Pregnant And Rejected

Chapter 13 Bastien Goes To See Her Again

6 Days Until the Rejection Ceremony

Selene’s POV

Early morning sunlight filters through the windows and bathes the room in dappled light. I feel Bastien tracing the patterns its rays form on my skin, trailing his fingers down my spine, circling the shadows and delicate illuminations across my ribcage.

At some point last night he must have shifted and carried me to bed. Now he lies beneath me, the steady rise and fall of his chest rocking my body like a boat bobbing on the waves. I stretch drowsily, turning my face up to his. His eyes are already on me, his rugged features radiating warmth. “Good morning, little wolf.”

I snuggle closer, reacting rather than thinking. “Good morning.” There are dark circles beneath Bastien’s eyes, “You didn’t sleep?”

“No.” He confirms, “I was a bit distracted.”

I can feel the blood drain from my face. “Is Arabella…?”

“She’s going to be fine.” Bastien assures me. “You on the other hand…” he trails off ominously.

| stiffen in his arms, “Bastien, I didn’t do it.”

Frowning, he catches my cheek in his palm. “I know that sweetheart.” He continues petting me, treating me as he might a skittish horse. “Arabella was distressed and confused, she was in a lot of pain – that’s all.”

No it wasn’t, I want to say, but I hold my tongue. “If you know I didn’t push her, why wouldn’t I be okay?”

Bastien raises a stern brow, “Because you, my sweet wife, are in a lot of trouble.”

“But I didn’t do anything.”

“Is that so?” He rises with predatory grace, sitting up in the bed and pulling me into his lap. My legs straddle his thighs and I peek up at him from beneath my lashes. “Have you forgotten already?” Bastien’s rough voice sends a shiver down my spine as his hand closes around my nape. “You didn’t tell anyone you were sick. You flagrantly disobeyed me – though I admit, that was more the fever’s fault than your own.” He concedes, “But you were perfectly lucid when you left the hospital without being discharged or leaving so much as a note, and then isolated yourself when your physical and mental health were at stake.”

I stare at my lap. “How did you know I was here anyway?”

known about the storm – it didn’t hit the leeward side of the mountain.” Bastien’s fingers sink into my long hair, tangling in the thick tresses. He tugs it gently, pulling

don’t want to explain. I was trying to do what was best for all of us, it isn’t fair that Bastien is angry with me.

furrows

have to.” I declare sulkily, “It was just a storm, I’m going to have

unearth some mystery from my skin. “I’m an Alpha,” He finally reminds me. “I don’t do anything I don’t

Bastien, that’s all you ever do. Your entire existence is caught up in these notions of duty and obligation, and you fulfill them regardless of what it costs

is still looking at me with dark intensity, “And what does it cost

murmur. “You’d give your life,

it isn’t a choice. I didn’t have to lead, 1 chose this life. And I choose if and

pricks my every nerve ending, overwhelming me with emotions I cannot untangle let alone relieve. I don’t know what

his heart beating in perfect synchrony with my own. The pressure of his embrace forces some of the anxious energy out of me, and his warm hands begin to stroke my spine in a persistent caress.

my mouth nothing comes out. It

years spent in solitude, it feels like I’ve lost the ability to communicate. Even when I want to speak, I can’t find the words – I can’t

say, nuzzling my face into the crook of his neck. “Nothing at

Until the Rejection

to be fine.”

the exact shade of Bastien’s eyes, while he sports a sleek black tux. Given my aversion

Gabriel’s 60th birthday, a momentous event bringing wolves from far and wide to our secluded city. The Alphas of the Eros and Vega packs would be in attendance with their families, as well as artists and thought leaders from across

play hostess with Bastien’s mother, Odette. I love the elder woman dearly, but

as I sweep my gaze down his body. “Your tie is crooked.” I

until it

back on the mirror, stepping in front of him to fix the garment. I fiddle with the sleek black bowtie, painfully aware of Bastien’s intent gaze. He’s been

thing I know

his own scent on top of my perfume. Heat begins pooling in my belly. No matter how many times Bastien scent marks me,

understand why he would be so territorial over someone he didn’t love, but over time I realized love doesn’t have much to do with it. Regardless of feelings, I’m his wife

scruffy cheeks abrade my sensitive skin. “I can’t do this

sorry.” He croons, sounding anything