Pregnant and Rejected by My Alpha Mate novel Chapter 4

Selena’s Pov

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."

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Third person’s pov

“You killed Garrick?!" Bastien’s father is shooting him death glares, pacing his office like a tiger in a cage.

“On neutral territory." Bastien counters, "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." Gabriel 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."

Bastien crosses his arms over his chest, "He deserved everything he got."

“Being a leader doesn't mean you get to do whatever you want with impunity." Gabriel barks.

“And if it had been mom?" Bastien knows it's a low blow, but he won't apologize for protecting his 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." Bastien says, staring down the Alpha.

Understanding flickers in Gabriel’s eyes, and he slowly deflates, the tension seeping out of his muscles little by little. "But she–"

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

“Oh son," Gabriel squeezes Bastien’s shoulder, genuine pain in his voice. "I'm sorry." His son nods in acknowledgement, but he cannot bring himself to meet the older man’s gaze. "What are you going to do?"

“I'm going to offer her an out." Bastien sighs, "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." He drags a hand through his hair, "I haven't spoken with her yet, but I'm thinking three years should be about right."

“Are you sure?" Gabriel inquires softly.

Bastien nods firmly.

Gabriel’s face pulls into a grimace. "If that's the case, I would keep a very tight leash on your wolf. Don't claim her completely until you know whether or not there's going to be a rejection ceremony." He advises. "If he marks her, you won't ever be able to let her go."

I meet his silver gaze in the mirror, leaning back against his chest. "Nothing important."

“Hmm," His rumbling hum vibrates against my spine, "Then why not tell me?"

“I was thinking about marriage." I admit. "Our marriage."

Bastien frowns, dropping his head – in thought, I suppose. When he raises it again, he nods tersely, "I've been meaning to talk to you about this for a while now."

My stomach plummets. "About what?"

“Our marriage contract." He explains, pulling away from me. "Do you know what a rejection ceremony is?"

I shake my head uncertainly.

“It is a ritual undergone by mates who wish to end their marriage." Bastien pulls a sheaf of paper from the breast pocket of his discarded jacket. "Given our… unique circumstances, I thought a rejection provision might be appropriate."

He hands me the document; our marriage contract. I scan the contents, stumbling over the unfamiliar words. "So," I summarize slowly, "we'll marry for three years, then decide whether or not to reject one another?"