Pregnant And Rejected

Chapter 39 New Life

Bastien’s POV

One by one, wolves from across Elysium filter into the council chambers, answering the mental summons I roared out across the territory ordering the pack to gather at once. Emitting such a call takes incredible strength; it’s a feat very few Alpha’s could accomplish, and one which has left me exhausted, though no less angry.

When the wolves have finally filled the circular space, I call the council back to order, keeping Arabella primely situated before the dais. She’s smiling confidently, and even the counselors look somewhat pleased. I imagine they think I’ve decided to give into their demands

The fools must not realize that suggesting I remarry was the very last thing they should have attempted if they wished my cooperation

“It seems “I announce to the room at large, “That many of you are displeased with my leadership, and uncomfortable with my marital status.”

Already I see Arabella’s smile waver. Until she returned to Elysium I never realized how much Arabella truly wanted to marry me. I thought it had been a childhood crush, one I never worried about encouraging because I planned on giving her what she wanted. Now I think I must have underestimated her interest significantly. I’ve told her privately at least half a dozen times that nothing is going to happen between us, so the idea that she would be colluding with the council this way is rather outrageous.

“However it is my duty to inform you, that I don’t give a damn about your displeasure or discomfort. If you have complaints you are welcome to raise them with me privately or in forums such as these. I can promise they will be heard and fairly considered, but that is the extent of my obligation.” My deep voice echoes harshly through the vaulted ceiling. “I am not here to give you what you want or coddle you, I am not here to make your lives easier.”

“You are entitled to my protection and governance, and unless you are able to step forward with specific and concrete criticisms regarding those duties or advocacies for new policies, I’m sorry to tell you that I have no interest in your opinions. Particularly when it comes to my personal life.” I can see my audience slowly turtling, subtly curling in around themselves in defense against my wrath.

“My mate was Selene Durand.” I boom. “She is the only mate I will ever have, and the only wife I will ever take. Anyone who says otherwise is deluded or lying. I cannot stop you from gossiping; that is your right, just as it is your right to disagree with me. But I warn you, do not make the mistake of turning gossip into slander about my mate, or disagreement into challenges of my authority because they will be taken seriously.”

As I look around the room, taking in the flushed faces and sweating brows, I listen to their pounding hearts and increased pulses with relish. “I once made the mistake of asking if any Novan believed themselves more capable to lead this great pack, and if so to step forward. I know now that is a question I never need to ask, because if there was anyone strong enough to stand against me, they would already be doing it.”

“I want you to remind yourselves of that fact the next time you want to question me. If all you have the courage to do is talk behind my back, you don’t have a leg to stand on.” fuel all my dominance into my final words. “Now Get. Out.”

Arabella. She’s breathing heavily, her face crimson and hands curled in fists at her side. She always did have a penchant for tantrums. I stop by her side as I move toward the exit, “I don’t know what your involvement in these rumors has been, and I don’t care. But let’s get one thing straight – it ends now. If anyone asks you about us, if you overhear any hushed whispers, I expect you to deny them, clearly and firmly. Are we

her voice is sickly sweet. “Of course,

Selene’s POV

reflections of empty glass bakery cases. It’s tranquil without all the customers and bustling servers, but

doors shut, turning the locks and untying the apron from my swollen belly. Six months after leaving Elysium, my life is more different than I could have ever imagined. I have my own apartment, my own business,

Asphodel hasn’t been received well by everyone. After Chloe and Annie left, I was literally thrown to the Eros wolves and the women in particular seem very unhappy about my friendship with Drake and very judgemental of my status as a single mother but gossiping busybodies are nothing new, and I’m more capable of dealing with them now than

strange and surreal new qualities. The baby kicks on queue, meeting my hand as it strokes the curve of my tightly stretched abdomen – so large I can no

i’d even say my senses have heightened, almost to the levels they performed before I lost Luna. I feel more

now that I’m distracted by such mundane things as who will cover

I first decided to apply for a job at a cafe, Drake’s response

money into my hands. To my amazement though not his, as he’d reiterated countless times I was able to pay him back within the first three months. Now all my profits

zoning permits, liquor licenses, and public incorporation for my business. It’s

there waiting when I get home, unpacking bags of takeout on the kitchen table as I waddle through the door. He laughs when he sees me, “I swear

his head, which he easily dodges. “Didn’t

clasping a hand over his heart,”I’m complimenting the

a relief for us both. It took me so long to start putting on weight that I was truly worried for my baby’s health, and true to Dr. Kane’s predictions, my hospitalization

I retort, sniffing

answers, waving a fork at me,

and falling

pack business.”