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?”

facing the distress written clearly across my

entirely unlike my mate.” thought

control. I need to ensure my mate is safe, and

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

making this anything!” She

rings false in my clipped

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

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

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

Selene’s POV

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

time. Providing comfort seems to have sidelined her sorrow, if only

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

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

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

She agrees, sitting up with a look of dawning light on her face. “The

for putting it so

ignores my sarcasm, pulling me into the bathroom and 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 you, and

and down

have my moments.” A sly smile stretches across her face.

of this room since the first moment Bastien threw me into it.

point in the plaster. “One benefit

clicks loudly, and a hidden doorway slides open before us. Sweet relief fills me, accompanied by only a fraction of frustration. “Why didn’t

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

she lifts her foot over the

flashes her fangs, “Gabriel wasn’t the only one who ruled

peeking over a

wolves seem to rise to the surface in the forest, and being near

heart. I don’t even feel nauseous here. For the first time since I found out about the baby, not even a sliver of discomfort assails my