Hidden Secrets (editing and improving the story)

Chapter 7 - It's all about trust

Bartholomew's pov:

"You called...?" Jordan barged into my office without knocking.

"How many times have I told you to knock before entering?" I scolded him.

"I never knock," he said arrogantly, crossing his arms.

"Oh really? Don't you think you're overestimating yourself a bit?"

Jordan smirked knowingly. "I have my reasons... don't I?"

I shot him a disapproving look, but it didn't faze him one bit.

"Anyway, I called you here to get a full report on the rogue prisoner caught during my absence."

"What prisoner?" he feigned ignorance.

"Don't play dumb with me—I know everything," I said coldly.

"I don't know what you're talking about," he replied coolly.

"Of course you do. Stop pretending if you don't want me to lose my temper. Why did you set him free?"

"I didn't," Jordan shrugged. "If you found out about the rogue, you should know it was your daughter who let him go."

"You shouldn't have let her," I countered sharply.

"I had no choice. Your daughter takes the role of Alpha very seriously. She thinks she's the one who'll replace you... if not now, then soon enough," Jordan said venomously.

"What exactly are you implying, Jordan?" I snapped, disgusted. "I know you have your eyes on my position, but leave my daughter out of this."

"Nothing, Bartholomew... absolutely nothing. Just stating the obvious," he said sarcastically.

"Which is?"

"That your daughter is undermining you to become Alpha of the pack."

I laughed bitterly. "What nonsense. You must be losing your mind."

"Your choice to turn a blind eye," he shrugged, raising his hands.

"You're full of shit," I said sharply. I hated unsolicited advice—especially from him.

"I wouldn't be surprised if your daughter's origins factor into this..." he said boldly, ignoring my rising irritation.

"Shut the fuck up or I'll shut it for you," I warned coldly.

"You shouldn't treat a friend like this, especially when I know so much about you. Don't you think?" Jordan mocked.

"Do you dare threaten me?" I asked, voice low and deadly.

"I'm just stating facts, Bartholomew," he said complacently. "Don't forget all I've done for you over the years."

"I never forget," I shot back. "But you keep forgetting your place—and what I'm capable of."

"Bartholomew, you're wrong. Your only enemy here is your daughter. You need to eliminate her before it's too late," Jordan warned.

That was the last straw. I surged forward, grabbing him by the throat, my grip like iron.

"Never threaten my daughter again!" I hissed through clenched teeth, squeezing with all my might.

"Y... you... a... re... ma... ki... ng... a... mi... sta... ke!" he gasped, choking.

"You're wrong if you think you can cross my daughter and walk away unpunished," I warned, before slowly releasing him.

"Okay... okay... I... get it..." he wheezed, clutching his neck and trying to regain his breath.