Hidden Secrets (editing and improving the story)

Chapter 5 - The attack

Elektra's pov:

It had been two days since my father returned to the pack, and still, he hadn't said a word about how I handled the trespasser. I was on the training fields, deep into my daily routine, when Jordan showed up. I wondered what he wanted. He must have already told my father about the rogue, and I was sure the way he presented things didn't exactly work in my favor.

"Come here, Elektra. I want to speak to you!" His voice was sharp—more like an order than a request.

"Can't you see I'm training?" I said, annoyed.

"Ignoring a Beta's order? Isn't your terrible mistake with the rogue enough to push you toward another?" he said sarcastically.

"I'm not ignoring anything. I'm just training, Beta. What's so important you had to interrupt me?"

"Your position as the future Alpha of this pack."

"That's the topic that's always on your mind. What now?" I replied, indifferent.

"Don't you understand I didn't say a word to your father about what you did? I've forbidden anyone in this pack from mentioning it."

"I didn't ask you to do that. Why'd you?"

"For your own good. What else?"

"Uh-huh... sure. And what do you want from me now?"

"To make a deal."

"A deal? What kind of deal?"

"I stay silent about your mistake as long as you accept my son as your mate."

"Are you insane? You know mates aren't chosen by you—they're arranged by the Goddess herself! I can't accept something like that, especially when neither your son nor I have found our mates yet."

"You're already twenty-five. How long do you think you can wait?"

"As long as it takes. It's none of your business."

"On the contrary, I'm very concerned about whether you'll be fit to lead this pack."

"That's something to worry about when I become Alpha, don't you think?"

"A good Beta cares about everything, at all times."

"Whatever. Just so you know—I'm not making any deal with you."

"Don't be so quick to decide. If I were you, I'd think it over."

"Thanks, but I don't remember asking for your opinion."

"Out of kindness and fairness, I'll give you five days to decide. When you do, you know where to find me." He said arrogantly before walking away.

-"What an asshole! This man always manages to get under my skin. Who does he think he is? How dare he try to blackmail me? My father needs to know about this. In fact, I'm heading to his office right now to tell him everything."

"Wait! Don't be so impulsive! Take the five-day deadline and we'll find a way to expose that bastard," Frosty whispered in my mind. "I say we go for a walk in the woods—to decompress."

"That's a wonderful idea! We haven't been to the woods in ages," I agreed, smiling. "I'm dying to go hunting and just wander around the forest without a care in the world."

"Me too! The only downside is that the pack conference ended three days ago. He probably won't show up."

"Who?" I asked, curious.

"The hottie," Frosty replied with a sly grin.

"Hottie who?"

"Alexander, who else?"

"Oh yeah... such a shame!"

"Looks like someone likes him..." Frosty teased mischievously.

"I won't lie. Even though he's not my mate, he fascinates me. The man's seriously charming," I admitted.

"Someone's in love... someone wants to kiss Alexander and do unspeakable things to him," Frosty began singing a silly little tune inside my head.

"Cut it out!" I scolded, laughing. "You know that's not funny!"

But she ignored me, humming her little song on repeat.

Defeated, I headed deep into the forest. Once I was far from the pack's watchful eyes, I shifted into my wolf form, clutching my clothes gently in my jaws, and began pacing through the underbrush. I'm not falling for that trap again.

For hours, I wandered—playing, hunting small prey, sprinting through the trees. Though I knew it was unlikely I'd ever see Alexander again, a part of me still hoped. By noon, I reached the lake, feeling a pang of disappointment as I knelt to drink.

Then—a sharp crack of a branch nearby. I froze and sniffed the air. A foul stench drifted through the clearing.

"Rogues!" Frosty and I said in unison.

I braced myself, sensing them close. Seconds later, three rogues stepped out from the shadows. Large, black-furred, eyes glowing a fierce red. They closed in, circling me with hostile intent.

My claws extended, a low growl rumbling in my throat.

"We're screwed," Frosty muttered anxiously.

"Don't be so pessimistic," I shot back. "We can handle this." Honestly, sometimes I don't get Frosty—she can be such a scaredy-cat!

The largest one lunged at me first, while the other two hung back, watching. I dodged his blows with practiced ease for several tense seconds before the other two decided to join the attack. Fighting three at once was a challenge—even though I was more skilled, I knew my stamina wouldn't hold out long. Fatigue would tip the scales in their favor, and I couldn't let that happen.

I needed a plan. Fast.

I wasn't about to call for help—not now. My father would be furious if he found out I disobeyed his orders. The only way to win was to strike quickly, exploiting their weaknesses.

I lunged at the smallest rogue first, sinking my teeth into his neck and knocking him down hard. The other two snarled, readying themselves for another attack.

I dodged and weaved, but one managed to clamp down on my leg. The bite hurt—a lot. Worse, rogue bites carry rabies, infecting victims with a venom that slowly overtakes the body. If untreated, the victim's wolf would seize control permanently, dooming them to a life as a rogue, unable to shift back into human form. Only high-ranking wolves and Lycans were immune.

I knew I wouldn't succumb, but the pain was brutal, nearly disorienting me.

Gritting my teeth, I pressed on. I struck one of the rogues in the side, sending him crashing to the ground. I pounced to finish him—only to be blindsided by the other, who slammed into my ribs and face.

I hit the ground hard, two snarling wolves looming above, ready to tear me apart.

My mind raced, searching for a way out. My wolf's healing magic was at work, but I was still vulnerable.

Then, I found my opening.

I waited, perfectly still, for one of them to strike again. One opened his jaws wide, teeth glinting, poised to bite.

But nothing happened.

Confused, I rose on my forelegs and glanced around—just in time to realize the wolves had vanished.

Why? They clearly had the upper hand. So why retreat?

The answer came as a familiar face stepped from the shadows, extending a hand with a reassuring smile.

Grateful, I slipped behind some trees and shifted back into my human form. The man waited patiently for me.