Deepa shook her head.
"Well, I'm not one to kiss and tell," he smirked.
Deepa groaned.
"It's okay.” He pulled her closer. "We'll figure this out. Together."
Deepa's body relaxed, her eyelids fluttering closed, the warmth of his body lulling her back to sleep.
"It's not safe for you here.” Axel shook her awake. "I'll take you back to Luke's. He's a good guy. You can stay there until I sort some things out."
"Sort what out?"
"I'll tell you later.”
Axel slipped out of bed and pulled a hoodie and a pair of sweatpants from the closet, tossing them onto the bed. "Here, you can wear these."
Deepa pulled them on. They were far too large, but she found the scent comforting.
"Come on.” He gently pulled her to the door. "I'll drive you before anyone else wakes up."
He led her down a silent hallway.
Deepa gazed at the perfect white walls and spotless cream carpet, feeling like she'd stepped into a showroom. There were countless windows overlooking small courtyards, each filled with colorful flowers.
"Is this your house?" Deepa asked. It didn't seem like a den of rabid werewolves.
"Just for now," he said quietly. "Come on, the cars are out back."
"Cars?"
"Yeah," Axel said with a smirk. "We have a lot of those."
Deepa followed him down more hallways, memorizing the layout out of habit. Never during her time in Infection Control did she imagine that werewolves could live so luxuriously.
They exited out the back of the house, stepping onto a massive balcony overlooking a sprawling valley.
Several cars were parked nearby, ranging from expensive sports models to large SUVs.
"Axel?" called a soft female voice.
It was Axel’s sister, wearing a short blue nightdress, her long blond hair tied back into a messy braid.
"Good morning." Nastya smiled, her blue eyes sparkling.
"Shit," Axel muttered. His grip on Deepa’s hand tightened.
"Who's your friend, Axel?" Nastya asked sweetly. “Didn't mother teach you that it's rude to bring a girl home and not introduce her?"
"It's none of your fucking business," Axel growled. "And she’s leaving."
"So soon?" Nastya pouted. "Can't she stay for breakfast?"
"We'll pass." Axel pulled Deepa away from his sister and towards the parking lot.
"Axel!" called a deep male voice.
Deepa turned to see a large man emerge onto the balcony, thick black hair neatly combed and deep blue eyes glaring straight at them.
