The Rejected Mate (Elaine and Michael) novel Chapter 107

The approach to the Crescent Moon pack house felt like the stirring of ancient power cedar–wood pillars, banners swaying with the proud moon crest, warriors stationed discreetly yet undeniably present. The air held that heavy, charged anticipation packs always felt on the eve of a Luna Ceremony.

The forest itself seemed to watch.

Evaluate.

Judge.

A sleek black SUV rolled to a stop, gravel crunching beneath the tires in the stillness. The second it stilled, Crescent Moon warriors subtly shifted, straightening, eyes sharp. Every one of them watched the doors with the attention of wolves on alert.

This was not just a diplomatic visit.

This was history walking up to their door – complicated, painful history.

The Silverblade pack emerged one by one, power radiating with every step:

Alpha Michael, stature tall and expression unreadable.

Luna Kathy, poised, gentle strength in her eyes.

Beta Calvin, brother–level loyalty in his stance.

And Roselyn – whose gaze immediately searched, instinct drawn to family.

But it was Michael the Crescent Moon pack watched the closest.

Because this time, the wolves guarding the pack house weren’t just protecting a ceremony.

They were protecting a secret.

A child.

Their heir.

Darius and Elaine stood together on the stone steps, flanked by elite warriors – surrounded by three guards, stood Nathan.

Only three years old, yet somehow standing straighter, chin lifted in practiced dignity, tiny hands clasped in front of him. A small suit. Tiny dress shoes. Determination radiating from every inch of him.

Even at his age, he felt his lineage.

And every warrior watched him with unspoken vow: no one touches the future alpha.

Darius glanced sideways, making sure his men were ready. They dipped their heads subtly – readiness confirmed.

Elaine felt the echo of his tension through their bond, and beneath it, the unmistakable flicker of restrained fury.

Then the greetings began.

“Alpha Michael,” Darius said, voice steady steel, offering his hand. “Welcome to Crescent Moon, and thank you for traveling to honor Elaine’s Luna ceremony.”

Michael took his hand, grip firm, smile polite in a way that was almost too practiced. “We wouldn’t miss it. Elaine is originally from Silverblade, after all. We are family – my mate her sister, my beta her brother, and my beta’s mate your sister. Our packs are forever intertwined.”

His eyes slid to Elaine.

And there just a flicker – something sharp, complicated. Almost possessive. Elaine suppressed a shiver.

“Welcome to our territory, Alpha Michael,” Elaine said, taking his offered hand. Her voice was calm, even regal. But touching him – even briefly

– even briefly – sent old shadows rippling through her chest.

Awkward didn’t begin to cover it.

Before the tension could darken further, a small, clear voice cut through the air:

“Welcome to our pack, Alpha Michael. My name is Nathan. We are honored to have you here.”

It was earnest. Pure.

And devastatingly brave.

Michael’s face softened as he crouched slightly, offering his hand to the little alpha. “We’ve met, haven’t we? When you visited Silverblade. Such a smart boy – such manners. The future of your pack.”

Nathan shook his hand politely, chest puffed with pride. Elaine’s palm rested lightly on his shoulder, subtly tugging him a half step closer to her, protective instinct fierce.

“I remember you, Alpha Michael, Nathan said earnestly. “And I’m here as the future alpha of Crescent Moon. I want to be just like my daddy when I grow up.”

Silence rippled like a blade across glass.

Michael’s smile shifted – not cruel, but knowing. And in a low voice only adult ears could catch, he murmured:

Calvin shook his hand gently, eyes soft. Then his voice dropped when he addressed Darius and Elaine:

“Thank you for having us.”

A beat.

“And… I apologize for earlier.”

The apology sat heavy in the air, genuine but unable to erase the sting Michael had left.

Darius exhaled through his nose – slow, controlled. A warrior retracting claws for diplomacy’s sake. He nodded once. Acceptance, but not forgiveness.

“Enjoy your stay,” he said, tone final enough that warriors subtly tightened formation again.

The Silverblade entourage moved toward their assigned quarters, guided by Crescent Moon escorts.

As soon as they were out of earshot, Elaine exhaled shakily, placing her hand on Darius’s chest. Through the bond, she felt it – the storm raging behind his ribs.

He covered her hand with his. No words. Just grounding.

Nathan looked up between them, eyes bright, oblivious to the adult war of histories and scars. Daddy? Mommy? Did I do good?”

Darius lifted him into his arms, holding him tight tighter than necessary. “You did perfect, little alpha.”

Elaine brushed a kiss to her son’s temple. “Perfect.”

But as the wind shifted, carrying Michael’s scent away, she whispered through the bond only Darius could hear:

Roselyn was right. He’s here for more than ceremony. And we need to watch him. Every second.

Darius’s reply was a growl barely contained in human form:

Let him try. He will not take our son.

Their pack house stood tall behind them.

Their future nestled safe in their arms.

And outside, the wolves of diplomacy circled – but Crescent Moon was ready to bare its teeth.