The Rejected Mate (Elaine and Michael) novel Chapter 106

“Now remember,” Elaine began gently, bending down so she was eye–level with the little boy perched on the edge of his bed, “we have a lot of visitors arriving today for the Luna ceremony tomorrow. You can stay with us while we welcome them, but there is no moment not one–where you leave our sight or your guards‘ sight, alright? And no talking to anyone without us. Even if it’s an Alpha from another pack.”

Her voice carried the weight of a leader and the warmth of a mother all at once. Outside the window, the estate buzzed softly–guards shifting into position, patrol wolves rotating, the calm before dignitaries and power swept through their territory like a tide.

Nathan’s small hands fidgeted with the tiny golden buttons of his small suit. He nodded eagerly, curls bouncing. It was a heavy responsibility for anyone–let alone a three–y but it was a role he embraced with all the seriousness only a child trying to impress the parents could muster.

“Yes, Mommy. Daddy already told me.” His little chest puffed proudly. “I will be a good little Alpha to us ‘

Our guests. And tomorrow I will stand beside you when you walk to Daddy home. I will be a good Alpha, Mommy. Just like Daddy.”

for your Luna

Elaine felt her heart soften, warmth spreading through her chest. The pack saw a future alpha. She saw her boy–brave, eager, too small for the world’s dangers but determined to carry them anyway.

She brushed his cheek with her thumb. “And you already are, Nathan. You are the best little Alpha we could ever wish for. That is why we need you safe. Even Daddy always has Uncle Marcus by his side as his Beta–and guards too.”

Nathan’s eyes widened in fascination, then curiosity sparked. “Will I have my own Beta one day? Daddy said I will. Can it be Julius? He’s Uncle Marcus’s son–and my best friend.”

Elaine chuckled softly, smoothing the tiny collar of his formal shirt. “One day. But you don’t have to worry about that yet. For now, we just welcome our guests and do our best. Alright?”

“Okay, Mommy,” he nodded solemnly.

A sudden knock echoed, and the door opened. Darius stepped in, tall and broad, presence commanding even when dressed in suit instead of battle leathers. His eyes softened instantly upon seeing his family.

“Our guests are approaching,” he announced. “I just received word they passed the gates.”

“Daddy, look!” Nathan scrambled to his feet and ran to him. “We match!” He spread his arms proudly, showing off their coordinated attire. “And tomorrow we will match again!”

Darius scooped him up with ease, pressing a kiss to the top of his head. “Yes, we do match, little Alpha. And you look very handsome.”

Nathan wrapped his arms around Darius’s neck, face glowing. “You’re handsome too, Daddy.

Just like me.”

Elaine laughed–a bright, soft sound–and Darius joined her, shaking his head in delight as their son clung proudly to him.

Together, the three of them stepped into the hallway, guards falling into formation as they made their way toward the grand staircase. The pack house had shifted into ceremonial readiness–banners unfurled, arrangements of white moon blossoms and silver fern adorning the walls, warriors positioned like shadows against the light.

Through the large windows, wolves from allied packs approached the entrance in sleek processions. Among them, unmistakable even from a distance, were members of the Silverblade Pack.

Elaine’s finger reflexively around Darius’s arm.

Roselyn’s warning whispered in her memory.

Michael might do something. Be ready.

Elaine’s jaw tightened ever so slightly, her smile unwavering but her heartbeat sharp beneath it.

She hoped Roselyn was wrong.

And today, the would see him standing beside one.

Darius’s arm brushed hers in silent reassurance, his posture tall and commanding. The presence around him shifted–the subtle ripple of dominance rolling from him like tide under moonlight. His guards fanned out behind them, silent shadows.

The first Alpha stepped forward.

Elder Rowan of the IronClaw Pack–a silver–haired wolf with steel–gray eyes and a presence carved from old battles and older honor. He bowed his head respectfully.

“Alpha Darius. Future Luna Elaine.” His gaze softened as it fell to Nathan. “And who is this young Alpha.”

Nathan bowed his head–just a fraction too eagerly. “Welcome to our pack, my name is Nathan” he recited proudly, voice small but clear. “We are honored to have you here.”

The Elder chuckled warmly. “And we are honored to witness such promising strength so young.”

Elaine’s heart warmed. He’s doing so well.

More wolves came next–leaders, betas, warriors–offering gifts of rare pelts, crafted steel, moonstone charms and blessing tokens. Greetings exchanged, grips of wrists in trust, gent respect to Nathan as if he were older than his tiny stature.

The energy shifted suddenly.

A sleek silver SUV rolled to a stop at the far end of the drive.

The Silverblade Pack.