The Second Mate

THIRTEEN

Nothing was far better than a good stretch at dawn. Remus shifted back to his human form and slipped into the pair of clothes he prepared before his morning run. It has been two weeks since he had a day off. His detainment at the Brethren provided him more work with a lot of missed appointments and he barely spent time with Cara and Marianne.

He sighed after placing his cup down. His eyes wandered through the garden, rows of various herbs and flowers grew around the area where he used to train pack members.

Marianne changed the place and Remus is more than thankful for it yet he decided to repay her by sleeping with a nurse who stood no chance compared to his mate. Remus was no better than his father, he's a coward.

The Alpha of the Red Talons pack shook his head as he laid down the swinging hammock.

"What should I do, Lizzy?" Remus asked before slowly drifting to sleep.

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Marianne rubbed her hands together before picking up her coffee. She went out the backyard and breathed in the morning dew.

"Another day, another dish." She mumbled after much contemplation about what meal to prepare for today.

The perfect Rosemary Chicken, her grandmother always made that dish like frying an egg and it sounded like a good dish for the morning. Your regular breakfast habit isn't a match in a house full of werewolf.

Marianne headed to the garden and picked up fresh rosemary for the dish. Gathering enough herb, she motioned to leave when she noticed someone on the hammock. Marianne was careful as she walked towards it and saw Remus' sleeping frame. She sighed and covered him with a blanket before heading inside. Placing the rosemary on the kitchen island, she took the kettle outside and refilled Remus' cup with coffee.

Marianne couldn't help but watch Remus' sleeping face. She never knew how much she missed him until this moment. She stroked his hair with her gentle fingers and when he shifted in his sleep, Marianne hummed a lullaby.

"Lizzy."

Her fingers stopped. Of course, how could she forget. She pulled back her hand and composed herself before taking her leave.

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Philippe stole glances from Marianne before sighing and getting off the car. Marianne looked through the tinted window and saw Remus looking at their car. Philippe approached him and they had a quick conversation. Remus nodded his head and called for Duke, both of them entered the warehouse.

Marianne loaded her gun before exiting the vehicle. The pack was called to a warehouse by the port. While it was a meeting, Duke reminded Marianne to be prepared.

"The others are posted near the area in case something happens." Marke stated after walking beside Marianne.

Marianne nodded her head and followed Philippe who went inside after a group of pack members. Marianne's strides were cut short after the Beta stopped her. Marianne questioned Marke, the vampire's irises turning red answered her question. Blood.

The doors swung open revealing Philippe's petrified form. His hands shaking and his senses seemed to have neglected his own body after he failed to respond to Marianne's words.

"Haram." Marianne called out, summoning the vampire. Haram need not a word, he assisted Philippe to his car.

Marianne held her gun and entered the warehouse. The firearm almost fell from her hands when she took a step back. The strong smell of blood enveloped her as she stared at the mountain of dead bodies. Her eyes wandered around the warehouse and saw a mark painted with blood.