Page 67 of The Alpha’s Heir

“Then what is it, Roman?” she whispered.

I was delusional. Dreaming. There was no way she felt heartbroken by me. But the look in her eyes told a different story.

I licked my dry lips. “In another life, I’d—”

“Nope.” Meg cut me off. “This is the only life we get.” She started marching toward the door, and stopped. “What are you doing?”

“Sleeping on the couch,” I said as I lay down on the small sofa, trying to tuck my feet in so they didn’t hang over the edge so dramatically.

My heart pounded in my chest as I tried to think of another way to keep her here and have the time to process what was happening. She didn’t mean what she said. She didn’t understand what she was saying anyway. We were all exhausted. It’d been a long couple of days. I just wanted her to be comfortable as she slept.

“Are you serious?” She stared at me.

In answer, I closed my eyes.

And I must’ve been dreaming because after her frustrated huff, I felt the slightest whisper of a kiss pressed to my cheek. “Goodnight, Roman.”

In my dreams, I whispered back, “Goodnight, Megaera. Wake me if you need anything.”

24

Meg

How the hell was I supposed to sleep with my mate in my house, just in the other room, with only these thin walls separating us?

You’re not. Did you hear what he said? Let’s wake him up. I have needs.

But I couldn’t wake him. The man was out like a light. I guess he meant it that he and Marcus could sleep anywhere, because he’d fallen asleep before I’d even closed the door to my bedroom.

I couldn’t sleep.

I’d probably never sleep again.

What did he mean? In another life? Was he holding himself back too? I’d thought that at first, and he’d kissed me, and then he’d stonewalled me right after.

Why was this nothing like the romance books I read? Real life was too damn confusing. Add in the whole sacrifice for the greater good problems we had going on and everything turned into muck I couldn’t even begin to wade through.

I say we just go take him up on his offer. My wolf surged to the surface, trying to force my hand by pushing her animalistic instincts on me.

I will tie us to the bed if you don’t stop. I shoved her down, making her listen to the soft sounds of Justus crying himself to sleep in the other room.

My wolf growled her frustration.

True, our intended husband was an asshole, but I wasn’t a total one, and I wasn’t going to jump his friend’s bones while he cried in the other room.

We can be quiet…

What has gotten into you? I growled at my beast.

Nothing. That’s the problem.

We have bigger problems to focus on.

I needed a plan. I couldn’t keep living in all these half-truths and lies. Tomorrow morning, I had to come clean to both Roman and Justus. Everything felt so clear now. Roman would see we were meant for each other and Justus would understand.

And the gods would…

Dang it. This was a horrible plan.