Pregnant And Rejected

Chapter 32 House Arrest

Bastien’s POV

“Enough” i cut through the rising voices: Selene swearing her innocence, the enforcers combatively contending that the evidence is against her, Aiden calling for calm. “This isn’t getting us anywhere. Our priority is finding Arabella.”

No one quells more than Selene under the force of my tone, and I wish I could comfort her. My anger is for the enforcers, not her.

“Our best trackers are on the trail, Alpha.” A resigned Danvers promises, “I’ve already received word that the men you sent rendezvoused with the team.”

“They’ve followed Bella’s scent to New Town.” Aiden confirms. Then, using our mental link he adds, If it were me, and I wanted to frame Selene, I would take Arabella to Garrick’s house.

He’s right. It’s the only property Selene owns independently, and the last place either of us would ever go. Let’s go.

Aiden marches out on my order, no doubt pulling the car around while I wrangle the enforcers back out of the room. “We have a lead.” I announce. “I want everyone ready to move out in five minutes.”

Danvers brow furrows, “What lead?”

T’ll explain on the way.” I deflect, calling mother and the sentries back into the secure room.

“You’re leaving?” Selene’s small voice surprises me. “Now?”

“Yes.” I answer simply.

“What if it’s a trap?” Selene halts me for the second time. “You should let the enforcers go and make sure it’s safe first.”

I don’t even consider the suggestion. I’ve never run from a fight before, I don’t intend to start now, I need to be there for Arabella.”

*Please don’t go, Bastien.” Selene whispers, her cerulean and violet eyes shining.

“I have to.” Once the guards are positioned at the door once more, I command, “Don’t let anyone in until I’m back.”

“Wait.” Tiny feet charge after me, near silent on the persian rug. “You’re locking us in here again?”

clearly across

what?” She hisses, sounding entirely unlike my mate.” thought I was the kidnapper. Why

justified, but I don’t have time to put out this fire, not when another blazes out of control. I need

sigh, I close the distance to my wife and drop my

not making this

custody, sweetheart.” The endearment rings false in my

have an audience. I have no intention of allowing the enforcers anywhere near Selene, no matter what other false evidence they find, but I can’t reveal this – not yet. It will be seen as corruption, and I need the investigators on my side until Arabella is safe and the

could take back the words. “So it isn’t lock

mind what you call it,” I said. “As long as

Selene’s POV

ridiculous.” | vent. “Where the hell do they think I’m hiding her? My hands gesticulate wildly as I pace in front of Odette “Do they

more alert than I’ve seen her in a long time. Providing comfort

believe Bastien is going along with

Bella.” She asserts. “He’s always had

accomplish it. Where could I possibly put her? What am I supposed to be doing with her? There’s no ransom and no body and I’ve been here basically 24/7 since before she was taken, so it’s not like

right.” She agrees, sitting up with a look of dawning light on her face. “The only things you have

it so gently.” I

“The pack house isn’t technically your property because it transfers to any Alpha, but the cabin is in Bastien’s and your name. It’s the only place they

to jump up and down in excitement. “Odette, you’re a

smile stretches across her face. “What do you say,

this room since the first moment Bastien

slender fingers searching for some unseen pressure point in the plaster. “One benefit of being Alphas,” she shares smugly, we get to know

around the final word, the wall clicks loudly, and a hidden doorway slides open before us. Sweet relief fills me, accompanied by only a fraction of frustration.

aren’t in any danger –

her arm as she lifts her foot over the threshold. “What

flashes her fangs, “Gabriel

are off.” I frown, peeking over a mossy boulder beyond the treeline of the cabin’s

seem to rise to the

feel a stirring in my own blood, a spark of fire in my empty heart. I don’t even feel