BLACK MATE

Chapter 16

The most absurd and reckless aspirations have sometimes led to extraordinary success.
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Ezekiel's eyes widened in stunned recognition as he gazed at the young woman. Memories came flooding back, and he couldn't shake off the feeling of déjà vu. The more he stared into her eyes, the more his throat constricted, and his chest tightened with a familiar ache. He felt like he was reliving a moment from his past, one that he thought was long buried.

Marcel's eyes narrowed, concerned by Ezekiel's sudden loss of composure. "I know you," Ezekiel whispered, his voice trembling. "These eyes... I can never forget. You..."

Excel's breathing became labored, and she clutched her chest, her face contorted in pain. She started coughing, and blood trickled from her nose, followed by a mouthful of blood. Marcel and Ezekiel rushed to her side, panic etched on their faces. Asha was quick to take the baby from Excel's arms, exiting the kitchen, Marcel's silent orders.

Alex's eyes widened in shock, his mind racing to understand what was happening. Excel's body shook violently, and her eyes rolled back, her voice barely above a whisper. "Ezekiel... I remember... I remember everything."

As Excel's words hung in the air, Ezekiel's world came crashing down around him. He felt like he was living in a nightmare, one that he couldn't wake up from. The memories he had tried so hard to forget came flooding back, and he was faced with a truth he had never expected.

Excel's body went limp in Marcel's arms, and he swiftly scooped her up, his mind racing with concern. Without hesitation, he rushed towards the pack's infirmary, leaving Ezekiel standing in stunned silence. Ezekiel's eyes remained fixed on the spot where Excel had collapsed, his body trembling with the weight of his discovery.

His thoughts were a jumbled mix of shock, regret, and wonder. He couldn't begin to fathom how many lifetimes Excel had lived, or what her existence had been like without loved ones by her side. The mistakes of his past haunted him, and he couldn't help but wish he could turn back time to make things right.

Alex's voice broke through Ezekiel's trance-like state, "What do we do?" Ezekiel's response was firm and resolute, "Leave them be. We can't do that to them again. It's better to support them than be against them. They both would end up suffering over and over again."

With that, Ezekiel strode towards the infirmary, Alex and Asha who returned a while ago, following closely behind. The trio entered the infirmary, where Marcel was tending to Excel with a mix of concern and gentle care. Ezekiel's eyes met Marcel's, and he nodded in understanding, his expression a testament to the gravity of the situation.

As they gathered around Excel, the air was thick with tension and uncertainty. The fate of these two souls, bound together by a complex web of past lives and unbreakable bonds, hung in the balance. Would they find a way to break the cycle of suffering, or would they be forever trapped in this dance of destiny? Only time will tell.

Marcel's curious gaze lingered on Ezekiel, seeking answers. "What is the connection between you and her?" he asked, his tone open and honest. Ezekiel sighed, knowing he couldn't reveal the truth. "That's her story to tell, not mine," he said, offering a partial truth to placate Marcel's curiosity.

The tension in the room was palpable as everyone waited for Excel to awaken. Thirty-two hours had passed, and concern for her health grew. Theresa reassured them that Excel's condition was normal, but Marcel's worry only intensified. He refused to leave her side, neglecting his own needs in the process.

Just as the silence became unbearable, Excel's voice croaked, "Marcel...no... don't...hurt...no..." The room erupted into chaos as her body began jerking violently, her grip on Marcel's hand tightening. Marcel's voice boomed, calling for the doctor, as Theresa and the nurses rushed in to assist. "She's having a panic attack, prepare the injection, be fast," Theresa said checking Excel's vitals, she was determined to do whatever it took to help Marcel's mate regain calmness.