Watching her walk away from him was one of the hardest things he'd ever had to do, Riddick decided, scowling. His animal within was snarling, near insane with the need to drag her back and keep her safe. His gut instinct told him this mission was dangerous, but then who was he to judge what Jack did? She'd already survived so much more than any other person he knew, but it didn't serve to make him feel any better.

It had taken a lot not to say something when she was changing into her uniform, to not ask her to stay, but needing her was a weakness he didn't care to admit.

He was possessive he knew, but had never been so about someone before. Even now he didn't like to think why he was, but surely it was enough that he was acknowledging that he did? Thatevery glance she drew from the dock workers had his animal growling, hardening his eyes to mercury flints.

He'd driven her to the port in Imam's beat-up-excuse for transport. An ancient craft that had looked to have seen better days.

The silence had been deafening.

Every time he'd gone to speak he'd just clenched his jaw a little tighter, gripped the wheel a little tighter, 'til he felt like he was going to shatter from the tension.

Jack's gaze had been fixed blankly on the road outside, whilst her hands had fiddled with the strap of her bag; loosening, tightening, loosening, tightening. He'd had to put his hand out eventually to stop her. She'd finally glanced over then, smiling almost sadly as the port appeared in sight.

"Guess this is it" he'd rumbled deeply.

He'd pulled up beside port 593, ignoring the curious looks of the uniformed men on patrol. He'd donned a disguise for the occasion. A plain black baseball cap pulled low and a large pair of tinted aviator glasses.

"Yeah" Jack had replied unhappily, sliding out the door. Going around to the driver's side, she'd leant over the open window.

"Tell Imam I'll keep in contact" she'd searched his face as he'd studied her "and,"

she'd actually blushed and looked awkward, biting her lip and lowering her eyes

"don't let it be so long next time you come by." Touching Riddick's shoulder through the window, she'd grinned almost bravely, and began to walk away.

"Jack" he'd called, unable to stop himself, though it drew the unwanted attention of the guards by the entrance. Eyes wide, she'd returned quickly to his side. Grabbing her shirt front through the window he'd yanked her towards him, 'til they were nearly nose -to-nose, and said "don't forget to watch your back kid."

A strange light had flashed through her eyes, but before he could work out what it was, it was gone.

Knowing Jack couldn't see his eyes through his glasses, he'd closed them to inhale her scent. This close it had triggered another barrage of emotions, 'til he'd focused on her eyes to see himself reflected back in her green gaze. With a stab of disgust he realised what he was doing, what he was allowing himself to feel and he'd released her roughly, almost rudely.

He was a man who needed no one but himself.

Staggering, looking a little confused, Jack had begun to walk away again, oblivious to the deafening roar of the animal within Riddick.

As she'd slipped through the door he'd gunned the engine and left in a cloud of fumes, one thought running through his head, this time you dumped me kid.

On a whim Riddick decided to head back to Imam's and find a way to keep track of Jack whilst he got on with the rest of his life. A life without her, his conscience whispered, but he chose to ignore it.

Drawing up outside he instantly noticed a strange scent in the air. An odd stillness hung over the house. It had his hackles rising and on entering he knew instantly something was wrong.

When he'd arrived the other day he'd done a scope of the whole house. He knew exactly where what he needed was and a smirk crossed his lips as he drew his shivs in preparation.

"Time for your favourite game, Jack" he whispered.

Listening intently he circled through the house and flipped the fuse, plunging it into darkness.