Chapter 7

Alex's POV

As I stood there, unsure of what to do next, the injured man groaned in pain, his face marked with visible purple bruises. Saving him from those malicious goons was the right thing to do, but now I found myself in a predicament. My initial plan for the day was to find a job and contribute to Mariah and Alicia's financial burden, not get involved in trouble with a stranger.

Bringing him to our apartment wasn't an option. It would raise suspicions and lead to gossip, which I wanted to avoid. I didn't want Mariah and Alicia to be disappointed in me if they found out about the trouble I had encountered.

So, I made the decision to carry him, giving him a piggyback ride. Despite his weight, I found that I could manage, perhaps thanks to my werewolf genes that were now kicking in.

"You can direct me to your apartment," he whispered in my ear, his hot breath feeling slightly unfamiliar against my neck.

"Where is your apartment?" I asked, and he promp