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.

shrinks in his seat. “I suggest you

“Forgive me, Alpha, but Grigore’s question concerns us all. The fact is that we need strength in all our leaders –

I see his hands twitching as if he’s fighting to keep his claws retracted. His brawny arm jerks up, one livid finger pointing in my

He throws out both arms 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

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. She is not a suitable

they did to you.” Drake’s increasingly

up has been difficult in a house full of shifters with wolf hearing. I’ve finally secluded myself on

admit, my stomach roiling at the memory alone. “But he stood up for

Drake cautions. “Not your head.” When I don’t answer he presses on, “This man wanted nothing to do with you last week, but when something goes wrong for him he expects you to drop everything to help.

know my husband slightly better than you do.” I say, “Bastien is the least selfish

going to stop needing you eventually, especially with the pack pressuring him to do something he already wanted.” The truth of his words hit

“Yes.” I confirm.

my estimate you’ve only got one more week before he scents it on you.” Drake asserts, “So you need

scent.” I’m grasping at straws and I

practically hear Drake shaking his head. “That’s a bandaid at best. What happens when

reply, “Because my morning sickness is so bad the doctor actually said I was more likely

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

you, Drake.” I exhale, feeling considerably sadder than when I made the call, but slightly less stressed. “I promise I’ll think

only want what’s best for

Bastien’s POV

my hands, and I call out for Aiden to enter. I don’t need to look up to know

tell me why you’ve been hovering outside my office for almost half an hour?” I

throat. “We have