Pregnant And Rejected

Arabella’s POV

“We have a problem.” A deep voice thunders over the phone line.

My senses sharpen, locking onto the familiar sound, “I thought everything was set for the next phase?”

“It’s not that.” My longtime ally answers. “Bastien found Selene.”

“Excuse me?” It takes a moment for the air to return to my lungs, “Selene is dead. How can he have found her?”

“It’s possible she’s not as dead as I led you to believe.” He hedges.

“What the fuck does that mean?” I hiss, “Either someone’s dead or they aren’t. Besides, you didn’t lead me to believe anything – 1 did it, not you!”

“Yes well I got cold feet!” He blurts out, “I pulled her out, alright? She’s been in Asphodel until now without anyone being the wiser.”

This is unbelievable. I always knew it was a bad idea to join forces, but I never imagined the idiot could screw things up this badly. I swear, only men make such stupid, block-headed mistakes. The bastard probably got it into his head he was in love with the little halfling and got cold feet.

“And her brat?” I demand. “She was breeding, you remember?”

“Luckily she had the sense to tell Durand the kid isn’t his.” My partner promises, “But they’ve met. She told him about your involvement, and from the looks of it, he believed her.”

I clench my eyes shut, rubbing my temples and praying for patience. “What does that mean?”.

“It means the enforcers are on their way to arrest you.” He announces solemnly, “You don’t have much time.”

My eyes snap open, darting to the window in search of flashing lights. Finding none, I begin yanking clothes and provisions from my drawers, “Is that all?”

now.” My friend reports, “Do

without humor, unzipping my luggage with excessive

what is it,

you.” I mutter icily, “All you need to know is that I’m out there, and I’m watching you. If I were you, I’d get your act together –

Drake’s POV

still hanging up the phone when Bastien Durand enters, smoke billowing from his ears. I plaster a smirk on my face, determined not to show the other Alpha any weakness. I was feeling much more confident

Bastien.” | greet

stiffly, “We need to

so?” I snort, doing

won’t do you any good.” Without waiting for an invitation, he drops into one of the lounge chairs in front of my desk, slouching in a show of outright disrespect. If I could afford to challenge the other wolf I might object, but we both know

is it you wish to discuss, Bastien?” I

to look at me. “And whether or not Lila share’s my blood,

shared these sentiments with Selene? Somehow I don’t think she’ll

my mate is our business, not yours.” The other wolf directs reproachfully. “We‘ll sort our issues out when

agree to simply step aside so you can be free to mistreat

ever.” Bastien bites back, “Selene is the most important thing in the world to

you, I know things about your marriage which are probably still mysteries to you!” I circle my desk, leaning against the hard wood with renewed confidence, “She was afraid of you, Durand. Afraid enough to fake her death and come to me when your girlfriend tried to

silver eyes catch me in their crosshairs, “She

I scoff, “Do you really think she would tell you if she did? She was so terrified of you she fled through rogue territories to get away from you. Why in the Goddess’s name do you think she would be up front with someone who frightened her so

“You’re lying.” He snarls.

time.” I let every ounce of provocation I can muster bleed into my voice. “I’m the one who has been living with your mate, taking care of her, protecting her, holding her hand through childbirth and raising her pup, for the last three and a half years!” I all but shout. “Do you really think you know her better, based on two days of being reunited, during most of which she was actively

of his skin, his eyes glowing, fangs and claws extended. His barrel-like chest heaves with shallow, furious breaths. Just as I think he’s about to explode, the fires in his eyes bank, and cold resolve settles over his powerful haunches. “I’m not as easy to manipulate as that, Cavanaugh.” He thunders, prowling around me

words, but we both know

find herself, to see her true worth, the better it is for you.” He growls, “Selene has found a lot of strength over the last few years, but she still has not freed herself enough to live up to her full potential. The