The Rejected Mate (Elaine and Michael) novel Chapter 139

Dawn spilled gently over the Silverback Pack as if the sun itself hesitated to wake the night. Soft gold touched the treetops first, then slid down to the rooftops and the quiet courtyard where the final lanterns flickered like fading stars. The celebration had ended hours ago, yet silence still clung to the air—thick with what had been decided, and what still awaited.

Veronica barely slept.

Every time she closed her eyes, she felt Evan’s hand brushing hers, the sparks flickering beneath her skin like embers refusing to die out. Her wolf paced inside her, unsettled by the idea of leaving one family behind—and yet singing with joy at finding a mate after believing fate had forgotten her.

When she stepped out into the cool morning mist, Evan was already waiting. He leaned casually against a sturdy pine tree, arms crossed loosely over his chest, his eyes half-closed as if he were attuned to some melody of the forest that only he could hear.

The moment she stepped into the realm of his scent, his eyes fluttered open, revealing a warmth that made her heart flutter.

“Good morning, my mate,” he greeted softly, his voice flowing like a warm breeze rustling through the leaves.

Those words melted away the sharp edges of her anxiety, softening her resolve.

“Good morning,” she replied, her voice barely above a whisper as she tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear, her heart racing.

Together, they strolled along the forest path leading to Michael and Kathy’s home. The sound of dirt crunching softly beneath their boots mingled with the chirping of birds waking from their slumber, and the comforting aroma of hearth smoke wafted through the air. Each step felt heavier than the last—not from doubt, but from the profound love she felt for the boy who awaited them, an ache that had woven itself into her very bones.

Evan’s fingers brushed against hers, not fully intertwining but providing just enough connection to ground her. “You’re doing the right thing,” he murmured, his voice a soothing balm against her frayed nerves.

Tears pricked at her eyes, but she nodded, swallowing the lump in her throat.

The house came into view, modest and unassuming, nestled between two towering cedars with ivy creeping up its wooden beams. Smoke spiraled from the chimney, carrying with it the delightful scents of cinnamon and pine sap, wrapping around her like a comforting embrace.

Before they could even knock, Kathy opened the door, her eyes still rimmed with red from the long night. However, they softened as they landed on Veronica, a flicker of warmth igniting within them. Behind her, Michael sat near the window, his wolf resting deep within him, exhaustion etched across his calm exterior.

And there, standing between them, was Leo.

He clutched a small wooden wolf carving in his hands, his thumb rubbing over the smooth grain—a nervous habit that Veronica recognized all too well.

“Vera?” he whispered, his voice small and uncertain.

Without a moment’s hesitation, Veronica knelt, arms wide open to welcome him.

The boy rushed into her embrace, throwing his little arms around her neck. For a brief moment, his breath hitched—just once—before he buried his face into her hair, seeking solace.

“I heard you’re going away,” Leo said, his words muffled and trembling against her shoulder.

Veronica closed her eyes, tightening her grip as if she could hold him forever. “Yes,” she whispered softly, her heart aching. “But I’m coming back. All the time. I promise to visit you and call you on video often.”

His tiny fingers clutched the fabric of her shirt, seeking reassurance. “You’re going to Alpha Darius’s pack?”

She nodded, her heart swelling with both pride and sorrow. “With Gamma Evan. He’s my mate.”

Leo leaned back just enough to meet her gaze, his eyes wide with concern. “Will he take care of you?”

The simplicity and sincerity of his question nearly shattered her resolve.

“Yes,” she breathed, conviction lacing her words. “He will. Just as I take care of you.”

Leo nodded slowly, as if this truth was the only thing that mattered in the world—not politics, not status, not destiny. Just safety. Love. A promise.

With a seriousness that only a child could possess, he lifted his wolf carving and pressed it into Veronica’s hands.

“So you don’t forget me,” he said softly, his voice almost a whisper.

Veronica’s heart shattered into a million pieces. “I could never forget you.”

She pulled him into another embrace, inhaling the comforting scent of cedar and soap, etching this moment deep into her soul.

Over Leo’s shoulder, she met Michael’s gaze.

There was no anger in his eyes. No resentment. Just understanding—and gratitude.

“Thank you for loving him like your own,” Michael said quietly, his tone sincere.

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