Chapter 111

Almara’s POV

The voices become clearer, and our footsteps become quieter. Mark and I have adopted talking through hand signals. He tells me to wait where I am and to get low behind this shrub. He moves stealthily forward towards a tree that’s a few feet closer.

He motions for my attention from the tree he’s crouched behind and holds up three fingers and points to another nearby tree, which means stay three paces behind and meet me at that tree. I nod that I understand and watch him go. My heart beats wildly in my chest.

I try to listen to the voices, but can’t make out what they’re saying but there doesn’t seem to be more than two voices. I stay low and make my way to meet Mark at the tree further up.

This is the last tree as far as I can see that’s right before the voices. The next tree seems like it would pass whoevers talking. Though that’s hard to tell in this open space as voices carry, which is why I suddenly stop when a stick breaks beneath my foot.

The snapping of a stick has never sounded so loud and threatening.

“Who's there?” A voice calls out and I immediately recognize it as Robert. I crouch down lower, as I sense hungry eyes prying to spot me.

“Almara, is that you?” I hear Athur’s voice and my knees go weak. His voice sounds so strained and like he needs water. Tears fill my eyes. I know it’s only been a few days, but I was worried I would never see him again.

I bring myself to stand up, despite the tremors running through my body.

“Almara, don’t.” I hear Mark call from the tree, but I don’t care. I break out into a sprint and run to my man. My feet barely touch the ground as I skip over rocks and shorten the distance between us.

As soon as he comes into view, I run faster. I see Lily pouncing with energetic enthusiasm and together we jump into the arms of our mate. I’m almost positive I’ll knock him to the ground, but I don't. Despite the fragility of his state, he’s still strong enough to withstand me.

“I missed you so much.” I press my lips to his ear and tell him breathlessly.

“I missed you too.” He squeezes back tighter, though I know he’s using all his might there’s still a tiredness about him.

I pull back to kiss him, but when I see his face I hesitate only for a moment. His cheeks are sullen, his flesh is pale, his eyes have heavy dark circles and it looks like he has some scratches on his face.

I push my lips up against his with passionate force, hoping the love steaming off of me will revive him if only a little bit. It’s not until I hear slow clapping that I pull away from him and Arthur plants me on my feet.

I turn to see Robert pretending to be touched by this reunion. Arthur pulls me in protectively and even in a high-strung moment like this, he still has the ability to make me melt.

“Wouldn’t this be the wonderful end to a lovely fairy tale.” Robert muses. “Unfortunately, this may be the end of your precious lover. He isn’t looking too well is he?” Robert glances over Arthur with fake sympathy. “It is a good thing you saw him once before he completely turns.”

I quickly turn to assess Arthur. Yes, he looks ill but I assume that’s only because of food. “You didn’t drink any blood, did you?” I ask, tears caught in my throat.

Arthur refuses to look me in the eyes and a coldness washes over me. “Arthur, answer me.” I cry.

“I don’t know.” Arthur answers harshly. I don’t understand. How could he not know? Instinctively, I step back and I can see how just that little act causes Arthur a great deal of pain and shame. Immediately I regret my actions and move to be closer to him, but he pulls away

“Arthur,” Though I’m unable to finish the thought. Mark comes swooping in and tackles Robert down from behind. The sudden movements cause me to jump.

Robert struggles beneath the cop, but it’s no use. Mark already clasps on the handcuffs.

“Hey, I’m the one who found him. I should be given a reward.” Robert protests.

“Save it for Roman,” Mark says and yanks Robert up to his feet, putting his ankles in shackles too. “I told you to stay put.” Mark points his finger at me and I’m still in shock, I can’t manage any words.

Arthur lets out a growl and Mark is quick to withdraw his finger. “Sorry.” Is all Mark says, whether to me or Robert I'm not sure. “I’m going to call Roman and let him know that, well that both his sons have been found.”

Mark pulls out his phone and I turn back to Arthur. “What do you mean you don’t know?” I ask with more determination in my voice this time.

“I blacked out a couple of times, I don’t know what happened while I was out.” He admits and he looks embarrassed. It occurs to me that this has taken a great deal for Arthur to admit. He’s never lost control like this. I decide not to focus on the possible negatives right now.

“Well, on the bright side there’s some remedies that can cure this and you’re going to be fine.” I decide to gloss over some of the details, he’ll come to learn them soon enough.

“You’re coming with me.” Mark says to Robert. “Back up will be here in a couple minutes they’re taking a motorcycle here. Are you all right by yourself here Almara?” Mark asks.

“I’m not by myself.” I tell Mark and hug onto Arthurs side, “I have my mate here.” Arthur needs to know that I trust him, no matter what. Even if he doesn’t trust himself.

“All right then.” Mark nods and pulls Robert away, reading him his rights. As Mark shuffles him off, I swear I see a smug smile on Robert’s lips. As if he knows something and we’re all a bunch of fools in his game.