The Rejected Mate (Elaine and Michael) novel Chapter 134

The sun hung low in the sky by the time the Crescent Moon convoy reached the ridge overlooking Silverblade. Late afternoon light spilled across the valley in long amber streaks, catching the rooftops and treetops in a soft orange glow. The air carried that warm, quiet stillness that comes just before dusk—the kind that made even the trees seem to hold their breath.

Nathan pressed his small face to the car window, eyes wide, legs bouncing restlessly.

“Mommy, Mommy, are we here? Are we really here?”

His voice nearly cracked from excitement.

“We’re here, sweetheart,” Elaine said with a smile, brushing his hair away from his forehead. “Just a little longer.”

“And Auntie Roselyn is here too?” Nathan asked, practically vibrating.

“Yes,” she laughed. “Auntie Roselyn is here.”

“She said she will make cookies with me again,” Nathan whispered conspiratorially, as if sharing a delightful secret that only they could know.

Elaine’s heart warmed at the thought. Roselyn had a remarkable gift with children, especially with Nathan. She was gentle yet playful, embodying the spirit of a nurturing soul, not out of obligation, but from a deep-seated instinct to care.

As the pack house came into view, Elaine noticed Silverblade’s warriors lined up, standing tall and proud. They were alert but not tense, exuding a sense of pride that resonated through the air. The territory had transformed since her last visit; a palpable sense of harmony pulsed around them, steady and grounding.

When the convoy finally halted, the doors swung open almost in perfect unison.

Without waiting for Elaine to call his name, Nathan launched himself out of the vehicle, his voice ringing out across the courtyard. “AUNTIE ROSELYN!”

A delighted laugh floated down from the steps of the pack house, and there stood Roselyn, clad in a soft cream dress, her hair loosely braided over one shoulder, her face illuminated by the warm glow of the setting sun.

“NATHAN!” she called back, bending down just in time to catch him as he barreled into her arms.

She lifted him effortlessly, spinning him around, and his joyous giggles echoed throughout the courtyard, a sound that brought smiles to the faces of several warriors nearby. Darius let out a soft chuckle, while Marcus and Evan exchanged amused glances, their expressions reflecting the warmth of the moment.

“You’ve grown so much!” Roselyn exclaimed, playfully tapping Nathan’s nose. “Look at you! You’re almost taller than me.”

“I wanna help you bake the cookies again,” Nathan declared with pride, his eyes shining with eagerness.

“You will,” she promised, her smile wide. “I saved a special apron just for you.”

Nathan beamed so brightly that Elaine wondered if he had somehow captured a bit of the sunlight itself.

Stepping forward, Elaine watched as Roselyn gently set Nathan down and walked over to her, enveloping her in a warm embrace.

“You look beautiful,” Roselyn whispered, her voice filled with sincerity.

Elaine returned the compliment, “So do you.”

When they finally pulled apart, Roselyn’s gaze shifted to the men who were now gathered in a serious circle, their voices low as they discussed security arrangements—Darius, Calvin, Marcus, and Evan.

“They’re already in alpha mode,” Roselyn murmured, a hint of amusement in her tone.

“They can’t help it,” Elaine replied, a knowing smile gracing her lips. “It’s in their blood.”

Roselyn smiled brightly, linking her arm through Elaine’s. “Come inside with me. I’ve been so eager to show you the preparations.”

Inside the pack house, the atmosphere was alive with activity—omegas moved with a grace that belied their speed, draping shimmering silver cloths over the railings, arranging white lanterns, and polishing the intricately carved woodwork.

Bluebells and moonlilies—flowers that flourished wildly along the banks of the Silverblade river—were woven into garlands, filling the hall with a cool, sweet fragrance that enveloped them like a comforting embrace.

Elaine paused, taking in the beauty of it all. “It’s breathtaking,” she said softly, her voice barely above a whisper.

Roselyn exhaled a nervous breath she had been holding for hours. “I’ve tried… really hard. The elders wanted something traditional, Calvin preferred simplicity, but I wanted it to be meaningful.”

“It’s more than meaningful,” Elaine reassured her. “It feels like Silverblade has found its heartbeat again.”

Roselyn’s eyes glistened with unshed tears. “Thank you. That means everything to me.”

As they continued deeper into the hall, Elaine observed the warriors practicing their ceremonial formation. An omega was testing the lantern lights, and the ceremonial basin gleamed like polished moonlit glass, reflecting the preparations around it.

“Are you ready for tomorrow?” Elaine asked gently, her tone laced with concern.

Roselyn hesitated, glancing down at her hands as if seeking the right words. “I’m ready to serve the pack,” she said slowly, her voice tinged with uncertainty. “I just… I hope I’ll be enough.”

Elaine paused, turning Roselyn to face her directly. “You are enough. You have been since the moment you stepped into this building with Calvin. Silverblade loves you. You’re not replacing anyone; you’re becoming who the goddess always intended you to be.”

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