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“No one is going to hurt you,” Steve said softly, clearly trying to be authoritative as he ushered me into the car and locked the cuff around my wrist. “You won’t be forced to do anything that makes you uncomfortable.”

“You promise?” I snapped, aware I was shaking a little and yup, I was definitely panicking.

“I know you don’t believe me yet, but really Tony we’re all friends here. Where we’re going, you’ll be safe there. Safer than you’ve been since the change,” he gently patted my hand. “And yes, I do promise. I hope one day you’ll believe me, but I really do want what’s best for you, I swear.”

He sounded so sincere and earnest. I wanted to vomit.

“Seatbelt,” Bucky said brightly, strapping himself in. He sounded pretty damn chipper considering he’d looked like the living dead a couple of days ago.

I flashed him a smile and sat back with my arms crossed. Before Bucky could try to bully me into complying, Steve reached across both of us and strapped me in.

“Behave,” he growled.

My smile widened and I flipped him the bird.

“I can’t wait to get back,” Bucky said, ignoring us both as he settled back in his chair and rubbed tiredly at his eyes. “I’m gonna sleep for a week straight.”

“This has certainly been one of our more eventful runs,” Steve said, side-eying me as if I was in on the joke.

“You guys are assholes,” I mumbled, pulling my knees up to my chest.

“Takes one to no one,” Bucky said brightly.

“Whatever you say, roadkill,” I spat.

The car went deathly quiet.

“Tony, please be quiet.” Steve said, sounding tired.

“Make me.”

Another pause and I wondered if I had gone too far.. To my surprise Steve just released a long suffering sigh and concentrated on the road.

I didn’t know if I felt relieved or angry that I didn’t manage to rile him. Bucky was staring intently out the windshield with a small, insufferable smile.

“Don’t,” Steve said, his eyes locked on the road.

“Don’t what?” I asked, genuinely confused.

“I can practically hear you thinking. Whatever it is you’re scheming, just don’t.”

I wasn’t going to admit I wasn’t actually planning anything. They were clearly wary and watching me way too closely. I was feeling pretty smug that Steve was actually, maybe, the tiniest bit scared of me. I had mixed feelings - they were unlikely to underestimate me for a third time but at least they weren’t treating me like a fucking cow for slaughter anymore.

Things were pretty tense after that. I might have purposefully made things a little worse by screaming “what’s that?” at a decidedly still, regular looking rock.

The withering look Steve gave me would have felled a lesser man. I met his gaze with wide and innocent eyes.

“Sorry, I thought it was moving.”

Steve’s fingers spasmed, his fingers clenching on the steering wheel.

“So, what exactly is up with you two?”

Silence.

“I mean, I knew alphas were strong. It’s one of those universally accepted facts - big biceps, small IQ’s - but you two, you’re not just buff, you’re freakishly strong. Like impossibly strong. I saw you rip a man's arm clean off and that ain’t normal.” I looked between them, waiting. “Well, anyone want to share with the class? Don’t be shy.”

“Why don’t you take a nap, Tony?” Bucky suggested with a bright grin on his scraped face.

“Why don’t you go fuck yourself, Buck?”

The alpha snorted. I could practically hear Steve’s teeth grinding.

“Come on then, out with it.”

The car went silent - they were ignoring me and the lack of information was making my ears hot. Without really meaning I released a small, warning growl.

What really surprised me was Steve’s answering, gentling rumble. We looked at each other briefly and I felt my lips twist into a smirk when he quickly looked away.

That was interesting. Seemed Bucky was thinking the same thing if the bewildered look he shot Steve was anything to go by.

I filled the car with some innate chatter, enjoying the way Steve’s shoulders stiffened every time I managed to strike a nerve.

“Tony, enough!” Steve snapped sometime later.

I bit my lip mid-sentence, mildly surprised he’d allowed me to go on for so long. I had to admit that as we grew closer to our inevitable destination my insults were growing sharper and cruel.

“Take it easy Steve, he’s just nervous.”

Bucky went to touch me and I snapped my teeth at him. “Back off.”

He held up his hands, palms out. “OK doll.
No need to get upset.”

It was approaching dusk when I caught sight of the town walls. I sat forward and almost immediately found myself pinned against the seat by a metal arm. “What are you doing?” I asked, more surprised than angry.

“We’re here and I don’t want to risk anyone’s life because you decided to make Steve drive into the town without the use of the front entrance.”

I grumbled a little at that but I guessed it was fair, all things considered.

We stopped outside a large mesh gate and a beautiful woman with strawberry coloured hair leaned into the car window. She looked me over before turning to Steve. “Nothing to report here.” Her gaze moved to Bucky. “You OK?”

“I’m great,” he said brightly.

The woman’s eyes flickered back to me, clearly cataloguing the way he was pinning me to the seat. She frowned and I gave her a little salute.

“See you in there,” she said to Steve, stepping back.

The alpha nodded and pulled the car forward into whatever fresh hell they were dragging me into.