– Chapter 157

Selene

I don’t think I’ll ever get used to people recognizing me on the street, as if I’m some sort of celebrity rather than a girl who spent 8 years alone in a basement with no one for company but my trapped wolf. Now it’s impossible for me to go anywhere without being recognized.

Even now, as rain falls in sheets around me and I’m bundled up against the crisp chill of the autumn air, walking down the street is a veritable minefield. Half of the people who stop me merely wish to offer me congratulations on the new baby, but the other half pepper me with questions about Bastien’s whereabouts.

I’ve almost reached the hospital when a reporter catches me, running forward with a microphone and camera crew in tow. “Selene, I’m Katrina Davies from the Evening Standard, do you have a moment to speak with us?”

“I can spare a moment,” I agree, unsure of whether this is actually a good idea.

We’ve been debating how to respond to Frederick’s challenge since he issued it yesterday, barely sleeping in the wake of the unfolding disaster. As of yet we still haven’t reached a consensus about what to do, and I’m already going rogue by going to the hospital in the first place.

The guys would lose their minds if they knew I plan on confronting Dr. Kane directly – and I’d certainly prefer to avoid the conflict myself – but I don’t know what else to do. I can only pray I get through it without having a post-traumatic stress episode, I’m sure the sly wolf would use it as an excuse to hospitalize me again. On the other hand, if I give an interview in front of the hospital, at least people will know where to look for me if I don’t come home tonight.

“First of all, how are you doing?” Katrina asks, holding the microphone out to me, “We’re so pleased to see you out of the hospital.”

“Thank you,” I respond graciously, “I’m happy to report I’m doing much better,” I smile, patting my belly through my wool coat, “And getting fatter by the day.”

The reporter and crew chuckle warmly, and I decide that speaking to them might actually help after all. If I can pretend to be charming, maybe people will take our side.

“That’s wonderful.” Katrina gushes, “And your little one at home, has she warmed up to the idea of being a big sister yet?”

Now it’s my turn to laugh, “Not quite, but she is currently trying to convince me that she’d feel better about it if I got her a pony, so at least it’s helping her develop an enterprising spirit.”

“And the Alpha?” Katrina continues, “is there any word on when he might return?”

“I wish I could tell you otherwise.” I share honestly, “but I’m afraid I don’t have any news on that front.”

“Now I have to ask,” The reporter announces, which all but guarantees she doesn’t have to do anything of the sort. “Do you have any comment about the accusations Dr Kane made against the Alpha yesterday, and the challenge he issued?”

“I’d like to say I won’t dignify Dr. Kane’s slander with a comment, but I’m afraid that would only add more fuel to the proverbial fire.” I sigh, not bothering to hide my frustration. Next to the slimey wolf’s fake persona, hopefully seeing someone with genuine feelings will highlight just how dishonest Dr. Kane’s act truly is.

“Instead I’ll say this: to any Novan who has met my husband in person,” I begin, choosing my words carefully. “I beg you to think back on those occasions and ask yourself what you yourself thought of him. What did your wolf’s instincts tell you about the man and how did you feel in the moment? Ignore whatever might be getting said in the papers or on tv. And ask yourself whether you trust yourself or the words of strangers who greatly stand to gain by bringing down the Alpha, more.”

“You think Dr Kane is saying all these things purely for his own gain?” Katrina questions excitedly.

Pursing my lips, I reply, “Well let’s just say this. If you want evidence of Dr. Kane’s dedication to this pack’s wellbeing and his apparent concern for me, you might like to know that while I was in the hospital, he treated me by giving me placebos which kept me ill and under his control. He purposefully failed to help a patient in his care because he wanted me within his reach and away from the people looking out for me.

“After our betas and Drake Cavanaugh helped me leave the hospital as I’d been begging to do for days and days, I went to another physician who confirmed that Dr Kane had been making me sick. He risked my life, and the life of the Alpha’s pup, because he knew if I was close by he might have a chance to convince me to give up on my husband.”

The reporter’s jaw actually drops, “That’s quite an accusation.”

“The evidence is right here.” I shrug, patting my belly again. “You can see how well I appeared in my own press conference, after I’d been under his care for over a week and was supposedly drugged to the hilt. I couldn’t make it ten minutes without getting sick and looked like a walking skeleton. Now, I’m down to three prescriptions with a different doctor and I can not only make it through the afternoon without collapsing, but I’ve already put on five pounds. The only difference is that my pills are real now.”

“How could any doctor do such a horrible thing?” One of the cameramen mutters, earning an exasperated look from Katrina.

“We’ll cut that out.” She remarks, “but he’s right.”

“I’ve been approached by a lot of concerned Novans these past few weeks.” I continue, on a roll now, “And I appreciate everyone’s congratulations on my growing family, and I empathize with everyone who is afraid or upset right now, because I’m honestly feeling exactly the same way. We are living in extremely difficult times.” I feel myself tearing up, and ask to pause the interview. “I’m sorry, can we stop for a second?”

“No, this is great!” Katrina whispers, before saying more loudly, “It’s okay, Selene, tell us how you’re feeling.”

Annoyed but trusting the woman, I continue. “I wish Bastien was home, and I know he does too. But he’s not here because he believes so much in his duty to protect his family and his pack that he’s willing to lose his reputation in order to do what’s right.”

Swiping at the rogue droplets rolling down my cheeks, I clear my throat, “The people’s concerns are valid, and it’s right to ask where Bastien is and why he isn’t here even if we can’t give you the answers you deserve for security reasons. But anytime we’re faced with the prospect of a challenge like this, we also have to remember to ask about the people making the accusations. I don’t have these answers yet myself, but I encourage anyone who cares about our future to ask who exactly Dr. Kane is. Where did he come from? What is his background? Why should we listen to him? And if it comes to this, does he deserve to lead us?”

“Wise words.” Katrina nods, an excited glimmer in her eyes, “Now Selene, I can’t help but notice we’re standing outside Dr. Kane’s hospital right now. Can we presume you’re on your way to ask some of those questions yourself?”

Offering her an amused huff, I confirm. “Yes, I’d hoped to speak with Dr. Kane about his press conference off the record, rather than beginning a public feud by keeping everything in the media – but you got the better of me, Katrina.”

“Well you know the public loves good gossip.” She laughs.

“Who doesn’t?” I concede, “But I find as entertaining as gossip is at times, it almost never makes things better for the people with most at stake, which in this case, is the pack. Hard work behind the scenes isn’t fun or newsworthy, but it does more to improve the lives of everyday people than slinging mud behind a podium.”

“So I suppose there’s no chance you’d let us come with you?” She asks hopefully, clearly realizing this was never going to happen. I shoot her a look, and she surrenders with a laugh. “Alright, thank you Selene.” Katrina shakes my hand, “We wish you luck either way.”

“Thank you.” I answer, trying to smile as I walk away. I’m not sure how well that went, and I have a bad feeling it sounded far too preachy at the end. Still, it helped me frame my thoughts for the conversation ahead.

A few minutes later, I’m storming into Dr Kane’s office with my hands on my hips and smoke steaming from my ears.

The physician rises, a surprised expression on his face as he comes around his desk. “Selene, how are you feeling?”

Rather than answering him, I narrow my eyes and offer him my most intimidating glare. “What the hell are you doing?”

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