The Rejected Mate (Elaine and Michael) novel Chapter 114

Meanwhile, at the Crescent Moon Garden, the world seemed to move with an elegant, quiet urgency. Warriors, omegas, decorators, and attendants flowed around the space like purposeful wind, each carrying flowers, linens, trays, or instructions as they prepared for one of the most sacred ceremonies any pack could witness—the welcoming of a new Luna.

The other alphas from the earlier meeting were arriving one by one, their retinues trailing behind them. Their own lunas, heirs, betas, and chosen relatives were escorted toward the garden’s entrance, the long stone path lined with soft lantern-light and flower petals. Their low murmurs of awe filled the air long before their footsteps crossed the threshold.

For tonight, Crescent Moon had transformed its garden into something more than just a decorated space—it had been awakened, alive with a spirit that seemed to pulse beneath every leaf and petal.

Wild forest flowers were arranged in clusters that felt both spontaneous and thoughtfully curated, creating the sensation of walking along a soft trail deep within untouched woods. The typically precise hedges had been softened with cascading vines and blooms, lending the garden an enchanted, almost secret realm quality. Tables and chairs, carved from smooth polished wood, were draped in moss-green cloth and adorned with centerpieces that seemed to mirror the forest itself: ferns, moon-white blossoms, native starflowers, and delicate twigs that released tiny shimmering pollen motes whenever a breeze brushed past.

The air was rich with a blend of scents—the sweetness of fresh petals, the crispness of pine needles, the earthy freshness of bark and damp soil. It was a fragrance that didn’t overwhelm but instead seemed to breathe calm into every guest who inhaled it.

Voices remained low throughout the garden. Even the visiting alphas, known for their commanding presence, moved with softened steps, their gazes lifting to the twinkling canopy of lights strung among the branches above. This place held a rare peace, a beauty that was both powerful and elegantly simple.

It was no surprise that many guests paused to drink in the scene, awe softening their features. Some lunas gently touched their mates’ arms with quiet smiles, while others whispered to their children, urging them to remember this moment.

Though the ceremony was held earlier than tradition usually allowed—earlier than any pack had ever dared—it was met with understanding, even admiration. The Crescent Moon Alpha and Luna’s only son had wished to witness the moment his mother was honored, to stand beside her and be part of this memory. It was a gesture that spoke volumes about the pack’s closeness, the strength of their bonds.

“Here you are, Luna,” Evan said softly as he guided Kathy toward her assigned place near the front.

Kathy gave a small nod, though her eyes betrayed a sadness that even the serene beauty of the garden couldn’t fully ease. “Thank you, Evan.”

He responded with a slight incline of his head, his expression gentle yet unreadable, before stepping away to attend to another task.

At the altar—a structure crafted from intertwined branches, moonstones, and softly glowing orbs—stood Councilman Orion, the elder wolf chosen to officiate the ceremony. His silver-streaked hair fluttered slightly in the gentle breeze, and his presence radiated a quiet strength that commanded immediate respect. Every guest felt the weight of his authority the moment their eyes met his.

Opposite him stood Alpha Darius, a figure impossible to ignore.

Broad-shouldered and poised, Darius carried the unmistakable aura of an alpha in his prime, blending authority with reverence. Beside him was his mate, Luna Elaine.

If the garden resembled a dream woven from forest magic, Elaine was its living spirit.

Her silver gown shimmered softly, as though woven from moonlight itself, draping elegantly over her form to emphasize grace rather than boldness. Her hair flowed freely down her back, catching the glow of the hanging lights and creating an ethereal halo that seemed almost otherworldly. Among the guests, whispered comparisons to ancient wolf goddesses passed quietly, a testament to her radiant presence.

On Elaine’s other side stood their son, Nathan, upright and dignified in a suit matching his father’s. Despite his youth, he carried the Crescent Moon legacy with quiet pride—elegant, commanding, protective. The sight of the family united—the Alpha, the Luna, and their heir—struck the crowd with a deep, respectful awe.

As Elaine was gently guided toward the altar, Darius to her right and Nathan to her left, the crowd instinctively parted to make way for them. No one had to be told; it was a silent, collective act of respect. Eyes followed their slow, graceful procession, admiration softening even the sternest alpha features.

Elaine’s smile was steady and serene throughout, calm and luminous—a true Luna whose every step radiated assurance and strength.

The breeze seemed to still, as if even the wind held its breath to listen.

“I will stand beside our Alpha to protect you. I will be your voice when you cannot speak, your advocate when you feel unheard. I will listen, guide, and fight for you.”

Her eyes traveled across the crowd, meeting as many faces as possible.

“With all my heart,” she said, pressing her palm where her wolf stirred with pride, “and with my wolf, I make this promise to you.”

A moment of silence held the garden in its embrace.

Then, the Crescent Moon pack erupted into applause—warm, powerful, and unanimous. The wave of approval rolled through the space, echoing against the trees and ascending into the open night sky.

Their new Luna had spoken.

And the pack embraced her.