005: New Beta for the pack

Diane

I wanted to scream. I wanted to kick the library door open, burst in there, give Julian slaps for this… this betrayal.

See who the fuck he prioritized pleasuring in place of his wife who was in heat!

Throw those medical papers at Julian’s head. Throw his lies and his deceit on his fucking face.

I wanted to ask him why he let me cry for two years over babies we would never have with him.

But I couldn't move. My legs felt like they had been weighed down with rocks.

The more I looked at the disgusting, soul-crushing sight, the more my heart ached. Warm liquid trailing down my eyes.

I managed to lean down, picking up the paper that had fallen from my hand.

Then, I turned around and slowly, I walked back to my room.

I locked myself in my room and cried until my eyes burned.

My marriage was a lie. My husband, Julian—the man I loved with all I had. I gave up everything. My father's empire. Just for him to rule.

But this man, he wasn't who I thought he was. Julian was a stranger.

I thought I knew him.

Fuck.

That explains… that… that explains everything. The late nights, the trips, everything, and worse? It wasn't for a woman. He didn't do it for a mistress.

It was for a man.

Hours later, a soft knock came at the door.

“Diane? Honey? Are you awake?”

It was Julian. His voice so kind, so gentle—the same voice he had used when he promised me we would have a family, when he told me not to worry, that the maker of children would visit us with our own.

That voice—it made my stomach twist.

I hid the medical paper under my mattress and I walked to open the door.

Julian stood there with a small, sweet smile. On seeing me, his brow furrowed. He reached out and rubbed my arm softly.

“You've been in here all afternoon, Diane. Are you feeling okay? You look a little pale.”

“I'm fine, Julian,” I lied. It was getting easier to lie to him.

“Good,” he said, tucking some strands of hair off my face and behind my ear. He was still playing the role of the perfect, caring husband.

“I'll have Freda prepare you some tea to help you relax but first, I have a surprise for you, Diane,” he announced. “I finally found the right man to be my Beta. He’s older, but very experienced. I want you to meet him. He’s going to help me keep you safe.”

He took my hand and led me downstairs. He held my hand the whole way, squeezing it gently in a way that, if I hadn't discovered all his deeds today, I would have thought he truly loved me.

We walked into the living room. A man was standing by the window. He was huge. His shoulders were broad, and he had a presence that made the whole room feel smaller.

“Dom,” Julian called, his voice warm. “Come meet the most important person in my life. This is my wife, Diane.”

The man turned around slowly.

His eyes met mine.

The world stopped. My heart hit the floor. I felt like I couldn't get any more air into my lungs.

It was him.

The pepper-salt hair. The sharp jaw. The dark, predatory eyes that had looked into mine while he held me down on that rooftop.

It was the stranger from the bar.

“Diane, this is Dom Vormos,” Julian said.

My eyes didn't leave him. Wide. My mouth wanting to say things, but I couldn't.

But Dom—he didn't look surprised. He didn't look nervous.

He just stood there, looking at me like he had never met me before.

“It’s a pleasure to finally meet you, Luna,” he rasped.

Julian smiled and put an arm around my waist, pulling me close to his side.

“Dom used to be with a biker pack,” Julian explained gently to me. “He’s a bit rough and tough, but he’s the best at what he does. He’s going to be your personal bodyguard, Diane. He’ll be staying here in the house with us.”

My gaze shifted to Julian. He was looking at me with so much “love” in his eyes.

Then I looked at Dom.

Dom was watching Julian’s hand on my waist. His eyes darkened, a small, dangerous smirk playing on his lips.

“I take my duties very seriously, Alpha,” Dom said, his eyes locking onto mine. “I'll make sure Luna gets exactly what she needs.”

Julian patted my hip. “See? I told you he was the right choice. I feel much better knowing he's watching over you while I'm at work.”

I stood there stunned, starstruck, standing with my lying husband and the man who had claimed my body, whose scent I could still perceive on me only hours ago.

“Thank you, Julian,” I finally managed to whisper, my voice shaking. “Nice to meet you… Dom.”