CHAPTER 30: URGENT MATTER

Ellie leaned lazily against the doorframe, a small, mischievous smile playing at the corner of his lips as the pounding from the other side echoed through the room. The first few knocks had been firm, almost commanding, but the second set — oh, that one carried impatience. He recognized that rhythm anywhere. Eberhard.

He’d been halfway to opening the door until the man’s commanding voice reached him. That tone, that self-importance dripping from every word, it made Ellie’s fingers freeze on the handle. Then a slow grin crept across his face. Maybe he’d let him sweat a little. There was something deeply satisfying about needling the great former Beta until his composure cracked.

A low chuckle slipped from him before he quickly covered his mouth, shoulders shaking as he tried to stifle the sound.

"Ellie!?" Eberhard’s voice boomed from outside, rough and accusing. "I know you’re by the door. Don’t play games with me, boy. I clearly heard that laugh just now?"

Ellie rolled his eyes toward the ceiling, suppressing another laugh. "Persistent old bastard," he muttered to himself. The last thing he wanted was to deal with Eberhard, and definitely not with that spoiled daughter of his tagging along. He doesn’t have the energy, at least not now. His patience for either of them was already thinner than paper.

Whatever nonsense they brought would likely sour his mood. The man had a talent for turning every conversation into a headache.

His gaze flicked toward the inner room, where Ares still lay motionless. "Still out cold, huh?" Ellie murmured, shaking his head. It’s just a rejection, nothing that serious. Rhea didn’t even take this long to recover during her time. Yet here he is, three hours later, still drooling on your pillow. Seems a wolf-less omega’s got more backbone than our almighty Alpha.

The thought drew another smile from him, sharp and amused.

Another knock thundered against the door. "Ellie, open up and stop testing my patience," Eberhard’s voice was louder now, authority laced with irritation. "This matter is urgent."

Ellie sighed, the sound heavy with annoyance. "Whatever it is can wait until the Alpha wakes up," he said flatly. "I’m not leaving his side till then."

"So you are actually by the door," Eberhard shot back, frustration bleeding through.

Before Ellie could respond, Nikki’s voice cut through, shrill and biting. "Unbelievable. Are you seriously making fun of us, Ellie? Who do you think you are?"

"The pack’s Beta obviously," Ellie smirked. "You two should just go back."

"We can’t!" Eberhard barked, his temper slipping through the cracks. "This matter is very important!" Ellie could hear how tightly Eberhard was holding himself together.

"Then that’s your problem," Ellie replied, pushing off the door with a casual shrug. "The Alpha’s in no condition to listen to important urgency right now. Come back when he wakes. I’m not repeating myself."

Outside, Eberhard’s jaw tightened. His face flushed, anger rising with humiliation. Talking through a closed door — being made to repeat himself like some errand boy, was an insult he could barely stomach. He forced a breath through his nose, fighting for composure.

"Ellie," he began again, voice taut, "didn’t you say you’re in charge while the Alpha’s unwell? Do you not know your duties anymore, Beta?"

Ellie chuckled lightly. "I also said my duty is to be by the Alpha’s side." he said. The Beta’s duty is to take care of the Alpha too. if I have to choose between the pack and him, I’ll choose him. Whatever you came for can wait."

The next voice came sharp and impatient. "Open this damn door! Didn’t you hear that It’s important!" Nikki shrieked, fists pounding against the wood.

Inside, Ellie chuckled again, this time louder, unable to hide his amusement. He was halfway through another dry remark when a groggy groan drifted from behind him.

Ares staggered from his room, one hand braced against the wall, eyes squinting at the noise. "What... what’s going on?" he mumbled, voice rough with fatigue. "What’s with all the ruckus?"

"Oh, you’re finally awake," Ellie said, eyebrows lifting in surprise.

"Alpha! Is that you?" Eberhard’s voice rose immediately, the shift in tone almost desperate. "Tell the Beta to open the door. I have something important to report."

"Yes, Ares!" Nikki’s voice joined, pitched with eager excitement. "That bitch has betrayed you!"

"Nikki!" Eberhard snapped.

Nikki clamped shut instantly.

"If I hear your voice one more time," he said, voice low and lethal, "I’ll rip that tongue of yours out myself."

Nikki’s lips trembled, she lowered her gaze, glare at the polished floor.

Inside, Ares blinked sluggishly, confusion clouding his still-hazy gaze. "What... what are they talking about?" he muttered.

Ellie sighed and stepped closer, sliding an arm under Ares’s to help him lower onto the black cushion by the bed. "Nothing important," he said lightly, though his jaw ticked. "Just the usual Eberhard nagging. You didn’t miss much."

"Alpha, this is important!" Eberhard barked from behind the door, his tone rough with self-righteous indignation. "Your mate was found sleeping with Roff. What could be more important than that?"

Ellie’s head snapped toward the door, eyes flashing. The nerve of that bastard. His jaw clenched as he bite back the urge to march over and silence the man permanently. What did he even mean by your mate? Ares and Rhea had rejected each other. He’s got no right to even use that word anymore.

Ares groaned, pressing his palm to his temple. "Who is sleeping with who?"

"Nobody, don’t listen to them," Ellie said quickly, moving to stand. "Let me get you some water first." But Ares’s hand shot out, gripping his wrist before he could take a step.

"Ellie," Ares said quietly, a trace of his authority threading through the grogginess. "Open the door."

"But—" Ellie began, hesitation flickering in his eyes.

"Just open it," Ares repeated, his tone steady, leaving no room for argument.

Ellie’s hand faltered at his side. For a moment, he considered not doing as told. Then his lips twitched into a wry half-smile. "Fine..."