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.

neutral territory.” I counter, “it was well within my rights, and we’ll both sleep better

a reason. Trials serve as examples for the pack, evidence that

example of what happens to

I expect my heir to embody the

arms over my chest,

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

“So why didn’t you?”

a leader doesn’t mean you get to do whatever you want with impunity.” Father barks, “It means standing by your principles even when it feels impossible, doing what

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

He waves away the question, “Your mother

say, staring

deflates, then tension seeping out of his

not feel the mating bond. It only became clear when I learned about her wolf. Of course she can’t feel it, she’s lost the

his voice. “I’m sorry.” I nod in acknowledgement, but cannot bring myself to meet his gaze. “What are you going

she can decide if she wants to stay.” I drag a hand through my hair, “I haven’t

sure?” Father inquires

not like it, but there’s no doubt in my mind 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

Don’t claim her completely until you know whether or not there’s going to be a rejection ceremony.” He advises.

head, clearly displeased with this suggestion. She’s mine. It’s my

throat, “That’s not

less painful than spending your life chasing someone who can

Selene’s POV

has my eyes, my full lips and

too thin, 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 it’s still very pale -, and

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 a child playing

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

the torch I carried for the future Alpha

Getting attached to him – to anyone – is dangerous. I went from being completely helpless to being completely dependent

over the last eight years through a combination of formal lessons and eavesdropping. I spend a lot of time with my ear pressed up to walls and doors, though my stealth skills are lacking. Bastien has caught me at it a number of times but thankfully he seems to find it more