Pregnant and Rejected by My Alpha Mate

#Chapter 32 House Arrest

Bastien’s POV

“Enough” i cut through the rising voices: Selene swearing her innocence, the enforcers combatively contending that the evidence is against her, Aiden calling for calm. “This isn’t getting us anywhere. Our priority is finding Arabella.”

No one quells more than Selene under the force of my tone, and I wish I could comfort her. My anger is for the enforcers, not her.

“Our best trackers are on the trail, Alpha.” A resigned Danvers promises, “I’ve already received word that the men you sent rendezvoused with the team.”

“They’ve followed Bella’s scent to New Town.” Aiden confirms. Then, using our mental link he adds, If it were me, and I wanted to frame Selene, I would take Arabella to Garrick’s house.

He’s right. It’s the only property Selene owns independently, and the last place either of us would ever go. Let’s go.

Aiden marches out on my order, no doubt pulling the car around while I wrangle the enforcers back out of the room. “We have a lead.” I announce. “I want everyone ready to move out in five minutes.”

Danvers brow furrows, “What lead?”

T’ll explain on the way.” I deflect, calling mother and the sentries back into the secure room.

“You’re leaving?” Selene’s small voice surprises me. “Now?”

“Yes.” I answer simply.

“What if it’s a trap?” Selene halts me for the second time. “You should let the enforcers go and make sure it’s safe first.”

I don’t even consider the suggestion. I’ve never run from a fight before, I don’t intend to start now, I need to be there for Arabella.”

*Please don’t go, Bastien.” Selene whispers, her cerulean and violet eyes shining.

“I have to.” Once the guards are positioned at the door once more, I command, “Don’t let anyone in until I’m back.”

“Wait.” Tiny feet charge after me, near silent on the persian rug. “You’re locking us in here again?”

turn back, facing the distress written clearly across my wife’s face. “I promise you’ll

unlike my mate.” thought I was the

out this fire, not when another blazes out of control. I need to ensure

and drop my lips to her ear. “Don’t make this harder than it has

not making this

custody, sweetheart.” The endearment rings false in my clipped tone,

have no intention of allowing the enforcers anywhere near Selene, no matter what other false evidence they find, but I can’t reveal this – not yet. It will be seen as corruption, and I need the investigators on my side until Arabella is safe and the immediate threat neutralized. I cannot risk alienating them by going

home with devastating impact, and I wish I could take back the words. “So it isn’t lock down.” She summarizes. “It’s

call it,” I said. “As

Selene’s POV

hell do they think I’m hiding her? My hands gesticulate wildly as I pace in front of Odette “Do they imagine I’m such

her in a long time. Providing comfort seems to have sidelined

believe Bastien is going

think he’s just afraid for Bella.” She asserts. “He’s always

Arabella and actually found a way to accomplish it. Where could I possibly put her? What am I supposed to be doing with her? There’s no ransom and no body- and I ve been here basically 24/7

dawning light on her face. “The only things

for putting it

“The pack house isn’t technically your property because it transfers to any Alpha, but the cabin is in Bastien’s and your name. It’s the only place they could tie directly to you,

fight the urge to jump up and down in

have my moments.” A sly smile stretches across her face. “What do

get out of this room since the first moment Bastien threw me into it. “How?* I

plaster. “One benefit

the final word, the wall clicks loudly, and a hidden doorway slides open before us. Sweet relief fills me, accompanied by only a fraction of frustration. “Why

know you aren’t in any danger – they can’t blame

as she lifts her foot over the threshold. “What

:

and flashes her fangs, “Gabriel wasn’t the only one who

are off.” I frown, peeking over a

down beside me, her wolf glowing through her eyes. All wolves seem to rise to the surface in the forest, and being near them when it happens

fire in my empty heart. I don’t even feel nauseous here. For the first time since I