Pregnant and Rejected by My Alpha Mate

#Chapter 26 The Weak Link

Selene’s POV

I glance around the council chambers anxiously, wondering if anyone will step forward to challenge Bastien for control of the pack. The council can’t force him to step down as Alpha, but if he loses a fight to a stronger wolf he won’t have a choice.

I doubt there is anyone in Elysium strong enough to take on my husband, but this isn’t only about winning. Perception is everything. Whether or not someone can actually succeed, pack members challenging Bastien means they’ve lost confidence in his leadership, that they believe he is weak enough to unseat.

Seconds drag on like hours, mutters swarming like angry bees as Bastien turns on the spot, staring down the complainers until the chamber finally falls silent. I breathe a sigh of relief. Whatever they might say behind closed doors, when push comes to shove no one is brave enough to actually take on the Alpha.

Once he’s certain no one is going to speak up, Bastien turns back to the council. “There you have it gentlemen. You may not agree with my decisions, and questioning them is your right as advisors to this government, but until another Novan is strong enough to take my place – I am your Alpha.” His deep voice echoes around the room, “You can work with me, or you can continue working against me, but I guarantee you will not like the results if you do.”

A collective shiver works its way around the room, and I feel my own spine tremble. I’ve never seen Bastien release so much unchecked power, except perhaps when he faced down the Geminis. However it hadn’t been directed at the pack then, and it certainly is now.

“Is that a threat?” One of the councilors interjects, tacking on a nervous “Sir?” at the end.

“Take it however you like.” The Alpha replies cryptically, “I’m merely presenting the reality of your situation.”

The head elder straightens up determinedly, his gray hair practically standing on end despite his facade of confidence. “And what about your reality, Alpha?” He inquires, “Do you intend to lead the women of this pack as well as the men?”

Color flushes my cheeks as heads turn in my direction. The man was smart enough not to say it outright, but everyone knows he’s talking about my defect. Though Alphas have equal authority over all pack members, their mates are traditionally de facto leaders of the she-wolves.

I am not, and I never will be.

You cannot lead wolves if you don’t have a wolf of your own.

Bastien growls, and the elder shrinks in his seat. “I suggest you retract that question, Counselor.”

question concerns us all. The fact is that we need strength in all our leaders – a chain is only as strong

to keep his claws retracted. His brawny arm jerks up, one livid finger pointing in my direction. “My wife has survived things no one else in

back. He throws out both arms now, drawing attention

never will.” His words drive into my chest like the sharpest knife. “It’s not her fault – no one is saying that – but the bottom line is that a shifter without their animal cannot protect themselves, let

after what they did to you.” Drake’s increasingly familiar voice filters through my cell

haven’t spoken since Gabriel’s funeral, and at the time we hadn’t the opportunity to discuss anything personal. Catching him up has been difficult in a house

my stomach roiling at the memory alone. “But he stood up for me – despite everything that’s happened between us. He stood up for me even though he doesn’t want me. I

“This man wanted nothing to do with you last week, but when something goes wrong for him he expects you to drop

you’re concerned but please trust that I know my husband slightly better than you do.” I say, “Bastien

eventually, especially with the pack pressuring him to do something he already wanted.” The truth of

“Yes.” I confirm.

before he scents it on you.” Drake asserts, “So you need to decide

m

grasping at straws and I know it.

Drake shaking his head. “That’s a bandaid at best. What

won’t be for another month or so.” I reply, “Because my morning sickness is so bad the doctor actually said I was more likely to lose weight

“It’s your decision, Selene. And I will help you whatever you choose, but please think about what I’ve said. This is too

considerably sadder than when I made

warmly. “I only want what’s best

Bastien’s POV

hands, and I call out for Aiden to enter. I don’t need to look up to know it’s him. I smelled him when he

to tell me why you’ve been hovering outside my office for almost half an hour?”

his throat. “We have

up. “What