Human women liked pink, right? He frowned at the bright hue. It would do.
His gaze wandered to the dresser. Should he add flowers or a small touch to make the room less impersonal?No, that would send the wrong message. He didn’t want to make her so comfortable she’d want to stay. This was temporary.
Satisfied, he left the room, his footsteps the only sound in the house.
His empty house.
The sound hit him harder than it should have. He tried to ignore it, but the awareness lingered. Soon, it wouldn’t be so silent. The thought sent a ripple of nervous excitement through him.
He was almost back at his couch when he sensed a change in the room. He wasn’t alone.
Hypnos conjured a dagger and spun—and came face to face with Anubis standing in his home, carrying a sleeping human in his arms.
He dismissed the weapon, ignoring the warmth he felt at seeing his friend.
Anubis wore a broad grin, looking far too entertained. No doubt hoping for a fight.
Hypnos glanced at the girl, noting how small she appeared in the god’s grasp before dismissing her. “You could’ve warned me,” he griped. “What if I’d attacked before recognizing you?”
Anubis chuckled, adjusting the girl so her head rested near his neck. “And where is the fun in that?”
Hypnos shook his head, regretting his decision to help his brother even more. This favor would cost him.
“Come on,” he said, leading the way to the guest room. “Put her down before something happens to her. Thanatos will wring your neck if she dies because you were looking for a fight.”
Anubis followed, careful not to bump her against the door frame as he went in. Amusement still shone in his eyes. When he saw the bright pink bedding, he snorted. “You know, not all women enjoy the color pink, right?”
Hypnos didn’t bother answering. She’d have to manage with what she got.He leaned on the doorframe, watching Anubis place her in the center of the bed with surprising care.
“Did you or Thanatos give her something to keep her asleep?”
“No; she has been out since he rescued her.” Anubis pulled back, frowning. “From what Than said, she seemed exhausted.”
That was easy enough to fix. Hypnos summoned his powers with a focused thought, experiencing the familiar heat flowing throughout his body as he ensured she’d stayasleep a few more hours. He wanted her calm. Rest was vital for humans, both for their bodies and their moods.
As his powers sank into the human, he motioned for Anubis to follow him. He wanted details. Where Thanatos was. Whether Hades had permitted the girl entrance or if Anubis had just dumped her here without approval. The latter would be a headache he didn’t need.
Back in the living room, Hypnos dropped onto his couch, settling into his usual spot.
Meanwhile, Anubis paced, as if barely restraining himself from tearing into something. Or someone.
Rather than risk sparring, Hypnos asked, “Where’s Thanatos?”
His friend let out a genuine laugh, the first Hypnos had heard in his home for far too long.
“Would you believe he is currently sitting on Hades’ throne?” Anubis asked.
Hypnos stilled. “Are you kidding? I am not in the mood for jokes.”
Anubis’ expression sobered. “I am serious. In exchange for allowing the human inside the Underworld, Than agreed to run it for three days.”
Hypnos stared. “Hades doesn’t let anyone sit in his place.”
“Apparently, he wanted to spend the last winter days with Persephone.”
Hypnos could imagine his brother’s surprise at the deal. Thanatos didn’t understand the need to carve out time for love; to cherish something beyond obligation. At least he knew Thanatos was safe. That was one less concern he had to deal with. Now, there was just the matter of the human. What was he supposed to do with her?
“Should I wait to speak to her?”
