Hidden Secrets (editing and improving the story)

Chapter 60 - You can't avoid your past

Elektra's pov:

Seeing Alexander again was a huge shock. For over a year, I had tried to erase every memory of him, and yet here he was, coming back as if to claim what he believed was rightfully his. After a year and a half of complete silence, he returns like I'm some cursed possession he can just pick up again. Who does he think he is?

Last night, I accepted Andros' invitation for dinner and ended up staying at his place. I wanted to tell him about Alexander's sudden appearance, but the night was so pleasant that I didn't want to ruin the moment. So, we went home and slept. Andros respected my need for rest and didn't push for anything more. He even made me breakfast in the morning! He's so attentive and caring — all this time, he never misses an opportunity to show me how much he loves me. He is so perfect that I can already picture a life beside him.

Today was exhausting and demanding. My boss was eager to close the deal with Alexander's company. No sooner had I arrived than he called me into his office. He wanted a full report on my meeting with Alexander yesterday. I told him Alexander had some questions about the project, which I answered thoroughly. When I confirmed that Alexander seemed satisfied, my boss let me go. That was easier than I thought, I mused, heading back to my office.

The day flew by as I scrambled to catch up on work. Later, Marcus informed me that Alexander wanted another meeting with me. I wasn't willing to agree.

Alexander's pov:

As soon as Elektra left the room, I immediately mind-linked Steve, instructing him to find out everything about her—her home, her friends, her habits. Our Goddess had brought her back into my path when I least expected it, and I wasn't about to let this chance slip away again. Letting her go a year ago had been the biggest mistake of my life. I'd let my ego blind me, but not this time. This time, I would get my mate back—no matter what.

Late that night, Steve delivered all the information I asked for. Elektra lived in a luxurious apartment in the city center. Her job seemed lucrative. But the strangest detail was her romantic involvement—with a rogue. I couldn't believe it. Elektra in love with a rogue? Did she even know what kind of man he really was? And more importantly, did she approve?

I wanted to see Elektra again and arranged another meeting, but Marcus crushed my hopes, telling me she was away on a business trip. I knew she was probably avoiding me, and I couldn't deny it hurt—deeply. If I couldn't meet her at work, then I'd see her at home. I knew she'd be alone; the rogue was at his place, confirmed by Steve.

It was seven in the morning when I rang her doorbell. After a few moments, a sleepy Elektra appeared. Oh, Goddess—she was so simple, yet breathtaking. I stood there, utterly mesmerized.

"Good morning," I greeted her with a wide smile.

"You!!? What are you doing here? How did you find my address?" she asked, her voice hoarse but undeniably sexy.

"I came to see you," I said, stepping inside.

"Have you lost your mind? Who do you think you are?" she demanded, following me.

"Last time I checked—your mate," I said, incredulous.

"We've been apart for more than a year," she reasoned.

"You chose this," I replied calmly.

"As far as I'm concerned, you never objected," she said flatly.

"Everyone has the right to change their mind."

"Oh, how convenient! I respect your rights, but I don't approve of you showing up unannounced in my home."

"You never gave me an alternative. You disappeared."

"If you really wanted to find me, you would have," she said with biting irony.

"Why dredge up the past when we have a future ahead of us?"

"We? There is no 'we.' My future doesn't include you. You stopped being part of my life a long time ago," she said with certainty.

"I don't agree. Our lives will always be intertwined."

"No. I've already rejected you."

"But I haven't," I said, stunned.

"Who told you I care? I'm with Andros now, and I'm fine."

"Oh yes... Andros... I almost forgot," I said sarcastically.

"But I haven't. I trust him. We're close."

"Oh? Then you must know everything about him," I said ironically.

"Of course!" she replied, with a sassy edge.

"I'm glad you keep no secrets from each other."

"If you have nothing else to say, you better go."

"I will. But know this—I will always be here for you."

"Thanks," she said coldly.

From our conversation, it was clear Elektra knew little about her lover. I needed to find out more—and soon. Something was nagging at me, and I had to discover what it was. I called Steve and ordered a thorough background check on Andros.

Although my meeting with Elektra hadn't gone well, I started my day in good spirits—despite her cold words. Her behavior showed she'd moved on, or at least wanted me to believe so.

Days passed as I kept a cautious distance, though I had people watching her around the clock. At the same time, I gathered plenty of information on Andros. He'd become a rogue after killing the Luna of his pack. That was promising news—but it left me conflicted. Should I reveal this to Elektra? The circumstances of the killing were unclear, and the pack's Alpha was known to collaborate with Bartholomew and his gang. I didn't know what to do, so I decided to let fate take its course and not interfere.

Two more weeks went by with no chance to speak with Elektra. She was always with that idiot who didn't leave her alone for a second.

One day, while out for a walk, I bumped into an old friend I hadn't seen in years. Monica was one of my best friends—and my secret crush back in college. She was as beautiful as ever.

"Alexander! What a nice surprise! I can't believe it's you!" she exclaimed, genuinely happy.

"Monica! What are you doing here?" I said, excited.

"I live here now," she said coolly.

"Oh! I thought you were still in Europe."

"No, I only stayed six months."

"Oh, I see..."

"And you? Aren't you still with the Silver Dawn pack?"

"How do you know that?"

"I keep tabs on things I care about," she said mischievously. "Are you free tonight?"

"I have something planned, but it's not important. Pick you up at nine?"

"Of course! Saint Louis, 23rd Street. I'll be waiting!" she said, smiling slyly.

"I'll be there!" I said, kissing the back of her hand as our eyes met. She was truly stunning—petite with deep brown eyes and long brown hair. Her body was still as slim and curvy as ever.

Night fell quickly, and I found myself outside Monica's apartment, ringing the doorbell. It didn't take long before she opened the door—exquisite in a black satin dress that hugged her curves. Her hair was up, and she wore long golden earrings. I stood there, utterly captivated. No one could deny she was still incredibly attractive.