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.”

to remember the last time

reunited in Asphodel I can’t ever remember him looking at me the way he is now; with such

when he

his fury is hurting her, that she hates feeling as if she’s failed him. Once upon a time I would have reacted

comprehension that Bastien vi olated my pup this way. Not only did he steal her DNA, he violated my trust. He took advantage of my weak ness

his pup. He has

Not if it isn’t what’s best for

insists, and you can’t deny

60 Shes

He doesn’t listen

shaking my head. It’s torture to be near him, yet so far-apart. Luna continues, I don’t know how much longer I can take

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

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

hand, squeezing softly, “I’ve never known Selene to lie, you may want the pup to be yours, but

haven’t met her.” Bastien turns to Drake with a

a line this time, Durand. This isn’t your territo ry. Neither I, nor my men, are yours to command.” He rounds his desk, standing up as tall

that won’t we?” Bastien rumbles,

you want?!” Drake de mands, cunningly offering me an argument for the fight

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

“Selene can choose her own mate, and

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 mine. I bore her, I birthed

hadn’t no ticed, that puts her on an endangered species list that should concern you a hell

world feels like it’s spinning out of control, and I cannot bear being apart from Lila any more than I can bear being trapped in this room. I look

him in the doorway, collecting my daughter and turning on the assemblage. “This isn’t about you.” I hiss. “It’s about her.” I jostle Lila on my hip, and she wraps her arms around my

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

Comments ()

0/255