Pregnant And Rejected

Chapter 83 Guilt

Drake’s Pov

The last twenty-four hours have turned my life completely upside down. I’ve always been so self-assured, so confident in who l am. After all, I’m an Alpha how could I not be? I may not be the strongest Alpha on the continent or even the best leader, but I’ve never needed to be those things.

I’ve only ever needed to be a good leader for my pack, and I grew up knowing my place in the greater order. I may seem weak next to wolves like Bastien and Blaise Denizen, but they are not normal Alphas. Denizen’s reputation is nearly Godlike, and Bastien is well on his way to earning the same status.

I will never be able to compete at their level, but the fact remains I’m stronger than every last member of my pack, which numbers in the thousands. I’d wager I’m even stronger than the shifters in the Nova pack. I’ve seen Bastien’s Betas in battle often enough to estimate their skill it would be a close fight, but I’m relatively certain I would come out on top.

Certain, the same way I was certain I was in love with Selene. It’s not in my nature to doubt myself, and even though my wolf was never convinced about the beautiful Volana, I knew in my heart that she was meant for me.

Seeing Bastien’s mating mark on Selene made me furious, and when she and Lila were taken I was devastated but neither hit me as hard as learning Sophie was in danger. Just like that, everything I thought I knew disappeared. I’m only just beginning to acknowledge that I didn’t actually know myself before today, and concerningly, I’m starting to wonder if I truly know my pack.

I’ve never experienced fear like I did when Martin said Sophie would die. It was a savage and primal, a ruthless terror deep in my bones. My wolf went beserk at the words, and all at once I realized I was never truly in love with Selene. Infatuated perhaps, besotted even, but now that I know what true love feels like, I see what a fool I was.

I always thought I would know my mate when I saw her, but I’ve heard stories about shifters who knew each other for years before the bond kicked in. Most of them were cases just like me and Sophie, wolves who grew up together and had their instincts muddled by childhood friendships.

Looking down at the beautiful little wolf now, I don’t know how I could have ever missed it. I haven’t felt the instinctive pull to claim her yet, but there’s no doubt in my mind that the connection will come in time. Even my wolf agrees. He incessantly begged me all night long to come see Sophie, but I couldn’t leave Selene and Lila until I knew they were alright.

I’m trying very hard not to look too smug and happy this has been a traumatic day and Sophie is absolutely beside herself with grief, guilt and anxiety but finding one’s mate is a big deal, especially when you already know they love you in return.

Sophie is looking anywhere but at me, her cheeks flushed bright red.

Has there ever been anyone so adorable?

Has anyone ever smelled so good? My wolf replies. It’s true, Sophie’s scent is a combination of everything I love: dark berries and vanilla bean, marsh flowers and fresh sea air.

But then she looks up at me from beneath her long, dark lashes, her hazel

is absolutely not where we left off, and she

her chest. “Well,” I begin, deciding to

up in confusion.

a very long story and even I don’t know all the details.” I sigh. “The real bounty is being

turn them in…” She says, slowly piecing

confirm, “And delivered

the Goddess.” She breathes mournfully, clearly still beating herself up for her role in the ordeal “Why does the

be part of my pack much longer. It’s truly astonishing, a week ago that thought would have sent me reeling, now I just want her to be happy. I

sweet flush disappears, the blood draining from her face. Damn, maybe I shouldn’t have been quite so honest. Apparently he’s been

weakly. Visible gears are turning in her head, undoubtedly churning with unpleasant thoughts and memories. She clamps her

I much preferred it when she was tying herself into knots over her

on that same

it must have been very important if you were willing to kidnap a pup.” I knew the words were a mistake as soon as they left my mouth. Wincing, I amend, I’m not judging

gown, and my mind takes a decidedly salacious turn. I’ve never thought about Sophie’s breasts before, let alone

I’m drooling over a woman in a hospital bed. Is this going to be what it’s like? I ask my wolf. I’m going to be

Pretty much. He replies.

Sophie’s face, where it belongs. She’s staring at her lap, “I

running my

even as she backs away from me emotionally. “I never deserved it in the first place, but if I tell

life, and if anything, I’m the one who’s undeserving.” I remind her, “How many years of pain did you suffer at

her lips tightly, determined not to

me.” I order, my

on the edge of revealing too much, catching herself