The Rejected Mate (Elaine and Michael) novel Chapter 116

When they returned to the celebration, the night had already deepened into a velvet blue, lanterns swaying above the courtyard like captured stars. Music still played—soft drums, distant flutes, the murmur of voices drifting like smoke—but Elaine felt none of it. Her heart hadn’t fully settled since the confrontation. Darius, walking beside her, looked composed on the outside, but she could feel the charge beneath his skin. Every step he took vibrated with barely restrained fury.

At least he was calm enough now to hide it.

They headed straight toward Marcus, Evan, and Nathan—who stood near the long banquet tables, waiting anxiously. The moment they reached them, Elaine dropped down to her son’s height, scooping him into her arms so tightly her knuckles turned white.

Nathan let out a small squeak from the sudden pressure, his tiny hands clutching at her gown, but he didn’t pull away. “Mommy?” he asked softly.

Pressing her cheek against his forehead, Elaine exhaled slowly, grounding herself in the steady warmth of her child and the familiar rhythm of his heartbeat. She had told Darius to keep his wolf in check, to hold back his fury—but she herself was shaken to her core. Losing Nathan was a nightmare she couldn’t bear to imagine. And to think he might be lost to Michael of all people twisted her stomach so sharply she tasted iron.

Still, panic could not be allowed to take hold. Charging into any kind of battle—legal, political, or physical—without a clear plan was suicide. She needed to regain control, to find clarity. She had to be Luna.

“What’s wrong, Mommy?” Nathan’s voice was gentle, worry threading through his words.

“Nothing’s wrong, baby,” Elaine said with a soft smile, brushing his hair away from his eyes. “I just miss my handsome little escort.”

Nathan puffed up with pride. “I didn’t go far!”

“I know,” she whispered, planting a kiss on his forehead. “But I missed you.”

Rising, she slipped her fingers into Darius’s hand just as a movement at the edge of the courtyard caught her attention. The Silverblade Pack was approaching, their figures lit by the lantern glow—Michael leading, Kathy beside him, Calvin and Roselyn close behind. They moved through the crowd like a wave of polished steel and practiced smiles.

Elaine felt Darius stiffen before she even turned fully. A low vibration—a growl from his wolf—rumbled through their bond.

Roselyn was the first to reach them, her smile bright and sincere. “Elaine, my goddess, you look stunning tonight. And the ceremony—truly breathtaking.”

Elaine nodded politely. Roselyn’s eyes held genuine warmth; it was clear she had no idea what Michael had done.

Elaine suspected Kathy was just as unaware.

“Roselyn’s right,” Kathy added softly, her smile warm and kind. “Your ceremony was beautiful. And you look… gorgeous.”

“Thank you,” Elaine replied quietly.

Then Michael stepped forward, and the atmosphere shifted, thickening with tension. His voice slid between them—smooth, but with an unmistakable edge of wrongness. “They’re right, Elaine. Your ceremony was wonderful. You were always meant to be a Luna.”

A chill ran down Elaine’s spine. Every instinct screamed that danger was near.

Behind her, Darius let out a low growl, quiet enough not to draw attention but deep and fierce enough to freeze the blood of anyone nearby. Elaine immediately placed a hand on his shoulder, shaking her head—Not here. Not now.

She faced Michael again, standing tall and steady. “Thank you, Alpha Michael. And yes—I believe I was always meant to be Luna of Crescent Moon. With my fated mate and Alpha, Darius.”

Michael’s jaw clenched tightly.

“I am very fortunate to have found him,” she continued, her voice firm and unwavering. “A loyal, strong, devoted mate. Both my son and I are lucky. We are exactly where we’re meant to be.”

A sharp, ugly flicker crossed Michael’s face—a direct hit.

Before he could recover, Darius stepped forward, his deep, steady voice resonating with alpha authority.

“Elaine?” Kathy whispered, confusion clouding her face.

Elaine’s gaze shifted to her. “I hope you understand what your Alpha has done. He petitioned the Council to question my son’s paternity.”

Kathy’s face paled. She spun toward Michael. “Michael… what have you done?”

Michael lifted his chin defiantly. “He is my son, Elaine. He deserves to know his real father. I thought you lost our pup in the miscarriage.”

Elaine inhaled sharply, fury flashing in her eyes like shards of ice. “I did lose a pup, Alpha. And you know why. You made your choice. What am I supposed to tell my son? That he had a sibling who died before he was born because his father lacked courage? Because his father betrayed his bond and chose my sister?”

Michael’s face went white.

“You made your choice,” Elaine said, her voice trembling with restrained rage. “And I made mine. You are not my son’s father. His father”—she stepped beside Darius, taking his hand—“is right here. A loyal, strong Alpha.”

Darius stood tall, a silent pillar of strength at her side.

Michael had nothing left to say.