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.”

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

in surprise, before swinging her expectant gaze back and

is right..* Heat infuses his tone, and I can practically read his thoughts. They’re the very last thing any man should be contemplating

frowns with concern, “Drake, are

answers, “You know it was never her will to hurt anyone, don’t you?” His brow furrows with pain and anger, “Martin

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

can understand why I can’t

Selene can answer. My mate could burn down a convent and I wouldn’t be able to hold it against her. That’s the way of fated mates. The bond is wonderful and impossible

you.” Drake

and I drop my lips to her ear. “How would you feel

without further protestation. “There’s one more thing I have to ask you before we can put all this behind us.” I

encourages. “I don’t want us to part on uneven footing

still not sure what happened with the DNA test.” I explain, “Did you have anything to do

know anything about it until the results came back.”

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

sample was simply contaminated in the lab.” Selene

so, little wolf.” I wish I could shield her from this, but she

reminds me, “Arabella was undermining you

gone by the time the sample made

know,” Selene agrees, “But

you out of the way so I would

have to resist the urge to smooth out the