Chapter 0004

“Perfect,” he growled, slipping his hands under my dress and lifting me. I wrapped my legs around his waist, and we kissed as he carried me toward the couch. I’d popped a few buttons on his shirt, desperate to get my hands on him, when his phone rang. He groaned, pulling back. He lowered me onto the couch as I stared at the mark on his chest.

“Don’t go anywhere,” he growled, stealing another kiss, and turned to take out his phone.

My body went cold with disappointment. The mate bond mark on his chest was whole and still a vibrant red like blood: he was still with his fated mate and cheating with me.

Fury filled me, but I pushed it down, glancing over at him as he fumbled his shirt open, revealing the sculpted planes of his body and the entirety of the mark that spanned most of his right pectoral. He was a beautiful fucking liar. The scum of the earth and so much like Devin, it made my blood boil. Were all lycans cheaters? Did they think being stronger meant that they had the right to play with other people’s emotions?

I wanted to lash out and storm out, but he was closer to the door than I was. He was a lycan in his prime. He was definitely an alpha lycan, bigger than me, and clearly intent on having sex tonight. I couldn’t afford to anger him. If he got violent, I’d fight, but I didn’t think I’d be able to fight him off. As he shot me an apologetic look and turned to leave the room, still on the phone and undressing, I opened my clutch and opened a text message to Eason.

SOS

I tucked the phone back inside my clutch and took a deep breath trying to get back in the mindset to fake it until Eason called me.

“If only I could count on Do Not Disturb,” Charles said, scoffing and setting his phone on the far bar. He smirked and reached for his belt. “I told him not to call back unless he’s dying, since he’s basically a recluse, we should be fine.”

He dropped onto one knee on the other side of the couch, staring at me with so much desire my stomach turned. How would his mate feel knowing he was here with me like this?

“Now, where were we?” He asked softly, dropping his gaze as he skimmed his hands up my thighs. “I think I promised to make it worth your while, hm?”

Then, my phone rang. His head turned to my clutch then back to me as I bit my lip. He bit his lip, taking a deep breath. His gaze dropped back between my legs. He looked starving. I almost wanted to let him continue, but my conscience wouldn’t let me be the other woman.

I had enough of that to last a lifetime.

“I’m sorry,” I whispered, sitting up. “It’s my brother; he’s watching my kids…”

Charles grabbed my clutch from the floor and offered it to me. I couldn’t hold back my look of surprise. His lips quirked.

“You have young kids. I can wait to taste if they need you.”

He sat back on his heels and watched me as I pulled my phone out and answered.

“Eas’?” I asked. “What’s wrong?”

“It’s the tiniest Wolfe,” Eason said. “I called the 24/7 line, but nothing’s working to get his fever down. He’s asleep now, I’m getting Cecil ready to go to the ER.”

I worried my lip and swung my legs over the edge of the couch. Charles placed a hand on my shoulder.

“I can give you ride home.” He got up to my surprise, walked around to grab his phone and call.

“I’ll be there soon, Eas’.” I stood as I hung up. “I really—”

“Don’t apologize,” he said. “Your pups come first; you’re all they have now… Would you be comfortable taking my car? George will drive you wherever you need with a bit of direction.”

I swallowed and checked the time. It was nearing midnight. Taxis would be swarmed. I nodded. “That would be very kind. Thank you.”

He cupped my jaw. “I’d like to see you again… Even if we’re not picking up where we left off. Can I have your number?”

I shuffled my feet, feigning shyness even as my stomach was in knots. He was being so surprisingly kind, but I guessed even cheaters had consciences. I rattled off the standard fake number I gave any guy too pushy to take no. He walked me downstairs and though the lobby in his ruined shirt and put me in the car like a princess.