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.”

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

example of what happens to abusers than any trial.” I bite

time I expect my heir to embody the values I espouse and uphold the

arms over my chest, “He deserved everything

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

“So why didn’t you?”

get to do whatever you want with impunity.” Father barks, “It means standing by your principles even when it feels impossible, doing what is best for the pack no matter

but I won’t apologize for protecting my mate.

waves away the question, “Your

say, staring him

in his eyes, and he slowly deflates, then tension seeping

I hadn’t understood why Selene could not feel the mating bond. It only became clear when I learned about her wolf. Of course she can’t feel it, she’s lost

sorry.” I nod in acknowledgement, but cannot bring myself to meet his gaze.

own two feet, she can decide if she wants to stay.” I drag a hand through my hair,

sure?”

I might not like it, but there’s no doubt in my mind it’s what’s right. “She’s been a captive long enough, I don’t want to trap her in a marriage she does not want. And if there’s a chance she can have love I want her to

keep a very tight leash on your wolf. Don’t claim her completely until you know whether or not there’s going to be a rejection ceremony.” He advises. “If he marks her, you won’t ever

clearly displeased with this suggestion. She’s mine.

clear my throat, “That’s not going to be

be less painful than spending your life chasing someone who can

Selene’s POV

my

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 though it’s still very pale -, and though I am still heartsick for Luna,

behind me, dwarfing my small body as he too 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 perfect, but I feel more like a child playing

don’t think Bastien is happy to be marrying me. He’s never said so and, though he’s been there for me through every breakdown and panic attack without question or complaint,

him so completely that his reserve is becoming truly distressing. The inconvenient truth is that the torch I carried for the

is 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 know it’s a recipe

and everything I missed over the last eight 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