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?”

turn back, facing the distress written clearly across my wife’s face. “I promise you’ll be

blinks, her confusion and fear gradually eclipsed by outrage. “From what?” She hisses, sounding entirely unlike my mate.” thought I was the kidnapper. Why do I

have time to put out this fire, not when another blazes out of control. I need to ensure my mate is safe, and the enforcers want to keep her under lock and key until she’s

my lips to

making this

The endearment rings false

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

and I wish I could take back the words. “So it isn’t lock down.” She summarizes. “It’s house

don’t mind what you call it,” I said. “As long as you stay

Selene’s POV

I pace in front of Odette “Do they imagine I’m such a villain

Odette soothes, more alert than I’ve seen her in a long time. Providing comfort seems to have sidelined her

believe Bastien is going along with it. Doesn’t

asserts. “He’s always had a blind

issue go. “Let’s assume I wanted to kidnap Arabella and actually found a way to 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 I can be off torturing her!” The words pour out of me in a frenzy.” And they’d know if I hired

dawning light on her

putting it so gently.”

She murmurs, “The pack house isn’t technically your property because it transfers to any

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

A sly smile stretches across her face. “What do you say, we make a break for

of this room since the

some unseen pressure point in the plaster. “One benefit of being Alphas,” she

hidden doorway slides open before us. Sweet relief fills me, accompanied by only a

you aren’t in any danger – they can’t blame you for the kidnapping

she lifts her

She pats my cheek and flashes her fangs, “Gabriel wasn’t

peeking over a mossy boulder beyond the treeline of the cabin’s

down beside me, her wolf glowing through her eyes. All wolves seem to rise to the surface in the

don’t even feel nauseous here.