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?”

of the mountain.”

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

brow furrows in confusion.

you didn’t want to leave Arabella you didn’t have to.” I declare sulkily, “It was just a storm, I’m going to have to get over this

search my face, as if trying to unearth some mystery from my skin. “I’m an Alpha,” He finally reminds me. “I don’t

Your entire existence is caught up in these notions of duty and obligation, and you fulfill them regardless of what it costs you.”

looking at me with dark intensity, “And what does

I murmur. “You’d give your

think it isn’t a choice. I didn’t

let alone relieve. I don’t know what to do. Everything is coming down

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

open my mouth nothing comes out. It often happens like this – a maelstrom of feelings I don’t

like I’ve lost the ability to communicate. Even when I want to speak,

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

Until the

be

side by side in our bathroom, staring at our reflections in the mirror. I’m wearing a long, flowing dress the exact shade of Bastien’s 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 evening is not

is 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

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

his body. “Your tie is crooked.” I tell him, eyeing the lopsided bow at

satiny fabric until it comes undone. “I

him to fix the garment. I fiddle with the sleek black bowtie, painfully aware of Bastien’s intent gaze. He’s been looking at me like I’m a particularly

and failing. The next thing I know I’m sitting on the counter with Bastien between my legs. I

in. “Goddess you smell good.” He rumbles, nuzzling my throat to add his own scent on top of

I didn’t 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 – his wolf considers me his, and

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

croons, sounding anything but. “I’ll