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?”

watch. It’s a good thing too, or I wouldn’t have 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.

pregnancy hormones, but suddenly I feel like crying. I 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. “I didn’t ask you to come, you

furrows in confusion.

Arabella you didn’t have to.” I declare sulkily, “It was just

molten eyes search my face, as if trying to unearth some mystery from my skin. “I’m an

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 you.” In my head, my voice

is still looking at me with dark

“You’d give your

it isn’t a choice. I didn’t have to

how much I’ve taken from him. Frustration pricks my every nerve ending, overwhelming me with emotions I cannot untangle let alone relieve. I don’t know what to do. Everything is coming down on me at once. Every time I think I’ve pinpointed a feeling, a new

arms, tucking my body against his chest. Skin on skin, I feel 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. His lips graze my ear. “What’s going on, little

speak, I want to tell him every thought running through my head, yet when I open my mouth nothing comes out. It often happens like this – a maelstrom of feelings I don’t

Even when I want to

my face into the

Days Until the Rejection

to be fine.” Bastien promises

eyes, while he sports a sleek black tux. Given my aversion to crowds, we haven’t been to many formal events over the last few years, but missing this

city. The Alphas of the Eros and Vega packs would be in attendance with their families, as well as artists and

Bastien’s mother, Odette. I love the elder woman dearly,

“Your tie is

fabric until it

aware of Bastien’s intent gaze. He’s been looking at me like I’m a particularly tasty snack ever since I donned this

bring my eyes level with his collar and failing. The next thing I know I’m sitting on the counter with Bastien between my legs. I emit a startled chuckle, reaching for the garment once

scent on top of my perfume. Heat begins pooling in my belly. No matter

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 – his wolf considers me

abrade my sensitive skin. “I can’t

sorry.” He croons, sounding anything but. “I’ll