Hidden Secrets (editing and improving the story)

Chapter 10 - Unexpected Trip

Elektra's pov:

"You're finally here!" my father said sternly, taking a slow puff from his cigarette.

"F...father, what are you doing here at this hour?" I asked, frozen in place.

"I was looking for you everywhere until I came here," he said. "When I entered, I found Roxanne tidying up. I asked her where you were, and she said you went training."

Thank Goddess I had put on my sports bra and black leggings after shifting back to my human form.

"Y...yes, father, that's right! I found some free time and decided to train," I stammered.

"Good," he said approvingly. "There will be many who lurk for your position. You must always stay vigilant."

"I know, father... I know," I replied. A weight lifted off my shoulders, and I finally felt I could breathe again. "So, what did you want to tell me?"

"Many things... Jordan is one of them," he said curtly.

"Did you finally put him in his place?" I asked, hopeful.

"I don't want you to bother with him again. Just let him be," my father commanded.

"What?" I gasped in surprise. "How can you ask me that?"

He stood and slowly approached me. "Listen, daughter. Jordan is a valuable member of this pack. I cannot ignore all that he's done for us so far."

"He's made plenty of mistakes too," I shot back angrily, "like mistreating omegas, blackmailing the Alpha's daughter, and so much more."

"He won't repeat those mistakes. I made sure of it," my father assured me.

"What's the point, father? He won't be punished for his disobedience. Instead, despite everything, he'll be rewarded by staying Beta. That's preposterous!"

"Don't overreact. He's learned his limits. I'm sure he won't try to hurt you again," he said firmly.

"I don't believe that. He won't leave me alone so easily."

"He will. He knows what's best for him," my father reassured me.

I couldn't believe my father still supported Jordan. Maybe what people said about him was true after all.

"I don't know, father. I'm very disappointed."

"You'll get over it," he snapped. "When you become Alpha, you can appoint whoever you want. Until then, I'm the Alpha, and I choose Jordan as Beta. Is that clear?"

"Crystal clear," I muttered bitterly. Maybe my father wasn't the righteous, trustworthy man I thought he was.

"Jordan isn't why I came here tonight," he said, shifting the subject.

"Then what is it?"

"You'll accompany me to the Council's annual meeting."

"What? Really? Wow!" I said, excited.

"We leave tomorrow morning. That's why I came so late to your room."

"So soon?"

"Is that a problem?"

"No, not at all. I'll start packing right away!"

"You need to start attending these meetings. It's essential that the other Alphas know you—and fear you. They must understand you're the next Alpha of the Black Shadow Pack," he said, standing up.

"I don't want to be feared, father. I just want to be respected," I told him.

He turned to face me, eyes piercing. "That's nonsense. You won't last a month thinking like that."