Pregnant And Rejected

Chapter 49

Selene’s POV

After eight years in a veritable dungeon, I thought freedom was escaping to Elysium.

After spending three years married to a man who didn‘t love me and obligated to help lead a pack of shifters who hated me, thought freedom was finding my independence in Asphodel.

After nearly four years of living without my wolf, I thought freedom was getting her back when I became a mother..

I was wrong every time.

This is freedom. Transforming, releasing my soul and setting her loose – that is the freedom I‘ve been missing my entire life. Running on all fours through the rolling Vega hills with no map and no limitations, no hurdles to jump or weights slowing me down. it’s adrenaline like I‘ve never experienced.

I don‘t care that I‘m not in the forest, or that it‘s broad daylight. I don‘t care that I‘m still getting used to four legs and a tail, which makes my loping strides significantly less graceful than Bastien‘s. The truth is that I don‘t have a care in the world.

Even my concern for Lila has been dampened amidst this incredible high, partly because I now recognize the wisdom of removing her from the scene of my shift, and partly because I simply cannot bring myself to feel anything but happiness in this moment.

Bastien runs alongside me, hanging back to keep pace with me rather than running miles ahead as he could. Luna couldn‘t be more thrilled, as far as she‘s concerned, the only thing better than being free, is being free with Bastien.

Her response to the Alpha has been very illuminating for me. I‘m beginning to understand how the mating bond can drive shifters mad, or destroy relationships between chosen mates. If Luna had her way I would be back in Bastien‘s bed already, but fortunately for us, I have not forgotten our past.

He can try to rewrite our story as many ways as he wishes, but the fact remains he had his chance with me, and he wasted it.

Bastien‘s POV

Selene‘s pearly white coat stands out against the deep green hills like the moon in darkened skies Watching her streak over the dales in a blur of snowy limbs, I don‘t even mind glowing my pace to run next 10 her She‘s more ecstatic than I‘ve ever seen her, completely lost to the thrill of freedom and finally experiencing the joy she so richly deserves.

could not shift. Every full moon run for which she was left behind, every equinox she spent at home rather than in the forest – she never complained, but I know how it hurt. After all, the instincts were still there, she just didn‘t have the abilities to satisfy

the pain of last night, this is so worth it. Her transformation was harrowing to say the least When we get back I have every intention of calling my mother to thank her for seeing me through the

I was there for her, particularly because I wasn‘t when she gave birth. No matter how hard I try to put the thoughts from my mind, I can‘t help but wonder who was there. If Lila is mine – though Selene insists she isn‘t – it should have been me. Even if Lila isn‘t

she collapses in a puddle of worn out wolf, a goofy grin on her face. I settle next to her, stretching out on the cool ground and waiting for her energy to

little the elation that has dominated her aura since waking up as a wolf slips away, and

misconceptions came from, or why she was

many more questions left to answer, but I know one thing for certain – regardless of any misunderstandings, my mate felt unloved, and that is my fault and my fault alone. It can’t be explained away

She replies

Our conversation? I prompt.

let Lila go with Aiden. She offers, Thank you, by the way, after seeing the house this morning… well

times through the night using our mental links. He always reported the

you don‘t remember anything else? I

wolf eyes me

a breakthrough. A few years ago I wouldn‘t have worried about her forgetting. I would have simply sat her down and rehashed the conversation from the start. Even if

how did we get to such a low place that my wife would turn to Drake instead of me? How little did she

to at least part of that. I never thought you

She blinks, taken

to appease the enforcers for long enough to find Bella. I explain. I knew she‘d clear you once we did. The fact is wanted you under guard because I was afraid you

I don‘t want explanations. Selene retorts. Then, looking curious, where did you find

abandoned home in old town. I share, struggling to recall those

catch the person responsible? There‘s an odd note

heavy sigh I continue. They‘re still out there somewhere, still trying to pull the strings and wreak havoc, but I‘ve

related? She

ransom, what other explanation is there but to cause terror?