Pregnant And Rejected

Chapter 145 Selene Gives a Press Conference

Selene’s POV

“How do I look?”

Sophie grins at me, “like a queen.”

“A very tired queen.” I joke.

“That is why the Goddess invented makeup.” She replies, dabbing concealer on the dark circles beneath my eyes. When she’s finished, even I have to admit that I look pretty good. Make no mistake, I’ve looked much better, but at least this way I look the part of an Alpha’s mate. I’ m wearing a simple wrap dress cut from pearlescent white fabric, with my dark hair flowing in waves around my shoulders and a thick layer of mascara framing my blue and violet eyes. Hopefully the camera lights will make my fair skin look porcelain, and not the pallid gray I’ve been sporting lately.

“You look lovely Selene.” Dr Kane appears in the doorway as I slip on a pair of gold pumps matching my simple jewelry. “Are you sure you’re up for this?”

“Yes, Thomas. I’m sure.” I reply confidently.

“Good.” He nods in approval, his gaze lingering just a bit too long on my curves. “The Novan News Corps has already checked in downstairs, they’re waiting in the lounge.”

Right on cue, Lila comes trotting in from the halfway, “Mommy there’s people with cameras!”

“I know, my love!” I reply, lifting her up and giving her a kiss hello. Unsurprisingly the news stations had requested Lila join the interview; everyone in Elysium seems to be half obsessed with finding out more about the Alpha’s pup. And while I’m sure Lila would have agreed, I don’t think a three year old has the cognitive ability to truly understand the consequences of being in the public eye this way, and it’s not something I want her exposed to just yet. Instead we agreed she could watch from the wings with Sophie.

up to the podium with the others flanking me on either side, and greet the assembled reporters. Blinding white overhead lights and blinking red camera signals all but blind me, and my nerves rocket into overdrive. I’ve never done

podium. “Good morning. I want to thank all of you for being here today.” I can hardly see the crowd, the lights are so bright, but I press on. “I’m sorry for the unusual setting and

grinning Dr, “Technically it’s still forbidden,

audience, and I continue. “That is technically true, but I didn’t feel I could avoid excitement in good conscience when the pack has had no such luxury.” My hands are shaking less and less, and the fluttering in my belly seems to have evened to a low thrum. “This week has been a very difficult one for all members of the Nova pack. I was devastated to learn of the wildfire and want to assure you all that we are doing everything we can to help restore the forest and assist those pack members impacted. We have been working diligently with families living in

I expect to find an angry mob, instead I find a rapt audience. We are increasing sentries and patrols at the border, and likewise, would like to hear from anyone with additional security concerns. We can’t be everywhere at

you at this time, other than to tell you he is out of the territory on critical business related

be the loudest. “Selene, how are you feeling?” “Selene, how can you support the Alpha being away when you’re in this condition?”

can tell you I’ve felt better.” I admit ruefully, earning a few chuckles, “I’m so thrilled Bastien and I are expecting another pup, but the going is a bit rough at

I add. “Believe me, the Alpha did not want to leave, precisely because I’m breeding. If he’d had any other choice, he would be here with me. You have no idea how

that the pack is not in any immediate danger, the work Bastien is doing is crucial to ensure that remains true. As powerful as we are, the Nova pack is not without its enemies; the fire, these rogues are proof of that.” Gesturing to the wolves around me, I share. “But as you can see, the Alpha left a strong team behind to govern the pack while he’s

you saying these tragedies have been the work

that is to hear.” I sigh

because the next question raised is, “Selene, what did happen with your first pregnancy? Did Arabella really force you

a deep breath.” m not sure what all you’ve heard, but I can tell you that most of what was printed in the newspapers is true. I left because my life and my unborn pup’s life was in danger, and I didn’t feel I had another choice. When Arabella found out I was pregnant, she tried to

so my back is to the crowd, Odette takes one look at my face and grabs the trash bin we set behind the dais for precisely this purpose. Retching into it

voice sounding much too close. “Mommy!” A second later her little body collides with my

back to stroke her hair, I use my free hand to wipe

I scoop her into my arms and turn back to face the audience. “Sorry about that.” I murmur huskily, squeezing Lila tighter as she hides her face in my neck. For being