Pregnant And Rejected

Chapter 28 The Equinox Disaster

Bastien’s POV

The Autumn Equinox has always been my favorite holiday. Above All Souls Night, the Summer Solstice and Yuletide, the Equinox is the best day of the year. Every September Elysium is overtaken by a sprawling festival celebrating the event, combining centuries-old rites and traditions with modern revelry and entertainment.

The changing of the seasons has always been sacred to shifters. Our power is always strongest on the nights the Goddess turns the wheel of the world, summoning so much magic it overflows into all of creation.

More than any year of my life so far, this Autumn’s celebration must go well. It’s my first year as Alpha and even though my father oversaw most of the planning, the actual event is happening on my watch. With everything that has happened in the last few weeks I desperately need some good PR with the pack, and a superb Equinox would go a long way to achieving that.

On the other hand, if something goes wrong, it will be a literal disaster. The pack won’t consider a botched festival a bad party, they will consider it an affront to our most cherished heritage and hallowed customs. That cannot happen. There are already murderers and saboteurs running around my city wreaking havoc, the last thing I need is to offend the Goddess on top of it.

However things are already off to a less than ideal start. Major partners my father contracted to sponsor the festival have pulled out at the last minute, and it seems like everywhere I look, some new crisis pops up.

I know event planning is chaotic at times, but things are falling apart too suddenly, frequently and majorly. Every last step is a challenge, and I’m certain the same person who has been making my life so difficult lately is responsible.

Despite everything, we‘ve managed to make it to festival night without any catastrophes, and I plan to enjoy it with my family small as it may be.

“This was always your father’s favorite night too.” My mother sniffled, straightening my already straight tie. We‘re waiting for Selene in the foyer, ready to depart for the event kick-off. Convincing Mom to come wasn’t easy, but I encouraged her to look at it as a chance to honor Dad by celebrating something he loved.

Honestly it was a reminder I needed myself. I’ve been so focused on my own difficulties and need for personal success that I feel extremely guilty for not thinking of him sooner.

know.” I squeeze her shoulders and drop a kiss

movement at the top of the stairs and look up, expecting to see Selene. Instead one of the sentries emerges, striding swiftly down the stairs and coming to a stop

often than not. I wish I could take back my words that day more than anything – I’ve never felt more shame than the moment

wonder whether she’s punishing me for having her followed or perhaps for keeping her married to me. I

mother’s features. “You should

unwell to keep our plans. Trust me, me

answers, squeezing my hand.

rumors spreading like wildfire, and I won’t worry them with the increasing evidence of ongoing foul play. I’m not sure my mother’s broken heart could take the

that we disagreed about Selene’s safety, and I was an

finally reply, “it

Selene’s POV

with fever. Impossible as it seems given how miserable I was at the

put on any weight, and I’m becoming increasingly worried for my baby. How can it possibly

is going to figure it out. If I could fake good health I would, but there’s no chance for any normalcy when ! can’t move from the bathroom. How many more times

nothing more than to be near him, especially now nothing soothes me more than my mate. Even

own making. The closeness we rebuilt after his father’s death has been slowly fading, especially after our fight. Nothing has been quite the same since that day, and the more distant Bastien is, the more I think he may

support, I won’t risk telling him about the baby if there’s a chance he’s going to toss me to the curb in another month. I know he would be happier without me, and there’s no doubt the pack would be happier with Arabella in my place the

Bastien will be having a good time at the festival – after all, one of