Hidden Secrets (editing and improving the story)

Chapter 33 - Awkward encounter

Alexander's pov:

Due to recent events, the Council decided to hold an urgent gathering of all the Alphas to issue instructions regarding the fugitives. The meeting was scheduled to take place on the Black Moon pack's territory. Orestes, the Alpha of that pack, was not only a trusted ally of the Council but also one of my closest friends.

The location was chosen carefully. With Bartholomew now free, fears of retaliation were high. Many Alphas remained loyal to him and his gang, despite the arrests of the known members. We suspected there were still others working covertly, ready to support Bartholomew's illegal activities again—if the price was right.

It was Friday night when the Alphas began arriving. Though the meeting was planned for the next morning, most preferred to come a day early, as many had traveled far from their packs.

I had brought five warriors with me, along with Alina and Cassandra, who begged me to let them come. At first, I had no intention of taking Cassandra, but she insisted, saying her brother lived here and she wanted to see him. Knowing she wouldn't be alone during the meeting, I reluctantly agreed.

There was something about Cassandra that had quietly stolen my heart. I cared for her deeply — not as a lover, but like a little sister. I wanted nothing more than for her to be happy and safe. Over time, I had developed strong brotherly feelings for her, feelings that made me protective and tender toward her.

We had arrived at the Black Moon pack early that morning. After settling in, I managed to rest and found time to talk with several other Alphas about pressing matters.

I looked for Elektra but couldn't find her anywhere. Eventually, someone told me she hadn't arrived yet. Maybe she wouldn't come at all, considering the subject at hand—her father. I understood how delicate it was and how uncomfortable it must make her feel. Even if she does show up, I'm almost certain she'll refuse to speak to me. She made it clear last time that she wanted nothing to do with me. The truth is, it's going to be hard for me to accept that and to share the same space with her. But these matters were too important to ignore.

Evening came, and after dinner at the pack's restaurant, I decided to take a walk through the garden to unwind from the day's tension. I was gazing up at the stars when Cassandra suddenly appeared.

"At last, I found you!" she said, her face lighting up with a bright smile.

"Why were you looking for me?" I asked.

"Alpha Orestes wants to talk to you, but he couldn't find you anywhere," she explained.

"That's strange... I told him before I left that I would be here."

"Maybe he forgot," she shrugged.

"Maybe..." I muttered, feeling a flicker of irritation. "Where is he now?"

"He's in a meeting with his pack members."

"Then why call for me?" I asked, voice tinged with frustration.

"I... I really don't know," she stammered, clearly uncomfortable with my tone. "He just told me to find you."

I caught myself. This wasn't how I usually spoke to her, but the thought of not seeing Elektra—or worse, being rejected by her—had frayed my nerves.

"It's okay. I don't blame you. It's not your fault. I'm just tired," I softened my voice, attempting to soothe her. "Sorry for snapping at you."

"You don't need to apologize," she said softly after a long silence. "Do you... do you mind if I stay here and enjoy the view with you?"

"No, not at all," I replied, smiling as I made room for her on the bench where I was sitting.

We sat in silence for several minutes, staring up at the sky. Then Cassandra cleared her throat, drawing my attention.