Hidden Secrets (editing and improving the story)

Chapter 9 - Weird feelings

Alexander's pov:

"Everyone, this is Alpha Alexander, the leader of the renowned Silver Dawn Pack and son of the great Alpha Phaethon," Alpha Leonard announced proudly, gesturing toward me.

We were in the pack's meeting room—a large hall dominated by a long wooden table at its center. All the other Alphas were already seated around it, each wearing the expression of a man who had lost more than he cared to admit. Alpha Leonard pointed me toward the chair at the head of the table, and I nodded in respect before pulling it out and taking my seat.

"Sirs," I began, my voice calm but resolute, "it brings me great satisfaction to see so many of you here tonight."

"You know the respect and appreciation we all hold for your family and your pack," Alpha Leonard added with warmth.

"I know, and I'm grateful," I replied. "As you all know, we're gathered here tonight for one reason—to eliminate the monster who has brought ruin to our lives for far too long. That monster is Alpha Bartholomew of the Black Shadow Pack."

I paused, trying to steady my voice, but emotion pushed through. "He stole our lands, our wealth, our freedom—our wives and children. He has taken everything from us. And for that... he must pay."

The room vibrated with tension.

"Bartholomew isn't an easy target," one Alpha warned grimly. "Killing us is the least of what he can do."

"Yeah!" came a chorus of bitter agreement from around the table.

I raised my hand, signaling for silence, and the room quickly quieted.

"I understand. That's why we won't attack him head-on. I've devised a plan—one that, if executed carefully, could bring him down. But I warn you—it's risky. Extremely risky."

Orestes, sitting to my right and one of the few men I truly trusted, leaned forward.

"Whatever the risk, you know we'll stand beside you," he said firmly. "To the death, if we must."

I gave him a small, grateful smile, then continued laying out the details of the operation. Every step, every risk, every calculated move.

By the time the meeting ended, a heavy silence had settled in the room. We all knew what was at stake.

As the others began to disperse, Orestes approached me, his eyes glowing with pride and excitement.

"Alex, you were magnificent! Everyone's talking about you!" he said, clapping me on the shoulder. "I'm sure today was a turning point for our plan."

I gave him a small, tired smile.

"I really hope we succeed," I replied quietly. "We've come too far to let this end in failure. Too many have suffered already."

Orestes's expression sobered at my words. The light in his eyes dimmed just a little, replaced by the weight of memory—loss, blood, pain. The same weight I carried every day.

"We will succeed," he said with conviction. "With your leadership and our unity, Bartholomew won't see us coming."

I nodded but remained silent for a few moments, my thoughts drifting—not to the battle ahead, but to Elektra.

"Hey, man—where'd you go just now?" Orestes asked, nudging me out of my thoughts.

"Sorry," I muttered, blinking. "Got distracted."

He narrowed his eyes at me with a knowing smirk.

"You're not still thinking about her, are you? That girl I saw you with earlier..."