Selene’s POV
From the first moment I learned about the mating mark, I’ve always felt defective. Nevermind that the information came from a flock of bitter she-wolves, their words always rang true in my heart. If Bastien truly wanted me, he would have marked me from the beginning.
When I found out that we were truly mates, the wound deepened, like a knife driving in to the hilt with the realization that the loss of Luna had also cost me my fate. If I wasn’t so broken, Bastien would have marked me whether he loved me or not; there is no other way with Alpha’s, they mark what they see as theirs on principle.
There are no words to describe how worthless something would have to be for such possessive creatures to give up their stake. So that’s what I was – exactly what Garrick always said: worthless.
It never mattered to me that Luna was gone. I still wanted hi
Selene’s POVWe’re back in Asphodel by the time I wake. My lashes part to the sight of fierce silver eyes, affection sparkling in their depths while familiar hands stroke my hair. I mumble sleepily, stretching as Bastien coaxes me from sleep. “There she is.” He purrs, turning to look down at something by my hip. “See, I told you.”I follow his line of sight, the happiness burgeoning in my chest expanding to joy when I see Lila grinning up at me, “You slept for a long time, mommy.” She informs me, crawling into my lap for a cuddle. “Bashun said he put a spell on you.”“I did!” He says, with feigned offense, “You saw, I just lifted it.”I squeeze the beloved bundle in my arms, rocking slightly back and forth. “And why would he do that?” I ask, resting my cheek on the top of her head.
Arabella’s POVI used to hear stories about the Calypso Pack when I was young, about their beautiful territories in the far east and the unrivaled power with which they dominate the continent. From the time I was a little girl, strength has always been synonymous with their pack, and even as Gabriel grew the Nova pack to new heights, the Durands’ have never come close to challenging Blaise Denizen’s empire.Everyone thought I loved Bastien much, but actually I never loved him. How would I love the man that caused my brother’s death? I just always pretended to love him, in order to achieve my revenge. After Bastien married the halfling, I traveled for a long time, always planning on getting to the Calypso territory and its capital, Tartarus, eventually. At the time I thought succeeding on my own would be its own revenge, like I could somehow make Bastien pay for Flynn’s death by living my best life
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 Elysium just to be sure.” Odette looks back and forth between us, doubt marring her features. “You didn’t know he took a sample from your pup?” “No.” I grow
Bastien’s POVThis isn’t right.The lab report in my hand is as clear as day, and its conclusions unmistakeable, but it can’t be right. I’ve read it at least ten times now, scanning the page over and over again, looking for any sign of hope, any hint that the samples got mixed up or were contaminated in the lab. Yet every time the information remains the same. Beneath columns full of DNA markers I cannot even begin to understand, read the damning words:Probability of Paternity: 0%I don’t believe it. She has to be mine.Selene, who turned pale and ashen the moment my mother revealed the envelope, squeezes the pup in her arms a little tighter. I can’t see Lila’s face, but I can hear the delicate wafts of her breath as she slumbers in her mother’s arms, completely oblivious to the disaster unfolding around her.Selene furrows her dark brows and pouts her full lips, her beautiful face sullen and wary in equal measure. My stomach is in my throat, and the room around me is spinning out of
Selene’s POVHowever I thought this day would go, I never could have predicted this.I’m so overwhelmed and confused I don’t even know where to begin, but the strange reality remains: I’m safe. Lila and my secret are safe from my mate, and though I cannot even begin to understand how it happened, I am eternally grateful.This doesn’t make sense. Luna whimpers.No, I agree, It doesn’t. But thank the Goddess it happened. Weren’t you listening to what he said? Luna presses. He wants you, whatever else happened before, he wants you now. He wants Lila. Well he can’t have either of us. I argue. I’ve had my fill of men pretending to be innocent, refusing to be accountable for their actions.I can’t deny how deeply
Odette’s POVI don’t transform very often anymore.It hasn’t felt the same since Gabriel died, and though my wolf gets restless like any other, this freedom has a cost. I always miss my mate more when I shift. The pain of his absence is most acute in my soul’s truest form, and I feel eternally guilty for going on without him.Even so, there’s no avoiding it tonight.Bastien disappeared into the darkness in such a fit of rage I’m afraid of what he might do if he’s left alone. Aiden and Donovan went after him, but I do not trust them to pull him back from the edge, and I know they will not tell him what he needs to hear.I follow Bastien’s path at a steady lope, trotting along in his footprints hoping he’s not so far ahead that my efforts are in vain. If he gets it into his head to kill Cavanaugh or seek retribution, wa
Bastien’s POVA pair of guards flank the entryway to Selene and Lila’s room in the Pack House. Apparently our arrival, combined with the threat of the bounty, was sufficient to cajole my mate into moving in – if only temporarily.The guards try to block my approach, but quickly quell beneath the force of my scowl, stepping aside so I can knock. Bracing my shoulders for a fight, I rap on the heavy wood, listening to the movement inside with baited breath.The door swings open, revealing a startled looking Selene. Her hair is up in a messy bun, and her soft blue sundress appears to have been splashed with water. I can smell the remnants of bubble bath and shampoo, and suspect I’ve just missed bath time.“Bastien.” Selene greets me stiffly, her nervousness clear for all to see. My wolf whines, wanting to comfort his mate, but I hold him off. I don’t wan
Bastien’s POVI close the bedroom door as quietly as I can, unsurprised to find my mate waiting on the other side. I almost smile; some things never change. My little mate seems just as prone to eavesdropping as ever, and just as bad at disguising her misbehavior. She leapt halfway across the room when I came out, and now stands with her arms coiled defensively around her body, eyeing me with apprehension.“Still listening at doorways, little wolf?” I ask, striding forward until I’m towering over Selene and she’s forced to back away to escape my shadow.Rather than answering, she glowers and says, “Why did you do that?”“Do what?” I feign ignorance, “Put your pup to bed?”“No.” She corrects me immediately. “Why did you say those things to her?”“Because Lila wanted a bedtime story.” I shrug, watching her skirt away from me with amusement. She should know better than to run from a predator – especially her mate. I follow her at a distance, never coming close enough to make contact, but