The Rejected Mate (Elaine and Michael) novel Chapter 26

The day of the mating ceremony had finally arrived. From the moment the first rays of dawn touched the pack lands, the air had been thick with excitement. The entire territory hummed with a strange energy, every wolf, every omega, every warrior moving with purpose as though the fate of the world depended on the success of this celebration.

For the pack, it was a joyous occasion–the union of the future alpha and luna, a day to mark in history.

For Elaine, it was a day she had been dreading more than any other.

From early morning, the omegas scurried like ants, setting up decorations, hauling trays of food, arranging flowers, preparing for honored guests from allied packs.

She found herself swept into the bustle, her hands busy but her heart heavy. Her older brother, Calvin–the beta, the ever–loyal right hand of their alpha–had returned late last night for the ceremony. She hadn’t seen him in months, and though a small part of her had hoped for comfort in his return, she knew better. He hadn’t even offered her a word of greeting, not a glance, not even the brief acknowledgment of her existence.

Elaine told herself she wasn’t surprised. Of course Father would have informed him, and Michael too. There were no secrets in this pack, not when they involved alliances, leadership, or the future alpha’s mate. Still, she couldn’t decide who the victim was in this tangled story, and truthfully, she no longer cared.

All she knew was that her brother had come back and chosen silence. Perhaps he was too consumed with his responsibilities, or perhaps he too was avoiding her–turning away from her shame and her heartbreak just like the rest of them.

It no longer mattered. She would be leaving. Later today, or tomorrow at the latest, she would walk away from this suffocating place.

The exact hour was uncertain. She had not yet spoken to Alpha Darius to confirm, but she clung to the one promise that kept her steady: Darius had vowed she would leave with him and his pack once everything was finalized, He would speak with Alpha Efrein, gain approval for her transfer to Crescent Moon, and she would finally be free.

That promise, that sliver of hope, was the only thing keeping her sane amidst the chaos of this day.

Oh, Goddess, how she longed for the pain to end. She whispered it like a prayer, like a plea.

Just a little longer, she told herself. All she needed to do was survive this one day. After the ceremony, it would be her turn–her rejection.

The irony twisted like a knife in her chest. On the same day her sister celebrated her union with Elaine’s fated mate, Elaine herself would stand before that same male and hear the words that would sever their bond. She hoped–foolishly, desperately–that it might be done privately, that it could be just the two of them. But deep inside, she knew better. They would want witnesses. They would want to see her final undoing, to watch as the moon goddess’s cruel gift was torn away from her.

What sin had she committed to deserve this torment? What crime warranted such punishment? The questions circled endlessly in her mind, but no answer ever came.

She could only sigh, forcing herself to push the thoughts away. Dwelling on them would not change anything. She had a task to complete, humiliating though it was: to help prepare for the mating ceremony of her own sister and her fated mate.

Her wolf had been silent for days. Elaine didn’t know why, only that the absence gnawed at her. It was as though her other half was conserving strength, withholding some secret she wasn’t ready to share. The silence was worse than scorn. It left Elaine feeling hollow, abandoned even by the one being who had always been hers.

Isolated, avoided like a plague by the rest of the pack, and now without the comfort of her wolf’s voice.

She had never felt so utterly alone.

She drew in a sharp breath, forcing herself to focus.

Concentrate, Elaine. Just concentrate, she told herself.

She straightened her shoulders and surveyed the work before her. Were the flowers arranged perfectly, their colors vibrant and welcoming? Was the food prepared to perfection, fit for such a grand occasion? Were the guests being attended to, their every comfort ensured?

They had kept her busy from the moment she woke, piling duty after duty upon her shoulders. She knew why, of course. They feared she might interfere, that she might attempt to disrupt the ceremony. As if she would.

No, she needed this day to unfold exactly as planned. Only then would her escape be possible.

So she moved from task to task with mechanical precision, her heart aching with every detail she oversaw. Every flower placed, every ribbon tied, every tray balanced in her hands was another reminder of what she had lost. Another reminder of the cruel joke the Goddess had played on her. Another step toward the rejection she both dreaded and longed for.

All she could do was survive the day. And then–finally–leave this place behind.

As she checked the garlands that lined the entrance hall, she heard footsteps behind her. She froze, recognizing the steady, commanding pace instantly. Calvin.

He cleared his throat. “Elaine.”

She turned slowly, keeping her face composed though her heart gave a painful twist.

“Beta.”

His frown deepened. “Don’t. Don’t call me that.”

“Isn’t that what you are?” She asked lightly, though her voice trembled. “Beta. Future Alpha’s right hand. My brother in title only.”

Calvin’s jaw tightened. “That’s not fair.”

“Fair?” A bitter laugh slipped from her lips. “You return home after months, after everything, and can’t even spare me a hello. Forgive me if I can’t find fairness in that.”

He stepped closer, lowering his voice. “You think this is easy for me? To stand here, watching my sister caught in the middle of something none of us wanted?”

Her chest constricted. “None of us wanted? Tell me, Calvin, who exactly didn’t want this? Michael? Father? Or perhaps it was all of you who decided my pain was the price for unity?”

Calvin flinched but said nothing. Silence stretched between them, thick with all the words they would never speak.

Finally, Elaine shook her head. “It doesn’t matter anymore.”

After today, I’ll be gone and hopefully not see me again. Elaine thought.

Calvin’s lips parted as if to argue, but no sound came. Instead, he turned sharply and walked away, his broad shoulders stiff, leaving Elaine standing alone among the flowers.

She forced herself to breathe, to return to her duties.

There was no point in hoping for comfort from her family.