At some point, he caught her by the wrist. There was a challenge in his gaze that mingled with cold fury. They stood toe-to-toe, but he towered over her in a way that made her feel small and insignificant. Jodie wriggled her arm in an attempt to get away from him, but his grip tightened on her wrist till she flinched in pain.
"You're hurting me," she gritted.
"Ares," Ingrid rushed towards them, tugging at his arm. "What are you doing?"
"This part of the house is off limits." he replied curtly, his gaze never leaving her face. "Did you forget to inform our guest?"
Ingrid glanced at her with a faint frown. "I didn't..." her gaze reverted back to him. "However, I--I'm sure she got lost or something. It's...it's a big house."
She turned again to Jodie. "Right?"
Her nod was weak, but that didn't matter. Ingrid tugged at his shirt pleadingly till he relinquished his hold and Jodie jerked away from him. She held the wrist against her chest as her gaze darted between brother and sister.
He eyed her suspiciously, awaiting an answer to the question he'd asked. But she was doubtful he would believe that she'd only just arrived, and that the second she rounded the corner that led to the office, she was met with complete silence. It was the only reason she'd continued towards the door until it suddenly came open to reveal his glaring face. He'd been so light on his feet, she didn't pick up the sounds. It was either that or she hadn't been paying much attention.
"I only just arrived." her voice came stronger than she felt. "But I wasn't eavesdropping. I was looking everywhere for...for Ingrid, and I was just about to knock," she lied.
"Oh, I'm sorry." Ingrid forced a small smile. "I was just speaking briefly with Ares about your stay actually. He agreed that you were strong enough to explore the lands today."
Jodie eyeballed him but his face gave nothing away. He held her gaze until she was forced to look away uncomfortably.
"I'll leave you both to it then, excuse me."
She attempted to move past them but not quickly enough. Ares caught her by the arm and pulled her back, gently but firmly. She stiffened and raised her chin until she met his gaze. Beside him, Ingrid was set to stage another protest but he spoke first.
"Tinto will see you to your room." His voice held a calmness he didn't feel. "I would hate for you to get lost...or break something else."
Embarrassed, color flooded her cheeks but her mouth remained firmly shut. She couldn't find it in her to apologize for breaking his scent bottle--not with the anger he currently evoked in her.
"Thank you," she scowled at him. "You're so kind."
"Alpha," a young wolf walked up to them and bowed down his head slightly.
"Ah," Ares gestured to him. "Your guide has arrived. Tinto,"
"Yes, Alpha."
"See our guest safely to her room. Ingrid will be with her soon." he released Jodie and dragged Ingrid back to the office with him.
"What the--"
"Silence!"
He shut her down with a single gesture then waited till Tinto had successfully carried out his orders, before speaking again.
"You were saying?"
"I said, what the hell, Ares! Weren't we supposed to be nice till Viola's done with whatever she needs to do?"
"It doesn't matter much to me," He shrugged indifferently. "She could choose to remain here as a guest, or as a prisoner in my dungeon. Either way, she isn't leaving, ever!"
She was no guest, Jodie realized bitterly. Back in her room, she stared blindly at her closed door, listening to Tinto's to and fro movement at the other end of it. After seeing her to the door, he didn't leave, instead remained there like a guard keeping watch on his prisoner. It didn't feel right, so much so it took her mind back to the vision where she'd stabbed Ares. It was all too clear because she felt really murderous right now.
"What were they really discussing?" she muttered to herself. Ingrid said it was about her stay, but she felt there was something more to it. He'd been too angry with her intrusion, and especially demanding to know what she heard, spoke volumes. Perhaps it was time to leave, as she no longer felt safe with them.