Hidden Secrets (editing and improving the story)

Chapter 49 - Desperate Measures

Elektra's pov:

"Now what?" I asked Alexander, frustration bubbling up as we descended the winding path.

"Relax. We'll find a way, my love," he said softly, trying to soothe me.

"What way? The elders were my last and only chance!" I snapped, my voice sharp.

"Don't worry, my love. We'll think of something. Even if we don't, we know we're mates and love each other. We don't need some ritual or confirmation to prove our bond," he said gently.

"What? No! How can you say that? I can't spend my whole life without feeling our bond. No, I'm not going to compromise. I will find a way!" I declared, determination blazing in my eyes—and a crazy idea suddenly sparked in my mind.

The rest of the trip passed in heavy silence. That wild idea haunted my thoughts, growing stronger with every step. I couldn't wait to bring it to life.

After an hour of walking and another hour driving, we finally arrived at the Black Moon Pack. I told Alexander I needed to stay behind for a while to handle some things before moving to the Silver Dawn Pack. At first, he was reluctant to leave me, but after some pleading, he reluctantly agreed.

I hugged Alexander goodbye and headed straight to my old room. I took a quick shower, changed into fresh clothes, grabbed my things, and made my way to the parking lot—ready to turn my wild idea into reality.

Alexander's pov:

When we got into the jeep, Elektra told me she'd stay at the Black Shadow Pack for a few days to take care of some things. I couldn't deny the knot in my chest. After everything that had happened, I thought she'd come with me. She could've handled those things later—there was no emergency that urgent. But I didn't argue. I respected her wishes and gave her space. I knew the visit to the elders had upset her deeply, and pushing her now would only make things worse.

An hour later, I arrived at my pack. Roxanne was waiting at the door. The moment I stepped out, she approached me, worry etched across her face.

"Where's Elektra?" she asked, eyes searching mine.

"She stayed at the Black Shadow Pack," I answered curtly. I wasn't in the mood for questions.

"What? Why?" Roxanne pressed, surprise turning to agitation.

"She had some unfinished business to handle," I said, my tone clipped.

"What kind of business?" she demanded.

"I'm sorry, Roxanne, but I've got work to do," I said, brushing past her and heading to my office. I was tired and not in the mood for chatter. Elektra's choice to isolate herself in her old pack frustrated me, and I wasn't ready to explain or justify it.

Inside my office, Steve was waiting with the pack's pending issues. His report was detailed, but my mind kept drifting back to the elders' words—and to Elektra. I understood why she was upset, but her decision still stung. I thought she'd want to spend more time with me. Instead, she pulled away, retreating to her past. I forced myself to focus on the work before me, pushing the ache aside—for now.

Elektra's pov:

I parked my car outside the grim, imposing walls of the prison. Though I had been sure about this decision all along, the closer I got, the more a cold dread crept up my spine. Something deep inside whispered that this wouldn't end well.

Taking a deep breath, I pulled my coat tighter around me, slung my bag over my shoulder, and stepped out of the car. The metal door locked behind me with a definitive click as I hurried toward the main entrance. Almost immediately, two guards blocked my path.

"Who are you, Miss? What do you want here?" one demanded, his tone rough and unwelcoming.

"I'm Elektra River. I've come to see Bartholomew River," I said firmly, keeping my voice steady.

One of the guards sneered, "She's come to visit her 'father,' huh?"

"He's not my father," I snapped, my voice sharp and cold, though it barely seemed to faze him.

"Are you authorized to be here?" the other guard asked, eyes narrowing suspiciously.

"No, but this is urgent. I must speak to Bartholomew," I insisted.

"If you're not authorized, you can't see him," the guard said bluntly.

"I won't leave until I speak with him," I said stubbornly, planting my feet firmly.

The guard shoved me hard, but I caught myself quickly, glaring. "How dare you? I'm the Alpha of the Black Moon Pack. I demand to see the Director immediately!"

Though I was ready to relinquish my role as Alpha, no one else knew yet. My voice carried the weight of my position. The guards seemed unimpressed, but the second one's smirk faded into something more cautious.

"Please, Alpha, give us a moment to notify the Director," he said with forced politeness.

"Fine," I said, keeping my tone commanding. The guards exchanged glances in silence. Finally, one motioned me to approach their outpost.

"The Prison Director will see you now, Miss River," the cold guard said, his expression unreadable.

I smiled triumphantly. "Thank you."

The other guard escorted me down stark, echoing corridors until we reached the Director's office.

"Miss River, what a... pleasant surprise," the Director greeted as I entered. He stood quickly, a short, round man with curly black hair and piercing dark eyes that didn't miss a thing.

"Hello, Sir. I need to see Bartholomew immediately. It's urgent," I stated, leaving no room for argument.

"Bartholomew is in isolation. No one is allowed to visit him. It's Council policy," he replied firmly.

"I understand, but please—this is a matter of life and death."

"I'm sorry, but there's nothing I can do."

"My only option is to see him in person. The truth won't come over an intercom," I said, trying to keep my desperation from showing.

"You'll have to settle for the intercom system," he said, shaking his head.

"Then I'll return tomorrow with Alexander."

"The Alexander? The Alpha of the Silver Moon Pack—and future King of the werewolves?"

"Yes. He's my mate," I said proudly.

The Director paused, as if weighing something, then finally said, "Now that you mention it... perhaps there is something we can do. Follow me."

I followed him silently as he led me down a twisting staircase. The air grew colder and heavier. Shadows clung to the narrow corridor we walked, each step echoing against stone walls.

"This is the isolation area," he explained quietly as we approached a bleak, dimly lit chamber. The sense of despair hung thick in the air. My heart pounded in my chest.

Stopping in front of a heavy metal door, he turned to me. "This is your father's cell."

I swallowed hard. "He's restrained?"

"Bound in silver chains. Don't even think about trying anything reckless. Neither he nor anyone who tries to help him will be so lucky this time."

The cold finality in his voice sent a shiver down my spine.