Pregnant And Rejected

Chapter 99 Halfling No More

Whoever invented stilettos was a sadist.

There are a lot of things I remember disliking about these wretched pack events, but until now I forgot how agonizing it is to stand in high heels for hours on end. Of course the Alpha’s mate has to look the part, so I don’t have much of a choice. I have to cram myself into consticting, uncomfortable designer clothes and strap torture devices to my feet in order to be taken seriously.

Granted, I suppose I do look good but at what cost?

Bastien has it easy, he’s standing next to me in the same black suit he always wears to these things. Meanwhile I’m over here gasping for air in a skin tight cocktail dress with so many straps and cutouts that I needed a map just to get into it.

Lila’s silver and black party dress matches mine in color, if nothing else. She looks absolutely adorable, and she’s already stolen the spotlight from both Bastien and I-rightly so. It seems like every elder councilor, ranking pack member and aristocrat in Elysium has already come to pay their respects, and the evening has barely begun.

Everyone who meets Lila has done nothing but sing her praises: saying how lucky she is to have inherited her mother’s beauty and her father’s spirit. They’ve congratulated Bastien and I on our reunion, but it’s fairly clear that everyone really came out to get a peek at my pup.

Lila really has borne it all well, acting on her best behavior and patiently enduring the endless mingling. She’s been delightful and sweet, not the least bit cranky despite the fact that it’s already past her bedtime and we haven’t even eaten dinner yet. In short, she already has the pack wrapped around her little finger, and I couldn’t be prouder.

By the time we actually get around to the banquet portion of the evening, I’ve relaxed more than I ever imagined possible. I’ve seen enough people faking nice over the years to recognize when someone is only pretending to be friendly, and most of the guests in attendance really do seem pleased for us.

Of course there are exceptions.

In between courses Bastien takes Lila for a breath of fresh air in the garden, and I take a much needed bathroom break. After relieving myself and washing my hands, I pause to check my makeup in the mirror. As I reapply my lipstick, the door swings open, and a trio of she-wolves appear in my periphery.

With a knot of dread already forming in my belly, I see a flash of silky red hair one I recognize all too well. Trying to harden myself for the inevitable confrontation, I glance at the women in the mirror, greeting them coolly, “Ladies.”

Three and a half years ago the beautiful redhead now blocking the door almost killed me, pushing me into the pool during Gabriel s birthday party after saying a rash of horrendous things about my marriage. The last time I saw her, Bastien was publicly punishing her for those actions, a fact I’m sure she hasn’t forgotten.

titters from the two minions at her side. “Back from the grave and trying to pass off

turn to face the she-wolf head on. “You mutt, is your head really so empty that you’ve forgotten what happened the last

burn with fury at my insult, “Careful Selene, Bastien’s not here to

relishing the startled expressions on the women’s faces. “I don’t need Bastien to protect me anymore.” I growl, “And if you say one more word about

felt this strange flood of electricity, it feels like sparks might fly from my fingers any moment. Then again, I suppose I’ve never shifted amidst a

wolf rise to the surface, “I’ve been shifting since I was thirteen years old. At best you

wouldn’t know anything

The redhead lunges for me, her hands reaching for my throat with claws

came from, I don’t even know how I did it, but one moment the furious she-wolf

swell of power rising deep inside me, and must have

another, at least, not normal shifters. People always talk about Volana wolves being powerful, having special abilities, but I’m suddenly realizing I have no idea what they include. The only Volana I ever knew was my mother and she

some

unconscious bodies, I stroll out of the restroom feeling rather triumphant. It might not have been on purpose and I might not have the first clue how

Bastien’s promise, Lila has two pastries on her plate instead of one. I’ve already opened my mouth to tell my mate about

“Am I

to give me a searing kiss, showing no concern for our audience. When he finally drags his mouth from mine, he shifts his lips to my ear and his heated voice answers, “After the way you helped me get ready for the banquet?

ever since she passed out at ten. We’re exhausted both mentally and physically, and I want nothing more than

in the apartment when Bastien’s phone starts ringing. He glances at the screen and grimaces, before

bundle into my arms, “What

simply shakes his

want to take the call in front of me, especially when he bends down to kiss Lila goodnight, then also kisses

of these damn shoes), 1 retreat, only catching Bastien’s tense greeting as he steps back out the

bed with a quick kiss. Slipping off my heels, contemplate simply going to bed as I so dearly want to, but it makes me nervous that Bastien wouldn’t talk