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?”

written clearly across my

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 to stay in

completely justified, but I don’t 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

a weary sigh, I close the distance to my wife and drop my lips to her ear. “Don’t

this

sweetheart.” The endearment rings false in my clipped tone, “which would

this – not yet. It will be seen as corruption, and I need the investigators on

home with devastating impact, and I wish I could take back the words.

I said. “As long as you

Selene’s POV

I pace in front of Odette “Do

in a long time. Providing comfort seems to have sidelined her sorrow, if only for a while. “Enforcers

I can’t believe Bastien is going along with it. Doesn’t he know me better

think he’s just afraid for Bella.” She asserts. “He’s always

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 someone to do it for me, because

of dawning light on her face. “The

for putting it so gently.” I

out of the guard’s hearing. “The cabin.” She murmurs, “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 could tie directly to

urge to jump up and down in

my moments.” A sly smile stretches across her face. “What do you say,

wanted nothing more than to get out of this room since the first moment Bastien threw me into it. “How?* I

in the plaster. “One benefit

lips close 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. “Why didn’t you show me this

shrugs. “That was before. Now we know you aren’t in any danger – they can’t blame you for the kidnapping and attack you

catch her arm as she lifts her foot

her fangs, “Gabriel wasn’t the only one who ruled this pack with an

I frown, peeking over a mossy boulder beyond the

I don’t hear anything inside – or smell Arabella.” Odette is hunkered down beside me, her wolf glowing through her eyes. All wolves seem to rise to the surface in the forest, and being near them when it happens makes me ache for Luna, no matter how

a stirring in my own blood, a spark of fire in my empty heart. I don’t even feel nauseous here. For the first time since I found out about