The Dark Side Of Fate by Karima Sa'ad Usman

155 Anxious Reunion

~Sylvester~

The journey to Lucland felt like an eternity, filled with worry and apprehension. Each of us concealed our concerns behind a brave facade, but deep down, our hearts were heavy.

Before boarding the flight, I repeatedly tried calling Tamia's number and my office line, desperate to ensure everything was alright. The thought of something going wrong was unbearable. RêAd lat𝙚St chapters at Novel(D)ra/ma.Org Only

Looking around the aircraft, I saw the sombre expressions on Leo, Marcel, Devin, and David's faces, their unease palpable.

Alexei and Clay appeared nervous as well. Our worries were centred on the safety of our beloved women. Fortunately, a helicopter awaited us at Lucland airport, ready to swiftly transport us to the estate. It was the fastest way to reach our destination.

I found solace in the hope that Vino, Theodore, Dominic, and Andrew would be fine and join us up north tomorrow, unharmed. They had given their all, making the best of a dire situation. I fervently prayed that we wouldn't have to go through something like this again.

As the plane touched down, relieved to have neutralised the threat, there was no need for secrecy or immigration procedures. We hurriedly disembarked, assisting Yuri, who was in a wheelchair due to his leg injury. It would take a few days for his crushed bones to heal, not that I cared much about his suffering. He hadn't been given any pain medication, so I knew he was enduring a great deal. Although, his suffering wasn't nearly enough.

We boarded the waiting helicopter without delay, ready to face whatever awaited us at the estate. Breaking the silence and snapping everyone out of their deep thoughts, I urged my companions,

"No matter what happens at the estate, we must remain composed and sane."

Leo reassured us, saying, "Don't worry. Those bastards will meet their match up north. Our women are incredibly resilient. I'm confident they'll outsmart and overcome their adversaries. Those women cling to life like glue." His words elicited laughter from all of us because they rang true.

Considering everything they had survived, it was plausible that they would emerge victorious. They relied not only on strength but on wisdom, which is the most vital asset in any battle. Leo's words filled us with hope and uplifted our spirits. I felt optimistic about what lay ahead.

After a fifteen-minute helicopter ride, we landed on the estate grounds. Stepping off the aircraft, I instinctively tried to link with Tamia, but my abilities vanished. I knew the rash was about to manifest. Glancing at Leo, who was laughing almost maniacally, I could see the relief on his face. He had successfully linked with his mate.

"So, don't keep it to yourself," I urged him, and he looked at me and nodded.

"They're alright," he managed to say, and at that moment, I took the time to survey my surroundings. My men were clearing away the corpses littering the grounds. I wondered how the battle had unfolded, knowing that some of my men had also lost their lives. It must have been a gruelling fight, but I was grateful that our mates had made it through unscathed.

Wilson and Levi approached us, taking charge of Yuri. They would secure him in the dungeon, following my order not to treat his wounds. Since he was immune to silver, holding him without inflicting pain on his legs would be pointless.

As we made our way toward the building, Tamia and the others approached us. I could see the relief wash over her face.

"Where is Theodore?" I heard Linda's anxious voice. She was clearly worried and scared. Anticipating the concern that would arise, I quickly raised my hand to reassure her.

"He's fine. They'll join us tomorrow. They were injured and are currently receiving treatment in Gad. We would have waited and returned together, but Yuri had boasted about the attack on the estate, so we decided to rush down and see if we could help. But clearly, all of you had it under control," I explained. A glimmer of relief appeared in her eyes.

"Do you know when they'll arrive tomorrow?" she asked, and I shook my head but promised her they would be with us by tomorrow.

"Where's Susan?" Devin chimed in, sounding concerned.

"She was injured, but she's okay now. She had been feeling a bit unwell but kept it from everyone. I'll leave it to her to tell you everything," Tamia responded with a smile, and I didn't need to guess what Tamia was leaving for Susan to reveal.

David and Nicole headed inside the building just as Marcel inquired about Avery. Tamia assured him that she was safe with the others in the bunker. Marcel hurried towards the building, eager to reunite with his mates. It was a natural reaction. If Tamia hadn't come to meet me outside, I would have done the same.

The rest of us entered the estate, and I dreaded explaining to Claudia why Vino wasn't with us. She would likely be the one most deeply affected. Alexei and Clay went ahead of us, visibly exhausted. Unlike the rest of us, Alexei's mate was safe in Mountain, while Clay had everyone he cared about accounted for within the estate.

Upon entering the estate, I spotted Erik with Gezel in the hallway, sharing laughter over something. It seemed they had followed the women but opted not to approach and give us our space.

"Long live the king! I see you full of energy and triumphant!" Erik exclaimed, approached me and extended a handshake, but I couldn't help but warmly embrace him.

"Thank you, Erik. Thank you so much for everything you've done. You made this possible. Without you, we wouldn't have overcome this man. Ighor deceived us, but Peter came through for us," I expressed, acknowledging the invaluable assistance we had received. I released Erik, who wore a broad grin on his face.

"Well, as you can see, I didn't miss out on too much action here. Yuri was arrogant and sent people to abduct the women. That's when we realised they were aware of your impending arrival. I'm glad you're safe," he replied, and Gezel laughed. I wondered what was so amusing.

"We were in a panic, and Tamia leaked the event to the press, so you'll probably hear it on the news. We thought the confrontation would still happen tomorrow at the meeting venue. Little did we know it had already taken place," she shared, and I understood why she found it amusing. The meeting in Gad was originally scheduled for tomorrow night. However, if Yuri knew we were coming, he might have deliberately manipulated the date to catch us off guard. Whatever the case, they had been defeated, and we had emerged victorious. It was as simple as that.

"Did you bring me any lab rats?" Erik quipped, and I shook my head.

"Sean and Joan will have to do for now. Unless we manage to obtain some Alphas from the South," I responded, glancing at Leo, who shook his head. He was still unable to reach Max and Kyle. I didn't want to entertain the worst-case scenario, but my mind couldn't help but wander there.

"I might have to head south," Leo declared, causing Amelia to tighten her grip on his shirt. She didn't want him to go anywhere, evident in her behaviour.

"We'll go together. After all, it's my territory they went to reclaim," Devin chimed in, and Leo nodded in agreement.

Devin excused himself to go to the infirmary and check on Susan. I knew Claudia would likely be there as well. It was possible that no one had informed Claudia about our arrival, so I called out to

Devin as he made his way.

"Please make sure to give Claudia good news. I don't want her to be traumatised," I hurriedly requested, and he nodded in understanding.

"Indeed," Erik added, agreeing with me. We then proceeded toward the staircase.

"Claudia's on the verge of breaking down. I can sense that she's been bottling up so much inside her, mostly fear. Vino had better come home tomorrow," Erik commented, and I realised I was correct about Claudia's fragile state of mind. I had to commend her for her strength. She was new to all of this, yet she had held her ground and acted with grace and resilience throughout the ordeal. It would be heartbreaking to witness her breaking down. I hoped it wouldn't come to that.

While we ascended the stairs, Erik mentioned that he would send us allergy medication to prevent a severe rash. I was grateful for his quick thinking because I didn't want to experience the discomfort I had endured last time. It was a terrible and embarrassingly uncomfortable experience. If it weren't for the more significant danger looming over us, I'm confident the memory of the rash would have haunted my dreams. I dreaded its return.

"That rash is so uncomfortable. Susan was the only one who didn't get it. I heard Gezel's experience was particularly awful," Tamia commented, and I wondered why Susan had been spared.

"Susan has more Stepanov genes than Leo. That's the reason The Agk32 didn't harm the baby. It was foolish of her not to get checked when she was feeling unwell. She took too many risks, you know. The child will undoubtedly resemble us now. Any chance of it being an Alpha is gone. I just hope she pays more attention next time," Erik explained, chuckling softly.

"Come to think of it, Yuri desired the South for the Stepanovs. Now, Devin will bring one into the world," Erik remarked, and although it was a dark joke, I understood his perspective. Gezel caught

on as well and joined in the laughter.

We parted ways at the top of the stairs. Amelia and Leo headed toward their wing, Erik and Gezel went toward theirs, while Tamia and I proceeded to our own. As we walked, Tamia giggled softly.

"What's so amusing?" I inquired, wrapping my arms around her waist, eager to bring her into our room.

"Those two have been getting quite close and friendly with each other. I'm starting to suspect that Gezel has a type," she remarked, and I couldn't help but join in the laughter.

Erik and Luis did seem alike in many ways. Both Stepanovs had the potential for greatness and power. Yet, they preferred a peaceful and private life away from the public eye. I imagined Luis must have been pretty humorous as well.

I wondered where their friendship would lead. Perhaps I would witness a love story like my mother and Jake's. After all, no one is ever too old for love, and Gezel is still in her forties. If they were willing, Gezel and Erik would make a splendid couple.

While it would be a sight to behold, no one would force it. I was simply glad that the grim and desolate Gezel had vanished. I couldn't forget her determination when she asked to join me in battle. I wondered what had changed in Mountain. I suppose I would eventually find out.

Finally reaching our room, I opened the door, revealing the familiar surroundings that felt like home. We stepped inside, locking the door behind us. The past few days' events had left us both physically and emotionally drained. I longed for the comfort of Tamia's embrace and the solace of our shared love. Tomorrow would bring new challenges, but we could find peace and healing in each other's arms for now.