She was stronger than he'd given her credit for. She had remarkable self control for a child of her age. He could feel her resistance, the strength of logic from deep inside her as it fought against his influence. In addition to that, he could practically hear the voices of insult that raged within her, though he was only imagining that he could hear them. She genuinely did not believe his words regarding her appearance. He could feel the instant denial, and the depth of yearning that he interpreted to mean she wished it were true. How very tragic, he reflected.<br/><br/>She moved closer to him, fluttering and fidgeting as his influence warred with her nerves. She was being torn in two directions, and her actions showed it plainly. She moved toward him, then away. She reached toward her backpack, clearly wanting it back so that she could flee, then before he could give it to her, she moved away, back toward the door. She continued to move restlessly.<br/><br/>Something within him stirred. Something long forgotten. It had been at least a few lifetimes since he had genuinely felt any depth of caring for a mortal. They were all so fleeting. Yet there he stood, genuinely wanting to comfort this silly child. He ascended the step onto the porch and moved to her side. She was still fidgeting, visibly squirming with the battle of instinct within her.<br/><br/>He chose to respond first to her last words as he bent to set the backpack beside the door where she would find it after her thoughts were settled. As he began speaking, he attempted to make eye contact again. Whether she met his eyes or not, he kept his gaze focused on her beautiful, round, innocent eyes. His own were intense and genuine, strong yet gentle. His sincerity and strength would be plainly visible, inspiring trust should she look into them.<br/><br/>"Shh... Relax, gorgeous. They are only wolves. The conflict you can hear is part of a world that you need not be concerned with. They will not bring their trouble to your doorstep. Trust  me. I will not let anything bad happen to a woman as beautiful and pure as you." he reached up to cup a hand over her cheek tenderly. The skin contact would increase his influence over her, redoubling his attempt to calm her mind and still her worries, "Just take a deep breath. Don't worry about anything. Let the breath out, and relax. Can you do that? Try again. Deep breath. Come on. That's it... Feel better? You are safe at home, and nothing can happen to you here."