Pregnant and Rejected by My Alpha Mate

Selene’s POV

This can’t be happening.

Two minutes ago I was being engulfed by my mother-in-law’s warmth and affirmations of love, now the rug has been pulled out from under me so abruptly I think I might actually collapse.

Certainly Bastien’s words on the ferry had startled me, frightened me even. I suspected he intended to do something like this, the way he kept muttering ‘we’ll see.” But I never imagined it had already been done. I thought I had time to counteract him, to come up with a plan.

What do you mean?” I ask hoarsely, “I already told you, she isn’t yours.”

‘You did.” Bastien acknowledges with a razor sharp tongue. “But I had a DNA sample sent back to Ely sium just to be sure.”

Odette looks back and forth between us, doubt marring her features. “You didn’t know he took a sam ple from your pup?”

“No.” I growl, “I did not.”

My former mother-in-law swats her son’s arm. “Bastien, how could you?”

“You didn’t have any right to do that.” Drake adds coldly, glancing towards the door where Hugo disap peared with Lila.

“I had every right.” My mate combats, “An Alpha’s pup is not just any child, my mate doesn’t have the right to keep her from me.”

“Maybe not.” Odette agrees calmly, “but you don’t know that she is yours. Selene is her mother, it’s her decision whether or not someone takes her child’s DNA.”

“Is that why you sent her away when I shifted?” I demand thickly, “not to protect her but so you could steal her hair or nails or whatever else you used?”

Bastien has the grace to look offended. “Of course not.” He denies, “I sent her away with nothing but her own best interest in mind – not to mention yours.”

and I try to remember the last time Bastien was truly

certainly, even annoyed. But before we reunited in Asphodel I can’t ever remember him looking at me the way he is now; with such unmitigated fury I want to crawl under the desk

didn’t even seem this livid when he found out I

head, tucking her tail between her legs and rolling submissively onto her back. I know his fury is hurting her, that she hates feeling as if she’s failed him. Once upon a time I

a battle of their own, outraged beyond comprehension that Bastien vi olated my pup this way. Not only did he steal her DNA, he violated my trust. He took advantage of

she’s his pup. He has a right to know.

this way. I insist. Not if it isn’t what’s best

to find out. Luna insists, and you can’t deny how wonderful he

60 Shes

change. I argue, he’s the same overbearing bully he’s always been. He

I need him! Our internal argument has grown so fierce I have to stop myself from physically shaking my head. It’s torture to be near him, yet so far-apart.

know. Honestly, I do. I pronounce. But this is for the best. Being apart from him isn’t what hurts most, it’s being with him while he breaks your heart over and over again. I can feel every eye in the room survey ing me now, but I can’t continue the external fight before resolving my battle with my wolf. One day you’ll thank

heap, I glower up at Bastien. “One of these days, you’re going to have to admit that the only person whose interests you act in, are your own.” | assert, far more confidently than I feel. “If you really cared about me or Lila, you would respect my wishes.

to lie, you may want the pup to

her.” Bastien turns to Drake with a black

yours to command.” He rounds his desk, standing up as tall

see about that won’t we?” Bastien rumbles, brandishing

doctored that paper to show the results you want?!” Drake de mands, cunningly offering me an argument for the fight which

any doctoring, but because that pup is mine as surely as Selene is my mate. You need to get over whatever little fantasy you’ve built

your decision.” Drake counters. “Selene can choose her own mate,

over her like she’s a piece of meat!” | all but shout, surprising both men so much they fall silent. “I don’t care what those results say.” | profess passionately, “Lila is

ticed, that puts her on an endangered species list that should concern you a hell of a

any more than I can bear being trapped in this room. I look to Drake, undoubtedly appearing quite mad. “Bring her back.” I

I cross the hard wood floors to meet him in the doorway, collecting my daughter and turning on the assemblage. “This isn’t about