Lost in Time

Chapter 7: Reunion with Jeff

Desperate to win Charlie's trust, Alan agreed to a high-stakes off-track race. The air crackled with anticipation as engines roared to life, echoing through the empty industrial park where the race was set to unfold. The track, a maze of narrow alleys and abandoned loading docks posed a daunting challenge even for seasoned racers.

Alan, clad in a sleek racing suit, gripped the leather-wrapped steering wheel with white-knuckled determination. Beside him, Charlie exuded a calm intensity, his eyes fixed on the labyrinthine path ahead. Alan had only seen Charlie's ability but hadn't raced with him, unlike Babe and Way whom he trained to perfection. Seeing how the calm man looked ahead, he felt that this race was never going to be easy.

The streetlights flickered ominously as dusk settled, casting long shadows that danced along the cracked asphalt. As the signal light turned green, both cars surged forward in a blur of speed and precision. Tires squealed against the unforgiving pavement as they navigated sharp corners and tight turns, the scent of burnt rubber mingling with the cool evening breeze.

Alan and Charlie traded positions multiple times, each maneuver a calculated risk, pushing their vehicles to the edge of control. The thrill of competition hung heavy in the air, punctuated by the occasional scrape of metal against concrete and the distant echoes of cheering from unseen spectators.

In the final stretch, Alan found a burst of adrenaline, his car inching ahead as he expertly maneuvered through a narrow gap between two rusted shipping containers. With a surge of power, he crossed the finish line first, the victory sweetened by the respect gleaming in Charlie's eyes.

Breathing heavily, adrenaline still coursing through their veins, Alan and Charlie exchanged nods of mutual respect. At that moment, Charlie knew Alan possessed the determination and skill needed to face Jeff, their common adversary but the man also saw through Alan's eyes his determination to pursue Jeff, may it be romantically or not. Someone actually dared to race with him and won, just to talk to Jeff. As they left the makeshift track behind, plans began to form, fueled by the camaraderie forged in the crucible of their intense off-track race.

Alan was told by Charlie that Jeff might be in his room so he gave him his code and asked not to tell anyone. "That's the only place you could talk to him alone, if anything happens I know where to find you." Alan sighed as he remembered Charlie's words and then pressed the code for the room as he arrived.

Jeff wasn't in the room but Alan was curious about the omega's room so he curiously snooped around. It looked like a simple room, similar to Alan's guest room where Jeff slept before. It even smelled so much of Jeff, the sweet smell of freshly watered lilies, unlike the ragged apartment he used to stay before, he might've left a long time since there wasn't even the faintest smell of Jeff's scent there. It immediately drew Alan to scent the whole room, taking deep breaths as it reminded him of home, where Jeff was with their three kids.

"What are you doing here?" Jeff's voice cut through the air, sharp and filled with suspicion. Alan snapped back to the present world then looked at his back and saw Jeff. He didn't know the man entered the room. He approached Alan with deliberate steps, his brow furrowed in a mixture of confusion and concern. "How did you get in here?"

Alan met Jeff's gaze squarely, his demeanor calm despite the tense atmosphere. "Charlie gave me the code," he replied evenly, not backing down despite being cornered against Jeff's study table.

Jeff's eyes narrowed, scanning Alan's face as if searching for any hint of deception. "Charlie..." he muttered, clearly conflicted. "Why would he give you access to my room?" Alan straightened, keeping his tone respectful but firm. "I needed to talk to you," he explained, choosing his words carefully. "There are things we need to discuss, things that concern both of us."

Jeff's frustration was visible, evident in the tight set of his jaw and the sharp edge to his words. Alan sensed the tension as Jeff's pheromones turned a bit sour like a thick fog in the room. "What's there to talk about?" Jeff's voice was strained, his annoyance barely contained.

Alan took a deep breath as he released his own calming pheromone, trying to navigate the delicate territory between Jeff's anger and his own urgency. "Ai'nuu...I'm your husband. Well, in an alternate universe," Alan started, the weight of his words hanging in the air. "But you see, I signed a contract with Reed, and I just need your true love's kiss to be—"

Jeff cut him off with a disbelieving chuckle. "A kiss? Are you being delusional?" His tone was laced with a mix of disbelief and concern. "Look, I'm sure you're overwhelmed with escaping. Should I call P'Way to help you?"

Jeff turned, his intent clear to walk away, but Alan's desperation surged. He reached out, grabbing Jeff's hand, hoping against hope to convey the gravity of the situation. The contact was brief but electric, a fleeting connection amidst the chaos.

Suddenly, Jeff winced, a sharp pain cutting through his head that made him lean on the bed frame for support "Jeff!" Alan exclaimed, instantly moving to support him, but Jeff recoiled, pushing Alan away with unexpected force. "Don't touch me! Go out!" His voice cracked with a mixture of pain and frustration, his pheromones were more sour than before.

Alan hesitated, torn between staying to help and respecting Jeff's demand to leave. The anger radiating from Jeff warned him against pushing further. With a heavy heart, Alan stepped back, his worry for Jeff overshadowed by the realization that pushing Jeff now would only deepen the rift between them.

Reluctantly, Alan retreated from the room, leaving Jeff to grapple with his pain and confusion alone. The air was thick with unspoken words and unresolved emotions, a rift widening between them that even Alan's heartfelt plea couldn't bridge in that tense moment.

As Alan walked away from Jeff's room, his mind raced with unanswered questions and the ache of their unresolved connection. It was like seeing Jeff for the first time, and he knew the kid had gone through a lot.

Jeff was taken advantage of when he was in the foundation. He was taken from his parents and then raised just for Tony to sell him to rich men who want special alphas or omegas to take advantage of to bring them more money. Jeff had told Alan before how he hated the foundation and his adoptive father but in this world, Alan had failed him, Jeff didn't even know who Alan was.

That only means one thing, Alan wasn't able to meet and save Jeff at all, not in this world.

Seeking solace, he found himself on the balcony, gazing at the moon on the horizon. The soft glow offered a fleeting comfort amidst the turmoil inside him.

"P'Alan, we have to tell you something," came Charlie's voice, drawing Alan's attention. He turned to see the trio of Charlie, Babe, and Way—faces he never expected to see together after the chaotic events in his own world but he was happy that in another universe the three were helping one another. Although their solemn expressions spoke volumes before they even uttered a word to Alan.

"What is it?" Alan's voice trembled with a mix of anticipation and dread as he faced the trio. Charlie looked at Way, a sadness tinged with resignation in his eyes. "So you signed a contract with Reed for a day?" Way asked, his tone was heavy with concern.

Alan nodded slowly, his heart sinking as he realized the implication of their words, it didn't sound like they were here to deliver him good news. "Well... it only means one thing phi," Way continued, his brow furrowing deeply. "What?" Alan's desperation for answers was noticeable, his entire being hanging on to their next words.

"When this day ends, you will too," Way finally said, his voice carrying the weight of inevitability.

"What?" Alan felt as if the ground had dropped out from beneath him. The truth hit him like a physical blow, leaving him momentarily breathless. The enormity of the situation settled upon him like a heavy shroud, the reality sinking in with crushing finality.