Pregnant and Rejected by My Alpha Mate

#Chapter 143 – Go Fish

Drake

“Go fish!” Lila giggles, holding a fan of cards close to her body.

“Hmm,” I grumble, narrowing my eyes at the mischievous pup, “Are you sure you don’t have any fives, Lila bean?” “I’m sure!” She exclaims, nodding vigorously. Halfway through my draw, her expression changes, “Mommy, I have to potty.”

“I’ll take her.” Sophie offers, sliding off my lap and helping Lila to her feet. I’m momentarily distracted watching my stunning mate walk away, but once the bathroom door closes at her back I turn back to Selene. We’re seated around a small table in her VIP hospital suite, with Selene herself situated in an oversized armchair fitted with an IV hook and a call button. She’s wearing a thick robe and a worried expression, but her complexion is decidedly less green today than it was yesterday.

“What’s wrong?” I ask.

She glances at me somewhat sheepishly, as if uncertain she wants to share her thoughts. “Dr. Kane is up to something.”

“What makes you say that?” I question, not that I doubt her for one moment. That man had been so openly aggressive towards me anytime I got near Selene that I was already convinced he was in love with her. I plan on speaking to Bastien about it the next time we talk, but if he’s making Selene uncomfortable then maybe we can get rid of him sooner.

“He’s really been criticizing Bastien for not being here, and right to my face.” She begins, gnawing on her lower lip. “But the other day! overheard him telling one of the nurses that I don’t know, he made it sound like Bastien has me completely under his thumb and is out there screwing everything in a skirt while I’m oblivious. He made it sound like Bastien not being here was proof he’d left me.”

“That’s absurd.” I growl. “Bastien’s not just any wolf, he’s the Alpha. He can’t escape his responsibilities by running away even if he wanted to, and he never would.”

“I know that.” Selene agrees.

“You do? I confirm. I’ve spent enough time with mistreated she-wolf’s to know how easy it is to believe the worst, even when it defies logic. It wouldn’t be her fault if the physician’s words swayed her, not when she’d been told she was worthless her entire life.

“Yes.” Selene insists, with more strength than I expected. “That’s why I think Thomas is up to something.” She pauses, glancing at me with a plea for understanding. “I was really wrong not to have faith in Bastien when we were married the first time. I’m not going to make that mistake again. I know he loves me, I know he lives for Lila.”

“Good.” I nod approvingly. “I’m not sure what game the doctor is playing, but I have my suspicions and I expect he wanted you to hear his slander.”

think he’s interested in me.” Selene

suspected it when he jumped down my throat for joking with you the other day, and I’ve been watching the way he looks at you. It’s not how I would expect an objective medical practitioner to look at their patient. Besides, you said he’s been staying overtime to care

any better at reading people. I really thought he was my friend. He helped me so much when I was

in private. Such a clever little lamb. My wolf thinks, making my thoughts take a particularly inappropriate turn. Down Boy. I caution him,

giving me more credit than I deserve. I don’t know many shifters who wouldn’t go to the ends of the earth to win

agree, offering her a wolfish grin, “but not all men can be

pillow at me, and I catch it deftly before gently tossing it back to her. Anyway, listen. I wanted to talk

head whips up, excitement filling her eyes, “Have you found me

I sigh, not really wanting

does that mean?” She asks

with you.” I explain, delivering the good news first. “but I don’t think you’re in any state to begin working

15:170

–

“i’m not made of glass. Everyone is treating me

in front of your pup.” I recall, adopting an admonishing tone. “I hate to say it, but kid gloves are probably

if I don’t practice!”

strong enough to practice before you can hope to improve. It won’t do anyone any good if you knock yourself out on day one, especially not the baby.” She looks down at the small hand resting on her flat belly, a look of pure guilt taking over her features. Assuming she feels badly for not considering its wellbeing I say, “I’m sorry,

“I was thinking

course.” I promise,

ache. “I’m so excited to grow our family, to give Lila a sibling, and to have

the timing?”

prompting, “I legitimately cannot think of a worse set of circumstances to be in when bringing a new life into the world. I know Bastien was just following his instincts, and

reaching over to squeeze her hand. “And it’s perfectly valid to feel that way,