The Second Mate

EIGHTEEN

"No! I will not let that happen! This is bullshit! I'd rather have Marianne turn into a fairy than spend even a second with that madman." Remus declined with a firm tone.

"That madman is the reason you were pardoned from execution." Chione pointed out.

Everyone was gathered inside the study hall. Remus, the Lubovs, all of the Deltas, Duke, Nefera, Philippe, Gwen, Zeref, and the Brethren witch. They were discussing Marianne's decision as their Luna laid to rest in her room.

"You'd rather have her become a fairy?" Nefera looked at the Alpha as tho he has uttered the most repulsive statement.

Aryan placed a hand on Nefera's shoulder and placed his index finger to his lips, gesturing her to remain silent and listen.

"That man fought war as constant as he would drink and he treated it like a game. He has slayed more of our kind than our own or by humans combined. And you want me to agree to letting my mate live with him." Remus fumed.

"No. I want you to know that Marianne has agreed and I am here to relay that message." Chione stood her ground.

Remus banged his fist against the table.

"There's also the matter of Marianne being the vessel of the moon. You have more chances of protecting her in Gerrant's hands. They're desperate but no one is desperate enough to risk themselves being executed by the madman you accuse." Chione added.

Silence enveloped the room as every individual mused themselves of the previous conversation. Denim looked at Marke and saw the contemplation on his face. She laced their fingers together and smiled as her Sire glanced at her. Philippe understood the risk and his best friend's welfare convinced him this was the best course of action. Gwen didn't want her to go. They just got her back and now Marianne decided to be sent to a place none of them even knew.

"My business here is done. I have informed Nefera of the Brethren werewolf's whereabouts. I suggest you seek him out as soon as possible." Chione stated and sent her daughter a smile before she was gone in a blink of an eye.

The Brethren witch was right. The longer the delay the smaller their chances of saving Marianne. Remus was the first to leave the room as he headed to Marianne's bedroom. He opened the room and the light sleeper she is, Marianne woke up to the creaking of the door.

"Remus." Marianne held her temple as she let the drowsiness of the sleep subside.

Caught off guard, Marianne didn't have time to react react when a strong pair of arms enveloped her in a hug. The brief moment of shock slid away as Marianne returned the embrace but unlike Remus, hers was controlled, more casual than comfort.

"I thought I--"

Marianne gestured Remus to stop. She was tired. Everything that was happening weighed down on her shoulders and she couldn't handle more of it.

"I'm tired, Remus." Marianne's head dropped.

"I'm tired and I can't handle this push and pull with you any longer. I want to leave you Remus but I can't because I know what I'm risking for doing so and I can't do that. I grew to love the pack and that's more important to me than anything. I'll always be here for you Remus but in the matters of your emotions, I can't." She paused as she looked at Remus.

She could not read whatever he was thinking. Conflicting emotions appeared on his face. Marianne's smile was weak. His emotions were a wonder she could never find answers to.

"Chione found a way to help me and I'm determined to do it. I will be away from the pack but rest assured that I will be safe."

Remus nodded at her words. He motioned to hold Marianne's hand but stopped himself before standing up.