Page 96 of The Bodyguard and the Alpha (Witch Twins #2)

Electra

I woke early, registering Bastien’s arms wrapped around me, one leg thrown over my thigh as if he was afraid that I would leave him. The grey light of a winter dawn was barely filtering through the gap in the curtains.

Today was the day we had to leave our hideaway.

I didn’t want to. I wanted to stay here, forever.

But it had only taken ten days for the Council to rescind the Order against Bastien.

After the press conference, the evidence that Silvio and Maximilian had tried to illegally force information from me, the Council had been inundated with demands for Bastien’s release.

Voter opinion was firmly on our side. Adding in my deposition that I had wanted Bastien’s mate bite, and the evidence given by his staff that he had been clearly courting me for years, the Council had decided that Execution Order couldn’t stand.

Even though Bastien hadn’t formally Declared his Intent, the bond had been declared consensual.

So, this morning, we would go back to the city and Bastien would resume his position as President.

I had known that it would happen and I had made my peace with it.

I had let go of the fantasy that he and I would stay in a little cottage in the country, raising a family.

I had him. And that was enough. We would figure out things as we went along.

I was still a Witch and I would always use my magic to protect him if I could.

But he wouldn’t back down on his desire to protect me.

He couldn’t. The need to protect me was hardwired into his Alpha nature.

So, I foresaw some changes. And that was alright too.

Finally, we had talked. As the Lady, the mate of the President, I would have official duties that would make it difficult for me to do my job as a bodyguard.

And maybe, one day soon, we would have a baby.

Sadly, my period had started a couple of days after we’d gone into hiding.

Bastien had held me while I cried, his large hands warm on my abdomen, using the warmth of his body to soothe the cramps.

As much as it hurt my heart, perhaps it was a good thing that I wasn’t going to be pregnant while also learning how to navigate the political pitfalls that no doubt awaited me as the President’s mate.

But it was hard to dispel the sadness.

We had run to the cottage, the one that I thought of in my head as mine.

The owners, Callum and Anna, had been only too keen to help.

The farm was isolated and surrounded by woods.

No-one connected with the Palace knew where I holidayed—other than Bastien—who admitted to having had me watched while I was here.

Tucked into the bed in the cottage’s single bedroom, it had been too easy to pretend that we could have a future here.

Bastien’s weight shifted at my back and in my head his consciousness lit up the bond between us.

You are still sad .

There was no use denying it. He could feel it. And I had promised that I wouldn’t lock my feelings away from him anymore. Only a bit .

I do not like it when you are sad. I will make it go away.

My lips curled up in a small smile. He was ridiculous. Sadness is a part of life. I’ll be alright. We have plenty of time.

Soon after that, he distracted me and I forgot to be sad for a little while.

We arrived back at the Palace by early afternoon.

The same SUV we had used for Bastien’s escape picked us up from my cottage.

Charlie, Michelle and Bea were all smiles as they collected us.

I had been reassured that my guards had fully recovered from the injuries they had suffered outside the prison, but this was the first time I had seen them since the night they were hurt.

Their bodies stiffened, faces reddening with embarrassment when I hugged them.

Patrick met us as we exited the Palace’s underground garage. “Mr President. Lady. You have a press conference in thirty minutes.”

Nerves tightened in my stomach and Bastien’s fingers gripped mine reassuringly.

It was good that we were getting this over and done with.

Bastien could step back into his position and I would be there to support him as his mate.

The voters wanted to see us. To see the couple who had bonded so unconventionally.

And they wanted Bastien back as President.

Yesterday, Patrick had rung with the latest statistics from the polls.

If Bastien called a vote now, the Moderates party would win by a landslide.

Trust me , Bastien’s mental voice was like silk down my spine.

Of course I trust you , I replied.

“Lady, please come with me,” Patrick said, already turning away. “We have to get you ready. Mr President, your suit is in your dressing room.”

I nodded. This would be my first press conference as Bastien’s mate and I had to look the part. My make up and clothes had to be just right. The jeans and sweater combo I’d donned this morning weren’t going to cut it.

But when I tried to follow the press secretary, Bastien’s hand gripped mine and he pulled me back to his side. “No,” he said.

Patrick spun on one heel so quickly that he almost lost his balance. “Mr President?”

“My mate chose these clothes, and she looks perfect, so that is what she will wear.”

“It’s alright,” I said. “I don’t mind and I don’t want my appearance to reflect badly on you.”

“That could never happen,” he growled, stroking my back.

I wanted to arch into the caress but instead I pressed my hands into his chest, trying to push myself out of his embrace.

“Lady…” Patrick was still waiting, almost quivering with impatience.

“Do I need to repeat myself?” It was a deep growl and Patrick blanched. I stifled my smile. My mate was feeling bossy.

You look happy , Bastien murmured down the bond. This is how I want the world to see you. I could feel his satisfaction at the thought. Of course, when he put it like that, I had no wish to fight him on it.

“You’d best put on your suit though,” I prompted after Patrick fled.

Bastien had dressed casually like me. His blue henley lovingly moulded to his torso, the tight sleeves showcasing his silver skin and impressive biceps.

His jeans cupped his tight ass. He looked good whatever he wore but as a public figure and returning President, he had an image to maintain.

“Fuck the suit,” he said. “I’m on my honeymoon.”

A laugh slipped from my lips. Our time at the cottage had felt like a honeymoon. It was over but I found it adorable that he thought it could continue after he resumed his role. “Okay big guy. Whatever you want.”

When Patrick called us into the Press room, Matteo and Charlie went in first. When they gave us the all-clear, Bastien guided me into the room with his hand firmly against my back, my body tucked into his side.

Claiming me publicly for the first time.

Realising that, it was easy to bring a smile to my face.

I could do this. It wasn’t the life I had dreamed of, but I could still be happy.

Even if being the Lady wasn’t my dream, Bastien and I could have a good life. I had to be grateful for what I had.

Out of habit, I scanned the room as Michelle and Bea followed behind us.

Every seat was occupied. All the major news channels were there. Excited chatter filled the air as Bastien gently ushered me to the podium and then it subsided into an expectant hush.

“Thank you for coming,” Bastien said. “We appreciate the support the public has shown us since I was imprisoned. First, I would like to publicly introduce my mate, the beautiful Electra Bowden.” I blushed and gave a small wave to a round of applause and cheers, before Bastien continued.

“I could tell you stories about my obsession with her, but I’m not going to.

” This was met with some laughs and someone in the crowd whistled.

“And now to business.” Bastien wrapped an arm around my waist, keeping me anchored to him.

Down the bond, I could sense his anticipation.

He was looking forward to this, as he should.

For him, I would muster some enthusiasm too.

“As you know, Maximilian Veder died while trying to escape justice and the Council rescinded the Execution Order. Since then, the Council has asked me to return as President.” Somebody cheered, and Bastien turned his head to give them a nod.

“I am humbled by the opportunity and today I’ve come before you to formally… "

Every person in the audience leaned forward, ready to catch the historic moment.

“… decline,” said Bastien.

The room erupted into pandemonium. Our four Shifter guards moved into place around us. I could hear Patrick shouting for order.

My hands moved to my hips and Bastien loosened his grip enough for me to swivel to face him . His hands settled on my waist. He was smiling. A full-on smug grin . Take it back , I demanded. What the fuck? Just… what the actual fuck? This is your calling Bastien!

His smile faded. No baby, it isn’t. I’m done with politics. I want to live in your little cottage. I want to fill your belly with babes and raise children.

I blinked back sudden tears . No. That’s my dream. This is yours. Don’t give up your dreams for me.

His hands moved. One cradled my face and the other tangled in my hair as he dropped his head to rest his forehead against mine. Dreams change, sweetheart . We lost so much time already. Let’s not waste a minute more.

Really? What if you get bored in the country and change your mind?

I’m going to be too busy being a mate and a father to be bored.

That thought was accompanied by such an explicit image of Bastien’s body covering mine and pounding into me from behind, that my whole body flushed and wetness gathered in my panties .

And I’m going to enjoy every second of the baby-making process. Over and over again.

It was suddenly very hot in here. And then, with a gasp, I remembered that we were in public. In a room full of reporters, no less. Oh gods. I tried to pull away but Bastien just held onto me more tightly.

Relax, baby. No-one can see past our guards. Take your time.

Of course, I should have realised that Bastien would not do anything that would embarrass me in public. Still, my hands shook as I straightened my hair and smoothed the fabric of my sweater. The media attention was more of a mindfuck than I had expected.

By the time I had pulled myself together, the audience had calmed down. At a subtle signal from Bastien, our guards moved to one side so that Bastien could address the media again, still holding on to me.

I’m not going to run away , I said, beginning to feel a little more like myself.

I know that . He sounded smug. But I’m showing all those fuckers out there that you’re mine. Bitten and mated. All mine.

And then, as if he hadn’t just metaphorically pissed in a circle around me, the psycho finished his speech.

“It has been a privilege to serve as President for the last five years and I am proud of the work I did. But it’s a hard job and requires total focus.

I’m ready for the next chapter in my life. Thank you.”

Reporters shouted questions at him but Bastien ignored them all. Let’s go home .