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?”

distress written clearly across

outrage. “From what?” She hisses, sounding entirely unlike my mate.” thought I was the kidnapper. Why do I have to stay in lock down if I’m

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 eliminated as a

my lips to her ear.

not making this anything!” She

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

a lie, but we still 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 immediate threat neutralized. I cannot risk alienating them by going

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

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

Selene’s POV

gesticulate wildly as I pace in

think logic has anything to do with it, Darling.” Odette soothes, more alert than I’ve seen her in a long time. Providing comfort seems to have sidelined

know.” I grumble, “But I can’t believe Bastien is going along

he’s just afraid for Bella.” She asserts. “He’s always had a blind spot

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

a look of dawning light on her face. “The only

putting it so gently.”

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 you, and no

and down in excitement. “Odette,

moments.” A sly smile stretches across her face. “What do

more than to get out of this room since

her hands along the wall, her slender fingers searching for some unseen pressure point in the plaster. “One benefit of

clicks loudly, and a hidden doorway slides open before us. Sweet relief

Now we know you aren’t in any danger – they can’t blame

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

pats my cheek and flashes her fangs,

are off.” I frown, peeking over a mossy

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

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