Hidden Secrets (editing and improving the story)

Chapter 19 - Disappointment

Elektra's pov:

I left Richard's office and ran to my room, tears streaming down my face. Hearing that Alexander had finally found his mate was devastating. It felt like someone had plunged a sharp knife straight into my heart. Frostie was a wreck too—her presence inside my mind was overwhelmed by grief, crying uncontrollably as if mourning a lost love.

Even though I knew Alexander and I weren't mates, the fact that he'd found his other half made the ground shift beneath me. I'd always expected this moment to come someday, but never imagined it would be so soon. Why did it hurt so much? Apparently, our feelings for him—and his wolf—were far stronger than we had admitted to ourselves.

I decided to stay in my room all afternoon. I didn't want to eat, drink, or see anyone. The news had shattered me. Any hope I'd held onto—that maybe Alexander and I could be something more—vanished into thin air. Until now, I'd believed there was a chance we could be a real couple. But now... nothing.

My father tried to reach out to me through the mind-link, but I shut him down. I wasn't in the mood to talk to anyone. The night passed in a blur of tears. Frostie had retreated to the back of my mind, mourning our unfulfilled love. Everything around me looked darker, pale, and cold. My joy, my happiness, my optimism—all were gone. Something inside me died today.

The next day, our pack was scheduled to return home. The meetings were finished, and there was nothing left for us here. I began packing my luggage with a heavy heart. Suddenly, an omega knocked on my door, interrupting my thoughts. She carried a tray with breakfast, which she quietly set down on the small table beside my bed before leaving. I picked up only the cup of coffee and took a few sips, but it barely went down.

After a while, another omega came to inform me that my father was waiting for me at the parking lot. He helped carry my luggage, and together we left the room. At the parking lot, several omegas were already helping with the luggage, loading mine into the back of the SUV while I climbed into the passenger seat and fastened my seatbelt.

Father was behind the wheel, waiting. When I got in, he gave me a long, scrutinizing look. I was wearing a black T-shirt, skinny jeans, and large black sunglasses—an outfit he wasn't used to seeing me in.

"Elektra, what's wrong?" he asked gently.

"Nothing," I replied, trying to sound casual, to look calm.

"Are you sure? You don't look well," Father pressed. I knew it wasn't easy to fool him.

"I'm just a little tired, that's all. Didn't sleep well last night," I tried to explain, hoping he'd accept it.

"Get some rest then. We have a lot to do when we get back," he said, turning the key and starting the engine.

I leaned my head against the cool window, staring out at the passing trees and dense greenery. We drove near the lake, where the waterfall cascaded down, but the beauty around me couldn't chase away the ache in my chest. Tears slipped down my cheeks as I tried to suppress my sobbing. My mind was flooded with memories of that evening I shared with Alexander.

I don't know what hurts more: the fact that he found his mate or the realization that I'll never have the chance to share a romantic moment with him again...

Whatever the reason, one thing is clear—my relationship with Alexander is over. I refuse to be the third person or the cause of a couple's break-up. From now on, Alexander is off-limits. I don't believe he'll want to see me again, but if he does, I will push him away. I find it deeply offensive to flirt when you've already found your mate. No matter how much it hurts, I will not succumb to his charm.