Pregnant and Rejected by My Alpha Mate

#Chapter 5 Three-year Marriage Contract

Selene’s POV

“What are you talking about,” I’m out of the bed, edging toward the door. “You want me to marry Bastien ?”

Gabriel, not the least bit fooled by my furtive movements, blocks my path. “You need protection, Selene Not only from Blaise but from any wolf who might seek to take advantage. Without your own wolf you are vulnerable and defenseless.” His soothing tone has a core of steel. “I will not fail your mother again. Bastien is the only man I trust to keep you safe, who I know without doubt will honor my wishes long after I’m gone.”

“But-”

“And it’s not only safety.” He presses on. You’ve been in captivity through the most important formative years in your life. You’ ve had no education, no socialization. Your knowledge of the world is that of a child.”

He gestures toward my skittish movements, “And forgive me, but you are clearly not prepared to rejoin the pack as you are if I let you walk out that door right now, what would you do, where would you go?”

My throat begins to itch as I consider the Alpha’s question What would I do? Go back to Garrick’s house? Try to find a job despite

the fact that I have no skills whatsoever? Would I be able to survive in the city when the very sight of strangers sends me into a full on panic?

Gabriel’s authoritative bearing softens when he sees my lower lip begin to tremble. “You need help, Selene. You may not need it forever, but you cannot do this alone. You went to Bastien for protection from Donavon and me today. Despite everything that’s happened – you trust him. I believe he is the one to help you find your way”

I think about Bastien, who rescued me so many years ago and stole my young heart. “Does he know?” I exhale shakily, ‘That you’ re planning this?”

“Yes,” The Alpha responds simply. “He knows.”

If someone had told me as a child that Bastien Durand would one day be my husband, I would have burst with happiness. Now I don’t know what to think. The future terrifies me, but of all the possibilities, Bastien frightens me least.

I lower my eyes from Gabriel’s in submission, “Okay.”

Bastien’s POV

“You killed Garrick?!” My father is shooting me death glares, pacing his office like a tiger in a cage.

“it was well within my rights, and we’ll both sleep better knowing he’s out

a reason. Trials serve as examples for the

will serve as a better example of what

my laws,” Father snarls, bearing his teeth. But until that time I expect my heir to embody the values

my arms over my chest, “He

with you?” He snaps, “You think I wouldn’t have liked to

“So why didn’t you?”

with impunity.” Father barks, “It means standing by your principles even when it feels impossible, doing what is best for the

but I won’t apologize for protecting my mate. “If someone had

He waves away the question, “Your mother and I are

say, staring him

in his eyes, and he slowly deflates, then tension seeping out of his muscles little

not feel the mating bond. It only became clear when I learned about her wolf. Of course she

my shoulder, genuine pain in his voice. “I’m sorry.” I nod in acknowledgement, but cannot

transition, and when she’s ready to stand on her own two feet, she can decide if she wants to stay.” I drag a hand through my hair, “I haven’t spoken with her yet, but

sure?” Father inquires

it’s what’s right. “She’s been a captive long enough, I don’t want to trap her in a marriage she does not want. And if there’s a chance she can have love I want her to have it,

the case, I would keep a very tight leash on your wolf. Don’t claim her completely until you know whether or not there’s going to be a rejection ceremony.” He advises.

this suggestion.

throat, “That’s not going

argues. But it will be less painful than spending your life chasing someone who can

Selene’s POV

mirror. She has my eyes, my

the hollows in my bones have begun to fill slightly. My skin is no longer a garish shade of gray and mottled with bruises – though

dwarfing my small body as he too studies my reflection. I still haven’t been able to let anyone else near me, so he is the one who helped me into my wedding dress for the final fitting. The long gown is perfect, but I feel more like

He’s never said so and, though he’s been there for me through every breakdown and panic attack without question or complaint, he’s undeniably distant when we’re

torch I carried for the future Alpha when I

being completely dependent on Bastien, and while I realize it can’t be helped given my situation, I

and eavesdropping. I spend a lot of time with my ear pressed up to walls and doors,