The Rejected Mate (Elaine and Michael) novel Chapter 104

The forest path stretched before them in twilight gray, quiet except for the crunch of leaves beneath their boots and the distant howl of a lone wolf greeting the evening. Roselyn’s hand brushed against Calvin’s as they walked, the warmth between them grounding her despite the chill creeping through the trees. They were almost at their cabin when she finally spoke–her voice soft, but heavy with the weight of questions that had been clawing at her heart.

“Calvin,” she murmured, stopping him gently by the sleeve. “What will happen if the council finds your parents guilty of interfering with the mate bond?”

He inhaled slowly, jaw tensing, eyes darkening like storm clouds. “There are… multiple consequences,” he said, voice low. “The least severe is ostracization. They wouldn’t be banished, but they’d be stripped of Pack recognition. They’d be allowed only in certain territories, living on the edge of the very home they once stood proudly in.” He paused, throat working. “The worst is banishment.”

The word hung in the air like a curse, echoing between the trees.

Roselyn’s brow furrowed as she searched his face. “If that was the consequence, why did they interfere with Elaine and Michael’s bond? Why risk everything? Why do something so… devastating?”

“That,” Calvin sighed, rubbing a hand over his face, “is the question we all keep asking. We asked them over and over, begged for answers. But all they ever said was that it was ‘for the Pack.” His eyes flickered with pain. “But if that were true, they should have approved the fated bond. A true mate bond adds stability, power, strength to future heirs.”

Roselyn shook her head, confusion knotting her chest. “Exactly. Michael and Elaine.as fated mates would have produced powerful heirs. Everyone knows that. Yet they chose Kathy’s pup instead–no offense–but Kathy is a chosen mate.”

Calvin nodded. “They told us that since Kathy was already carrying a pup, the Pack had to protect her. They said if Michael marked Elaine, she might… kill the child out of jealousy.” His voice thickened with disbelief. “But I know my sister. Elaine would rather tear out her own heart than harm an innocent. She even told them she would love that child as her own.”

“And they still didn’t believe her,” Roselyn whispered.

Calvin’s shoulders sagged. “No. They didn’t.”

She touched his hand, her thumb grazing over his knuckles with quiet affection. “And how are you with all of this?” she asked softly, worry threading her voice. He was her mate–his pain was hers.

A small, sad smile tugged at Calvin’s lips. “I accepted long ago that what they did was wrong. Every choice has consequences, and they made theirs.” He swallowed hard. “I cut ties for Elaine’s sake. For the pain she went through. The only comfort is that she’s happy now–with Alpha Darius.”

Before she could respond, Roselyn’s phone rang, the ringtone shattering the solemn silence. She glanced at the screen and her face lit up with a smile as she turned it toward Calvin.

He chuckled. “Go on. Talk to her. I need to get to patrol.”

“Be careful, love, Roselyn whispered.

Calvin froze. It was the first time she had said it. His eyes softened, and something warm and fierce moved across his features. He cupped her face and kissed her–deep, intense, grounding. When he pulled away, his forehead rested against hers for a heartbeat before he turned and disappeared into the trees.

Roselyn exhaled shakily, then answered. “Elaine?”

“Roselyn! Help me!” Elaine burst out immediately. “Turn on your camera–quick! Which dress looks better? Love, hold the camera steady!”

Instant relief washed over Darius’s face. “Done. Silver it is. Love, save the white for another

occasion. Decision made.”

He kissed Elaine’s forehead and then moved like he was fleeing a battlefield. “I need to return to the office. Roselyn, you’ll be here for the Luna ceremony?”

“Yes-”

He vanished before she finished answering. Elaine and Roselyn burst into laughter as his retreating back disappeared.

“Does he always run when overwhelmed?” Roselyn teased.

“Oh, absolutely,” Elaine said proudly. “But he always gives in. He just wants me happy. That’s how he loves.”

Warmth blossomed in Roselyn’s chest. And for the first time, she truly understood the gift the moon goddess had given her brother–and the goddess had finally given her, too.