The Second Mate

SEVENTEEN

"Can you give me a minute?" Zeref faced their Alpha.

Remus looked at the attic door before facing Zeref and nodding his head. They have been searching for Gwen for nearly an hour after her cheery announcement of gaining her memories back. Zeref and Axel had expected the ginger head to have approached her brother. Their assumptions were proven wrong when Zeref came across Remus. He had asked about what Gwen remembered but the Zeta werewolf seemed to have no idea of what he meant. It was then that pack members began to search for her. Thankfully, Zeref soon surrendered and used the scent Gwen bestowed upon him with a searing kiss.

He found the scent of pastries and vanilla, it led to the attic where her scent was mixed up with dust and salt. She was crying. Zeref mindlinked the pack that he found her to cease the search and Remus was fast at his side. Remus had discovered the same from a whiff of the air. Gwen was crying.

After giving his permission, Remus returned to his study to wait.

"Gwen, I'm coming in." Zeref knocked on the door.

Gwen didn't bother to wipe away her tears as she remained at the corner of the room. She held Marianne's kimono in her hands as she kept it close to her nose.

Zeref crouched down and placed a hand on her back. He patted her before pulling her in an embrace.

"It's all my fault." Gwen cried.

"I was the one who brought her to the balcony." She added.

"If I hadn't--"

"Shh." Zeref hushed as he cradled her in his arms. "Don't blame yourself, Gwen. We are all accountable for what happened that night."

"I miss her." Gwen sobbed and tightened her grip on the kimono.

"If anything happens to her--"

Zeref cupped her cheeks and lifted her head so they could see eye to eye.

"Nothing will happen to her. I promise you that. Tell me what happened that night and I promise you, I will do anything to make sure she comes back safe."

They locked eyes until Zeref found that strength that always reflected her eyes. She nodded and told the tale.

Not soon after, Zeref had Gwen in his arms as the ginger head now lay restless in his hold. He carried her out of the attic and laid her on the mattress before heading to the study room. He informed Remus of the night and had Duke search for the scent Gwen mentioned.

"The plant is strictly restricted in the Philippines. Fortunately, its rarity narrowed the possibilities." Duke placed his phone on the table, showing a location on the map.

"He's involved to the research and conservation of the plant." The Gamma added.

"What are we waiting for?" Nefera played with the flames in her hand before diminishing it into a puff of smoke.

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Marianne peaked her head out of the window and soaked into the afternoon breeze. Kendall laughed before telling her to keep her head inside the car. They were now heading to town after a much need for supplies. Marianne's injury has also healed and so were the puncture marks on her neck. She told Kendall about her plans of heading back tomorrow which despite her developed attachment to the blonde, Kendall respected her decision. Marianne also learned a lot about Kendall and was thankful of her grandfather and his discovery of vampires. The rifle Kendall used to save Marianne were loaded with silver bullets and gave them a fatal end.

Parking the pick up truck, Kendall and Marianne headed into the grocery store. Marianne headed to the general section for dry ingredients. After failing to search for what she needed, she smiled to the sight of the bakery. The cold muzzle of a gun pressed against her lower back made the blonde stop from taking a step.