CHAPTER 67: NOT THE ENEMY

Ares drew a slow, controlled breath. His voice dropped into something quiet and dangerous. "Do you think challenging me makes you strong."

"No," Rhea replied. "Surviving everything you allowed the Krolls to put these body through makes me strong."

The words hit him like a blow. His posture stiffened. A flicker of shame passed through his eyes, followed by anger and guilt. He swallowed hard, as if he had to force the truth she spoke down his throat.

Rhea stepped back just enough to steady herself. Her expression hardened, her voice sharpened even more. "I am not the enemy here, Ares. I was never the enemy."

Ellie turned fully this time. His eyes widened, surprise and a quiet, thoughtful respect settling in his expression. It was the first time someone said aloud what he had spent years trying to make Ares understand.

Rhea continued, gaze steady and voice unwavering. "The real enemies are the ones who misuse your favors. The ones who twist your authority. The ones who push you to turn your back on the wolves who need you the most."

She straightened slowly, each movement deliberate. "If you want me to stop disrupting the pack, as you put it, then you will put the Krolls on a leash. Because if Eberhard or his pink daughter come for me, I will not let them go either. I will fight back with everything I have."

Ares’s jaw clenched so tightly a muscle ticked beneath the skin of his cheek.

Rhea lifted her chin. "And I will not stand around while stronger wolves mistreat weaker ones. If I see someone being hurt, and I know I can handle it, I will handle it. I will not wait for your permission."

Ares’s lips parted, outrage and disbelief twisting in his expression. "There are other ways to handle things without disrupting the whole pack."

Rhea gave a short, humorless smile. "How. By smiling politely while they bully me and everyone else."

Ares inhaled sharply, chest tightening as he fought to keep his authority intact.

Rhea shook her head. "Like I said. Warn the Krolls to stay out of my life. Otherwise nobody will stop me from fighting back."

She took a step toward the door. "Now that we understand each other, can I go now?"

Ares snapped, "Get out."

"Gladly. This place reeks of iris."

She turned and left, making sure to slam the door so hard the frame rattled.

Ares clenched his jaw at the sound. For a moment he stood motionless, staring at the shut door. Then he let out a long breath and collapsed into his chair, sinking into it as if the weight of the world had dropped onto him at once.

Ellie stared at the door, then at his Alpha. His expression wavered between concern and disbelief. After a moment he stood up. "I will be right back," he muttered before slipping out of the office.

Ares sat alone, exhaling again, louder this time. His thoughts churned chaotically, but one line rose above all others, repeating like a heartbeat.

I was never the enemy.

His brows pulled together. What did she mean by that. Is she saying the Krolls are my enemies? The idea twisted in his chest. Like father, like daughter, trying to sow discord between me and my trusted circle.

He frowned deeper.

Something else tugged at him. A memory from the argument.

Her phrasing.

The strange way she had spoken.

I am thankful they starved her to death. If they had not, I would never have met the moon goddess. I would never have been here to fight back for her.

Ares leaned forward slightly, elbows on his desk.

Why does she speak of herself like she is talking about another person. Who is she fighting for. Why does she speak in third person when her emotions are high. Is she confused. Is she... losing her mind.

Or was it something else.

He rubbed his forehead. She has either gone insane or she made a mistake in speech . Either way, she needs to be taught a lesson.

*******

Ellie jogged down the hallway, "Rhea. Stop. Please stop."

Rhea did not slow. Her boots struck the polished floor with tight, clipped steps. Her shoulders were stiff, her movements sharp. She was angry. Really angry. The kind of angry that simmered silently and burned hotter the longer she stayed quiet.

Ellie finally reached her and grabbed her arm gently. "Rhea. Please. Stop."

She halted, though her chest rose and fell quickly. Her voice came out strained. "Ellie... please. I just want to be alone for now."

Ellie hesitated, guilt flickering across his expression. "I would let you. I really would. But I need to tell you something important. Remember I told you we needed to talk after seeing the Alpha."

Rhea shook her head lightly and closed her eyes for a second. "Ellie, can it wait. I am not in the right state of mind now."

Ellie shook his head immediately. "No. I am sorry. It cannot wait. It is really important. We must talk."

Rhea let out a rough sigh. "Fine. Let’s talk."

"Not here," Ellie said quickly.

Rhea glanced around the hallway. It looked empty, but you can never tell with werewolves hearing. Anybody might be listening.

"Is it that serious," she asked.

"Yes," Ellie said quietly. "Please, follow me."

Rhea studied him for a heartbeat, searching his face. Then she exhaled and nodded. "Alright."

Rhea walked beside Ellie in silence, her steps slower now, her breathing still uneven from the argument. Ellie kept glancing at her out of the corner of his eye, checking her mood, making sure she was still following. They moved through quieter corridors, past rooms and what seem like unused halls, until the air grew colder and the scent of dust replaced the polished fragrance of the main pack house.

Ellie led her down a narrow passage that curved slightly, tucked behind two old support beams. Rhea frowned as the walls shifted from smooth concrete to rough wooden panels. She knew this path. Her stomach tightened.