"I thought you didn't like anyone other than your beta around when you're using the gym." Eberhard's tone came out tighter than intended, eyes narrowing as though trying to hold back the rest of what he wanted to say.
Ares didn't bother hiding the scoff that burst out of him. "Why does it feel like I owe you an explanation for every single thing I choose to do? Do I not have the right to invite whoever I want into my own gym?"
Eberhard blinked hard. His jaw working soundlessly. His lips parted, but panic cut the sentence away before it formed. A breath hitched in his throat before he finally pushed out, "N-no. That's… that isn't what I meant."
Ares took a slow but deliberate step forward, that made Eberhard's spine stiffened. "Then what do you mean?"
Eberhard's thoughts stuttered. When had Ares started reacting like this? When did he become so… unpredictable?
