Pregnant and Rejected by My Alpha Mate novel Chapter 31

 Pregnant and Rejected by My Alpha Mate Chapter 31

Chapter 31 Interrogation

Selene’s POV

Being in lock down with morning sickness is even less fun than being in lock down with nothing to do – especially when one is confined with a host of people who can’t know you’re pregnant.

I’ve been popping my anti-nausea medication like it’s breath mints for the better part of three hours, intermittently wondering if it’ s possible to overdose on the drug. My stomach is finally starting to settle, but the boredom isn’t getting any better.

Bastien didn’t explain anything when he tossed me in here with Odette and the guards, simply announcing that there’s an emergency and we needed to “stay put” until he returned. It might be easier to accept the situation if we understood what’s going on, and my mother-in-law isn’t faring much better than I am.

“Try not to worry, Odette. “I soothe for the dozenth time. “I’m sure Bastien’s safe.”

“I’m afraid none of us are safe ‘She replies grimly. “Bastien won’t say so, but I know more is going on here than he’s letting on Too much has gone wrong lately.”

“I know, I agree soberly, “But feeling anxious about things we can’t control or predict will only make it worse.”

Odette looks like she’s about to respond, but before she can get any words out, her expression changes and she jolts to her feet. “He’s back

I scent the air, realizing she’s right before I can question why or how I’m doing this

“He’s not alone. She announces.

Aiden? I suggest.

“No – enforcers.”

I can hear their footsteps now, so many they muddle together into an odd, clomping cacophony. They pound down the hallway until the bolts locking the door gradually turn over, and the wooden panel swings open so sharply it rebounds against the wall.

Bastien towers in the center of the frame, flanked on either side by rugged and gnarled enforcers. I sit frozen while Odette runs to him. Sweetheart, what’s happened?”

“Arabella has been kidnapped.” He declares gruffly.

My mother-in-law’s eyes go wide and her hands clamp over her mouth, “Oh Goddess.”

I’m not sure what to think. At first all I can process is the rage in Bastien’s expression. He must be out of his mind with worry, not to mention infuriated someone would do such a thing. Then I wonder who would possibly be dumb enough to kidnap the Alpha’s future wife, thinking of the Gemini wolves and their provocation at the memorial, as well as Gabriel’s still unknown murderer.

Yet underneath it all, doubt niggles at my mind. I know what Arabella is capable of, and I know how upset she must be to have her wedding postponed this way, Is it possible her cruelty doesn’t only extend to me? Would she put the man she loves through such pain in order to get what she wants?

Just as quickly as the thought enters my mind, shame swells in my chest. What a horrible, cynical thing to think. A woman’s life is in danger and I’m questioning whether she’s faking the threat. Only a complete sociopath would engineer such a plot.

“We need to speak with Selene.” Bastien’s command clears the room before I can catch up to his hushed conversation with his mother

When we’re alone with the enforcers, I approach my husband, “I’m so sorry.” I express honestly. “This is terrible.”

But it isn’t Bastien who answers me. Please have a seat Mrs. Durand.”

I swing my gaze to the investigator who spoke, noting the way the other men seem to defer to him. He must be in charge.

Though I want to ask about a hundred questions, I obey, returning to the chaise I had been sharing with Odette,

Bastien crosses the room with an unreadable countenance, Selene, when did you last see Arabella?”

The image of Arabella kissing Bastien as she left his office after midnight appears in my mind’s eye, every bit as damning as it was in reality. “The other night.” I’m speaking to the ground, unable to bring myself to look at them. “It was late and I was worried you were still working. So I came to get you, but then I saw Arabella leaving your office.”

“And you haven’t seen or spoken to her since?” Bastien prompts.

“No.” I murmur.

When I finally raise my eyes, I see the enforcers exchanging knowing glances. “Mrs. Durand,” The lead investigator interjects, “How would you describe your relationship with Ms. Winters?”

My brain flips through our past dealings; from our coffee house meeting, to her attack on the stairs, and our confrontation outside the jewelry store. “We’re not friends, if that’s what you mean.”

Understatement of the year,

“I see.” The man nods, “have you ever fought?”

For the first time, it occurs to me that I might be a suspect. Why else would they be questioning me this way? “We‘ve argued.” I hedge. The last thing I need is to tell them how many times Arabella threatened me. My husband leaving me for her already gives me plenty of motive to want her out of the way.

“Wha- but…” | grapple for calm but only feel myself grow more flustered, “You obviously think I did. Otherwise you wouldn’t be here questioning me this way.”

“Selene.” Bastien interrupts firmly, his silver eyes piercing through me. “Have you ever threatened Arabella, in any way?”

I can see they think I answered too quickly. The same enforcer who brought up the stairs tilts his head curiously. “What do you mean, no matter what they‘ve done to you? Are you saying Ms. Winters wronged you?”

Arabella must have found something I wrote and studied it in order to copy the script. “I didn’t write this.” I maintain, “That isn’t my signature.”