Hidden Secrets (editing and improving the story)

Chapter 17 - Mischievous Plan

Bartholomew's pov:

There's one way to separate your daughter from that lowborn whelp," Richard said with a wicked glint in his eye.

"Then out with it. Stop circling like a damn vulture," I snapped. His smugness always tested my patience.

"We use the situation with the omega girl," Richard replied, his voice laced with calculated malice.

"What about her?"

"As you know, Alpha Alexander refuses to give her back."

"Why does that idiot insist on standing in my way?" I growled, fists clenched. "Every time."

"Relax. We'll remove him from the equation soon—and without raising a single eyebrow at the Council," Richard said with calm confidence.

I turned to face him fully. "How?"

He smiled slyly. "I have a plan."

"Will I get the omega girl back?" I asked, unable to hide the hunger in my voice. There was something about her—her innocence, her fear. She stirred something primal in me. I wanted her beneath me, bound to my will, another concubine in my collection.

"Unfortunately... not just yet," Richard said, his tone mock-apologetic. "The mate bond protects her, and you know how untouchable that is—even for us."

"Damn that bastard!" I slammed my fist on the table.

"You can't have everything at once, my friend," Richard said with a smirk that pushed my temper to the edge.

I narrowed my eyes at him. "Careful, Richard. Don't push your luck. You know what this means to me..."

His smile faded slightly. "Of course. But think. If the Council weren't breathing down your neck, we'd already have her. You know that."

I exhaled sharply, trying to contain the storm inside me. "If it weren't for them, that arrogant boy would already be dead."

"And he still might be," Richard added, voice dropping into a whisper. "One step at a time. We'll get her back—when the moment is right."

~~~~~~~Several hours later

Elektra's pov:

I woke up early in the morning, had my breakfast, and decided to take a walk since I had the morning free. As I wandered through the garden, admiring the soft light filtering through the trees, I spotted an omega girl passing nearby. I hadn't seen Alexander since the last meeting, and I was starting to miss him. We always had a wonderful time together, and I genuinely enjoyed his company. Since it was our last day here, I had hoped to spend as much time with him as possible—but no matter where I looked, he was nowhere to be found.

"Excuse me," I called gently, stepping toward the girl. "Could you tell me where I can find the Alpha of the Silver Dawn Pack?"

"I haven't seen him since this morning," she replied, her tone polite. "But I can try to find him for you, if you'd like?"

"I'd appreciate that very much, thank you. If you do find him, please tell him I'm waiting for him here in the garden."

"Yes, miss. I will," she said with a bow, then hurried off.

I lingered among the flowers, letting their colors and scents soothe my restless thoughts. Time passed slowly. After several minutes, the omega returned—but instead of good news, her expression was filled with unease. She bowed low, her hands trembling slightly.

"I... I'm sorry, miss. I couldn't find Alpha Alexander anywhere. Please... please don't punish me..."

"Punish you?" I repeated, startled. "Of course not!"