Ethan walked into the room, taking in the pale, wounded man and the tight, ready guard.
"Rhodes," Ethan said, his voice cold, devoid of surprise. "You look like hell."
Axhel managed a strained smile, a mask over his pain. "To what do I owe this unexpected visit, Mr. Blake?"
Ethan glanced pointedly at R1, raising an eyebrow. Before Ethan could ask, Axhel immediately provided the clearance.
"Relax," Axhel said. "This is R1, my right hand. You don't need to be careful what you say around him."
Ethan let out a short, cynical laugh. "You misunderstand me," Ethan said. "I was just thinking that your other cat—a certain Alpha, the idiot who attacked me on your orders—might be here. I don't know your name, R1, but you should be careful. These bastards change bodyguards like a whore changes panties. You won't last long."
