Hidden Secrets (editing and improving the story)

Chapter 12 - The Meeting

Bartholomew's pov:

-"I'm glad you came. You should be more active and participate more in these meetings," Richard commented.

I don't know how he manages to irritate me every single time.

"I'm here solely to organize the search for that rogue Alpha," I replied sternly.

"You know how hard it is to find him. No one knows who he is—or where," Richard said with a sigh.

"I'll put a bounty on his head. People will do anything for money," I said confidently.

"You won't get anywhere with that. We've tried it before—nothing came of it. It's been ten years, and we've still found nothing. Believe me, we've tried everything," Richard said, his voice edged with frustration.

"I don't care. I won't stop until I catch him," I snapped.

"Relax. We'll figure something out. Everyone has a weakness... just be patient."

"I don't see you finding it anytime soon."

"You know we're doing everything we can. What more do you expect?" he argued.

"You need to find the surviving members of the Silver Dawn Pack. They're behind this," I said, narrowing my eyes.

"Why are you so obsessed with that pack? Don't you see this is a wild goose chase? When will you accept that every last member was wiped out years ago? That pack is gone—it doesn't exist anymore!"

"Yes, it does! Some of them managed to escape that day," I insisted.

"Yes—women and children, who were likely devoured by other creatures. Why do you still believe they survived?" Richard countered.

"How can you be so sure?" I asked, narrowing my eyes.

"If they did, then where have they been all these years?" he asked rhetorically.

"I don't know!" I snapped, frustrated. This topic always pissed me off.

"Don't get angry. I'm your friend, and I want what's best for you," Richard said sincerely. "Listen to me—stop fighting windmills."

His words struck me. His arguments were sound, and I knew he was a loyal friend—one of the few who stood by me from the beginning, embracing my values and principles. Maybe he was right. Maybe I was chasing shadows.

"Anyway, I've sent several teams to scan the area. We'll find him. He can't stay hidden forever," Richard said with determination.

"I'm glad to hear that."

"There's another matter we need to discuss—and settle," Richard said, his tone shifting to something firmer.

"What is it?" I asked warily.

"My shares in the trafficking business."

"You know we can't continue that operation. The Council is watching us closely—too much is at stake," I said, trying to stay calm.

"We're losing money, Bartholomew. A lot of it," Richard replied angrily.

"Do you think I don't know it?  But what can we do? We can't keep this going while the Council is watching. We'll freeze all activity until they're dealt with. Until then, there will be no profits for anyone. End of story," I said firmly.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ A few hours later at the meeting

Third person pov:

All the Alphas were gathered in the pack's meeting hall, waiting for the Council representatives to arrive. The room buzzed with quiet conversations as small groups formed—some talking in hushed tones, others stepping outside to smoke.