Hidden Secrets (editing and improving the story)

Chapter 21 - A warm welcome

Steve's pov:

It had been hours since Alexander last contacted me. Yesterday, he told me he would go to the Silver Moon Pack to find Elektra and share the good news, but since then—nothing. No messages, no mind-link connection, no calls. Alexander never goes silent like this. Something was wrong.

I pushed myself out of my chair and headed down to my office, determined to find answers. I needed to know where my Alpha was. After a few rings, the Beta of the Silver Moon Pack finally picked up.

"Beta Andrews of the Silver Moon Pack speaking. How can I help you?" a harsh voice answered, cold and clipped.

"Hello, this is Steve, Beta of the Silver Dawn Pack. I'm calling about my Alpha, Alexander," I said cautiously.

"What about him?" the man replied, his tone indifferent.

"I know he's at your pack, but I haven't been able to reach him—neither through mind-link nor by phone."

"Your Alpha left here yesterday morning with you. What are you talking about?" The disbelief in his voice was clear.

"Yes, he left, but I'm certain he returned later that evening."

"No, he didn't," he said curtly.

"I know he did."

"What are you trying to say, Beta?" His voice hardened.

"I'm not accusing anyone. Just stating the facts."

"Beta, don't waste my time. I suggest you look for your Alpha somewhere else."

"I will. But if it turns out you're hiding something, the Council will hear about it," I warned, voice firm.

"Are you threatening me?"

"Interpret it however you want."

With that, the line went dead. The cold click echoed in my ear—and a sinking feeling settled deep in my gut.

That's enough. I had to act—and fast. Two hours later, my team finally sent feedback. One of our best scouts reported that Alexander's trail ended at the eastern border of the Silver Moon Pack. Their Beta had lied to me. I knew it.

Without hesitation, I grabbed my phone and called my brother John. He was the Council's Military Adviser, the man who'd helped us get official recognition as a pack—and had confirmed Alexander's authority as Alpha. When I told him about Alexander's predicament, he urged me to hold back.

"Don't do anything reckless," John said. "I'll handle this."

I didn't like the idea, but I knew he was right. Richard was tied to Bartholomew's gang—any frontal attack would only make things worse. So I waited, but hours passed without any news. I debated calling John again when his name lit up my screen.

"John, what's going on? Did you find out anything about Alexander?" I asked, anxious.

"I spoke to Alpha Richard. He told me Alexander is imprisoned on charges of espionage."

"What? That's nonsense! Alexander isn't a spy."

"I told him that, Steve."

"And what did Richard say?"

"He claims they're running a background check. If everything checks out, they'll release him."

"What do you mean 'if everything checks out'?" I snapped, losing patience.

"That's all I know. Richard won't do anything stupid—he knows the Council's watching."

"How long will they keep him locked up?"