Chapter 91: NINETY ONE

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"Ace?" Meredith's father was the first to notice me. He had grown a lot older than my memories could recall. I towered above him, watching his hand move to pat me on the arm. Guilt, visible as day, etched like wrinkles on his face and I could tell he was holding back from engulfing me in a hug.

He was an Alpha, after all; such emotions were unnecessary for us.

"You grew up so well," his voice fought to not break, but his sight couldn't hide its blur.

"It's great to see you again, Odysseus," I kept my expression neutral, refusing the emotions that threatened to reveal themselves.

Unlike him, his wife couldn't hold her emotions. She had nothing to protect and within a second, she was flying down to hug me.

It was a tight motherly embrace that I hadn't felt in a very long time. It made me think of Georgia.

It was an almost unrecognizable touch, but I could feel a difference from every other hug I had received.

"Thank you for bringing her home. You have no idea how much this means to us."

"I only paid back her kindness, and it was the right thing to do," I replied honestly, relieved when she released me.

"Come, we prepared a room for you-

"I do not plan to stay. I only came here to see that Meredith arrives safe, I can't waste any more time," I declined. I wasn't sure how I felt standing before them but it erupted a bittersweet memory within me, something I wanted buried.

Aside from me, they were the only ones who knew my parents on a deeper level, but they abandoned them when they needed them most.

It wasn't a grudge. No. If I felt grudge, they would not be alive anymore, or worse be so close to me. I would not be able to stand the sight of them.

"We can give you a ride. It's a very long journey back to your country, and you will need all the help you can get," Odysseus suggested. "I'll have a map prepared for you as well, it will only take a short time."

"He's right. Let us help you, Ace." Meredith chipped in. "I'll get you fresh clothes and pack enough food for your journey."

I hadn't thought of that, how insanely far from home I was. The only thing on my mind was returning to my country, but I had forgotten I was thousands of miles away and needed proper planning.

"Can it be ready within an hour?" I asked.

"Yes, we can do that!" Meredith answered, her eyes gleaming.

"Let me take you to a room so you can freshen up."

It was a decent room, and Meredith left as soon as she dropped some clothes for me to change into. Due to how tough the wilds were, my clothes were torn in different places from fighting off other beasts that came at us while we journeyed here. Seeing the tiny scratches on my body made me think about her and how much fuss she would have made about the cuts before eventually healing them.

With time, Ellen had gotten used to the kind of person I was, and her worries had enormously subsided. It was usual and normal for an Alpha to sustain injuries at any time as you can't always know where the enemies were.

With Ellen, it was easy. I didn't have to go through the pain much because she could take it away at a go.

I sighed as I put on the last piece of clothing and my door went open.

"It's me," Meredith walked in with a small tray that contained food.

"My mother made it. I know it's the last thing on your mind right now, but your health is important too. Besides, you're still in the healing process; you need to eat something," she cajoled. "Listen, I want exactly what you wish for yourself for you but I also want you to be alive."

She was right. Once again, I had attempted without a plan. The fact that it happened twice because of her was unsettling to me. I was risking my life again for a purpose that involves her, without a plan and it was driving me crazy how impetuous I had suddenly become. It was harder because I had no idea how to get rid of these feelings, but one thing I knew for sure was that I wasn't a weakling. No matter how challenging it was, I would get rid of her myself and these stupid feelings next.

I bit into the food; I was certain it tasted as sumptuous as it looked, but my lack of appetite rendered it stale. With Meredith watching studiously, I took a few more bites and then emptied the cup.

"It's a good meal."

She smiled, "I'm glad you enjoyed it." She breathed out. "When we were little, I used to act wife and serve you like this. Do you remember? We already knew that our fate was sealed from birth. Who would have thought so much could change?"

"We were just kids."

"I know, but I remember every moment we shared so clearly," she smiled.

"Now that your contract with Kylan is over, what do you plan to do?" I asked.

"I don't know, grow old with my parents I guess. It's so much better than living under Kylan. Anything is better than that, to be honest."

I looked at the time. I had exhausted twenty minutes.

"How long until the map is done?" I asked, impatient.

"The finishing touch is all that is left," she replied. "It seems like you are more eager to find your ex-mate than to reunite with your people."

"Both are just as important to me," I spoke honestly.

She smiled, my vision blurred but I could tell it was a sad smile.

"I'm guessing that means you've decided to forgive her for what she did to you?"

I had avoided this question for as long as I could, and it wasn't just because I didn't know the answer to it; it was because I knew about Meredith's feelings for me, and I knew that it was still alive.

"My forgiveness cannot guarantee her life anymore, Meredith, there's too much involved. But if justice must be done, then I have to find her first," I revealed.

"And what if everything is just as real?"

I opened my mouth to answer her, but suddenly, a cloud fell over me; I blinked rapidly and arched my back, shaking off the weary feeling.

"You look tired, you should rest-

"No, I'm fine.." I tried to stand but my legs wobbled me back into the seat, my voice trailing.

"I need the map. I have to leave now," the words came out heavy. I was getting weak.

"Stay here, I'll go check and bring it to you."

My view got hazy but I could see Meredith slowly disappearing as she exited the room, and I shook myself awake.

What was happening?

I was fully awake seconds ago. How come I became so tired after only sitting for a few minutes?

My body started to grow weak and staying awake became a struggle. My view got cloudier and with every step I took, my legs continuously failed me.

As I held the bed frame, landing on the bed once again, my eyes landed on the tray of food Meredith had brought in and it clicked in.

No. No. No. She couldn't have...

With more dexterity, I sprang to my feet again, but this time, I hit the floor with a thud. I began crawling, struggling to get to the door and my cry for help couldn't go past the walls of the room.

My hands reached for the door knob. It was close, so close, and I was certain I was going to get it, but I slumped to the ground and passed out.