Pregnant and Rejected by My Alpha Mate novel Chapter 5

Pregnant and Rejected by My Alpha Mate Chapter 5

#Chapter 5 Three-year Marriage Contract

Selene’s POV

“What are you talking about,” I’m out of the bed, edging toward the door. “You want me to marry Bastien ?”

Gabriel, not the least bit fooled by my furtive movements, blocks my path. “You need protection, Selene Not only from Blaise but from any wolf who might seek to take advantage. Without your own wolf you are vulnerable and defenseless.” His soothing tone has a core of steel. “I will not fail your mother again. Bastien is the only man I trust to keep you safe, who I know without doubt will honor my wishes long after I’m gone.”

“But-”

“And it’s not only safety.” He presses on. You’ve been in captivity through the most important formative years in your life. You’ ve had no education, no socialization. Your knowledge of the world is that of a child.”

He gestures toward my skittish movements, “And forgive me, but you are clearly not prepared to rejoin the pack as you are if I let you walk out that door right now, what would you do, where would you go?”

My throat begins to itch as I consider the Alpha’s question What would I do? Go back to Garrick’s house? Try to find a job despite

the fact that I have no skills whatsoever? Would I be able to survive in the city when the very sight of strangers sends me into a full on panic?

Gabriel’s authoritative bearing softens when he sees my lower lip begin to tremble. “You need help, Selene. You may not need it forever, but you cannot do this alone. You went to Bastien for protection from Donavon and me today. Despite everything that’s happened – you trust him. I believe he is the one to help you find your way”

I think about Bastien, who rescued me so many years ago and stole my young heart. “Does he know?” I exhale shakily, ‘That you’ re planning this?”

“Yes,” The Alpha responds simply. “He knows.”

If someone had told me as a child that Bastien Durand would one day be my husband, I would have burst with happiness. Now I don’t know what to think. The future terrifies me, but of all the possibilities, Bastien frightens me least.

I lower my eyes from Gabriel’s in submission, “Okay.”

Bastien’s POV

“You killed Garrick?!” My father is shooting me death glares, pacing his office like a tiger in a cage.

“On neutral territory.” I counter, “it was well within my rights, and we’ll both sleep better knowing he’s out of the picture for good.”

“That is beside the point.” He hisses. “The rule of law exists for a reason. Trials serve as examples for the pack, evidence that we take violations seriously, that we care about justice.”

“His body will serve as a better example of what happens to abusers than any trial.” I bite back

“When you’re Alpha you can change my laws,” Father snarls, bearing his teeth. But until that time I expect my heir to embody the values I espouse and uphold the status quo, not flout it with loopholes.”

I cross my arms over my chest, “He deserved everything he got.”

“You think I don’t agree with you?” He snaps, “You think I wouldn’t have liked to join you out there?”

“So why didn’t you?”

“Because being a leader doesn’t mean you get to do whatever you want with impunity.” Father barks, “It means standing by your principles even when it feels impossible, doing what is best for the pack no matter how much you might personally hate it.”

“And if it had been mom?” I know it’s a low blow, but I won’t apologize for protecting my mate. “If someone had done to her what Garrick did to Selene?”

“That’s different.” He waves away the question, “Your mother and I are fated mates.”

“Exactly.” I say, staring him down.

Understanding flickers in his eyes, and he slowly deflates, then tension seeping out of his muscles little by little. “But she-”

“She lost her wolf, remember?” At first I hadn’t understood why Selene could not feel the mating bond. It only became clear when I learned about her wolf. Of course she can’t feel it, she’s lost the very essence of her being.

“Oh son,” He squeezes my shoulder, genuine pain in his voice. “I’m sorry.” I nod in acknowledgement, but cannot bring myself to meet his gaze. “What are you going to do?”

“I’m going to offer her an out.” I sigh, “We’ll get her through the transition, and when she’s ready to stand on her own two feet, she can decide if she wants to stay.” I drag a hand through my hair, “I haven’t spoken with her yet, but I’m thinking three years should be about right.”