The Rejected Mate (Elaine and Michael) novel Chapter 137

The sudden tug on Evan’s sleeve broke the fragile, luminous bubble that had formed around him and Veronica.

“Uncle Evan, we need to go and play.” Nathan announced, hands on his hips, as if he had not just shattered the universe-altering moment of two mates finding each other. His little face was all impatience, bright eyes glimmering with excitement and the promise of adventure.

Evan blinked, still dazed by the mate bond thrumming in his chest, still drinking in Veronica like she was the first light of dawn after a lifetime of darkness—and then he huffed a breathless laugh.

“Oh bud. You just know how to ruin a moment, don’t you?” He ruffled Nathan’s hair, his wolf amused rather than annoyed. “Alright, alright, let’s go. I’ll talk to your new Auntie Veronica while you two are playing.”

Instantly, Veronica felt her cheeks flush, blooming a vivid pink, her breath catching in her throat as her eyes sparkled like stars caught in amber. Her wolf howled with joy, practically dancing within her mind at the mere sound of the word ‘mate.’

But then her gaze flickered to Kathy, and a shiver of apprehension coursed through her. The reality of their surroundings washed over her, reminding her of the complexities that lay beneath the surface.

“Oh—I’m sorry, Kathy. You mind-linked me.” Her voice softened, laced with respect and a hint of uncertainty. It was a struggle for Veronica to address Kathy without the formal title she had used for so long. For years, she had served as Luna; breaking that habit was not an easy feat.

Kathy shook her head gently, a soft, sad smile gracing her lips, though it didn’t quite reach her eyes.

“You don’t need to apologize. I understand,” she replied, her tone warm yet tinged with an underlying tremor. “Finding your mate for the first time… it’s overwhelming. It’s supposed to be.”

A twist of emotion stirred within Kathy’s chest—not sharp, but profound. It was a dull ache, reminiscent of an old wound that had yet to heal. Inside her, her wolf whimpered softly, curling inward, mourning quietly. The joy of witnessing Evan find his mate was genuine, but it was accompanied by a sorrow that felt all too real.

This is how it should have been, her wolf whispered, echoing a truth that felt like a haunting memory. This is what we were meant to feel.

But that future was lost to her now. And while she had made her peace with it… mostly, the shadow of that loss still lingered.

Kathy straightened, pushing warmth back into her voice like a nurturing mother smoothing the wrinkles from a child’s shirt. “As Evan mentioned, Leo and Nathan want to play while we stay here. If you could keep an eye on them—just for a little while.”

Veronica nodded, a wave of gratitude washing over her for Kathy’s kindness. “Of course. I’ll look after them.”

She turned to the boys, a radiant smile illuminating her face, making her eyes glimmer with excitement. “Come on, pups. It’s time to play with your new friend!”

“Yey!” Both boys shouted in unison, their voices ringing with unrestrained joy. Nathan seized Leo’s hand without hesitation, pulling him forward as if they were long-lost friends rather than two boys who had just met mere minutes ago.

Their laughter echoed through the celebration, bright and unburdened, untouched by the shadows of the past that loomed over the adults. They dashed across the garden, eager to reach the nearby play area, their movements reminiscent of wolf pups frolicking through fresh snow.

Veronica followed closely behind, her steps light and her heart brimming with happiness, her wolf humming with contentment as she felt Evan’s gaze linger on her like a protective cloak.

Evan trailed after her, his chest swelling with a mix of possessive pride, awe, and relief. After years of waiting—only to find Kathy already mated to Michael—he had finally discovered his second chance mate. She was real. She was here. Luna Elaine had been right; he would find his second chance, and she would be perfect.

And Veronica truly was perfect.

Elaine stood at a distance, her gaze instinctively drawn to the scene that had just unfolded across the courtyard. The lantern light cast gentle halos over everyone, but it was the glimmer on Kathy’s cheek that captured her attention—a solitary tear, wiped away with the softest of movements.

Elaine’s heart tightened at the sight.

She couldn’t fathom the raw ache reverberating within Kathy’s wolf at that moment. To witness the male once destined for her—her fated mate—finding his second chance mate right before her eyes… it was a tapestry woven with threads of relief and sorrow, acceptance and heartbreak. The Moon Goddess granted mercy to some and lessons to others, but sometimes those lessons felt like cruel punishment—quiet, unrelenting, and unbearably painful.

Drawing a slow breath, Elaine centered herself before turning to Darius. Her mate was focused on the play area where Evan had disappeared with Veronica and the boys, a faint smile gracing his lips as if he were witnessing fate aligning perfectly.

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