Thanks so much for the reveiws everyone! Here's the next bit

Jesse gasped and jumped up out of the chair, scattering the startled feral into the farthest reaches of the room. "Adam, ADAM!" He spoke into his hand. The human in her recognised the gesture while the feral tried to determine if it was a risk. "The feral is Shalimar, there is no doubt about it. I'm sure. She tried to say something I couldn't make out, and I just know Adam, believe me. She seems OK, kinda skinny, I can't tell." He paused and looked up at her, still grinning wildly. "I think she's still affected by the virus, but she's got a lot more control than most of the others" He tilted his head to look at her again, as if making sure she was still there. "OK, I'll wait for the guys. We'll be home soon."

Jesse lowered his hand and Shalimar made her way back onto the sofa. She was just getting comfortable when Jesse let out a whoop of joy. "You're alive! You're safe! You're You're HERE!" She dived to the other side of the sofa for safety. Realising his outburst's effect on the nervous feral he put a hand over his mouth. "Oh, Oh, Oh, I'm sorry!" Jesse ran round the sofa to apologise only to find that she had mirrored him and was now in front of the chair. Walking round to the right side he sat down, with Shalimar now back behind him and behind the sofa. When she heard no more strange sounds or sudden movement she looked cautiously over the top of the chair, wondering what the strange man was doing now. He was sat, once again reading his book. He glanced up as she crawled over the top of the sofa and sprawled - so very cat like - across one end.

He had thought she was asleep when suddenly she leapt straight up into the air to land in a crouch by the side of the stairs, almost six-foot away, staring straight at the door.

"Someone comes." Jesse was still confused at his friend's actions when the door swung open to reveal Emma and Brennan, both breathing heavily, having run from the Double Helix to see Shalimar again after so long.

Jesse could see Shalimar become even more tense - still couched at the foot of the stairs which lead up to the door the other half of Mutant X had just entered by. Her face showed the struggle she was having with the fight or flight reaction to their arrival. Not sure which the feral was more likely to choose, Jesse gestured for Emma and Brennan to stay at the door.

"Hey Emma." Jesse greeted with a smile on his face, which denied the fear in his voice. "Shalimar's a little edgy, how'd you fancy trying to calm her down a little?" The smile remained, ensuring his voice didn't give away his nervousness.

If Shalimar knew they were about to try and fill her full of a serum which was likely to cause her an awful lot of pain, he was the nearest victim. And he knew what this woman could do when cornered.

He saw Emma frown as she flicked her head to one side, all of her focus going into that movement, activating a link with the edgy feral. She projected an air of calm and peace into the air between them, feeling a brush of the emotions of the two men in the room as she emoted at the feral. Images flashed into her mind. A small pond, wooden stairs, slatted doors, broken light She sanctuary had been home for both of them for so long now she could not help but be calmed by its presence in her mind.

But something deep within screamed at her, stirring her from her reverie, her dreams of a home she had been absent from for so long. She jumped to her feet - finding herself sat on the floor - and immediately felt fear flare around her. Brennan was stood near to her, too near - she cursed herself for being so easily distracted by thoughts of home. She was not safe. He held a syringe. The green fluid within was too familiar.

She had been tricked.

She did not know how, for the scents of individuals were not so easily recreated, but surely her family would not harm her. Threaten her like this? She screamed as her hesitation allowed him - whoever this man might be - to plunge the needle into her arm, releasing a burning fire into her veins. Surely this was what it was to die. Her heart thumped loud in her ears and any logical thought was wiped from her mind as she succumbed to the raging pain that ruled the moment. Finally everything dimmed and she allowed herself to sleep. As the last thoughts of consciousness dropped away from her she heard the heartbeat within her slow. Slow slow, and stop.

Damn that writer's block. You may have to wait a while for the next bit. I'm meant to be doing Physics coursework as it is.