Runaway

Chapter 18

~Marcus~
My mouth dropped, as this was bad. We had a week to get Alex back before Cleo became human. "You have to go into her memories to get her back?" I asked, Sam restless in my head.

Cleo sighed while playing with her sleeves. "Yes, and most of our memories are unfun, to say the least, but I'll do anything to get Alex back." She looked nervous, as anyone would be in her situation.

'So brave,' Sam whispered. "I'm sorry," I muttered, unhappy that she would suffer.

"It's okay. She won't come willingly, and I'm running out of patience, but I would like the rest of the day to be normal so I can spend some time with you," she stated, looking nervous.

"Of course, I'd like that." I smiled; this was heartwarming.

"Thank you. What time is it?" She asked, closing the book and setting it beside her.

Checking my phone, I hoped for more than enough time with her. "It's about 1:15." I breathed in relief.

She nodded. "Can we go for a walk? I want some fresh air."

It was way better now that she was understanding and not so quick to do things by herself. "Yeah, we can go for a walk. I don't wanna be out for too long, though."

"I understand I don't need to be out for long. I only want to clear my head." Cleo practically begged.

"Of course," I said, hopping to my feet and stretching my legs before offering my hand to help her. She smiled, rising herself. "Let's go," she said.

We walked the hall and down the stairs. The house was empty, a rarity, but everyone was probably either enjoying the weather or with their families. We crossed the kitchen as we exited the front door, slamming it shut behind us.

Immediately, the wind tickled my skin. Before us, there were half-empty trees, picturesque scenery, and the smell of crisp air filling my senses. Cleo stepped down on the porch stairs, sitting on the last step. "Sit," she smiled.

I'd follow her and Alex to the end of the earth, so I sat beside her. "What are you thinking about?" I asked; she looked in thought, moving to a sad expression.

"I'm still processing that I'll have to rip our souls apart and relive all of the memories that she's had. I'm just hoping that I get some of the ones where she spent time with her family, not the ones that her uncle created." She breathed, hugging her arms over her shoulders, almost as if to hug herself.

Without a thought, I gently wrapped an arm around her. "I'm sorry, but when I get Alex back, I'm coming for you," I vowed. Rubbing my hand against her side to calm her, adding. "plus, once we get you and her back, everyone can heal." I smiled. Hope surged through my body, and the need to have my mate by my side racked my brain; her eyes watered before she wiped her eyes with the sleeve of her shirt. "plus, when we get her back, things will fall into place."

"Marcus, it's not that simple," she stated, twisting her body and looking me in the eyes. "I could be gone forever. There are no guarantees I will be back," she pushed her hair behind her ear. "Alex is my top priority, so I am doing this, but I don't think the fact that I'll return is a sure thing."

My nerves raced as she said all this, but I needed to be positive and keep this hope. "I am putting it in the universe that this will work. We must look forward to your return and our success," I smiled.

Nodding, she relaxed. "So, do you have any clues about her uncle?"

"none besides smells and dead children." the last part slipped out, making her gasp.

"What?" she still-fully said.

We walked together in silence for a moment before I answered the question, "We had a few instances where kids have succumbed to their injuries." the statement was heartbreaking and never failed to make me depressed.