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?”

the distress written clearly across my

gradually eclipsed by outrage. “From what?” She hisses, sounding entirely unlike my mate.” thought I was the kidnapper. Why do I have to stay

need to ensure my mate is

and drop my lips to her ear. “Don’t make this harder than it has

making this anything!”

The endearment rings false in my clipped tone,

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 against the

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

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

Selene’s POV

they think I’m hiding her? My hands gesticulate wildly as I pace in front of Odette “Do

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

believe Bastien is going

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

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

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

putting it

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 one has

and down

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

this room since the first moment Bastien threw me

point in the plaster. “One

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 five hours

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

her arm as she lifts her foot over

pats my cheek and flashes her fangs, “Gabriel wasn’t the only one who ruled this pack with an iron

lights are off.” I frown, peeking over a mossy boulder

seem to rise to the surface in the forest, and being near them when it happens makes me ache for Luna, no

a spark of fire in my empty heart. I don’t even feel nauseous here. For the first time since