Pregnant and Rejected by My Alpha Mate

#Chapter 15 Want To Make Bastien Jealous

Selene‘s POV

My lungs burn as I choke on the salty pool water, trying desperately to keep my eyes open. A razor sharp pain explodes in my chest, tearing me from the inside out. As my airway seals shut and all the oxygen leaves my body, I feel a strange sense of peace. As if I know in my heart it‘s over now, and I can finally rest.

As my eyes shutter for the last time, I catch a final glimpse of the mortal world: An eerie cauldron of blue and green, dotted with the reflections of the garden‘s fairy lights. The yellow orbs are broken only by the soft air pockets floating skyward, and then an explosion of bubbles and foam.

An iron bar circles my middle, and suddenly I‘m ascending, catapulting towards the surface. Saltwater spews from my mouth as I burst into the fresh air. I cough violently, unable to focus on anything but gulping in as much oxygen as I possibly can. I‘m floating towards the pool‘s edge, vaguely aware of a warm body holding me aloft.

Half a dozen hands pull me from my watery coffin, rolling me onto my stomach so that I can expel every last drop of fluid from my lungs. A heavy blanket settles over my shoulders, and I realize I’m shivering like a wet chihuahua.

Familiar voices break through the haze, fussing and calling my name. I crack my eyes open to find Odette and Gabriel sitting on my left, both bone dry. I turn my head in the opposite directing, zeroing in on the man dripping water from every thread of his ruined tux.

His hair is so dark it‘s almost black, and he watches me with piercing green eyes. He is not nearly so large as Bastien, but he is

undeniable air of an Alpha wolf, but I’m sure I’ve never seen him before.

He must be from another pack, I realize.

“Thank you,” I gasp, reaching for his hand.

The man clasps my palm, squeezing gently. “Don‘t mention it.”

“Selene sweetheart, what happened?” Odette is hovering over me like a frenzied mother hen, distress drawn in every line of her beautiful face.

“Give her some space to breathe, my love.” Gabriel says, scooping me up. “Let’s get her inside.“

As the crowd of guests part to let the Alpha pass, I hear my mother-in-law fussing over my savior. “You must be freezing, please come inside and we‘ll find you some dry clothes, Mr. Cavanaugh.”

I recognize the name; the Cavanaughs lead the Eros Pack. This man is too young to be the Alpha, but i’d bet good money he’s next in line.

hall’s social parlors, his mate close on his tail commanding the various sentinels to bring blankets and dry clothes. Every inch of my body feels

as Gabriel deposits me on a plush settee and Odette gets to work stripping my sopping dress from my trembling

“I‘ll call Bastien.” She promises, retrieving her

the older man‘s suits. His hair is still wet, but no one at the party will hold that against him. “Selene,” Gabriel broaches gently,

me.” My voice is a shadow of

I get to play the hero. I might even get

a cough, but the warmth remains. This man is all light and charm – nothing

Gabriel asks me, his salt and pepper

Like I could forget.

of explaining the truth. “One minute I was walking by the pool and the next was in

Gabriel murmurs sympathetically, “Bastien should have taught

abruptly silenced by the sound of Odette‘s raised voice. “What do you mean you can‘t?” The door to the hallway is closed, but her words are as clear as day. “Did you hear what I said? Your wife almost died. You cannot tell me there is

all pause, and I feel a familiar lump in my throat. No explanation was needed. Bastien was choosing Arabella over me –

I felt before confronting that horrible gossip ignited once more. Suddenly I did not want to simply curl up and wait for Bastien to come sweep me home. No, I want to make him see what he’s

so we’re on the same page, you want to use me to make

mirror again, in my second dress of the night. My hair has been blown dry and though I still feel like death warmed over, I‘m determined to

now wear reveals far more than it leaves to the imagination. Its silk bodice appears almost painted on and the flowing skirt is slit

a smile. “But if

just want to make sure I

coming to like Drake. He is warm and easy-going, always ready with a laugh. “Well in that

revenge for Bastien‘s neglect. I know he

something?” I request, slowly

The young

odd, but I don‘t know a lot about our kind.”

“Gabriel notified my father

it won‘t come as a surprise to you that my knowledge of pack behavior and traditions is a bit lacking.” He offers me a conceding nod. “I heard something tonight I didn‘t understand, and I

dark brow. “I don‘t suppose this has anything to do with the woman

at him, “You