Pregnant And Rejected

Chapter 15 Want To Make Bastien Jealous

Selene‘s POV

My lungs burn as I choke on the salty pool water, trying desperately to keep my eyes open. A razor sharp pain explodes in my chest, tearing me from the inside out. As my airway seals shut and all the oxygen leaves my body, I feel a strange sense of peace. As if I know in my heart it‘s over now, and I can finally rest.

As my eyes shutter for the last time, I catch a final glimpse of the mortal world: An eerie cauldron of blue and green, dotted with the reflections of the garden‘s fairy lights. The yellow orbs are broken only by the soft air pockets floating skyward, and then an explosion of bubbles and foam.

An iron bar circles my middle, and suddenly I‘m ascending, catapulting towards the surface. Saltwater spews from my mouth as I burst into the fresh air. I cough violently, unable to focus on anything but gulping in as much oxygen as I possibly can. I‘m floating towards the pool‘s edge, vaguely aware of a warm body holding me aloft.

Half a dozen hands pull me from my watery coffin, rolling me onto my stomach so that I can expel every last drop of fluid from my lungs. A heavy blanket settles over my shoulders, and I realize I’m shivering like a wet chihuahua.

Familiar voices break through the haze, fussing and calling my name. I crack my eyes open to find Odette and Gabriel sitting on my left, both bone dry. I turn my head in the opposite directing, zeroing in on the man dripping water from every thread of his ruined tux.

His hair is so dark it‘s almost black, and he watches me with piercing green eyes. He is not nearly so large as Bastien, but he is undeniable air of an Alpha wolf, but I’m sure I’ve never seen him before.

He must be from another pack, I realize.

“Thank you,” I gasp, reaching for his hand.

The man clasps my palm, squeezing gently. “Don‘t mention it.”

“Selene sweetheart, what happened?” Odette is hovering over me like a frenzied mother hen, distress drawn in every line of her beautiful face.

“Give her some space to breathe, my love.” Gabriel says, scooping me up. “Let’s get her inside.“

As the crowd of guests part to let the Alpha pass, I hear my mother-in-law fussing over my savior. “You must be freezing, please come inside and we‘ll find you some dry clothes, Mr. Cavanaugh.”

I recognize the name; the Cavanaughs lead the Eros Pack. This man is too young to be the Alpha, but i’d bet good money he’s next in line.

Gabriel carries me up to one of the hall’s social parlors, his mate close on his tail commanding the various sentinels to bring blankets and dry clothes. Every inch of my body feels bruised and drained. I never knew drowning was so painful and exhausting.

stripping my sopping dress

hair, “I‘ll call Bastien.”

older man‘s suits. His hair is still wet, but no one at the party will hold that against him. “Selene,” Gabriel broaches gently, “This is Drake Cavanaugh. Drake, meet

me.” My voice is a shadow of

not often I get to play the hero. I might even

remains. This man is all light and charm – nothing

asks me, his salt and pepper

Like I could forget.

the embarrassment of explaining the truth. “One minute I

girl,” Gabriel murmurs sympathetically, “Bastien should have taught you to swim a

do you mean you can‘t?” The door to the hallway is closed, but her words are as clear as day. “Did you hear what I said? Your wife almost died. You cannot tell me there is anything

familiar lump in my throat.

for Bastien to come sweep me home. No, I want to make him see what he’s missing, and I know exactly how

you want to use me to make your husband

before a mirror again, in my second dress of the night. My hair has been blown dry and

the molten silver dress the pool destroyed, the emerald gown I now wear reveals far more than it leaves to the imagination. Its silk

if that‘s how you want to interpret

have no objections,” Drake teases, “I just want to

warm and easy-going, always ready with a laugh.

dream of doing something like this, playing games or seeking petty revenge for Bastien‘s neglect. I know he cares for me as best he can, but part of me is still aching from the rejection

you something?” I request, slowly

The young wolf

probably sound very odd, but I don‘t know a lot about our

“Gabriel notified my father when your step–father ran. He thought

won‘t come as a surprise to you that my knowledge of pack behavior and traditions is a bit lacking.” He offers me a conceding nod. “I heard something tonight

brow. “I don‘t suppose this has anything to do with the

him, “You