Pregnant And Rejected

Chapter 90 Leaving Asphodel

Bastien’s pov

My small family is gathered in Drake Cavanaugh’s office. Selene and I sit across from the Eros Alpha with Lila balanced between our laps, preparing to announce our departure to Elysium. I was anticipating a scene, given the way things went when the other man found out i’d claimed Selene, however now I’m not so sure.

Everything was so chaotic after the kidnapping that I didn’t pay attention to the way Drake was looking at Selene, but now the difference is striking. Whereas he used to eye my mate with unrequited longing, now he studies her with nothing but friendly warmth.

I have a feeling I know the reason behind this sudden shift, and while I still harbor some resentment for the little she-wolf who helped kidnap my mate and pup, solving my Drake problem might just be worth my forgiveness. I know she was a victim in all this, but the fact remains that my pup almost died, and the father in me just can’t get past that. I know Selene feels the same.

“I presume you’ve come to tell me you’re leaving.” Drake prompts us, a sad smile on his handsome face.

“Yes.” Selene confirms, squeezing my hand. Before the week is out.”

“Well I can’t say I didn’t expect this.” Drake admits ruefully. “But I’m going to miss having you here.” He tells Selene, before looking down at Lila. “And what am I going to do without my Lila bean?”

Lila giggles and clambers down to dart across the room. Drake scoops her up and sits her on his knee, bouncing her enthusiastically while her peels of laughter ring out. This time last week the sight would have sent me into a green-eyed rage, but I’m not bothered now that I know Lila is mine.

Besides, when the girls were kidnapped Drake and I had to put aside our differences, recognizing that their safety was far more important than our pride or egos. I don’t think we’ll ever be friends, but I do consider him an ally. Our affection for the she-wolves unites us in a way politics never could.

“Listen Drake,” Selene broaches, sounding emotional, “I will never be able to repay you for everything you did for me. You saved my life so many times I’ve lost count, and in helping me you saved Lila too.”

She’s right. If nothing else, I have to be grateful to Drake for taking care of my mate all these years, no matter how badly the idea makes me want to throw something.

“You’ve been an incredible friend to me from the day we met.” Selene continues. “I know things are a little difficult right now, but you have to know how grateful I am. And how much I care about you.”

expression goes very serious, and he looks straight at me now, “I’m sorry for the way I reacted to your claim. It wasn’t right, and not only because of the disrespect it showed you.” His emerald eyes turn to Selene. “I was wrong. I thought I was in love with

at me in

but when the time is right..* Heat infuses his tone, and I can practically read his thoughts. They’re the very last thing any man should be contemplating when holding a pup. Clearing my throat loudly, I drag his attention back to the

with concern, “Drake, are you

was never her will to hurt anyone, don’t

can stop it, and my sweet mate leans into my side, bombarding

concedes,“Just as I hope you can understand why I can’t

wouldn’t be able to hold it against her. That’s the way

Drake

to argue, and I drop my lips to her ear.

throws me a sulky look, but settles without further protestation. “There’s one more thing I have

don’t want us to part on uneven footing

my mate. “We’re still not

as concerned as I feel. “No, I didn’t know anything about it until the results came back.” He starts bouncing Lila again, distracting her as our conversation grows tense, “You had them run in Elysium, didn’t

I confirm, “And I know it wasn’t the courier.” Given that the courier was my mother, who just yesterday told me she’d figured out Lila was

in the lab.” Selene

think so, little wolf.” I wish I could shield her from this, but she needs to know what we’re up against. “Someone in Elysium has been undermining me for years. I think this is more of the

reminds me, “Arabella was undermining you

already gone by the time the sample made it to

Selene agrees, “But maybe she wasn’t working

befuddlement, “She wanted you out of the way so I would be free

to smooth out the wrinkles. She looks so cute, but I don’t want her to think I’m not taking her