Pregnant And Rejected

Chapter 101 Arabella Makes a Friend

Arabella’s POV

The Calypso Pack House is the most magnificent building I’ve ever seen.

It’s at least three times the size of the Nova Pack House, and if it wasn’t for the imposing fortifications surrounding the marble behemoth, it might be mistaken for a luxury resort. The mansion is built on a hill in the center of the capital city, Tartarus.

Clearly the architect designed it so the Alpha can look down on all his subjects, never freeing them of his watchful gaze and never letting them forget their place beneath him.

Glorious. I think wistfully, finally, a true Alpha.

The entire city makes Elysium look like a third world slum. While the Novas seem content to remain living in the past preserving ancient buildings, outdated traditions and muddy forests Tartarus was built with only strength in mind.

The city’s towering border walls keep out any undesirables, and the few that slip through the cracks are dealt with in short order. The poorest members of the pack are kept well out of sight and out of mind; living beneath the streets in the sprawling underground chambers which made up the civilizations of old – before the modern city was built overtop them, of course.

It really is much better this way. The aboveground is preserved for the shifters who’ve earned their place, who actually contribute something to society. After all, the aristocracy’s taxes pay for almost everything. Why should they have to share the bounty of their wealth with those who won’t even make an effort to better themselves.

So many of my problems would have been solved if Elysium was organized this way. Keeping the classes separate just makes everything so much cleaner and more tasteful. I swear, as soon as I get control of the Nova pack, I’m going to recreate Elysium in the Calypsos’ image.

I’d like to think I have a chance of winning over Blaise, convincing him to take me as his mate, but I’m not only doing this for power. Sure, I’ll take it if I can get it, but I want revenge more. That means I can’t commit to anything until I’m sure every bridge with Bastien has been burned. Worst case, I have to simply take Bastien’s pack from him by force but we aren’t there yet.

I’m just glad my audience with Blaise Denizen has finally arrived. It’s taken me two weeks to secure this meeting, and I’ ve been trying to be patient, but it’s not easy when all my plans are at stake. Bastien’s cousin Frederic turned out to be such a disappointment, I’m ready to meet a real man, a worthy partner.

Elysium. It’s red and slinky, showing off all my best assets. This Alpha isn’t going to

He’s a bit older than I’d like. His dark hair is streaked with grey and slight wrinkles gather at the corner of his eyes, but he’s in excellent shape and Goddess knows he’s younger than

my best “come hither” look. I can see his dark eyes glinting from across the room, and I know he likes what he sees. Then again,

gaze and curtsy, waiting for him to address me before speaking. I

your name, my beauty.” He orders,

of the Nova

life story.” He snaps, sending a shiver of fear through me, “But since you

I say, “I have a proposition for you.

you

an ally. Your biggest competitor

look him in the eye, but he solves that problem for me, latching his fist in my hair and yanking my head back. “And how do you know that?” Blaise

by Gabriel Durand.” I explain

better than anyone else. I know what motivates him. I know his weaknesses.” His hands aren’t nearly so harsh now, and I raise my head, meeting

when Dad was alive, she was never the doting matriarch so

used to feel cheated. I saw the other pups getting hugged and kissed by their parents, and I would while away the hours imagining what such a life could be like.

been the Nova Alpha, but he was born second, and trying to claim his rightful place got him killed. Still, I can’t deny how love has interfered in our plans. Mom says I’m weak, and maybe I am, but I can’t help it. I don’t want to hurt Selene.

but after Selene and Lila returned to Elysium, she refused to stay away. Now I’m stuck with her hovering

says, setting the dining room table. “How are you possibly going to

insist, prodding the sauce I’ve been doctoring on the stovetop. “Selene is vulnerable,

everything away for?” Mom gripes, throwing down the napkins

I argue, “She was abused, mistreated.