The Rejected Mate (Elaine and Michael) novel Chapter 132

Life in Crescent Moon had settled into a gentle rhythm—steady, warm, and deeply peaceful. Six months had passed since the council hearing, and the once-chaotic storm in Elaine’s life had quieted into something soft and steady. Morning sun filtered through the dense forest canopy that surrounded the Crescent Moon territory, scattering golden patches across the ground like coins of light. Wolves moved easily through the territory—training, laughing, working—while the hum of contentment pulsed through the pack bond.

Darius was busy, always busy, with his alpha duties. He led the pack with clarity and strength, mediating disputes, planning strategies, and ensuring that every wolf under Crescent Moon was safe and cared for. Yet, despite the weight of his responsibilities, he always returned to Elaine at the end of each day, their connection glowing with an intensity that seemed to brighten with each passing moment. Elaine stood by him tirelessly, gracefully managing her duties as Luna—mentoring the younger wolves, overseeing the pack mothers, ensuring the safety of the pups, and fostering a spirit of unity that flowed through every pack activity.

And then there was Nathan—oh, Nathan! He was their sun, their laughter, their embodiment of joy and peace. Right now, he was racing through the packhouse courtyard, chasing after his friends, his delightful giggles dancing on the breeze. Every time Elaine caught sight of him, her heart swelled with a love so profound, it took her by surprise. After everything she had endured, the depth of her affection for this little boy was something she had never thought possible.

Her phone buzzed incessantly, a constant reminder of her responsibilities. Roselyn, the temporary Luna of Silverblade, reached out often, sometimes even twice a day. They would spend hours discussing the intricacies of their roles: how to address concerns in the nursery, the best ways to organize a full-moon gathering, and what signs to look for in a pack mourning their lost leadership. Roselyn was a natural at this, but she still sought Elaine’s guidance, and Elaine was more than happy to provide it.

Similarly, Calvin frequently contacted Darius, seeking his wisdom on matters like patrol expansions, upcoming council meetings, and tensions within their territories. Their discussions often stretched late into the night, two leaders dedicated to the healing and growth of a pack that was slowly mending from its past wounds.

To everyone’s astonishment, Silverblade thrived. Calvin and Roselyn cultivated unity in ways that Michael never had. Their diplomatic ties with Crescent Moon grew stronger than ever, with wolves crossing freely between the packs for training, trade, and gatherings, fostering a sense of community that had been absent for too long.

Yet, despite this newfound harmony, Elaine and Roselyn never spoke of Michael or Kathy. Roselyn carefully sidestepped those names, not out of bitterness, but out of respect. In her eyes, Michael had once led Silverblade with stability, his intelligence and leadership benefiting the pack immensely when he was in a better state.

“Mate, can you come to my office real quick?” Darius’s voice brushed against her mind like a warm breeze, pulling her from her thoughts.

Elaine was kneeling beside the pups, helping a young omega tie her bootlaces when Darius’s mind-link slipped in.

“Is there a problem?” she replied, rising to her feet.

“No problem, mate. Just an update you need to hear.”

“I’ll be right there,” she assured him.

Turning to Nathan, she ruffled his soft hair affectionately. “Nathan, stay here, okay? I need to go see Daddy.”

“Okay, mommy!” he chirped, already darting back to his game with two other pups.

“I’ll watch him, Luna,” Danica, the omega who often looked after the pups, said with a polite bow.

“Thank you, Danica,” Elaine replied, grateful for the support.

She hurried toward the pack house, the sunlight glinting off the windows as she climbed the stairs and followed the familiar path to Darius’s office. She knocked once—out of courtesy—before pushing the door open.

Inside, she found Darius, Marcus, and Evan gathered together, their expressions heavy, as if the entire weight of the forest had descended upon their shoulders.

“I thought you said there was no problem,” Elaine remarked, arching an eyebrow. “The three of you look like someone just told you the moon was falling.”

Marcus coughed awkwardly, while Evan’s jaw was set tight. Darius turned to her, pushing away from his desk with a sense of urgency.

“Come,” he said softly, guiding her to sit in the chair he always reserved for her. “It’s nothing dangerous, love. Just… news. From the council and Silverblade.”

“From the council?” Elaine leaned forward, her curiosity piqued. “Why? What happened?”

Darius exchanged a glance with Marcus and Evan before answering, his voice measured. “After six months of stabilization, Michael hasn’t shown any improvement.”

Elaine froze, her heart racing. “What do you mean… no improvement?”

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