Pregnant and Rejected by My Alpha Mate

Chapter 40

#Chapter 40 Rebirth

Selene’s POV

I’ve known more than my fair share of pain over the years, but nothing compares to labor. I feel like I’m being torn apart from the waist down. Even Wolfsbane didn’t come close to this torture.

It happens in waves, swelling and cresting over and over again until I’m so exhausted and drained that I barely have the strength to keep my eyes open. I want to rest, but every time my muscles relax enough to attempt it, a fresh assault wracks my form with agony and drags me back into consciousness.

“Can’t you just knock me out?” I ask the nurses petting and soothing me.

“No honey.” The nearest one coos. “I know it’s terrible, but you’re doing so well.” She praises. “Do you want some more ice?”

“No.” I cry, tears slipping from the corners of my eyes, “I want Bastien.”

Drake strokes my hair back from my face, lowering his lips to my ear, “Easy now, Celeste.” He enunciates my false name pointedly, remember who you are.”

I whip my head from right to left, my chest shaking with sobs as I grip the hand rails at my sides with white knuckled fists. “I need him.” I sob piteously. “I can’t do this without him.”

It’s been so long since I let myself think of Bastien, I’d almost even convinced myself I don’t miss him. I’ve filled my imagination with my shiny new life, my burgeoning accomplishments and independence – telling myself I finally have everything I’ve ever wanted. But none of it feels right without my mate.

It’s true I have so many things I’ve never been able to contemplate in the past, and it’s true I’m happy with my freedom, but these past 6 months have felt just a little too much like a dream. Everything that’s happening feels true in the moment, but something always seems off, a small part of my mind knows it isn’t real. Eventually I have to wake up, and whenever I do, it’s never easy.

Sometimes it happens in the middle of the night, in those stolen hours when deep thoughts always seem to appear unbidden, and unspoken anxieties and emotions rear their ugly heads. Sometimes it happens listening to a familiar song, or watching a movie scene that hits just a little too close to home.

to pretend any longer – like now. This pain has stolen all pretense from my mind, as well

Celeste.” Drake croons, “You can

that my

says, shooting an apologetic glance to Drake. “Don’t take it personally, you should hear some of the things laboring

My despondent wail comes out a whisper, my chest heaving but still unable to draw in enough air. “My

hand, holding my gaze with stern but understanding eyes. “If that’s true, then he’s not worth your tears, and he’ s the last person you need.” She nods to Drake. “The people who care are the ones who show up. They’re the ones who deserve

eases, and I sniffle pitifully. “I’m sorry.” I hiccup, reaching for my friend. “I didn’t

my hand again. “It’s

contraction seizes my uterus, and I jolt forward off the bed with a

my doctor sweeps in. She’s pulling on gloves with a wide

thing out of me!” I

far along we are.” She suggests

no relief at all when she announces, “Ten centimeters.” Her head peaks up from beneath the blanket covering my splayed legs,

ready fourteen

my leg and smiles, “Then let’s get

sides and hooking their arms beneath my legs to help support me while she hunkers down at the end of the bed. I feel so guilty for resenting their touch, but no matter what encouragement or comfort anyone offers me, the fact remains that the only person

frustration, sorrow and fear into pushing, screaming and groaning at the top of my hoarse lungs. It happens in bursts, bearing down for ten seconds at a time, bawling and retching in between pushes before starting all

from the inside out eases, and the doctor’s obnoxiously perky voice

feel relief or joy – or anything else for that matter – something like an explosion bursts deep in my chest, washing over me in a flood of electricity. The

Drake’s POV

and lolling head. “Wait, what’s happening?” I demand, jerking my head back and forth between the silent baby

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