The Second Mate

SEVEN

The picture above is Denim Lubov.

~~~

"D-Denim." Marke spoke in disbelief. He approached her, cupping her cheeks and smiling.

Denim smiled as tears cascaded down her cheeks. She was now a lady at the prime of her youth.

Marianne removed her robe and covered Denim's body.

"Is it really you?" Marke asked and headed towards Denim.

Denim nodded her head. "It's me."

Marke caressed her cheek. Could this really be the woman he loves? Her skin, pale and cold. Her eyes dark, making her look human, making Marke fall in love with her over again. Denim smiled as she stared into Marke's golden orbs. Tears of joy trickled down her cheeks. She has been waiting for this moment.

"Thank you, Luna." Marke thanked Marianne.

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The room went silent as the double doors opened, welcoming the Red Talons Pack Luna, Beta, and Nefera.

"It's nice to see you again, Darling." Gustave greeted Marianne with a kiss on the cheek.

"It's nice to see you too." Marianne smiled.

"And, do meet Marke Lubov--"

"The Beta and Nefera Ashkivoskt, pack witch. Yeah, you're actually the talk of the century. You created the Blood Moon and made yourself a Luna of a pack without a mark. I'm starting to regret giving you up." The gargoyle stated.

Marianne smiled and shook her head. "It couldn't have worked anyways."

"I guess not." Gustave agreed.

Nefera rolled her eyes. "Practice your flirting a little better. Just dance with her will you."

The witch gently pushed Marianne to Gustave. They watched as the gargoyle walked their Luna to the dancefloor.

"Marke, be careful. Some of the vampires are devoted followers of Bathory." Nefera warned before the vampire and the witch parted ways.

"You're happier here." Gustave remarked as he looked at Marianne's companions.

"I am." Marianne nodded.

"But not at the moment." Gustave added.

Marianne didn't respond and continued dancing.

"My father and his friends has Remus. Look, Marianne, what ever reason the Brethren has for keeping my best friend, I won't overlook it. I'm not letting Remus die in their pithole--"

"What do you mean?" Marianne's eyes widened.

"The Brethren's going to hold a hearing for Remus and they're trying to prove him guilty. They arrested him before Samhain. They know he hasn't marked you yet. Whoever is behind this has knowledge and he or she wants Remus dead. Be careful, Marianne." Gustave ended and bowed as the music ended.

He gave Marianne a final hug, slipping the words 'I'm here for you.' before handing her to Marke.

"Nefera wants us to talk with the Brethren witch." Marke uttered after Gustave left.

Marianne nodded her head and let Marke escort her to a room.

"Get your hands off me!" Nefera spat as members of the Order restrained her.

"Leave us." The Brethren witch ordered.

"I see you're doing well." She added.

"I'd love to throw sentiments but what I want to know is why you arrested our Alpha." Nefera demanded.