Chapter 298: Re-union with grandpa

Hunter typed the private number into his link band and called. He connected the link band to an ear bud in his ear for privacy, his heart hammering against his ribs like a wild beast.

It rang three times before the person on the other end of the line picked up.

"Maverick?!" a deep, gravelly voice barked through the speaker. "Where are you? Are you alright? Don’t waste time talking if you can’t, just send coordinates and I will send Samson with a team to fetch you."

Hunter froze. He didn’t speak right away_ not because he was trying to be dramatic, but because hearing his grandfather’s voice after so long instantly brought a giant lump to his throat. Years of memories, battles in the family, and fear when he left home flooded his mind all at once. He forced a heavy breath out, furiously blinking back hot tears.

"Hunt," the Grand Elder said, his voice dropping all uncertainty. He knew that heavy breathing anywhere.

"Grandpa," Hunter managed to say, the word half-smothered by a choked laugh and a tear sliding down his cheek. "How do you always know?"

"So, it took a whole plane crash for you to finally reach out to your old man?! You rascal!" the Grand Elder huffed softly. "If I knew my death was all it took to get a phone call from you, I would have faked it a long time ago!"

Hunter laughed out loud, wiping his eyes with the back of his hand. "Are you serious? How are you even making jokes at a time like this grandpa? Are you really alright? You must have been the target of this attack."

"I’m an old man but I am still strong, kid. It will take more than cowardly schemes to take me out." the Grand Elder grunted. Then, his tone softened just a fraction. "Only one person in the world could have given you this phone number. Is he_?"

"He’s alive," Hunter said quickly. "I have seen him with my very eyes so I can confirm that."

"What about his injuries, I mean the plane did crash." the old man grunted softly.

Hunter’s eyes flicked to Maverick and then he replied, "He will live, without any lasting side effects at that."

The old man let out a breath he had been holding in. "Good, that’s good. Where the hell are you, Hunt? I need to see you; it has been long."

Hunter glanced sideways at Zyra, who was watching him with soft, gentle eyes. "I’m at my wife’s house."

A big gasp echoed through the ear bud, loud enough for those inside the patient room to hear it clearly. "You are where?! What wife?!"

"It’s a long story," Hunter grinned. "She lives out here in the Wild Lands."

"The Wild Lands?!" the Grand Elder yelled, nearly popping Hunter’s eardrum. "You dragged a poor girl into the wilderness?!"

"It’s actually the opposite; she dragged me here." Hunter chuckled. "Listen, share your coordinates. I’ll come pick you up right now. That is, if my wife gives me permission to bring you here."

There was silence.

"Grandpa?" Hunter called.

The grand elder chuckled. "I can’t believe you have a wife? You who rejected all the Soul maidens and wealthy daughters of privileged clans saying they were not good enough! And now you are married!"

"I guess I was waiting for the right one." Hunter answered. "Or she was waiting for me, because she was ready to marry me at knife point. Your grandson was kidnapped into a happily ever after."

Zyra rolled her eyes.

The Grand Elder burst into a booming, hearty laugh on the other end. "Hahaha! Good! I already like this grand daughter-in-law of mine, if she’s got a rascal like you so whipped! Hurry up and pick me up right now." The old man could not risk missing the opportunity to see his grandson again. For all he knew, Hunter would vanish for another decade after.

After receiving the coordinates, Hunter cut the call and practically sprinted toward Zyra. He grabbed her hands, looking at her like an eager puppy. "Zyra_ can I go bring him here? Please?"

Zyra placed a hand over her heart, letting out a soft laugh at his puppy-dog eyes. "Of course! He’s your grandfather_ and now that I know that he watched out for me, I want to thank him. You don’t ever have to ask me for permission for that."

"You’re the best!" Hunter kissed her cheek, turned on his heel, and took off sprinting down the corridor to find one of the Soul Maidens.

"Hey, wait for me!" Achilles shouted, scrambling to catch up with his long legs. "You can’t leave me here with Maverick. He always judges me with his eyes."

Maverick closed those same eyes, pretending he was asleep.

**

In the capital, the grand elder was pacing back and forth in the bedroom, he was overwhelmed with joy and nervous because Hunter was taking too long.

Alec laughed lightly, he was packing the grand elder’s belongings in a bag. He had already packed five bags, but the old man wanted to take more things. He was meeting his granddaughter-in-law for the first time, after all.

"Grand elder, you need to calm down." Alec said as he zipped the bag.

The old man stood still, fidgeting with his fingers, "I cannot keep calm until I see my grandson."

Soon they heard noise outside and Alec peeped through the window. "They are here; I see a soul maiden as well."

The grand elder stood still exhaled loudly and composed himself like he was not anxious and then moved towards the foyer. His steps came to a stop when he saw his grandsons walk into the house.

Achilles looked around, "Grandfather, it is great to see you alive, kicking and frowning at me as usual. Can I borrow this place for a weekend? Imagine me hosting a party here." He almost dropped a 500-year-old porcelain vase near the entrance, which held flowers.

"Please Master Achilles, keep your hands to yourself." Alec pleaded.

Hunter looked at his grandfather, not knowing if he was going to get a scolding or a hug. The grand elder nodded and moved towards him, his eyes soft and warm.

"Hunt_" he said softly then his fingers traced his face. "You have grown older, you look tired. What has this rough world done to you?"

Hunter could not help it. He fell into his grandfather’s embrace. "I am sorry grandpa; I am sorry for leaving but I had to." He explained, letting out muffled sobs. "I know you are angry. You have every right to be, because I abandoned you."

The grand elder held him tight. "I am not angry; I know that it was not an easy decision for you child. I always knew you would come back home someday."

Hunter chuckled through tears and nodded in understanding.

After the reunion, the grand elder looked around. "Where is she? Where is my precious grand daughter-in-law."

Hunter chuckled and inhaled loudly. "She is at home, waiting to meet you eagerly."

"Let us go then, I do not want to keep her waiting. What does she look like?" Questions bubbled out of the grand elder as they left the house. "Is she tall? Is she short? Does she eat well? Why didn’t you bring her with you first, you foolish boy? You have to treat her well_ I hope that you are doing that because if she has any complaints about you, I will kick your ass." The old man slapped Hunter’s shoulder, though there was zero weight behind it.

"Grandfather, please, give my shoulder a rest," Hunter laughed, rubbing the spot. "I have been treating her like a queen. I also wanted to make sure you didn’t faint from shock before introducing her."

"Faint? Me?" The grand elder puffed out his chest and tossed his long sleeves. "Why would I faint?"

"You’ll see." Hunter smiled like he had a secret to reveal