After their long conversation, Martha Anderson offered to go downstairs and fix some lunch while William got dressed.
But even while going through the routine of preparing a meal, her mind was not trouble free.
As much as a part of her truly wanted and hoped that they could work out their differences and save their marriage, Martha would not bet on William actually being able to keep all his promises.
While she did not know the werefox very well, Martha knew the man.
Temptation would always arise and, despite Yvette's failure, she feared either side of William's new life could be led astray with enough time and effort from the right woman.
Then again, Martha was hesitant to admit that the same applied to her as well.
Finally acknowledging and embracing her bi-ness (or whatever the proper term was), she would not intentionally stray with the right man, or woman, but had told Nate the truth that she truly loved being a werecat. It was like a missing part of her had been finally found.
The new werecat was sleek, graceful, and sexy. Martha felt those attributes were only in rare minute quantities, if a part of her existence at all before that wonderful night with the Twists.
The human woman beneath the fur discovered that morning, before taking a long, intimate shower with Samantha and Frances; that she was different as well.
What stretch marks, wrinkles, crow's feet, laugh lines, and other blemishes she had before were gone. Her breasts were now at least one size larger, the nipples more perky and sensitive. I definitely don't look or feel like an "old broad" now!
But most importantly, Martha was now more in tune with who and what she was than ever before. Even if her husband hadn't previously agreed that their marriage would be a bit more "open" now, at least on Martha's side to make up for all the years William had cheated on her, Martha had no intention of ever saying goodbye to Samantha and Frances Twist. They would remain her friends and lovers forever.
The big question now was, what next?
Back in Minnesota, they had started discussing the possibility of Martha reentering the workforce before the situation with the co-ed.
Maybe now's the time? she thought to herself, while finishing the lunch preparations. It won't hurt to talk to William about it while we eat. The boys are almost adults now and graduating high school in a few years. I'm certainly not needed around the house as much as I used to be. Besides, if the worst happened, it will be good to have my own income independent from William.
Martha was about to call everyone down for lunch, when she remembered that Nate was meeting his new pack leader, while Eric was off seeing a new friend from school. It just now dawned on her that in all the confusion over the last couple of days, she didn't know who or where this kid was. But it didn't matter. Eric was raised right and could take care of himself.