Mated to the Beast of the Wasteland novel Chapter 57

Chapter 57 The Drunken Commander

Chapter 57 The Drunken Commander

Clara pulled the grip-buggy around and lowered the driver’s window.

This was finally her chance to talk to Gillian.

10 Free Coms

All evening, Merrick had been watching Gillian like she was the apple of his eye, and Clara hadn’t gotten a word in.

“You little troublemaker, you ate more than anyone else tonight.”

Vivienne tapped Clara’s cheek lightly and pulled the buggy door open.

She didn’t say a word about what she’d just told Gillian. She winked instead, the affection in her eyes impossible to hide.

“Gillian, we’re heading out. No need to walk us further.”

“Okay. Drive safe.”

From the driver’s seat, Clara turned and looked at Gillian with bright, eager eyes.

“Mrs. Cole, when you’ve got some time, could I beg you to come by the Institute? I’d love your eyes on my plants. I think they might still have leftover taint, because nothing seems to be working.”

“Sure, when I have a day off in a few days, I’ll ping you on the terminal.”

Gillian agreed easily. A small favor like that took almost no effort.

“Gillian, you’re the best. I’ll be waiting for your message.”

Clara felt the dinner had paid off in every way. She’d met Merrick himself, met his new wife, and finally found someone who could help with the problem that had been nagging her for weeks.

After waving the Parker family off, Gillian turned to look for Freya, only to find she’d already slipped out the back door.

Gillian was still chewing on the question of how she’d ever ended up matched to Merrick, so she pinged Freya a message.

“Freya, I want to ask you about something tomorrow.”

Before any reply came through, a tall figure stepped up beside her.

Gillian turned. She found herself looking up at a face that was painfully beautiful.

The full hit of his looks bumped her heart into a faster rhythm.

“Gillian.”

Merrick was smiling, and there was something almost goofy about it, nothing like the dangerous,

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Chapter 57 The Drunken Commander

possessive version of him from the car earlier.

His voice sounded like he’d just taken a mouthful of honey.

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It was the kind of voice that softened anyone listening, whether they wanted to be softened or not.

“Merrick, you’re not actually drunk, are you?”

Gillian sighed. The blackpine wine wasn’t even that strong. Could Merrick really hold his liquor that poorly?

Even she could put away three or four bottles. Merrick hadn’t gotten through half a bottle.

“Gillian, I found you.”

Merrick suddenly opened his arms and pulled Gillian against him.

The way he said her name gave Gillian the strangest impression. He really did seem to be in love with her

“You’re seriously wasted, aren’t you?”

“Gillian, how could I possibly be drunk?”

Number Two, Number Three, and Sylas had been waiting. Once Merrick was safely in Gillian’s hands, they slipped out the back door without looking back.

Gillian half-walked, half-dragged Merrick into the living room and pushed him down onto the couch.

She searched the whole first floor and found none of the Sovereign Guard.

She caught Mabel coming out of the kitchen and immediately vented.

“Grandma, they actually dumped Merrick on me.”

Mabel looked at Merrick sitting placidly on the couch and didn’t scold anyone.

“Gillian, since the two of you are already bonded, give it some time, see how it goes. This afternoon Merrick really did put in the effort. What commander spends his afternoon cooking next to some old

woman?”

“Grandma, one meal and he’s already bought you?”

Gillian had to laugh.

“Look who’s talking. You almost licked your plate clean.”

Gillian had no comeback. Mabel was right.

Mabel watched Gillian and Merrick. The longer she looked, the better suited they seemed.

How they’d met had been a strange accident of fate.

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Chapter 57 The Drunken Commander

The years ahead belonged to them. They’d have to live them on their own terms.

“Take Merrick upstairs to bed. I’ll clean up down here. Go on now.”

Gillian read Mabel’s expression and understood. Mabel had given her initial approval to Merrick.

To set Mabel’s mind at ease, she turned around and took Merrick’s hand without a word.

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