The Rejected Mate (Elaine and Michael) novel Chapter 133

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Two weeks flew by faster than any of them expected. One moment, Elaine was reminding Nathan to pack only his favorite toys—not the entire toy chest—and the next, dawn was breaking over Crescent Moon on the day of their departure for Silverblade.

Their party was a sizable one: Alpha Darius, Luna Elaine, little Nathan, Darius parents—Blaine and Seline, Beta Marcus, and Gamma Evan. A strong delegation—one that showed respect for Silverblade and the newly appointed alpha pair… but also one that kept Crescent Moon’s strength intact.

For the past two weeks, Crescent Moon hummed with focused energy. Darius had been in constant meetings with Jakob, preparing him for something that carried more weight than any training session or patrol ever had. Elaine could vividly recall the moment when Darius first broke the news to Jakob, the young delta’s eyes wide with shock and disbelief. He had stood in the office, a picture of seriousness mixed with the slight tremor of a pup bracing against the chill of its first winter storm.

That pivotal moment, though two weeks past, played in Elaine’s mind like a vivid replay.

“Alpha, you summoned me?” Jakob had asked, stepping into the office with a stiff posture and slightly clammy palms. The gravity of being called in privately by the Alpha was overwhelming, making it almost difficult for him to draw a breath.

“Yes, please take a seat, Jakob,” Darius had replied, his voice steady yet laced with an undercurrent of importance.

Jakob perched on the edge of the chair, as if fearing that any shift in his position might cause the floor to crumble beneath him.

“Is there an issue, Alpha?” he had inquired, the tremor in his voice betraying the nerves he was desperately trying to mask.

Darius leaned back, studying him—not with skepticism, but with a quiet assurance that seemed to fill the room.

“No issue at all,” Darius had assured him. “I simply have something significant to discuss.”

Elaine could still picture Jakob’s nervous gulp, his throat working hard to swallow the weight of uncertainty. When an alpha called for a private conversation, it typically meant one of two things: a promotion or a reprimand. The fear of the latter hung heavily in the air.

“In two weeks,” Darius had begun, “we will be heading to Silverblade for the Alpha ceremony of Calvin and Luna Roselyn.”

Jakob nodded fervently, attempting to convey his attentiveness with an eagerness that bordered on desperation.

“Marcus and Evan will accompany us,” Darius added.

Another quick nod from Jakob, and then came the moment that would change everything.

“And at the recommendation of your luna,” Darius continued, “we want you to hold down the pack while we are away. Crescent Moon will be in your capable hands for several days.”

The silence that ensued was almost comical. Jakob’s eyes widened dramatically, resembling twin full moons, while his jaw moved in a series of starts and stops, as though he had forgotten how to articulate thoughts altogether. Elaine stifled a laugh; he looked utterly bewildered.

“Alpha…” he finally managed to exhale, only to falter. He took a deep breath, visibly centering himself before continuing. “Alpha, are you truly certain about this? I-I promise to do everything in my power to ensure you never regret this decision, but… are you absolutely sure?”

“Yes,” Darius replied without a moment’s hesitation. “We will convene for a full meeting soon to discuss procedures, but there are preparations you need to start on immediately.”

Jakob’s posture straightened, his muscles tensing with a newfound determination.

“You will select the warriors you trust most to assist with training and patrols,” Darius instructed. “Compile a list for me and Marcus. Aim for at least ten. Once approved, those ten will form their own teams. Patrols will be doubled. No one crosses our borders until Luna and I return.”

Jakob inhaled sharply, his wolf stirring within him, a mix of pride and apprehension coursing through his veins.

“And,” Darius added, “you will designate one warrior to assist with training in our absence.”

Jakob nodded vigorously, absorbing every word with an intensity that warmed Elaine’s heart. Crescent Moon thrived because of wolves like him—those who cherished their home so deeply that they trembled under the weight of responsibility yet remained resolute.

“That will be all for now,” Darius concluded, signaling the end of their discussion. “We will reconvene later.”

Jakob rose to leave, his chest rising and falling in a rapid rhythm. But just before he crossed the threshold, he paused, turned to Elaine, and bowed deeply.

“Luna… thank you for placing your trust in me.”

Elaine returned his bow with a warm smile, her voice gentle. “You’ve earned that trust, Jakob.”

He exited the office that day with his back straight and a heart brimming with purpose. Now, two weeks later, the manifestation of that determination was evident everywhere.