Two days passed with nothing eventful aside from a series of peaceful rest. Jodie hadn't slept so well since her mother passed, and the burden for her survival fell on her little shoulders. The pillows were extra soft—probably made of clouds but with the right amount to prevent neck pains. The mattress was plush, and good food was in endless supply. It felt good to relax and finally let her hair down. However, she couldn't completely succumb to her reality as something felt off.
They said she wasn't a prisoner, but deep down, she wasn't sure she would be allowed to leave their lands so easily. There was just something about the way she was being restricted to her room and constantly shadowed by Ingrid or some other wolf under Ares' command. It felt like she was being watched, monitored, and held captive. And even if she wanted to leave, she had nowhere to go, but they didn't know that. She'd been careful not to divulge anything about her banishment and rejection of Ingrid, regardless of how sweet the girl was. Ingrid herself hadn't revealed much about the pack, and Ares barely spoke to her.
Jodie, however, wasn't used to the kind of confinement that came with being cooped up in her room or in front of a TV watching a movie while a guard or several guards hiding away somewhere kept watch on her. Ares hadn't permitted her to leave the house, and the fact that she needed permission to do that itself was a cause for worry. More importantly, it meant she was no closer to discovering Ingrid's killer. The mere thought of the scene chilled her. The vision of killing him also lurked in her mind. So much so that she wasn't sure she'd really seen herself killing him. Maybe it had all been a hoax.
She had been delirious anyway. With a sigh, she exited the room to roam around the house for the umpteenth time. Through the windows she could see the beautiful scenery outside, but Ingrid had only given her a tour of the house, which was a unique blend of rustic and modern. Most of the walls were adorned with rich, wooden paneling, and the floors were made of polished oak. It was nicknamed 'The Den' and had seventeen rooms, kitchen and living rooms included. Other pack members apparently came over often, but Jodie was yet to see any. She assumed that they probably avoided her. Ingrid had also pointed out all the off-limit rooms, which unironically were Ares' bedroom and home office.
She stopped at the kitchen and took a detour to another wing of 'The Den' where the office was. It was the only part of the house she hadn't ventured into and she was going to snoop around it!
Ares threw his pen down on the desk and leaned back when Ingrid barged into his office. He'd been expecting this intrusion since a few hours ago when he noticed her agitation, and he kind of knew what was coming.
"You can't keep her locked up in the house like some prisoner!" she started.
"She's my prisoner," he deadpanned.
"Well, she doesn't know that." Ingrid sat down across from him. "I've been cuddled up with her for two days!"
"Ah," he grinned mockingly. "For a second there, I thought you'd taken a liken to her."
Her expression softened. "I have actually. It's the only reason playing babysitter has been bearable...she's pretty, isn't she?"
"I haven't noticed," his grin morphed into a grimace as he stood up, and glanced out the window, which overlooked his training arena. Expressive eyes, luscious lips, and a curvaceous body—Jodie's physical beauty was undeniable. But there was absolutely no way he was going to acknowledge it.
"Well she is," Ingrid continued. "I'm most certain she had a long line of suitors before--"
"I'm not sure why you see the need to have this conversation," his gaze reverted back to hers with his grimace still in place. "But you shouldn't lose focus on what's most important—her reason for being here. There's no happy ending for your dear friend, so try not to get too attached."
Her heart sank.
"Okay, but I can't babysit forever; I've missed training twice! No way I'm letting Tracy take over my class any longer."
Ares groaned. He never paid attention to pack drama, but he'd sensed Ingrid and the other female wolf didn't get along well. The only thing that got between Ingrid's curiosity was animosity.
"You begged for this," he reminded her.
"Yeah, when I thought she could follow me out the house!" Ingrid sighed. "Now I--"
Ares silenced her with a single gesture. His nose itched and his ear perked up. He listened some more, then walked around the desk and proceeded towards his door in four strides. Behind him, Ingrid stood up, confused by the behavior, until he pulled open the door to reveal a shocked Jodie.
How much had she heard? He wasn't sure if her shock was borne from being caught eavesdropping or from the revelations in their conversation.
Embarrassment crept over her cheeks, leaving them tight and heated as he continued to stare at her.
"What are you doing?"
Ares' whiplike voice lashed over her, and she jerked in surprise and fright. He remained by the doorway, anger and suspicion glittering in his eyes. His mouth was drawn into a tight line. Then he took a step toward her before she could even formulate a response, completely invading her personal space.
"I--I... I'm sorry I was..."
Her hand went to her chest to try and calm the erratic jumping of her pulse.
"I asked you what you were doing," he repeated coldly. "What did you hear...and I dare you to lie to me!"