The Second Mate

ELEVEN

"I'm sorry Philippe but can you make breakfast for today? Ask Gwen for some help. I'm not really feeling well." Marianne stated after she heard knocking on the door.

As much as how Marianne wanted to go for the kill last night after knowing that Beatriz was within her grasp, it was an opportune moment but everything just fell silent. Knowing the truth about Remus weakened her. What was she going to do now? The next full moon, it's predetermined what the pack will face. And, what about Cara? Thoughts from last night once again haunted Marianne as she trembled under the sheets.

"That doesn't sound good. Thankfully, I'm a doctor. I'm sure I can help."

Marianne froze. That voice. She removed the covers and sat up from the bed. Tears cascaded down her cheeks as she engulfed the man in a hug.

"Am I dreaming? Is it really you?" Marianne cried.

"I'm sorry, I made you wait so long." Remus apologized.

"Daddy is the surprise finished?" Cara peaked inside the room.

Marianne released Remus from her embrace and faced Cara. Remus nodded his head and asked her daughter to come closer.

"Uncle Philippe said to call for you after the surprise is finished." Cara mumbled with her words.

"Were you surprised, Mama?" Cara turned to Marianne.

Marianne nodded her head and smiled before asking the father-daughter duo for a hug.

"There they are."

Everyone in the room applauded as Gwen announced the trio's arrival. Marianne smiled while Remus asked them to calm down. Pack members approached the Alpha, making Marianne stride away from him to greet them. Gwen hugging his brother first before the others showed their gratitude to Remus' safety.

Philippe wrapped his arm around Marianne and handed her a cup of French Vanilla.

"So, have you patched things up with him?" Philippe asked as they both watched the group before them.

Marianne's smile dissipated. She shook her head before dropping it and playing with the rim of the coffee cup. Remus' return overwhelmed her and it made her forget about their argument involving Remus' affair. Raising her head, Marianne saw the smiles and it made her decide that everything else was irrelevant if it meant the pack's well-being.

"It doesn't matter anymore." Marianne decided.

Philippe frowned at the woman beside him. He pulled Marianne closer and made her lean on him as they succumbed to the moment.

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Beatriz's shock after seeing Remus stand before her is something Gwen took delight in but felt pity of. Despite her cruelty, the brunette is still her sister. Remus was the only reason why Gwen felt accepted in their dysfunctional family. A coward who both held the title of a father and an Alpha, a mother who held power but unwise of using it. Gwen had hope but now, she could only fear the fall of the Crescent Moon Pack. A legendary pack that lived over a century only to be erased in history like the man who discovered pants.

"I will spare you only because we share the same blood. However, I can not forgive you for the acts you have committed against my pack." Remus held a cold expression as he looked down at the woman he once looked up on.

"You will be stripped off your shifting ability." The Alpha ended.

Both Gwen and Beatriz's eyes widened. Beatriz thrashed and protested but her words only fell deaf to Remus' ears as he left the dungeon. Gwen looked at Beatriz's crying self with sympathy before following after her brother.