Pregnant and Rejected by My Alpha Mate

#Chapter 13 Bastien Goes To See Her Again

6 Days Until the Rejection Ceremony

Selene’s POV

Early morning sunlight filters through the windows and bathes the room in dappled light. I feel Bastien tracing the patterns its rays form on my skin, trailing his fingers down my spine, circling the shadows and delicate illuminations across my ribcage.

At some point last night he must have shifted and carried me to bed. Now he lies beneath me, the steady rise and fall of his chest rocking my body like a boat bobbing on the waves. I stretch drowsily, turning my face up to his. His eyes are already on me, his rugged features radiating warmth. “Good morning, little wolf.”

I snuggle closer, reacting rather than thinking. “Good morning.” There are dark circles beneath Bastien’s eyes, “You didn’t sleep?”

“No.” He confirms, “I was a bit distracted.”

I can feel the blood drain from my face. “Is Arabella…?”

“She’s going to be fine.” Bastien assures me. “You on the other hand…” he trails off ominously.

| stiffen in his arms, “Bastien, I didn’t do it.”

Frowning, he catches my cheek in his palm. “I know that sweetheart.” He continues petting me, treating me as he might a skittish horse. “Arabella was distressed and confused, she was in a lot of pain – that’s all.”

No it wasn’t, I want to say, but I hold my tongue. “If you know I didn’t push her, why wouldn’t I be okay?”

Bastien raises a stern brow, “Because you, my sweet wife, are in a lot of trouble.”

“But I didn’t do anything.”

“Is that so?” He rises with predatory grace, sitting up in the bed and pulling me into his lap. My legs straddle his thighs and I peek up at him from beneath my lashes. “Have you forgotten already?” Bastien’s rough voice sends a shiver down my spine as his hand closes around my nape. “You didn’t tell anyone you were sick. You flagrantly disobeyed me – though I admit, that was more the fever’s fault than your own.” He concedes, “But you were perfectly lucid when you left the hospital without being discharged or leaving so much as a note, and then isolated yourself when your physical and mental health were at stake.”

I stare at my lap. “How did you know I was here anyway?”

– it didn’t hit the leeward side of the mountain.” Bastien’s fingers sink

I don’t want to explain. I was trying to do what was best for all of us, it isn’t fair that Bastien is angry with me. “I didn’t ask you to

brow furrows

want to leave Arabella you didn’t have to.” I declare sulkily, “It was just a storm, I’m going to have to

to unearth some mystery from my skin. “I’m an Alpha,” He finally reminds me. “I don’t do anything I don’t want to

duty and obligation, and

dark intensity, “And what

your life, if it came

gently, “But you’re wrong if you think it isn’t a choice. I didn’t have to lead, 1 chose

16.101

Goes

overwhelming me with emotions I cannot untangle let alone relieve. I don’t know what to do. Everything is coming down on

of his embrace forces some of the anxious energy out of me,

speak, I want to tell him every thought running through my head, yet when I open my mouth nothing comes out. It often happens like this

feels like I’ve lost the ability to communicate. Even when I want to speak, I can’t find the words –

finally say, nuzzling my face into the crook of his neck.

Days Until the

be fine.”

at our reflections in the mirror. I’m wearing a long, flowing dress the exact shade of Bastien’s eyes, while he sports

The Alphas of the Eros and Vega packs would be in attendance with their families, as well as artists and thought

with Bastien’s mother, Odette. I love

my gaze down his body. “Your tie

satiny fabric until

on the mirror, stepping in front of him to fix the garment. I fiddle with the sleek black bowtie, painfully aware of Bastien’s intent gaze. He’s been looking at me like I’m a particularly tasty snack ever since I donned this dress, and his attention is confusing

I know I’m sitting on the counter with Bastien between my legs. I emit a

on top of my perfume. Heat begins pooling in my belly. No matter how many times Bastien scent marks me, the possessive gesture always turns

would be so territorial over someone he didn’t love, but over time I realized love doesn’t have much to do with it. Regardless of feelings, I’m his wife – his wolf considers me his, and he

my sensitive skin. “I can’t do this when you’re doing-” I gasp

sounding anything but. “I’ll