They held hands and kept running, the Wolf now always by Emily's side, Thea running along, grabbing her other hand.
Ems went a bit confused into the parking lot "Which one's yours?" She barked out, looking at the myriad of cars.
He clicked his alarm button, a black Porsche Panamera opened its doors and they jumped in.
"Now that, I like" – she said as the air conditioning started to do its job and Thea was safely on the behind seat. "You strapped in there girl?" Thea still looked a little wide eyed, definitely terrified, but put the safe belt on.
"What about Oliver and Sara and Felicity?" She seemed freaked by the wolf at her side, too, although it behaved itself. Malcolm was about to say something, but Emily lay a hand on his shoulder and climbed over to the back of the car to the girl.
"Thea, just pet it. It has behaved like a dog to me for years. It's safe. Thea gave her what you might call a "no bullshit" look, but reached out with her hand.
The wolf was named Caress, by the way and it leaned into Thea's hand like an eager dog would.
"Is it really a wolf, dad?" Malcolm almost lost control of the car, by being called "dad" for the first time by his own daughter. He thought these kinds of explanations would come later. Luckily Emily was there and held the girl close for a while, until he could respond levelly. "Yes." He knew what needed to be done so he slowly stopped the car by the forest. Both Emily and Thea were surprised by this. He stepped out of his driver's seat and slowly, casually, climbed into the passenger seat, reaching for Thea and Emily.
"It's all right. You are safe." He said in a soft voice, as the both women started to sob. He handed Thea some papers, Emily glanced over them, and like she suspected, they were his paternity proof.
"Father" Thea said with a mixture of wonder and trust. Emily made herself as small as she could in the car.
Malcolm's breath stayed in his throat for a moment, before he breathed out." Yes, Thea. MY CHILD". – he said in a stronger voice and sighed as she held onto him. Emily hesitated sitting there, but Thea's arm embraced her and pulled her close. She had officially become closer to the girl than her mother had ever been..
Malcolm slowly climbed back into his driver's seat, started the car to drive on.
And then they were violently hit on the left side.