CHAPTER 57: YOUR DINNER

Tavian’s limp grew heavier, his weight dragging down both Ellie and Jason as they guided him through the quiet corridor. Jason quickened his pace, trying to match Ellie’s long strides. The Beta’s arm was locked firmly under Tavian’s shoulder, his grip steady and sure.

Ellie’s gaze flicked toward Jason. "Did she touch you?" His tone was low, clipped, carrying that dangerous calm that made Jason’s skin crawl.

Jason shook his head quickly, his voice trembling. "Just... just a slap," he said, eyes darting away. "You came in before she could use the whip on me. But Tavian wasn’t so lucky."

Ellie’s jaw flexed, his expression hardening. "I’ll make them pay for this," he muttered, the words rough and filled with quiet promise.

Jason glanced at him from the corner of his eye. Was it just him, or did it sound like the Beta was angrier about his slap than the bruises littering Tavian’s body? He swallowed, pushing the thought aside. Maybe he was imagining things. Maybe Ellie just had a different way of showing he cared. Right?

He shook his head lightly, trying to shove the thought aside, and adjusted his grip on Tavian. The boy groaned faintly, his breathing uneven, each step dragging like a dead weight. Jason tightened his hold, matching Ellie’s pace as they turned the next corner.

They stopped in front of Tavian’s door. Ellie shifted Tavian’s weight on his shoulder, steadying him with one arm while motioning toward Jason. "Check his pockets," he said, his tone clipped but calm. "See if he’s got his keys."

Jason nodded quickly and let go of Tavian’s arm. The moment he did, Tavian’s full weight sagged against Ellie, forcing the Beta to tighten his grip. Jason fumbled through the right pocket of Tavian’s trousers, finding nothing but lint, then reached into the left. His fingers brushed against cold metal. "Found it," he said, holding up the small silver key.

Ellie gave a short nod. "Good. Open it."

Jason moved fast, sliding the key into the lock. The door clicked open, and he hurried back to help Ellie guide Tavian inside.

The room was simple, bare walls, a single bed pushed against one side, a small wooden desk beside it, and a faded rug covering part of the floor. There were no decorations, no personal touches.

They lowered Tavian onto the bed carefully. He groaned softly, the sound raw, his face pale and slick with sweat. Jason noticed that the angry red marks on his arms were already beginning to knit together. Werewolf healing was fast, but even so, the sight made his chest tighten.

Ellie straightened, stretching his shoulders before dropping the shopping bags he had been holding onto the floor. "Stay with him," he said. "I’ll send someone from the healers’ quarters to check on him, make sure those wounds close properly."

Jason nodded. "Alright."

Ellie turned to leave but paused, glancing back. "Don’t come down for dinner either. I’ll have someone bring food up for both of you."

Jason blinked, a mix of surprise and gratitude crossing his face. "Thank you," he murmured.

Ellie’s gaze lingered longer than necessary, his sharp eyes pinning Jason where he stood. Jason shifted uncomfortably, pretending to adjust Tavian’s blanket just to avoid that stare. Finally, Ellie turned toward the door.

"B... Beta Ellie?" Jason stammered, stopping him.

Ellie turned his head slightly. "Yes?"

"What about Rhea?" Jason asked, fidgeting with his fingers.

Ellie’s brow lifted. "What about her?"

Jason hesitated. "Since you told me not to leave Tavian, who’s going to tell her when it’s dinner time?"

A faint smile curved Ellie’s lips. "Don’t worry about her. I’ll make sure she gets her meal in her room as well."

Jason nodded quickly, relief washing over his face. "Alright. Thank you."

Ellie’s reply came soft but firm. "Get some rest. Both of you." Then he stepped out, pulling the door closed behind him.

Jason exhaled, finally letting go of the tension in his shoulders. He turned to look at Tavian, whose breathing had evened out, though pain still lingered in the furrow of his brow.

"Idiot," Jason muttered quietly, brushing a strand of hair off Tavian’s forehead. "Who asked you to play the brave one?"

He sighed again, softer this time, pulling the blanket up over Tavian’s chest. "I hope that bitch Nikki gets what she deserves."

*******

Rhea lay sprawled across her bed, half tangled in the soft crimson sheets. One arm dangled lazily off the edge while the other was tucked beneath her cheek. Her hair fanned out in messy strands.

She murmured something incoherent in her sleep and rolled over, pressing her face into the pillow. A faint groan escaped her lips before she shifted again, finally blinking her eyes open. The room was quiet, heavy with the silence of late night.

She blinked a few times, disoriented, before squinting toward the bedside clock. "What time is it..." she muttered groggily, voice rough from sleep.

The glowing numbers stared back at her. 2:00 a.m.

Rhea shot upright, eyes wide. "Two?!" Her voice cracked through the still room. "You’ve got to be kidding me! I missed dinner?"

She groaned loudly, running both hands through her hair. "Seriously? Nobody thought to check on me? Not even my so-called new friends?" Her tone turned accusing as she looked around the empty room, as if Jason or Tavian might magically appear to apologize. "Don’t tell me they..."

Her words cut off when something caught her eye on the vanity table. She frowned, sliding off the bed and padding across the room.

There, sitting neatly on the polished surface, was a covered plate with steam long gone cold, and beside it, a folded note resting on top.

Rhea unfolded the note carefully and began to read

Rhea,

This is your dinner. Jason and Tavian asked me to bring it to you since you were out cold when I stopped by earlier. I didn’t want to wake you, figured you needed the rest after today.

And before you start wondering how I got in, yes, your door was locked. I used the pack’s spare key. Every room has one for emergencies, so don’t go thinking I broke in or anything dramatic.

Eat up when you wake.

— Ellie