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?”

back, facing the distress written clearly across

her confusion and fear gradually eclipsed by outrage. “From what?” She hisses, sounding entirely unlike my mate.” thought I was the kidnapper. Why

I don’t have time to put out this fire, not when another blazes out of control. I need to ensure my mate

my

this

endearment rings false in my clipped tone, “which would you

but I can’t reveal this – not yet. It will be seen as corruption, and

I could take back the words. “So it isn’t lock down.”

don’t mind what you call it,” I said. “As long

Selene’s POV

do they think I’m hiding her? My hands gesticulate wildly as I pace in front of Odette “Do they imagine I’m such a villain that I have a secret lair somewhere under

it, Darling.” Odette soothes, more alert than I’ve seen her in a long time. Providing comfort seems to have sidelined her sorrow, if only for a while. “Enforcers aren’t trained to question

I grumble, “But I can’t believe Bastien is going along with it.

just afraid for Bella.” She asserts. “He’s always had a

with her? There’s no ransom and no body- and I ve been here basically 24/7 since before she was taken, so it’s not like I can

agrees, sitting up with a look of dawning light

putting it

cabin.” She murmurs, “The pack house isn’t technically your property because it transfers to any Alpha, but the cabin is in Bastien’s and your name.

and

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

of this room since the

for some unseen pressure point in the plaster.

open before us. Sweet relief fills me, accompanied by only a fraction of frustration. “Why didn’t you show me

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

as she lifts her foot over the

:

fangs, “Gabriel wasn’t

off.” I frown, peeking over a mossy boulder beyond the

Arabella.” Odette is hunkered 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 makes me

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