Pregnant And Rejected

Chapter 95 Welcome Home

Bastien’s POV

I’m tempted to have Selene and Lila enter the house through the garage, bypassing the gathered councilors and going straight up to our apartment. However I know such a diversion would be seen only as weakness, and more than anything else, I refuse to give the men that kind of power over me. We’ll enter through the front door with our heads held high and if I have to incapacitate every last elder in order to do so, I gladly will.

Our small gathering exits the side door, moving down the walk towards the front of the house. Aiden and Donovan flank Selene and Lila while I stride ahead, bracing myself for whatever unpleasant news awaits.

“Gentlemen,” I greet the assemblage without any hint of a smile, “to what do we owe the pleasure.”

They are all looking past me, surveying my mate and pup with undisguised curiosity and, in some cases, distrust. “You’ve been gone nearly a month, Alpha.” The chief elder states, “And we’ve heard nothing but outlandish rumors from Asphodel though it appears at least one tale was true.” He acknowledges, nodding toward Selene.

Extending my arm to my mate, I encourage her to come forward. She does so slowly, holding Lila tightly in her arms and instantly leaning into my side when she reaches me. “As you can see, the Goddess has smiled on us.” I announce loudly enough for all to hear, “By beloved mate is alive and well, and now that the danger which drove her from Elysium has passed, it is finally safe for her to return to the Nova pack along with my daughter.”

A few of their eyes bulge out in shock, “I thought the child was Cavanaugh’s.” One of the newer council members blurts out.

“You were misinformed.” I declare stonily.

“With all due respect, Alpha.” The Chief Councilorinterjects, “how can you be sure?”

To my surprise and probably hers as well, Selene pipes up, “Because I’ve never been with anyone else.” She hitches Lila a little higher on her hip, “And because Bastien is in her every expression.”

Lila, suddenly finding herself the object of intense scrutiny from a horde of shifters, hides her face in Selene’s neck. The movement jostles the neckline of Selene’s dress, revealing my mark to the crowd.

the throng, and Axel mutters a string of curses in my head. “And tell us,” The councilor implores, “how did this miracle

see, we’ve yet to even walk through the door after a very long trip. I would like to get my family settled and

Alpha.” The Chief continues, sounding like he wants nothing of the sort, “But surely you cannot expect to turn up with a woman who has

I can.” I snarl, letting Axel rise to the surface. “To do otherwise would be to question my judgment and I’m certain that isn’t what you intend.” Menace pouring out of me in waves, I release Selene

legs, each of the gathered men lower their heads in submission, but the Chief continues to speak. “No one doubts your judgment, Alpha.” I swear the man doesn’t know when to stop. “But matters of the heart can toy with even the most logical man’s perceptions.

steps forward. “Counselor, I would remind you that it is not only your Alpha who trusts Selene, but your Betas and I myself.” Ever the diplomat, she continues. “But if you are so concerned, perhaps you

warrant for Arabella Winters, a she-wolf who has done nothing but help this pack while your mate faked her death, committed arson and concealed the existence of your pup assuming

chest, “I warned you once, counselor.” I thunder, “You should know better than to think I would grant you a second.” My claws extend and muscles begin

occasion, she almost succeeded when she burned down my family’s cabin. She is lucky she’s only being exiled and not hunted!” The words are pouring

grateful for the sacrifices she made to ensure the Alpha’s line survived. And she is my line!” Donavon and Aiden are both

says urgently, if you don’t let him go soon you’re going to

adds, do you want her to see

any ethics or logic breaks through to Axel, and I drop the vile wolf where I stand. He crumples to the ground, holding his throat and coughing violently. “Consider yourself relieved of your duties.” My voice is edged with steel. “I never want to see you in the

not afraid. Reaching for my mate, I turn back to the cowering huddle of men,

a herd of terrified

so.” I grouse, stepping right over the former Chief Counselor’s prone body as we head into the

cranky.” Lila assesses, reaching towards me like she thinks a

she wraps her arms around my neck and rests her soft chest against my chest, snuggling close. I’m so stunned I can’t find the words to respond to her. Even if she

the tense muscles between

should nap.” She finally decides. “Naps always make

Selene praises, but when I look over at her, the humor is gone and her countenance is drawn with concern. Her brows have knitted together and she’s gnawing on her lower lip, though it’s still swollen from last night’s kisses. Like a teenager at the height of puberty, the mere thought of our nocturnal activities distract me from the matter at hand, though to be