Pregnant And Rejected

Chapter 5 Three-year Marriage Contract

Selene’s POV

“What are you talking about,” I’m out of the bed, edging toward the door. “You want me to marry Bastien ?”

Gabriel, not the least bit fooled by my furtive movements, blocks my path. “You need protection, Selene Not only from Blaise but from any wolf who might seek to take advantage. Without your own wolf you are vulnerable and defenseless.” His soothing tone has a core of steel. “I will not fail your mother again. Bastien is the only man I trust to keep you safe, who I know without doubt will honor my wishes long after I’m gone.”

“But”

“And it’s not only safety.” He presses on. You’ve been in captivity through the most important formative years in your life. You’ ve had no education, no socialization. Your knowledge of the world is that of a child.”

He gestures toward my skittish movements, “And forgive me, but you are clearly not prepared to rejoin the pack as you are if I let you walk out that door right now, what would you do, where would you go?”

My throat begins to itch as I consider the Alpha’s question What would I do? Go back to Garrick’s house? Try to find a job despite the fact that I have no skills whatsoever? Would I be able to survive in the city when the very sight of strangers sends me into a full on panic?

Gabriel’s authoritative bearing softens when he sees my lower lip begin to tremble. “You need help, Selene. You may not need it forever, but you cannot do this alone. You went to Bastien for protection from Donavon and me today. Despite everything that’s happened you trust him. I believe he is the one to help you find your way”

I think about Bastien, who rescued me so many years ago and stole my young heart. “Does he know?” I exhale shakily, ‘That you’ re planning this?”

“Yes,” The Alpha responds simply. “He knows.”

If someone had told me as a child that Bastien Durand would one day be my husband, I would have burst with happiness. Now I don’t know what to think. The future terrifies me, but of all the possibilities, Bastien frightens me least.

I lower my eyes from Gabriel’s in submission, “Okay.”

Bastien’s POV

“You killed Garrick?!” My father is shooting me death glares, pacing his office like a tiger in a cage.

“On neutral territory.” I counter, “it was well within my rights, and we’ll both sleep better knowing he’s out of the picture for good.”

the point.” He hisses. “The rule of law exists for a reason. Trials serve as examples for

better example of what happens to abusers than

Alpha you can change my laws,” Father snarls, bearing his teeth. But until that time I expect my heir to embody the values I espouse and uphold

my chest, “He deserved

I don’t agree with you?” He snaps, “You think I wouldn’t have liked to join you out

“So why didn’t you?”

“It means standing by your principles even when it feels impossible, doing

low blow, but I won’t apologize for

He waves away the question, “Your mother and I are fated

I say, staring him

tension seeping out

her wolf, remember?” At first I hadn’t understood why Selene could not feel the mating bond. It only became clear when I learned about

I nod in

going to offer her an out.” I sigh, “We’ll get her through the transition, and when she’s ready to stand on her own two feet, she can decide if she wants to stay.” I drag a hand through my hair, “I haven’t spoken with her yet, but I’m thinking three years should

sure?”

been a captive long enough, I don’t want to trap her in a marriage she does

Don’t claim her completely until you know whether or not there’s going to be a rejection ceremony.” He advises.

head, clearly displeased with this

throat, “That’s not going to

argues. But it will be less painful than spending your

Selene’s POV

at me in the mirror. She has my eyes, my full lips and long, silky hair; but I cannot find

month has passed since my escape, and though I’m still much too thin, the hollows in my bones have begun to fill slightly. My skin is no longer a garish shade of gray and mottled with bruises

studies my reflection. I still haven’t been able to let anyone else near me, so he is the one who helped me into my wedding dress for the final fitting. The long gown is

me. He’s never said so and, though he’s been there for me through every

the future Alpha when

dangerous. I went from being completely helpless to being completely dependent on Bastien, and while I realize it can’t be helped given my situation, I also

years through a combination of formal lessons and eavesdropping. I spend a lot of time with my ear pressed up to walls and doors, though my stealth skills are lacking. Bastien has caught me at it a number of times but thankfully he seems to find it more