Chapter 88

Julian

"This is beautiful." Megan slid her hands down the skin tight pink dress in a way that was meant to draw my eyes. "But I don't think it's quite me." She whirled about. Leaving a pile of tried on and equally skin tight dresses in a messy pile on the bed behind her. She liked to call this her room but it would never be Megan's room because it was my wife's.

Cassies.

My mate who was somewhere out there in the world and ready to pop if my calculations were right. For all I knew she had already had our babies. And where was I? Here with a woman who I hated more than anyone else in the world apart from myself.

At my side I clenched my fists. Making sure she didn't see the anger in my face as she continued to smile at me.

A few weeks I had been told. A few weeks of pretending I thought she was mine and that we had lost our baby.

And then a few weeks more of playing happy families with her.

That was months and months ago and I was finding it harder and harder to pretend.

Megan had infiltrated my life so completely. Slipping seamlessly into the part of my wife and mate to the point that she had taken over  Cassies room.

I hated that she slept in here but the alternative was worse. Better here than in my bed.

"Don't you think I look hot?" Again she ran her hands down her sides. "Julian."

Reluctantly I followed the lines of her body with my eyes. She was stunning, there was no denying that but she wasn't.

Mine.

I smiled , forcing myself to leer in her direction. "You always do." I added for good measure.

Cocking out a hip she pursed her lips. "Just not my colour." A sly grin spread across her face. "Can you help me out of it so I can try on another?"

I didn't want to but I had to keep her thinking I was interested. With a sigh I pushed myself out of my chair. "It's just a small charity thing Megan. No need for this much effort. You don't even need to come." I slid the zipper down and the dress instantly pooled at her feet.

She turned , pressing her large naked breasts again me as she stood in nothing but the skimpiest thong I had ever seen.

"We could always stay home."  She purred into my chest.

I stiffened. Every part of me and I hated myself even more. It had been months since I had been with a woman. Cassie had been the last and I wanted it to stay that way. But that didn't mean I didn't have needs. And Megan was throwing herself at me.

I could lose myself in her for a few hours. It wouldn't mean anything.

No

I stepped back and turned away. "No." Roughly I tugged at my hair. "I should leave you to get ready. I'll meet your downstairs." I headed towards the door.

I wouldn't fuck Megan. Not now and not ever. I hadn't before and wouldn't now. The moment I gave in to her constant attempts at seduction would be the moment she tried to trap me forever.

When I got Cassie back , I wanted there to be nothing Megan shaped between us. I wouldn't mess up again.

If you get her back, my wolf said sarcastically. I hushed him even though he had a point.

"Julian how am I meant to give you a child if you don't touch me?"

I froze in the doorway. My shoulders heaved up and down. "I just don't want to rush things. We need to do things properly." It was the same excuse as I had been giving her for six months and I didn't know how much longer she would fall for it.

"You keep saying that but have you even sent anyone out to find Cassie this month?"

"Of course." That wasn't a lie. I had been searching for my wife like a mad man ever since I had found out the truth. "I want." I turned and met her eyes. "My true mate at my side."

With a squeal she rushed into my arms and this time I had no choice but to hold her.

"Do you mean that?" She looked up into my face. Her own a mixture of happiness and triumph. She really thought she had me.

Just a few more weeks, I told myself silently.

"I will be your wife and -"

"Yes." Gritting my teeth I did the only thing I knew would make her believe my words. I pressed my lips to hers in a kiss that turned my stomach.

Her tongue lapped into my mouth, her lips felt sticky from all the gloss she was wearing.

"Yes." I pulled away , holding her out at arms length. "I want my wife and my mate by my side. I don't want any children I have to be illegitimate."

"I want that too. And you're right my dear. We should do this properly." Her brightly painted nails slid down my shirt. Tapping each button. "But it doesn't stop me wanting you so badly that my mouth waters." She reached my belt and went lower until she was cupping mr in her palm.

"Are you sure you don't want me to-" she licked her painted lips to make her meaning clear.

"I wish I could but no. We don't have time." I stepped back again. "Wear the pink dress and hurry up." I flashed her a smile. "I want to show you off tonight my love."

Even saying the words made me feel sick but I only had to pretend a few more weeks or so I kept reminding myself.

Tonight would be hard with her on my arm but then again every day and night I spent in her company was hard. I just wanted my family back.

god I needed a drink.