The Rejected Mate (Elaine and Michael) novel Chapter 100

The hallway leading to the Alpha’s office was cloaked in an unnerving quiet. The hum of voices from the breakfast hall faded behind them, replaced by the sharp echo of footsteps on polished wood. Faint candlelight flickered along the walls, dancing against the silver–edged crest of the Silverblade Pack that gleamed on every pillar.

Roselyn’s pulse thudded softly beneath her skin. Calvin’s hand remained entwined with hers, grounding her. One gentle squeeze a silent promise. Whatever awaited beyond that door, they would face it together.

At the far end of the corridor loomed a heavy oak door carved with the Silverblade insignia – a crescent moon cleaved by a blade. Michael pushed it open, and the scent of parchment, pine resin, and dominance spilled into the air like something alive. Sunlight streamed through tall windows, dust motes drifting lazily through its glow, illuminating shelves of scrolls and maps detailing generations of pack territories.

“Come in,” Michael said, moving behind his broad desk. His tone was calm but carried the weight of authority – a voice that never needed to shout to command obedience.

Calvin guided Roselyn inside and pulled out a chair for her before sitting beside her.

Kathy followed soon after, her son Leo trotting in quietly and settling near a bookshelf with a small wooden wolf clutched in his hands. Her gentle presence softened the air, though it couldn’t erase the heavy tension that pressed down on Roselyn’s shoulders.

Michael clasped his hands together, his gaze sharp and direct. “I’ll get straight to it,” he began. “The Council has called. They’ve opened a full investigation into what happened three years ago my mating with Kathy, and my fated bond with Elaine.”

Calvin’s expression hardened instantly. “A full investigation?”

“Yes.” Michael’s tone didn’t waver. “They’ll contact everyone involved. That includes my parents, Calvin, Kathy and anyone tied to the events.’

Kathy exhaled softly. “They’ll reach out to my brother and to Elaine as well.” Her eyes flickered toward Roselyn.

Silence thickened in the room, heavy and watchful.

Roselyn met Michael’s gaze, unflinching. “Is there a reason you’re telling me this, Alpha? How does this concern the entire pack – and why am I needed for this discussion?”

“Roselyn,” Calvin murmured, his voice low and soothing, sensing the steel behind her words.

Michael’s expression didn’t shift. “Because you are Calvin’s mate,” he said evenly. “When you whether or not you hold resentment gave him a chance when you chose to stay here toward me or Kathy, you extended that chance to this pack. You are part of this, in blood and bond.”

Roselyn’s shoulders loosened slightly, though frustration flickered behind her composed facade. “Yes, Alpha,” she said, her voice calm but firm. “I’ve given Calvin a chance, and by extension, this pack. But I wasn’t here when any of that happened. So forgive me, but I don’t see how this involves me – unless there’s something you’re asking for.”

–

Kathy placed a hand over Michael’s, a quiet gesture of restraint. “No, Roselyn,” she said

and you deserve gently. “We only wanted to keep you informed. You’re my brother’s mate to know what’s coming. We understand your loyalty to Elaine, and your distrust of us because of what happened. But when the Council starts their inquiry, our parents will be furious. We haven’t spoken to them in years, but they will come here seeking answers.”

Roselyn studied Kathy for a long moment. Was the Luna trying to be diplomatic, or merely defensive? Maybe both.

Then Michael spoke again, his tone shifting. “Also,” he said, “Calvin told me of your warning

that I should not attempt to meet Nathan. I appreciate the caution, but Nathan is my son. I intend to see him.”

–

Roselyn’s calm faltered, replaced by an edge of disbelief. No, she thought. Not defensive. Manipulative.

Calvin’s jaw tightened. “Alpha, are you certain that’s wise? We already have the Council to deal with – do you really want to add another conflict on top of that?”

Michael’s eyes flashed, the faint glint of his wolf beneath the surface. “He is my son, Calvin. I was denied the right to be his father. All I want is to make things right.” He turned his gaze to Roselyn. “All I want is for him to know who I am.”

Michael’s tone softened, weighted with regret. “Roselyn, when I was forced to move forward with my mating to Kathy, I chose duty over my fated mate. I know we hurt Elaine. I know we’re the reason she lost Nathan’s twin. But I didn’t choose to abandon my son. I was never given that chance.”

“Alpha,” Roselyn said quietly, but every word struck like a blade, “Nathan is my brother’s child. Darius would die before letting anyone threaten his family. You once chose your pack over your mate perhaps it’s time to do that again. They’ve already told you: when Nathan is old enough, he will decide if he wants to meet you.”

—

Michael’s eyes burned with something raw – desperation, guilt, longing. “I can’t wait that long,” he said hoarsely. “My wolf can’t.”

Roselyn met his gaze, unwavering. “Then be prepared,” she said, “to face the Council’s judgment – and possibly, a war with my brother.”

Michael hesitated. “You’re his sister, Roselyn. You could be the bridge between us.”

And just like that, the mask slipped.

Roselyn tilted her head slightly, her voice low and cold. “So that’s the real reason you wanted me here.”

Michael’s jaw tightened. “No. What I meant is that Darius will think twice before severing our alliance now that you’re here – mated to my Beta. I’m simply asking for a chance. A chance to meet my son.”

The air fell still, heavy with unspoken threats and lingering pain.

Roselyn rose slowly from her chair, her gaze sharp as moonlight. “Careful, Alpha,” she said softly. “When you ask for chances, make sure you deserve them.”

Then she turned, her footsteps echoing against the floor as she left the room – silent shadow beside her, the faint scent of tension and truth still hanging thick in the air.