The Second Mate

TWENTY-ONE

Marianne jerked awake after she opened her eyes to an unfamiliar room. Calm, over coming her as she realized where she is. She glanced at the analog clock on the wall. It was seventeen minutes after five.

She got up from the bed and entered the walk-in closet. She opened the cabinets and drawers but could only find clothes that were either too obscene or too elegant for her comfort.

Marianne almost gave up when she saw the mirror at the far corner. It was at a tweaked angle. She pushed the mirror with a finger and hurrah, it was a door. She opened the mirror and it led her to another closet. Oxford shoes were arranged in the shelves as the center table held rows and rows of expensive cufflinks.

She gasped. Was she in Gerrant's wardrobe? Moreover, it was an adjoined wardrobe. Nonetheless, it did not stop Marianne from opening the drawers until she found a more comfortable pair of clothes.

She closed the mirror door and went back to her room. She slid into the oversized clothes and tied her hair in an updo.

Accustomed to her daily routine, she headed into the kitchen and meandered through the room. She prepared a meal for three that consisted of bacon, eggs, baked beans, tomato, and toast.

Gerrant followed the scent of breakfast and it led him to the kitchen. He could hear 'Dancing in the Moonlight' by Toploader playing as he neared his destination. He froze from his spot as the lycan watched Marianne dance around the kitchen. She was swaying her hips, throwing her arms, and hopping from one spot to another. She was moving with the rhythm as she flipped eggs and prepared breakfast.

A twinge of jealousy flashed his mind. The Zeta wolf woke up to this every morning. The envy, however, dissipated after Gerrant saw Marianne's clothes. She was wearing his shirt and boxer shorts. He smirked and took small steps towards her.

Marianne squeaked and held the spatula tighter in her grip as her body jumped from surprise. She placed the cooking utensil down and turned off the music.

"Sorry." She blushed from embarrassment.

"No trouble, make yourself at home." He managed to mask the amusement he held a while ago.

Marianne fixed his meal and set it in front of him. Missing the hot beverage to complete breakfast, she hurried to the coffee maker. Trauma hit her in an instant. With trembling fingers, she leaned to reach for the pot. As she inched closer, she felt her mouth go dry as her heart quickened its pace.

Every physical contact she shared with Kendall flooded her mind--

"Tea."

Gerrant pulled her out of her reverie.

"Huh?" Marianne faced him.

"I'd like some tea." The lycan spoke without raising his head. He scooped a spoonful of baked beans and ate it.

Marianne nodded her head and opened the shelf that stored the tea. She prepared the aromatic beverage and placed it beside Gerrant's plate.

"Great morning we're having." Aryan stated as he entered the room in a suit a tad bit large for his frame.

The Brethren werewolf almost forgot about the other entity that now dwelled his house. He ignored the man and continued eating his meal. His attention was soon caught when a small machine was thrown into the air and out through the open window. Marianne gasped as she looked at where Aryan complacently threw the coffee machine.

"Was that what they meant by the saying 'throw your problem out of the window.'?" Aryan walked to the fridge and pulled a box of juice before filling a glass for himself.