Hidden Secrets (editing and improving the story)

Chapter 56 - Tense situation

Elektra's pov:

II got out feeling absolutely frustrated. All my dreams came crashing down like towers of fragile paper. Everyone and everything seemed to be against me. Why was everyone so judgmental? I had every right to reject my mate. Who were they to judge me? I knew what I did was a terrible mistake—but I was far from infallible.

Alexander approached, his face tense and worried.

"Well?" he asked, voice edged with frustration.

"Unfortunately, they didn't give me any answers," I replied, defeated.

"What? Why?"

"They said what I did was sacrilege and that they owe me no explanation," I explained bitterly.

"That's preposterous!" he exclaimed, turning toward the elders' cabin.

"Wait! What are you doing?" I called after him, but he walked away without a glance.

"Let him," Anaxagoras said quietly beside me. "He might achieve more than you—he is very respected by the elders."

I nodded, clinging to that faint hope.

Two hours passed, and Alexander was still inside. What could they possibly be discussing? I waited and waited until my patience snapped. I needed to know. Honestly, I didn't expect the elders to change their minds, but I wanted closure.

Another hour dragged by, my restlessness growing with every minute. Anaxagoras had left hours ago, leaving me alone with my swirling thoughts. I didn't know anyone in the village, so I remained rooted to the spot.

Though it was spring, a chill hung in the air, but I wasn't cold. My anxiety burned hotter than any weather. Minutes slipped by in suffocating silence until I suddenly felt a presence behind me.

I spun around and met Alexander's gaze.

"Hey," I said, trying to sound casual.

"Hi," he replied flatly.

"Well? What happened? What did the elders say?" I pressed.

"Nothing..." His voice was cold, clipped.

"Nothing? What do you mean by nothing?" I demanded, irritation flaring.

"We didn't discuss our matter," he said.

"Then what took you so long?" I asked, my patience thinning. I could tell he was hiding something.

"We discussed things that concerned the packs," he said evasively.

I gave him a sharp, sarcastic look. "Oh, I see."

"We'd better go," Alexander said, already turning toward the path.

"Wait!" I called after him, but he had already quickened his pace, not sparing me a single glance.

The walk down was heavy with silence. Alexander remained quiet and distant, his jaw tight, his eyes fixed ahead. I didn't press him; it was clear he wasn't in the mood to talk. But inside, I was desperate to know what had passed between him and the elders.

When we reached the car, Alexander started the engine and sped off without a word. He seemed so focused on the road that I felt almost invisible beside him.

After a while, we arrived at the Silver Dawn Pack. Alexander parked the jeep and stepped out without waiting for me. His abruptness shattered my heart into countless pieces.

A whole week passed. I spent most of my days locked in my room, while Alexander busied himself arranging visits to other packs. Roxanne tried to reassure me that it was just a phase—that things would get better—but I wasn't so hopeful. Deep down, I knew that since I had rejected him, something between us had changed forever. He was cold and distant, and I feared I might never be able to fix what I'd broken.

I was aimlessly pacing my bedroom when an omega came to tell me Alexander wanted to see me in his office. My heart leapt painfully. I sprang up, still in an old sweater and gym pants, no time to change. I glanced at myself in the mirror, frowning at my disheveled appearance, then headed toward the office.

I knocked lightly and heard Alexander's voice, soft yet commanding, inviting me in.

"Good evening," I said, forcing a wide smile. Being near him always made me feel lighter, happier—no matter how dark everything else was.

"Good evening," Alexander replied, his eyes glued to the files in front of him. Not once did he look my way.

"How are you?" I ventured. I felt suddenly ashamed of my neglected appearance next to his neat, composed presence. Here was the strong leader I admired, and there was me—falling apart.

"Fine," he said curtly. Then, without looking up, he added, "I called you here because I want to know your intentions."

"My intentions?" I echoed, bewildered.

"Yes. Your intentions about your future."

"What do you mean?" I asked cautiously.

"I want to know if you plan to stay here... or go back to your old pack," he said, his voice cold and steady.

"What? How can you ask that? I'm your mate. Did you forget?" I snapped, hurt bubbling under my skin.

"No," he replied venomously, "You forgot when you rejected me, Elektra."

"I... I didn't mean to. I was confused. Doubts clouded my mind," I said, struggling to explain.

"Doubts? About what?" he asked, brows furrowed.

"About... your feelings for me," I confessed, daring to meet his gaze.

"Your doubts were baseless. I never gave you reason to think that," he said sternly.

"I know now," I whispered, ashamed.

"A bit late, don't you think?" he sneered.

"I..." I tried to speak, but tears caught in my throat.

"Anyway," he said, standing, "You have three days to decide whether to stay here or leave for your old pack."

"Are you... kicking me out?" I managed to choke out.

"No," he said, his tone softening just a touch. "Whatever you decide, you'll always be welcome here. I won't deny you your birthright. You belong to Silver Dawn."

"I... I'll let you know," I muttered, lowering my head as I turned toward the door. My mind was a storm of questions, but I dared not ask. Alexander had made up his mind. He'd quietly accepted my rejection. He no longer wanted me as his mate. I was welcome only because of my lineage.

My head spun as I staggered back to my room, heart breaking with every step.

I collapsed onto my bed, tears flowing freely until sleep finally claimed me.