The Rejected Mate (Elaine and Michael) novel Chapter 115

The celebration stretched far into the night, spilling golden light and laughter across Crescent Moon’s great hall. Torches flickered along the stone pillars, casting shifting shadows that danced with the crowd. Music pulsed through the space—drums low and steady like a heartbeat, strings bright as the stars glittering above the open skylight.

For the first part of the evening, Nathan stayed close to Darius and Elaine, moving with them through throngs of allied pack members and visiting dignitaries. Though only a child, he held himself with surprising poise, shoulders squared just like his father’s, chin lifted like a young heir to a throne. Every little bow he offered made the elders smile. Every firm handshake made Alpha’s nod in approval.

Darius kept a protective hand near Nathan’s back, his gaze sharp and watchful, the instinct of a guardian evident in every measured step. Nathan fully understood the significance of the night—his mother’s ceremony, her formal ascension as Luna of Crescent Moon—and he bore his role as her escort with quiet, solemn pride.

Elaine sensed a pair of eyes tracking them across the room. A cold, piercing gaze that seemed to tighten the very air around her. She forced herself to ignore it, focusing instead on the comforting warmth of her mate’s hand brushing against hers, feeling the steady rhythm of his pulse beneath her fingertips. Yet she noticed the way Darius tensed each time that gaze landed on her. The fury burning in his eyes wasn’t merely simmering beneath the surface—it was caged, restrained only by sheer force of will.

For now, Darius chose not to confront Michael. Not tonight. Not on the night that belonged to Elaine. But every breath he took betrayed the fragile thread holding his restraint in place.

The three of them approached Councilman Orion, who stood quietly near the edge of the hall beneath a softly glowing lantern. Its amber light outlined the streaks of silver in his hair, giving him an almost ethereal presence. Earlier, he had officiated the ceremony, binding the pack’s acceptance of Elaine as their Luna with ancient rites and words that carried profound power.

“Councilman Orion, thank you for joining us to celebrate and to conduct my Luna’s ceremony,” Alpha Darius said, his voice steady and commanding even amid the revelry.

He then placed a hand gently on Nathan’s shoulder, guiding him forward. “Have you met our son? This is Nathan. Nathan, meet Councilman Orion.”

Without hesitation, Nathan stepped ahead, extending his small hand. “Hello, Councilman. My name is Nathan. Thank you for coming to our pack.”

Though soft, Nathan’s voice was clear and confident. Orion’s expression softened in response. The councilman inclined his head slightly, clearly impressed not only by the boy’s manners but by the undeniable bond linking him to the Alpha and Luna standing beside him. A complete family—united, loyal, and fiercely protective. A family that, if the council’s recent summons meant what Orion feared, would soon face its greatest challenge.

“Pleased to meet you, young alpha,” Orion replied. “It is always an honor to serve.”

Then his expression shifted subtly—just enough for Darius and Elaine to sense the weight of what was to come. Lowering his voice, Orion spoke quietly.

“Alpha… I would like a word with you and the Luna after the celebration. Or, if more convenient, tomorrow morning.”

Elaine straightened, a sudden tension threading through her spine. “If it’s important, Councilman, we can discuss it now.”

Darius immediately turned toward her, ready to object—her ceremony wasn’t even halfway finished, and he didn’t want anything to spoil this night. But Elaine shook her head firmly.

“If it concerns our pack,” she said softly, “we need to face it sooner rather than later. Our responsibilities don’t pause. Besides…” She softened her gaze, looking at him with quiet understanding. “You won’t be able to stop thinking about it until we do. It will cloud your mood. I’d rather know now if something deserves that shadow.”

Darius exhaled, frustration flickering across his face, but he yielded.

He crouched down to Nathan’s level. “Nathan, stay here with Uncle Marcus and Evan. We’ll be back shortly. We just need to speak with Councilman Orion.”

“Okay, Daddy,” Nathan replied without hesitation.

“You remember the rules?”

“I know, Daddy.” Nathan nodded with a maturity that exceeded his years.

Darius exchanged a silent, commanding look with Marcus and Evan. Both warriors straightened, their expressions solemn and resolute—they would protect Nathan with their lives.

Taking Elaine’s hand, Darius followed Orion out of the warmth and noise of the hall.

They walked down the corridor, torchlight flickering against the cold stone walls. The air grew cooler as they neared Darius’s office, the sounds of celebration fading into a distant hum. When the door closed behind them, the silence inside felt heavy, almost oppressive.

Darius crossed his arms over his chest. “Speak, Orion.”

“He has no right, Elaine,” Darius seethed. “None whatsoever. He chose Kathy. He walked away. He forfeited everything.”

“That will be for the council to decide,” Orion said cautiously. “If Alpha Michael can prove his rights were violated—”

Darius cut him off with a roar. “I would kill him before I let him claim anything. Orion, I will declare war if I must. I will erase his pathetic pack from the map before I allow a coward like him to lay a hand on my son!”

“Darius! Calm down,” Elaine urged, cupping his face in both hands. Her touch was the only thing capable of breaking through the inferno of his anger.

She turned to Orion. “Thank you for informing us. But for now, we will return to the celebration as if nothing has occurred.”

Then she looked back at Darius, grounding him with her steady, unwavering gaze. “We have time. Three days before the council meeting. Tomorrow, we send our guests home. The next day, we strategize.”

Her voice softened, though her determination remained fierce.

“And on the third day… we will defend our family against any threat that dares to touch us.”

Darius closed his eyes, drawing in her calm like a balm, letting it soothe the storm raging inside him.

For their family, he would stand against the world.

And for their family, she would stand beside him—unbreakable, unshakable.