Hidden Secrets (editing and improving the story)

Chapter 20 - Always mine

Bartholomew's pov:

It was late at night, and I was still working in my office when Richard called me a few minutes ago to report Alexander's imprisonment. Apparently, that fool had returned to the Silver Moon pack, likely looking for Elektra. He was so blinded by his desires that he didn't see the trap waiting for him. And those who let their emotions control them were always doomed to suffer the consequences.

"I've already locked that bastard up... He walked right into our trap," Richard said triumphantly.

"Good work. But be careful—his pack will definitely notify the Council. Don't underestimate him," I warned.

"I know. I'll only keep him here a few days—just enough to keep him away from your daughter. By the way, how is she? She didn't look well the day she was in my office," Richard added, his tone sardonic.

"She can't handle it. Since we arrived, she's locked herself in her room. She's very weak, Richard," I admitted with a heavy heart.

"It's natural for her to react like this, especially if Alexander is truly her mate."

"No, he can't be her mate," I said firmly.

"If he's not, then someone must be..." Richard reasoned.

"Elektra doesn't have a mate," I snapped, anger bubbling beneath my calm. Richard's insistence was infuriating.

"We all have a mate, whether we like it or not. Just because you rejected—and killed—yours doesn't mean everyone else is without one," he said coldly.

"Elektra doesn't—and won't ever—have a mate, because she's cursed," I confessed quietly.

Just then, the door slammed open.

"What did you say, Father?" Elektra's voice was shaky as she stood in the doorway. She looked terrible—her hair pulled into a messy bun, eyes swollen from crying. She wore an oversized t-shirt and shorts. It was clear she'd heard everything I'd just told Richard.

"Richard, I have to go..." I said, cutting the call and hanging up abruptly. Elektra stood before my desk, arms folded, nervously tapping her foot. I needed time—to find the right words, to prepare for the storm.

"So, am I a cursed daughter?" she asked through trembling tears. The weight of her fragility hit me hard. She looked nothing like her mother or me—both strong, unyielding souls. Had she truly let me down?

"How many times have I told you to knock before entering?" I scolded, trying to regain some control.

"Answer me!" she demanded, her voice breaking but firm. Despite my irritation, I felt a spark of pride. Maybe she wasn't as fragile as I feared. Maybe some of me lived in her after all.

"Yes, you are," I said coldly.

"But how? When? Why?" Her voice cracked as she struggled to hold herself together.

"I don't know much, my child. All I know is that Phaethon, Alpha of the Silver Dawn Pack, had a powerful witch cast a spell on you at birth—leaving you mate-less for life."

"Why would he do that? I never harmed him!" she protested, disbelief painting her face.

"He wanted your mother to be his Luna. When he realized he couldn't separate us, he resorted to this vile curse."

"But he already had his Luna... Why chase Mom? It doesn't make sense."

"How do you know this?" I asked sharply. I hoped Roxanne hadn't leaked any secrets.

"I... I found his name researching old packs at college. Is that a problem, Father?"

"No, no problem at all," I said through clenched teeth. Roxanne had slipped once again, but Elektra wasn't naïve—I had to tread carefully. She could unravel everything, discover her past. Anyone who dared to tell her the truth about her mother would pay dearly.

"When did you learn about my curse?" Elektra's voice trembled. The pain was evident. Maybe Richard was right—maybe Alexander was truly her mate. But as long as I lived, they'd never know.

"When you turned twenty. I was worried, especially after you and David weren't mates. When no one came along, I sought out a sorcerer. He confirmed the curse."

"Did he tell you how to break it?"

"I don't know, my daughter," I answered softly.

"How can you not know? Did you ask?"

"Unfortunately, the sorcerer couldn't find a reversal."

"Tell me where he is. I'll go to him myself."

"You can't."

"Why not?"

"He died two years ago. No one knows how—or who. Maybe one of Phaethon's descendants."

Silence hung heavy between us. Elektra looked down, lost in thought.

"What was her name?" she finally asked.

"Whose name?"

"The witch who cast the spell."

"Elina," I said quietly.

"Why didn't you tell me sooner?"

"To protect you. To keep you from despair. I wanted to shield you from misery."

"You should have told me. Don't you think?"

"Maybe you're right. I just couldn't bear to break your spirit."

"I know you meant well. I'm sorry if I was harsh."

"It's okay, my love. I hold nothing against you. I love you enough to forgive everything."

"Thank you, Father."

"For what?"

"For loving me, caring for me, and always being there."

She threw her arms around me. I held her tight. Her scent—so like her mother's—was intoxicating. She was mine and mine alone. I would never let anyone take her away, especially not that worthless Alexander.

"What now?" Elektra's eyes shimmered with unshed tears. She nestled into me like a frightened kitten, so vulnerable, so dependent.

"Don't worry. I'm searching for another witch. I will find a way to break this spell. I promise, my beautiful daughter." I stroked her hair gently. She leaned into my touch, seeking comfort.

We would always be together. I would never let anyone steal her from me. Since the day she was born, she belonged to me—and so it would always be.