Hidden Secrets (editing and improving the story)

Chapter 39 - Strange things

Elektra's pov:

I woke to muffled voices drifting through the darkness. I struggled to open my eyes, but something held them shut. My body was numb, limbs heavy and unresponsive. My mouth felt dry and tasted strange—bitter, metallic.

The voices grew louder, clearer, and I felt a faint twitch in my fingers. I tried to lift my arms but they wouldn't obey. Cold sweat broke out across my forehead. Finally, with great effort, my eyelids fluttered open.

I was tied to the bed—restrained, completely alone.

Why was I tied up?

The cabin was cloaked in shadows, faint outlines of furniture barely visible. Panic pricked at me. What had happened? How long had I been unconscious? Was Father's friend angry that we'd barged in uninvited? Where was Jordan? Why had Father left me here, alone and helpless?

Frosty was silent, her usual presence muted.

Minutes stretched in oppressive stillness. I struggled against the bindings, but they held fast. Frustrated and desperate, I gave up and turned my attention to the ceiling, counting the nails embedded in the rough wood. Two hundred... two hundred and one...

Suddenly, two scents cut through the stale air—sharp, familiar. Jordan's and Father's. They whispered low voices somewhere nearby, just beyond the shadows.

I whispered, "Father," barely able to get their attention.

"You finally woke up!" his voice was strange, almost brittle.

"What happened? Why am I tied up?" I asked, confusion swirling in my head.

"Because Jordan is an idiot!" Father snapped angrily, stepping closer. He began untying the ropes as I struggled to sit up, dizziness still clouding my mind.

"Where is he?" I asked weakly.

"He went back to the pack. He'll cover for you while you're gone."

"What? Where am I going?" I snapped, frustration bubbling.

"You'll stay here—with me."

"Here? Why?"

"I need your help. But first, let's eat." He moved to the kitchen, setting the table with hot food.

I rose with difficulty; my head throbbed and the room spun. I settled into a chair as Father served a steaming bowl of vegetable soup—one of my favorites.

"Oh my god, it's delicious, Father!" I exclaimed, heartwarming at the simple gesture.

He gave me a satisfied glance and started eating. Silence settled between us.

After eating half my soup, I finally asked, "Why did you have to drag me?"

"What? Drug you? Of course not. How could you think that? Jordan only tied you up—that idiot," Father said, exasperated.

"Then why was I out so long?"

"The trip was exhausting, and you hadn't slept well the day before," he answered calmly.

Sounds reasonable, I thought, though Frosty was unsettled, growling softly in my mind.

"Why do you want me here?"

"You're in danger, Elektra. I can't leave you alone."

"I can take care of myself. David and the warriors protect me."

"David? This idiot can't do anything right! No, it's too risky. You'll be safer here."

"But what are you afraid of?"

"I have information—you're a target. They'll try to kidnap or attack you to lure me out."

"Who? The Council?"

"Yes, with Alexander and his allies."

"I don't believe the Council would stoop to that," I argued.

"Don't be naive, Elektra. There's more going on than you realize. Now finish your dinner and get some rest." We ate in absolute silence. When I finished, I put my plate in the sink.

"Good night, Father," I said, and he nodded.

The cabin had another room I hadn't noticed. Father said it would be mine. I undressed, crawled into bed, and closed my eyes. Unease twisted in my gut. Why did he want me here? Why send Jordan back alone? His reasoning made sense—yet something felt wrong.

I thought about it endlessly until sleep claimed me.

Alexander's POV

"Alpha, it's Jade, our Black Shadow spy. He's on the line—wants to talk urgently," Jason interrupted late one evening.

I was working when Jason handed me the phone. Something felt off.

"Put him through."

"Alpha, good evening. I have urgent news."

"What is it?"

"Elektra has disappeared. Nobody knows where she is. She's been missing since yesterday."

"What? How? Where did she go?"

"I don't know. I asked around—she vanished. No one saw her leave."

"What about her Beta and pack leaders?"

"Some are worried, others think she left because she found her mate."

"That can't be true! She didn't go to her mate."

"Maybe she went to other packs for help. The Black Shadow Pack's struggling financially since Bartholomew's arrest."

"Could be. But why go alone? And why take Jordan, then have him return alone?"

"Not sure. Look into it, Alpha."

"Will do."

Confusion churned inside me. Where was Elektra? Why the sudden trip—and with Jordan?

My wolf stirred anxiously.

"She might have gone to her father. We know she's secretly helping him."

"No... she wouldn't dare."

"Don't be so sure. I'd investigate thoroughly."