Hidden Secrets (editing and improving the story)

Chapter 34 - The bounty

Elektra's pov:

After my unexpected encounter with Alexander and his mate, I locked myself in my room. I didn't want to eat or speak to anyone. My heart ached at the thought of him kissing and holding another woman. Seeing them together shattered something inside me—I just couldn't take it. If I had stayed a moment longer, I might have attacked that girl. I don't know why, but I had this strange, possessive feeling that Alexander belonged to me, even though he clearly belonged to someone else. It was a war inside me, a battle I couldn't understand or accept.

The night passed in restless tossing and turning. The image of Alexander and the other woman haunted me, stirring irritability and nervousness I couldn't shake. Part of me imagined what it would be like if I said yes to him—if it was me by his side instead of her. But the other part recoiled. I knew my conscience would never allow it, even though my heart was madly in love with him.

Morning found me still awake. After my daily routine and dressing, I made my way down to the pack restaurant, determined to join David and the others for breakfast.

Upon entering, I scanned the room and spotted David sitting in a corner with the rest of my pack. As I approached, I caught several hostile stares. It was obvious many here still bore prejudice against us because of my father's deeds. I ignored them and sat beside David, who had already ordered my favorite breakfast: coffee and pancakes with chocolate syrup.

I took a small sip of coffee before diving into the pancakes, devouring them with relief. They were absolutely delicious.

As I chatted with my packmates, Alexander and his group entered the restaurant. He walked confidently at the front, the girl right beside him, holding his hand like a lovesick teenager. The sight drained my appetite completely.

I stood abruptly and, after they settled into their seats, I left the restaurant without a word.

I shifted into my wolf form and dashed into the forest. I needed to let Frostie out—to calm my swirling thoughts and restless nerves. The whole situation was crushing me. I wandered beneath the canopy for nearly two hours until a fragile calm settled over me.

When I returned, I took a quick bath, dressed sharply in my black suit, and made my way to the meeting room.

Most of the Alphas had already arrived. Small groups murmured quietly as I found my seat. I wasn't in the mood to speak, and honestly, I doubted anyone wanted to talk to me. My gaze landed on Alexander, chatting with Orestes and a stranger I didn't recognize.

Minutes dragged on, dull and heavy, until the Council members entered. The room fell silent. An elder councilor—short, gray-haired with sparkling green eyes—stepped forward and spoke:

"Alphas, thank you all for coming at such short notice. Our current situation is dire; there's no room for complacency. Three fugitives have escaped from Council prison—three dangerous convicts. Among them is Bartholomew, former Alpha of the Black Shadow Pack. We fear he seeks revenge on his pursuers. That is why we gathered: to find a solution. Vigilance is essential. Patrol teams cover critical areas, but the territory is vast and our numbers limited. We need your help. Each pack must lend ten warriors and two scouts so we can expand our search."

The Alpha of the Crescent Moon pack shook his head. "You know this is impossible. Even if we send warriors, we don't know where to begin."

The Councilor nodded. "Fair enough. What do you suggest instead?"

"Strengthen our borders with more guards and patrols. Be vigilant. There's little else we can do at this moment," the Crescent Moon Alpha answered honestly, earning nods of agreement.

The Councilor's eyes flashed. "Do you understand the danger? One of the most powerful, most ruthless wolves is free—threatening all our lives, our peace! Can't you see what's at stake?"

"Of course," the Crescent Moon Alpha replied calmly. "But what you ask requires resources—money, manpower—and most of us lack those luxuries."

Before the Councilor could respond, Alexander stood.

"Alphas," he said, voice steady. "You're missing the most important point."

"And what is that?" the Councilor asked.

"Bartholomew has many allies across the packs. It's possible some are here in this room today," Alexander said, his gaze sweeping the assembly.

"This is absurd!" the Winter Woods Alpha protested sharply. "How dare you imply such a thing?"

Alexander's voice remained calm. "Why do you get angry?"

The Winter Woods Alpha's eyes flashed. "You dare ask? Really? Did you expect us to stay calm and accept your accusations of collaborating with the enemy?"

Alexander met his gaze evenly. "I didn't accuse you personally. I'm stating what's obvious. Bartholomew had allies in almost every pack. That's no secret."

Hearing all this about my father twisted something inside me. I felt terrible—but I knew I had no choice. I had to play along, act as if I was on their side and believed their words. Deep down, I knew my father wasn't the monster they painted him to be. I believed him when he said he was trapped.

"If that's true, then whatever we do is doomed. Bartholomew will always find a way to slip through, helped by his allies. No plan will succeed..." the Winter Woods Alpha admitted, defeated.

"Exactly," Alexander said, stepping purposefully around the table. "That's why we must put a price on his head. A great bounty. That way, everyone will be tempted to claim the reward instead of helping Bartholomew. If we all contribute, the sum will be substantial."

The Councilor nodded, clearly impressed. "Actually, that's not a bad idea. Not bad at all."

"See? That's why Alexander is a true leader! Just like his father! He deserves to be our next king!" an old Alpha shouted nearby.

The hall erupted in cheers, everyone except me.

I felt a deep disgust. They were talking about my father. The bounty meant one thing—my father's arrest or worse, death. How could I love a man who framed my father, banished him, and now placed a price on his head? Why was Alexander so obsessed with him? What had my father ever done to Alexander? As far as I knew, it was Alexander's father who had caused us harm, not mine.

"Please note the amount you are willing to pay," the Councilor instructed.

Every Alpha jotted down a number. An Omega collected the papers and handed them to the Councilor, who tallied the sum quickly.

"Alphas," he announced, "the total amount raised is ten billion dollars!"

A collective gasp filled the room, followed by applause. I joined the clapping, but inside, I felt utterly desperate. Now my father had no chance. He was doomed. I had to warn him—fast.