The Rejected Mate (Elaine and Michael) novel Chapter 27

The moment everyone had been waiting for finally arrived. The great hall shimmered with golden lanterns, their light casting warmth over the rows of pack members who sat buzzing with anticipation. At the front, the altar was adorned with white roses and evergreen branches, a symbol of loyalty and eternal union.

The council member, a stern yet dignified figure named Lucius, stood tall at the altar, his ceremonial robes flowing like waves of authority. To his right stood the Alpha and Luna of the pack, both beaming with pride, as though today was the culmination of all their sacrifices. To his left stood Elaine father Beta Richard, Elaine’s mother Lucille and her older brother, Calvin.

Together, they framed the place where the soon–to–be–mated couple would seal their bond.

The entire hall hummed with excitement, waiting for the new union to be completed.

At the very back of the hall, hidden in the shadows, stood Elaine. Her eyes were fixed on her parents, who were glowing with pride at the altar.

A pang of betrayal shot through her heart. They looked so happy, so supportive of Michael and Kathy. But when had they ever looked at her like that?

Her parents had been trying to reach her through the mind link since morning, their voices brushing against the barrier she had firmly erected. She had shut them out completely. She didn’t have the strength to hear their excuses, their justifications, their empty reassurances.

Footsteps approached from behind, measured and steady. Elaine tensed. When she looked up, she saw Alpha Darius, his tall frame radiating authority, but his eyes softened when they landed on her.

He came to stand beside her, close enough that his presence was like a shield against the storm swirling in her chest.

“Are you alright, Elaine?” His deep voice was quiet, but it carried genuine concern. “You look… stressed.”

Elaine forced her lips into a polite line. “I’m fine, Alpha.”

She still hadn’t told him the truth–that Michael, the future Alpha, was her Goddess given mate, her fated. That the man walking toward his destiny at the altar had once been promised to her by the Moon Goddess herself. That the woman Michael had chosen instead was her own sister.

Why hadn’t she told Darius? Perhaps because speaking it aloud would make it more real. Perhaps because a part of her feared what he would do with the knowledge.

“About the promise I made you,” Darius said suddenly, his voice steady but low enough for only her to hear. “I’ll fulfill it tomorrow.”

Elaine’s lips trembled into the faintest smile. Relief washed over her like a fragile wave. Finally, there was a light at the end of this endless tunnel. She only needed to survive this day, endure this final cruelty, and then she would be gone. She would leave everything–the betrayal, the rejection, the loneliness–behind.

She would never come back.

She thought of Crescent Moon Pack, where she could start anew. Or perhaps the human world, where no one knew her name, her bloodline, or her pain. Anywhere but here. Anywhere she could finally breathe.

“Ah,” Darius murmured, shifting his attention forward. “Here come the happy couple.”

Elaine’s heart twisted painfully at his words.

Happy indeed, she thought bitterly.

Down the aisle walked Michael and Kathy. Michael’s shoulders were squared with pride, his suit perfectly tailored, his every step exuding authority. Kathy glowed in her pristine luna gown, the fabric glittering as it caught the light. She held her belly with one hand–the faint swell of her pregnancy obvious now–while the other clung to Michael’s arm.

The crowd erupted into cheers and applause, voices blending into a chorus of joy. Even Darius clapped beside her.

But for Elaine, each cheer was like a dagger. Her heart felt as though it would rip itself from her chest. Around her, smiles bloomed on every face, while her world crumbled into dust.

Just one more day, she told herself, digging her nails into her palms. Just one more day, then all this pain will end.

At the altar, Michael’s voice rang out, strong and certain. “Council Lucius, in front of all the pack members, I present my mate and future Luna.”

His eyes glittered with pride as he looked down at Kathy.

Council Lucius nodded, his expression solemn. “Young Alpha, future Luna. The council acknowledges your union. With this bond, your pack’s future is secured.”

The hall thundered with another cheer, louder this time. Elaine swayed where she stood.

“And now,” Lucius continued, lifting his hands, “the final step. Mark each other.”

Elaine’s breath caught. Her vision blurred. This was not what had been told to her. She had been assured she would not be forced to witness this most intimate act. Her knees weakened.

Her wolf stirred violently inside her, panicked.

‘Pup. Must protect pup.‘

Elaine’s hand flew to her stomach.

Pup? Oh, Goddess, she thought, her whole body trembling.

I can’t survive this. My pup can’t survive this. How can they be so cruel? What have I done to deserve this punishment?

Her tears spilled unchecked, her chest tightening with unbearable pain.

She turned to Darius, her voice breaking. “Alpha… please. Hold me. Don’t let me go.”

Darius froze, startled by the sudden desperation in her tone. Just moments ago, she had smiled at his promise of escape, and he had felt her relief. Now, what he felt radiating from her was nothing but raw pain, terror, and… something else he couldn’t name.

When she begged him to hold her, it sent a wave of confusion through him. His brows furrowed as he caught her trembling shoulders, steadying her.

What is going on with her? Darius thought, searching her tear–streaked face. What pain is she carrying that no one else can see?