The Rejected Mate (Elaine and Michael) novel Chapter 140

The journey to Crescent Moon felt shorter than Veronica expected. Maybe it was the way Evan’s presence filled the space beside her—solid, reassuring. Maybe it was the way her wolf leaned toward him with every mile, no longer restless, but settled… finally home.

The mountain roads cut through evergreen forests kissed by mist. The landscape shifted slowly—Crescent Moon dense cedar valleys opening into high ridges, where wind danced freely and sunlight spilled like liquid gold over stone.

They crossed the final ridge just as afternoon light struck the heart of Crescent Moon territory.

Veronica drew a soft breath.

Before them lay a timeless valley, sculpted by nature’s hand—a sweeping expanse of verdant meadows dotted with quaint homes crafted from pale stone and timber, wisps of smoke spiraling from chimneys like shimmering silver ribbons. The central packhouse rose majestically on a hill, its walls adorned with intricate moon symbols that seemed to glow softly even in the daylight.

A river meandered through the land, its surface mirroring the vast sky above.

It was breathtaking.

Untamed.

Vibrant with life.

Evan’s smile at her reaction radiated warmth, pride lacing his voice.

“Welcome home, Veronica.”

The word “home” sent a thrilling flutter through her heart, igniting a spark of hope deep within her.

The convoy began its descent toward the main courtyard, where a gathering of warriors and families awaited their arrival. Children perched eagerly on fences, their laughter ringing out like music, while elders stood wrapped in colorful shawls, their faces glowing with anticipation. The air thrummed with excitement, electric and alive.

As Evan stepped out of the vehicle, he transformed before her eyes—the gamma aura that enveloped him was no longer just the man who had bared his soul under the soft glow of lantern light; he was now the leader these wolves relied upon for their safety and security.

Yet, when he reached for Veronica’s door, he opened it with a reverent touch, as if she were a precious treasure delivered straight from the Moon.

Murmurs rippled through the crowd.

“Gamma has found his mate.”

“She’s stunning.”

“An omega from Silverback? The bond must be something extraordinary.”

Veronica’s heart raced, a wild drumbeat echoing in her ears. Her palms grew clammy, every instinct urging her to shrink back, to avert her gaze. But then Evan’s hand slid into hers, their fingers entwining securely. His warmth surged through her, grounding her in the moment.

Nearby, Alpha Darius stepped forward, his voice resonating with authority throughout the courtyard.

“Crescent Moon welcomes a new wolf today,” he declared, his tone clear and unwavering. “A sister chosen by fate and bonded to our Gamma.”

Whispers swelled, curiosity igniting like a flame.

But then Elaine, standing proudly beside her mate, raised her hand to quiet the crowd.

“We honor the Goddess’s choice,” she proclaimed, her eyes shimmering with sincerity. “And we embrace our family as it expands.”

She turned her gaze to Veronica, a smile blossoming on her lips—warm, genuine—and Veronica felt the tension within her begin to dissolve, like ice melting under the sun.

Before she could gather her thoughts to speak, a small figure darted past the legs of the warriors—Nathan, his joy uncontained. He collided with Evan’s legs before pivoting to latch onto Veronica with the same exuberance.

“Welcome to our pack, Auntie Veronica!” he announced with pride, as if he had orchestrated the very plans of the Moon. “We’ll visit Leo and Auntie Roselyn soon, so don’t feel lonely, okay?”

Laughter rippled through the crowd, gentle and inviting.

And somewhere deep within her, Veronica’s wolf finally let out a long-awaited sigh of relief.

Later that evening, after a heartfelt welcome ceremony and a simple yet fulfilling shared meal, Veronica found herself on a balcony that overlooked the valley. The moon had risen, full and luminous, casting a silvery glow over the land.

Evan’s jacket draped over her shoulders, his scent enveloping her like a comforting embrace.

She heard soft footsteps approaching.

Luna Elaine.

Veronica instinctively straightened, but Elaine waved her hand in a gesture of ease, a relaxed smile gracing her lips.

“Relax,” Luna Elaine murmured. “I came for the view… and the silence.”

They stood side by side, the tranquility of the moment wrapping around them like a warm blanket.

Veronica broke the silence first.

“I didn’t expect to feel at home here so quickly,” she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper.

Luna Elaine’s gaze drifted across the moonlit valley, her expression thoughtful.

“Sometimes,” she said softly, “home is not merely a place you are born into but rather a space that recognizes the parts of you you’ve been trying to conceal.”

Veronica swallowed hard, the weight of those words settling in her chest.

“I was scared,” she confessed, vulnerability spilling from her. “Leaving Leo. Accepting that someone like Evan could… love someone like me.”

Luna Elaine’s expression softened, like a gentle rain after a long drought.

“Rank can be a cage,” she said, her voice steady. “But love is the key the Goddess provides us to break free from it.”

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