Pregnant And Rejected

Chapter 26 The Weak Link

Selene’s POV

I glance around the council chambers anxiously, wondering if anyone will step forward to challenge Bastien for control of the pack. The council can’t force him to step down as Alpha, but if he loses a fight to a stronger wolf he won’t have a choice.

I doubt there is anyone in Elysium strong enough to take on my husband, but this isn’t only about winning. Perception is everything. Whether or not someone can actually succeed, pack members challenging Bastien means they’ve lost confidence in his leadership, that they believe he is weak enough to unseat.

Seconds drag on like hours, mutters swarming like angry bees as Bastien turns on the spot, staring down the complainers until the chamber finally falls silent. I breathe a sigh of relief. Whatever they might say behind closed doors, when push comes to shove no one is brave enough to actually take on the Alpha.

Once he’s certain no one is going to speak up, Bastien turns back to the council. “There you have it gentlemen. You may not agree with my decisions, and questioning them is your right as advisors to this government, but until another Novan is strong enough to take my place – I am your Alpha.” His deep voice echoes around the room, “You can work with me, or you can continue working against me, but I guarantee you will not like the results if you do.”

A collective shiver works its way around the room, and I feel my own spine tremble. I’ve never seen Bastien release so much unchecked power, except perhaps when he faced down the Geminis. However it hadn’t been directed at the pack then, and it certainly is now.

“Is that a threat?” One of the councilors interjects, tacking on a nervous “Sir?” at the end.

“Take it however you like.” The Alpha replies cryptically, “I’m merely presenting the reality of your situation.”

The head elder straightens up determinedly, his gray hair practically standing on end despite his facade of confidence. “And what about your reality, Alpha?” He inquires, “Do you intend to lead the women of this pack as well as the men?”

Color flushes my cheeks as heads turn in my direction. The man was smart enough not to say it outright, but everyone knows he’s talking about my defect. Though Alphas have equal authority over all pack members, their mates are traditionally de facto leaders of the she-wolves.

I am not, and I never will be.

You cannot lead wolves if you don’t have a wolf of your own.

growls, and the elder shrinks in his

“Forgive me, Alpha, but Grigore’s question concerns us all. The fact

claws retracted. His brawny arm jerks up, one livid finger pointing in my direction. “My wife has survived things no one else in this room

now, drawing attention to his bare abdomen: a swath of rippling muscles covered in battlescars. “Why is it you look at my scars and see strength, but find only weakness in

to respond, but after a few tense beats, the oldest counselor rises to his feet. “The difference is that your scars healed, and forgive me, but Selene’s never will.” His words drive into my chest like the sharpest knife. “It’s not her fault no one is saying that but the bottom line is that a shifter without their animal cannot protect themselves, let alone a pack.

believe you would stay after what they did to you.” Drake’s increasingly familiar voice

up has been difficult in a house full

up for me – despite everything that’s happened between us. He stood up for me even though he doesn’t want me. I owe him the

wanted nothing to do with you last week, but when something goes wrong for him he expects you to drop everything to

know you’re concerned but please trust that I know my husband slightly better than you do.” I say, “Bastien is the least selfish

especially with the pack pressuring him to do something he already wanted.” The truth of his words hit me like a ton of bricks, and I slide down onto the ground as he continues. “You

“Yes.” I confirm.

by my estimate you’ve only got one more week before he scents it on you.” Drake asserts, “So you need to decide what’s more important: supporting a man who doesn’t love you, or claiming freedom for yourself and

scent.” I’m grasping at straws and I know it. “I’ll go

shaking his head. “That’s a bandaid at best. What happens when you

reply, “Because my morning sickness is so bad the doctor

“It’s your decision, Selene. And I will help you whatever you choose, but please think about what I’ve said. This

I exhale, feeling considerably sadder than when I made the call, but slightly less stressed.

warmly. “I only want

Bastien’s POV

to enter. I don’t need to look up to know it’s him. I smelled him when he arrived twenty minutes ago and have been listening to his

tell me why you’ve been hovering outside my

his throat.