Usher couldn’t just sit on the sidelines when it came to Vione. He couldn’t just wait in the palace while worry and longing clashed inside him, filling his mind with a whirlpool of indescribable emotions. Especially since he had already been patient enough-he had delayed the search for Vione for a day due to pressing matters that had to be prioritized.
A sense of dilemma and burden had weighed on him when Usher had decided to put the needs of the pack first. It was a difficult decision, and it didn’t mean that he didn’t care about Vione. On the contrary, Vione was the most precious part of the pack to him. So, he had to ensure the safety of the palace before Vione really returned. The palace had to be free of any intruders. Only then would Vione be safe with him.
Now everything was as Usher had wished. Not only the intruders had been removed by Usher, but also Mireya and Phillip. The situation was under control and he could no longer ignore the desire in his heart to meet Vione as soon as possible.
On the other hand, Garth was well aware of Usher’s intentions. He understood them, but that didn’t mean he agreed with them. “Maybe it’s better if you wait in the palace, Alpha. Storm and I will leave soon. We’ll find Luna as soon as possible. You don’t need to worry.”
“No,” Usher refused quickly and without thinking. He rose from his seat and left the study, Garth following close behind. “My instincts tell me that you and Storm won’t be able to find the place. Only I can find it.” He clenched the crescent pendant. “This place cannot be reached by just anyone.”
Garth frowned, confused by Usher’s words. However, he didn’t question Usher’s meaning because his priority now was to make sure Usher’s health remained intact.
Usher had awoken from his coma only yesterday. Scott had examined him and confirmed that he was fine, but he still needed rest, and scouring the Amerotha Forest wasn’t exactly what Scott had recommended.
“Alpha, I-”
“I understand your concern, Garth, but I’m fine, and the only thing that could worsen my health is not seeing Vione in the near future,” Usher interrupted, stopping in his tracks. He turned and looked at Garth. “So, I have to go to the Amerotha Forest, no matter what.”
Garth could not argue. Usher’s wishes were orders to him. “Very well, Alpha. Storm and I will go with you.”
“That’s better.”
Usher walked on. They took the elevator and reached the first floor of the palace moments later. However, the presence of someone made them both stop.
“Usher.”
Usher’s eyes widened and his body reacted instinctively. His steps quickened, almost breaking into a run. “Mama.”
At that moment, Usher realized there were many things he needed to do; he needed to clean up all the mess he had made. There were many people he needed to see and apologize to for his behavior and indifference, including Jemma. So, when Jemma appeared right in front of him, there was nothing he could do but give her the warmest hug he could muster.
“Usher,” Jemma whispered as she returned Usher’s embrace. She closed her eyes and gently stroked his back, full of longing. “I can finally hold you again.”
Guilt overwhelmed Usher, especially when he saw the tears streaming down Jemma’s cheeks. Not only because of his behavior towards Jemma, which had been influenced by Mireya’s magic tea, but also because he realized that he hadn’t had the chance to see Jemma since he woke up from his coma.
“I’m sorry, Mom. I should have come to see you.”
Jemma shook her head, her tears of joy still flowing. “It doesn’t matter who sees who first. What matters is that we’re together, and I’m so happy to see you healthy again, Usher.” She examined Usher’s body carefully, as if to make sure he was truly recovered, even though he was thinner than before. “That’s the most important thing.”
Jemma’s forgiveness, wisdom, and love only deepened Usher’s guilt. His tongue felt tied and his throat was dry.
“Actually…” Jemma continued, taking a deep breath. She looked at Usher with eyes full of understanding and love. “… I wanted to see you yesterday, but I knew you had a lot to deal with. At least I can be at peace knowing that nothing bad has happened to you.” She looked briefly at Garth. “I am truly grateful.”
Usher clearly saw Jemma’s concern. The High Court yesterday-if he had arrived even a moment later, something terrible would have happened to Garth. Fortunately, he had arrived in time to control the situation.
One thing that had slipped Usher’s mind was the certainty that Jemma had also been present at the High Court. Jemma had seen everything and there was no way he could justify the fact that he had nearly endangered Garth.
Usher winced inwardly. The truth was, he hadn’t just almost hurt Garth, he had almost brought the pack to its knees. “I’m sorry. I’ve wronged you. I wronged the pack.”
“It’s not your fault, Usher. It’s all Mireya’s fault.” Jemma smiled and cupped one of Usher’s cheeks. “I know you would never abandon us. You would never neglect me or Ayla or the pack. I know that, Usher.”
“I will apologize to everyone. I’ll apologize to the pack and to Ayla. But first there are some things I have to fix, and right now there’s something I have to do.”
A slight frown appeared on Jemma’s forehead. “May I know what you have to do?”
Usher let out a slow breath before answering. “Garth, Storm and I are going to the Amerotha Forest. We have to find Vione.” He swallowed hard, trying to suppress the pain that pierced his chest for a moment. “I have to get Vione back to the palace.”
Jemma’s expression changed. For a moment she was stunned, then she nodded. “That is a very wise decision, Usher.” She squeezed his hand and urged him, “Go and bring Vione back. She’s been away from the palace too long.”
Too long, so long that Usher felt an overwhelming longing. So now he wouldn’t waste any more time. He left with Garth and Storm. All the way to Amerotha Forest he hoped. I hope I’m not too late.
*