Garth had forgotten when he had last set foot in Jemma’s house, even though Usher used to make routine visits and accompany him. Ah! Garth seemed to remember that Usher forgot this habit when he started to get close to Mireya.
Garth’s face hardened. It was not only Vione and the pack that Usher had neglected, but also Jemma, his biological mother, had been ignored by Usher since Mireya had arrived.
“So, what did you mean before, Garth?”
Jemma came over with a cup of tea. She served it to Garth and sat down on the available patio chair. The breeze and the coolness calmed her feelings somewhat.
“Thank you, Jemma,” Garth said, enjoying the tea in one sip. The tea returned to the table and he exhaled. “Yesterday Mireya had a visitor.”
“What? A visitor?”
Garth nodded. “Yes. A man, and I don’t know what pack he’s from. I’ve never seen his face.”
“So, what happened?”
“Mireya met him in Alpha’s room.”
Jemma’s eyes widened. “Wait, Garth. What did you say? Mireya received the man in Usher’s room?”
“Yes,” Garth replied, taking a deep breath. Just like Jemma, he seemed extremely shocked. “It was outrageous, but one thing caught my attention.”
“What?”
“Mireya and the man wore the same necklace.”
Jemma frowned. “A necklace?”
“I don’t know what kind of necklace it is yet. It could be an identification mark or something else. I’ll find out later.”
Jemma only nodded once. Garth’s explanation filled her head. Not only was Usher’s condition worrying, but now there was another unpleasant suspicion.
The situation was truly chaotic, and Jemma remembered another important matter. Something that was an additional reason for her to venture into the palace. “What about Vione? I have heard rumors that Vione has escaped from prison.”
“Yes, those rumors are true. Vione escaped from prison.”
Jemma gasped. “Oh, my goodness. How is that possible? Why did she escape?”
“She escaped because she found out Alpha was sick,” Garth said confidently. He rubbed his hands together. “Vione loves Alpha very much. She always has. She stayed in prison all this time because she knew an escape would only confirm all the accusations. But the news of Alpha’s illness made her unable to think clearly. She must have escaped because she wanted to see Alpha. She wanted to see Alpha’s condition with her own eyes.
Jemma bit her lower lip. Her eyes were starting to feel hot. She nodded repeatedly, knowing that Vione loved her son so much. “Poor Vione.”
“Storm has sent his team to search for Vione without Mireya’s knowledge. I hope he can bring good news as soon as possible.”
For the moment, Garth refrained from telling more about the hunt for Vione, especially since he didn’t mention the golden wolf that Storm believed to be Usher. He did not want to upset Jemma even more in the middle of the chaotic situation.
“So, what are you going to do now, Garth?”
Garth paused for a moment. Talking about chaos already made his head feel full. Especially since everything that had happened lately had made his emotions run wild. He cursed himself. Messy emotions would make his healthy mind unable to think properly.
So, Garth understood. The first thing he had to do was to calm down. Just like Scott’s words before, he had to stay in control.
“Maybe I’ll go to Ayla.”
Jemma frowned. “You’re going to see Ayla? For what, Garth?”
“Scott and I have an idea, Jemma. If the medical exam doesn’t find any disease in Alpha’s body, then it’s possible that Alpha isn’t as sick as we thought.”
Jemma’s eyes widened. Reflexively, she raised her hand to her chest. “You’re not saying Usher was enchanted, are you?”
“It is possible. Anything could have happened.”
Jemma shook her head. Her concern grew, for magic had always been a specter for any werewolf.
“It’s impossible, Garth.”
Garth steadied himself. “If Ayla can get a vision, maybe she can find a way out of all this. Besides, if I remember correctly, she has a witch friend. Maybe she can help us if Alpha’s condition is caused by magic.”
“Rowena,” Jemma whispered as she looked at Garth. “Her name is Rowena. She has indeed helped us all this time. But no one knows where she is anymore. She disappeared years ago, long before Usher was born. She might have … .”
Garth ignored the grim possibility. “I will keep trying. Even if she is dead, hopefully she has a student. As far as I know, a witch will certainly pass on her knowledge.”
“You’re right.”
“All right, Jemma. I think I should leave now. I will visit Ayla soon,” Garth said as he stood up. “I hope you take care.”
Jemma nodded. “You too. Take care of yourself. We are all depending on you now, Garth.”
Garth understood very well. So, he immediately started his car. His destination was Ayla’s house.
The situation was indeed tense, but the conversation with Jemma had given him some insight. At least there was still hope. He repeated this several times to himself.
Garth had to hurry. If Usher was truly enchanted, then his life was truly in danger. He was racing against time and he could not risk what might happen tomorrow.
Garth’s hands gripped the wheel tightly. One thing was on his mind: if Usher was indeed enchanted, then the first suspect he had in mind was Mireya. If you’re the mastermind behind all this, Mireya, I swear. I will rip your body apart. I will not spare your life.
Garth’s face hardened. His breath raced and he stepped on the gas. He had to hit Ayla immediately.
A silhouette broke Garth’s concentration. He was surprised, but his reflexes worked very well. He hit the brakes immediately and the car stopped at the right moment.
Garth’s chest thundered. He almost hit someone and-wait!
Garth blinked. The figure standing in front of his car slowly raised his face. The man!
*