Hidden Secrets (editing and improving the story)

Chapter 45 - Unconcious

Alexander's pov:

Bartholomew, though old, proved to be a formidable opponent. He deflected many of my attacks and fought with fierce strength. Alongside me, several Silver Dawn warriors battled fiercely. Bartholomew's accomplices weren't far off either—when they realized a fight had broken out, they rushed to assist.

The clash between our forces and Bartholomew's lasted deep into the early hours of the morning.

At last, we managed to overpower them. We suffered losses, but Bartholomew's side took heavier casualties. I struck Bartholomew hard enough to immobilize him. We gathered the prisoners in one spot and waited for the Council guards to arrive. Each of the captured would face serious charges and likely spend the rest of their lives behind bars.

After about an hour and a half, the Council's SUV appeared. The members had been briefed on our mission, but locating the cabin in such dense vegetation was no easy feat for them.

The guards began rounding up Bartholomew's men, handcuffing them with silver restraints to prevent escape. An ambulance arrived as well, rushing into the cabin where Elektra lay unconscious. She was in critical condition; Bartholomew's brutal attacks had left deep wounds in her body.

As paramedics carefully carried Elektra toward the ambulance, I was finalizing the transport arrangements for the prisoners. Bartholomew was to be placed alone in a separate SUV, destined for immediate trial before the Council.

I was discussing the logistics with John when, suddenly, Bartholomew broke free from the guards' grip. I don't know how he managed it, but he charged straight at me, a knife gleaming in his hand.

Before I could react, John stepped between us. Bartholomew plunged the knife directly beneath John's heart.

I screamed for the paramedics to come immediately. The blade was silver—the wound was grave. John needed urgent hospital care, or he wouldn't survive.

The guards quickly subdued Bartholomew and fastened a silver collar around his neck—a device meant to prevent him from causing any more harm.

Elektra and John were rushed to the Black Moon pack hospital, the closest medical facility deep within the forest. I followed behind in one of the SUVs, Roxanne sitting beside me. On the drive, she confided in a low voice that Bartholomew had tried to rape her. That monster! How could he even attempt such a thing to his own daughter? Even if she wasn't his biological child, he had raised her as his own!

When we arrived, chaos reigned inside the hospital. Dozens of wounded wolves filled the corridors, with medical staff rushing to attend everyone amid the turmoil.

I made my way to the receptionist and urgently asked about John and Elektra's conditions while Roxanne sought out a nurse to tend to her wounds. Thankfully, her injuries weren't serious. John was still in surgery, but Elektra had already been cleaned up and moved to a room to rest.

I instructed the receptionist to inform me immediately of any updates on John, then headed toward Elektra's room.

She lay on the bed, pale and fragile. Seeing her so vulnerable shattered my heart into a million pieces. I sat beside her, gently took her hand, and pressed a small kiss to it.

Suddenly, an intense surge of sparks coursed through my entire body—something I had never experienced before. What was this? Could it be the bond? But how? Why now?

Still overwhelmed, I stepped outside to consult with the doctors about Elektra's condition.

John was still in the surgery room. The doctors were carefully removing the contaminated tissue to prevent the infection from spreading. It was a delicate and risky procedure, given how close the wound was to his heart.

The next morning, I was still by Elektra's side when Alina called with troubling news: Cassandra was missing. She had apparently left the pack without a trace. Alina had already assembled a small team of warriors and scouts to search for her, but so far, Cassandra had vanished into thin air.

Elektra showed slight signs of improvement. She managed to move her arms and legs a little but remained unconscious. The doctor explained that her current condition wasn't caused by any physical injury but rather psychological trauma. The attempt by Bartholomew to violate her, combined with the revelation that he was not her real father, had plunged her into a deep state of shock. Her mind was refusing to wake and confront reality.

Yet, there was a flicker of hope. Every time I touched her, I felt a rush of sparks and goosebumps—an unexplainable connection. Something inside me told me she felt it too. I didn't know what had ignited this mysterious bond between us, but I welcomed it wholeheartedly.

Though I wanted nothing more than to stay by her side all day, my duties called. The Council had appointed me as a member, and I had many responsibilities beyond my role as Alpha.

Roxanne, now fully recovered, came to find me and declared she would take care of Elektra. Just as I was about to lean in and kiss Elektra goodbye, Roxanne knocked on the door and stepped inside.

"Oh, I'm sorry for interrupting," Roxanne said, clearly embarrassed as she entered.

"It's okay," I replied with a gentle smile, pressing a tender kiss to Elektra's right cheek, which looked noticeably better today. Then I turned to Roxanne. "Take good care of her."

"Don't worry, I will," she assured me as she settled into one of the armchairs.

"I'll return this afternoon," I told her. "Do you want anything to eat or drink? Do you have any money on you?"

Roxanne shook her head. "David is on his way."

"No, no," I said, pulling my wallet from my pocket and offering her some money. She hesitated but I insisted she take it.

Afterwards, I left the room and made my way to the Black Moon packhouse where Orestes, the Alpha, and several Council members were waiting.

I spent the entire day discussing and searching for the best course of action regarding our prisoners. Many Council members called for the death penalty for Bartholomew—and I found myself agreeing. He had proven to be a dangerous man, capable of unspeakable acts. Imprisonment alone wouldn't be enough to contain the threat he posed.

We finally decided that Bartholomew would face trial in a jurisdiction where the death penalty could be applied.

By the time I finished my duties, night had fallen. I headed back to the hospital, where Roxanne updated me on Elektra's condition—stable, but fragile.

Entering her room, I saw Elektra lying quietly in bed, while Roxanne sat wearily in the chair. She looked exhausted.

"Good evening," I greeted softly.

"Good evening, Alexander," Roxanne replied, standing up.

"Please, don't get up," I urged. "Have you eaten anything today?"

"Don't worry about me. I'm fine," she answered firmly.

"You should eat and rest. I'll stay here with Elektra."

"No, I want to stay. You must be tired after working all day."

"There's no need. I'll stay," I reassured her.

She hesitated, then confessed, "I don't know... I just don't want to leave her alone again."

"What are you afraid of? Bartholomew is locked up now," I reasoned.

"I don't know... he's obsessed with her. He could send someone to hurt her."

"Don't be afraid. I'm here, and I won't let anything bad happen to her," I promised, and finally persuaded her. Roxanne took her jacket and moved toward the door.

Just as she reached for the handle, she turned to me with a firm, intense look. "Take good care of her," she said.

I nodded, my heart heavy with the weight of responsibility.

I returned to Elektra's bedside, taking her hand once more. The familiar spark coursed through me again. I found myself growing addicted to it. I told her about my day, even though she remained unconscious. Aside from the slight movement of her hand yesterday, there had been no real progress.

I was deeply worried, hoping she would overcome her shock and wake soon.