Page 186 of Unravelling The Beast

When I see Arlo coming this way with Cree in his arms, my heart melts in my chest, and Arlo responds to him.

"Sorry, Cree, I just needed to do some things, but I'm here now and I brought someone here to see you."

“Who?”

When Arlo comes to a stop some distance away, his eyes catch mine and he nods, causing Cree to look at me.

I watch his big brown eyes light up and his huge smile.

"Wren!"

A broad smile spreads across my face as he wriggles out of Arlo's arms and runs to me at lightning speed, causing me to crouch swiftly with my arms out wide, catching him in an intense hug.

I lift him, his small arms tight around my neck, as he snuggles his face into the crook of my neck.

I close my eyes, tears welling up, and turn my head to inhale his scent, which I've missed so much.

As he keeps grabbing me tightly, determined not to let go, my tearful eyes meet Arlo's, who is still standing in the same place with his hands in his pockets. I notice his eyes softening slightly and a faint smile forming on his perfect lips.

As I embrace Cree, I tuck my face into his shoulder, and when he finally pulls back, he smiles and places his palms firmly on my cheeks.

"Where have you been?"

As I speak softly, I study his eyes.

"I had to see my family, but I'm not going anywhere anymore, okay?"

He looks at me with a cute, serious expression.

"You promise?"

I sniffle before smiling and whispering.

"I promise."

I close my eyes as he holds me again, my heart breaking because I know I should never have put him through what I did by leaving.

As I decide to speak again, I stroke his little back.

"What have you been doing?Have you been having a good time?"

He smiles as he looks at me again.

"I've been doing a lot of drawing. Aunt Sara thinks I'm really good at it and that I should practice more."

I reply with a smile on my lips.

"You definitely have your dad's creative mind, and you should practice a lot because one day you could be an incredible artist!"

Arlo suddenly speaks up from a distance.

"Maybe he could teach you a thing or two."

My eyes meet him immediately with an eyebrow raised, and he grins as Cree giggles. I look at Cree before tickling his belly, which causes him to laugh even harder.

"You two are big meanies!"

When I stop tickling him, he points back at Arlo and continues to giggle.

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