. Nobody but me an' you an' Henri. Nobody's gonna hurt ya."

Henrietta rubbed Ren's back gently. She was now feeling, which was better than before.

"sorry"

Henri sighed.

"Nothing to apologize for, love. It is us who should be apologizing to you."

He shook his head and kept rocking her. "No baby. I'm sorry. My fault." He looked over at Henrietta. He looked horrified. "Ya want me ta call somebody for ya baby? I'm sorry. This is my fault."

Henri shook her head. Ren needed to stay with those she trusted.

"Ren, you are strong. Very strong."