Chapter 7

******Dani's POV*******

"Dani...Dani wake up now..." I hear a deep voice call my name, causing me to shoot up from my sleep in fear that it was my father.

I frantically check my surroundings, only to be met with gorgeous green eyes...

"Calm down it's only me... I need to take you inside now, that's us home..." He tells me in his deep voice, before scooping me up and lifting me out of the back of the car in an instant causing my body to tense up in fear from the motion.

I soon remember where I am, who I am with and what was happening... and naturally my body surprises me by relaxing into this mans arms.

Am I wrong to say that I felt safe? I can't explain it. I felt a longing to be close to him like this at all times...

So since I did just wake up to find that I was still here with this man, does that mean the dream scenario is officially ruled out now? I mean It obviously can't all be a dream now if he just woke me up! Unless you can still sleep within a dream... then yes it could be a possibility?

I remember that Axel had earlier stopped at a small restaurant on the way (to wherever here is) where him and his two friends had gone in to get us some food.

He came back with some creamy chicken pasta for me (which thinking back to now had to be hands down the best meal I've ever had in my life) and after I had finished the entire box, he suggested that I take a nap in the back whilst he drove the rest of the way.

I didn't protest to the idea of sleep since it was way past the 24 hour mark by now... maybe even 48 hours since I had last slept and strangely enough I felt safe around this man. I mean, if he wanted to hurt me then he would have already right? But instead he wanted to get to know me and would even entertain my silly car games earlier...

But here I am now, being carried in his strong arms, as he walked us along a large path towards what I'm assuming was his breathtakingly extravagant home.

I've never seen anything like this in my life! I was even close to drooling at this point just from the size and expensive feel from the outside. This house bypassed any of the rich kids' homes at my school by a mile!

I always did wish to be as lucky as them and to live in such a nice place... but this... this was just next level! I couldn't have even imagined something like this If I tried!

This man can't live here? I've never seen anything like it... even the greenery surrounding us was beautiful and well kept.

"I actually do live here doll..." I feel his chest rise as he gives a short laugh, causing my breathing to hitch as he reads my mind again.

I won't get used to that...

He carries me up the steps leading to the two large front doors, before they suddenly open for us - a kind looking older lady stepping out.

"Welcome back Alpha!" She nods respectfully at Axel, welcoming him into his home with a warm smile as he gives her a nod back.

"I... can walk if you want..." I state shyly, tilting my head to admire the large entrance space with it's dark oak flooring and tall white walls - the space decorated with gold elements to add the final touches.

"Your feet are still messed up remember..." He notifies me, causing me to glance at my bandaged ankles in remembrance.

Oh, yeah...

"I have stuff that I need to do... do you want to come up to my office with me or sleep some more?" Axel questions next as he saunters through the halls effortlessly with me in his arms.

"Uhh... the office with you please?" I say quite quickly, knowing that I didn't want to go back to sleep again, at least not yet.

I was far too curious now...

He began walking us over to a small elevator causing my eyes to widen again. An elevator in his home?

We step inside and he presses the number 5 causing the lift to come to life as we begin to travel upwards before soon coming to a quick halt.

The elevator doors open, only to present us with his huge - yet neatly organised - office.

This man... this office... this entire home was stunning!

I must be dreaming... not long ago my father was trying to take my life yet here I am... thanks to Lupin I guess? I'm thankful to even see this place.

At least now if Axel kills me then I died in luxury right?

He carried me across the large office space over to the corner where two large white fabric sofas were arranged beside a full length window. The view only gave the place more value showing off what I'm guessing to be was his extravagant back yard.

As he placed me down I immediately turned to study the outside seeing an extravagant pool with a jacuzzi, loads of open grass showcasing lounge chairs, BBQ equipment, an outdoor bar, and a large archway that seemed to lead into a flower garden that I could only see slightly due to large, neatly kept hedges covering it.

In the distance was a tall line of trees which seemed to be the beginning of a Forrest too.

I sat there gawking at the view from the window before feeling the sofa dip beside me as Axel took a seat, keeping a comfortable distance between us.

"What do you think of your new home then?" He raised a brow, as he stared at me awaiting an answer.

My new home...

"Me... I... My new home is here?" I blabber on like an idiot again, looking back and forth between the handsome man and the view outside.

I feel like Annie when she was adopted by Daddy Warbucks... funnily enough a movie that me and Lily loved to watch. If only she could see this place too!

"Your new home." He confirms, causing my mouth to open and close in astonishment yet again.

That's it. I've definitely died. This cannot be real.

I hear a faint growl causing my eyes to widen in response- staring at Axel in order to figure out what the problem was. It wasn't loud enough to be threatening but it was definitely there...

"You haven't died. This is all very real and you won't be dying anytime soon either... I can promise you that." He looks very deeply into my eyes, meaning every word that he says.

"O-Ok..." I manage to say, turning yet again to look outside at his garden.

Well he definitely didn't like that...

"Is... there flowers over in that part there?" I point over to the archway, not being able to see the rest of the section from here.

I notice his tense frame relax again slightly which helps my breathing steady itself...

"Yes there is and there's a fountain in there too... the flowers always look great thanks to Francis who you seen down at the front door. She makes sure that the house keeping and gardening is done properly... I don't go in that part of the garden much but I probably should..." He admits with a shrug, also staring off over to the flower garden outside as I nod.

He seems calmer now... thankfully. My conversation about the garden must have worked...

"I'd love to see it when my feet don't hurt... I mean... if that's ok with you?" I ask shyly, desperately hoping that he says yes.

I loved flowers they were so pretty. Lily's Mom would always have large colourful bouquets featured around their home.

I miss Lily and her Mom. Lily must not have anyone to sit with now at school since I'm gone...

"I probably should have asked this sooner... but what age are you? I've heard you mention school a few times?" Axel clears his throat briefly, looking somewhat awkward?

"I'm 17... 18 on July 21st... what about you? You're really young to be a King aren't you?" I question without thought, causing Axel to laugh loudly this time catching me off guard.

I shift slightly in my seat, not knowing what was funny as he throws his head back to laugh more.

"Looks can be deceiving love..." He tries to compose himself, causing my eyebrows to furrow in confusion.

"Lycan years are very different to human years... in human terms I look around 21/22 right? But in Lycan years I'm 138..." He almost roars from laughing after the last part once he sees my reaction.

Ok now he's seriously messing with me... he can't be an old man!

"I'm not lying doll... and less of the 'old man' chat... I tell you from the bottom of my heart I have lived here for 138 years total... although you don't have to worry about my physical age... that's still young and very much in shape." He smirks, starting to come down from his laughing fit and causing me to blush for what feels like the hundredth time.

"So you're telling me... looking like that... that you're 138 years old?" I ask, almost sounding sarcastic with my tone as I struggle to believe that it's true.

"Don't worry doll... you can soon stay that pretty forever too..." He trails off in thought, looking over my face one more time, allowing for my face to flare up redder from the compliment, before he stands up and moves towards his desk without another word.

I can stay like this forever too? Well I'll at least need to clean up first... I'm surprised this man isn't revolted by my current state. Not to mention I'm lucky to be a solid 4 on a good day... but all jokes aside... what does he mean by soon? What does he plan to do to me?

This whole experience has been so far wonderful yet strange. I've never felt this comfortable around someone, especially someone I just met... especially not a man... not to mention someone who can invade my safe space and read my thoughts whenever they want...

I always liked to pretend back home that I was more confident in my mind as compared to my real shy self and now I'm even trying to be cautious about what to think knowing that everyone can hear my thoughts...

Regardless though of the crazy mind reading and mythical creature talks, it weirdly feels like I've known this man a life time... and so far...

I'm ok with that.