Page 49 of Owned By Four Alphas

What if they destroyed her in the process?

It couldn’t carry on. She knew what she needed to do. And she wouldn’t let them stand in her way.

Her baby kicked, fluttering and light, and she caressed her stomach.

What had her mother felt, when she was pregnant with Selena? Not for the first time, Selena mourned that Eveya had never told her the truth about her father. She didn’t know anything about their relationship. Had they been in love? Were they mated? Did they get to spend any time together before Eveya had to return to the village? Was her father angry when her mother was cast out? Did he even know?

Selena closed her eyes, remembering the soft brush of her mother’s hands against her hair, how she had smelled like lilacs when Selena buried her face into her skirts.

“My pretty Selena,” her mother said, stroking her head, “my little beam of moonlight, why are you crying?”

“Some of the village children,” Selena wept, six years old with near-constant scraped knees and muddy feet, “they called me a…a…they called me a b-bastard!”

Her mother sighed, holding her close, rubbing her hands up and down Selena’s arms, “You know I told you not tolisten to them,” she chided softly, “they don’t know what they’re talking about.”

“But I am a bastard!” Selena wailed. “I don’t have a father!”

“But you have a mother,” said Eveya, “a mother who loves you very much.”

She died two years later, leaving Selena alone.

At the time, the cause of her death was a mystery. Looking back, Selena knew it was probably because she was weakened without her mate. Omegas, separated too long from a mate, were more susceptible to illness and strife. Paired with being rejected from the village pack…

Her mother had fought to hold on. But the illness had taken her regardless.

Eveya had always been slightly mythical in Selena’s memory. A kind, gentle being who had all the answers, who could soothe any ailments, wash away any tears.

Now, pregnant and terrified, Selena realized her mother had been a girl just like her. Eveya had never had all the answers, not even close. She had just done the best she could to give Selena some kind of life.

And now, Selena faced the same challenge. The prophecy said her baby would either destroy Theldir or join him. If Selena did nothing, allowed her mates to destroy themselves and her, her child would be alone and vulnerable. She would not let that happen.

There was only one thing to do, one thing she could do. She had to find her father, and hope that he might be able to help her. He was the one who had started all of this, and now, heneeded to help her finish it. Wherever he was, whatever state he was in, she would find him.

“Can I fetch you anything to eat?” She glanced up to see Kaelen standing above her, his throat bobbing, his eyes fixed on the tree line instead of her.

She didn’t respond until his gaze finally flickered down to meet her, a thousand emotions swimming behind his eyes.

Her throat became tight, tears welling behind her eyes.

Once, she had thought of Kaelen as her ultimate protector. Whatever dangers she faced, whatever battles she had to fight, he would be there, by her side. Wise and strong, powerful and protective, he meant everything to her. All of her mates did, of course, but none took care of her quite like he did. Since her mother died, she had always had to look after herself. And that was okay, she was more than capable of it, but nothing sent a thrill up her spine than handing that control over to Kaelen.

The relationships she had with each of them, the love she felt, it was different between them all.

Ronan was her alpha. Malek, her soulmate. Elian, her friend and teacher.

She had always considered Kaelen to be her partner.

At his best, his gentle protectiveness and steady hand allowed her to settle into her femininity, her omega essence, with peace and excitement. His rock-solid masculinity, experience, and assuredness allowed her to be vulnerable and open, turned on and sensual, curious and inquisitive.

At his worst…

At his worst, she was not his partner at all, but his responsibility. A bird to keep in a cage. And she would not be controlled like that.

It didn’t stop her heart from physically aching with the pain of not being in his arms. But how many more chances could she give him?

“No, thank you,” she said quietly, looking back down at her hands.

Kaelen didn’t move, except for the clenching of his fists.

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