Hidden Secrets (editing and improving the story)

Chapter 35 - In absolute secrecy

Elektra's pov:

After two long days of endless discussions and negotiations, the meeting between the Alphas finally came to a close.

Returning to my pack, a heavy anxiety weighed on me. I had to warn my father about the bounty. It was Saturday noon when we arrived, utterly exhausted. These gatherings were always draining and noisy, but beyond the meetings, I had to endure the constant presence of Alexander and his mate. No matter where I went, they were together—laughing, sharing stolen glances, forging a bond I despised to witness.

Though they kept their public behavior decent, I couldn't bear the sight of them. Their connection was undeniable. I had to face the harsh truth: there was no chance for Alexander and me. Not only because his mate existed, but because we had become enemies. He was the one who orchestrated my father's downfall, who plotted against him and betrayed us. My father was right all along when he warned me about Alexander and his family's hatred. I refused to believe him back then—I was wrong.

I took a quick shower, trying to wash away the lingering bitterness, and hurried to my office. David and our Gamma, George, were waiting for me for our weekly briefing.

"Anything happen while we were gone?" I asked, scanning their faces.

"Nothing," George answered confidently. "Everything's under control."

We planned the upcoming week's schedule carefully. Once George left, David and I turned to more serious matters—finalizing the details of my secret meeting with Father tomorrow.

David was skeptical. I knew it without him saying a word. His distrust of my father was clear in every cautious glance and every carefully chosen word. And then there was the most pressing concern: we were being watched. The Council's spies lurked everywhere, their eyes trained on me, on us. Every move we made risked being discovered.

But I had no choice. I had to warn Father—no matter the cost.

We decided to create a distraction to keep the spies busy. David and George would start training sessions in front of the pack house, while I, dressed as an omega with two guards also disguised as omegas, would head for the mountain after first stopping at the river on the western border to "wash the carpets."

The next day, after my daily routine, I changed into my omega disguise and headed downstairs. Together with the two guards, we made our way toward the river. Fortunately, most of my pack members didn't recognize me and ignored us completely.

At the river, we unloaded the carpets, and after ensuring no one was following, I left the guards behind and took the path toward the cave alone. David had insisted I shouldn't go alone, but I ignored him. I didn't understand his mistrust of Father—he was always wary, and whenever I asked why, he avoided the question. I suspected there was something in their past I didn't know.

I shifted into my wolf form as I left the river and approached the cave cautiously. After circling the area to cover my tracks, I entered. Father's scent was strong in the air—but he was nowhere to be seen.

Where is he? Did I misunderstand his message? I thought.

"No", Frostie whispered inside my mind. "He's probably hiding".

"Hiding from what?" I asked.

"Maybe he's testing you".

Testing me? Why? I wondered.

"Maybe he doesn't trust you. It's reasonable—he just got out of jail" Frostie explained.

"Reasonable? I'm his daughter, for goodness' sake!" I snapped.

"Elektra," Father's voice cut through our thoughts.

I spun around, relief flooding me. "Father! How good to see you again." I threw myself into his arms, but he remained stiff and distant.

"Did anyone follow you?" he asked coldly.

"You know better than I do, no," I replied angrily. Why is he acting like this toward me?

"Alright. Tell me—what did the other Alphas decide?"

"How do you know about the meeting?" I asked, surprised.

"I know everything, my little daughter. My people are everywhere, informing me of everything."

Your people? I wondered.

Alexander was right—your father does have allies everywhere, Frostie noted.

And what with that? Is that enough to condemn Father as a criminal?

You can't deny there's a chance Alexander's telling the truth.

Frostie, please, not now... I'm already confused enough... I pleaded.

Father ignored my thoughts and pressed for details on the meeting's outcome. I began reciting everything but stopped midway—he already knew. I looked at him and asked, "If you know all this, why have me tell you?"

"Because I want to hear your point of view," he said coldly.

"Father, they put a bounty on you."

"What? They didn't tell me! How much?" he asked sharply.

"Ten billion dollars."

"How did they collect so much?" he wondered.

"Alexander proposed it. All the Alphas submitted their offers."

"That bastard again! He's always in my way," Father muttered.

"What are you going to do?"

"I will continue my revenge."

"Don't you see you're putting yourself in danger?"

"My daughter, I fear nothing—not spoiled brats like Alexander and his useless friends."

"But sooner or later, they'll find you! You can't hide forever!"

"Not before I find them first."

"Have you lost your mind? How will you fight all those Alphas, especially now with a bounty on your head?"

"Don't worry, my beautiful daughter."

"Revenge isn't the way. You have to restore your name—that must be your priority."

"Restore my name? Don't make me laugh."

"Why not?"

"Because I don't care about it, Elektra. Only fools think that way."

"But—"

"There is no but. Don't bother me with it. I will take care of everything. I need a favor."

"Anything, Father. You know that."

"Good. Go now. I'll inform you when I need you."

"But how will you survive alone in the mountains?"

"Don't worry—it's not my first time."

"How will we communicate?"

"The same way we have so far. Don't ask stupid questions. Now go. Be careful. Don't raise suspicion. Many eyes are watching. Trust no one."

And with that, he left the cave without a backward glance.

I stood there, numb. How am I supposed to act normal when I'm terrified for him? Ten billion dollars is a fortune—how can he be so sure no one will betray or find him? What power does he hold over his allies? Why did he treat me with such coldness? Does he even care about me? And... could Alexander really be right about him?