The Rejected Mate (Elaine and Michael) novel Chapter 42

Darius sat back down in his chair after Roselyn left, still shaking his head in quiet exasperation. A small, helpless chuckle escaped him as he looked at Elaine.

“My sister sometimes… no, most of the time she’s overwhelming,” he admitted, rubbing the back of his neck. “But she means well. She’s been pestering me to introduce her to you since she found out I brought you here.”

Elaine’s lips curved into a soft smile. “That’s okay, Darius. Truly. I enjoyed her visit. I didn’t realize how much I missed having another girl to talk to until she came in. She’s… lively, full of energy. It’s refreshing.”

“That she is,” Darius agreed with a faint smirk. His eyes softened at the way Elaine’s face lit up just by recalling the encounter. For once, her expression wasn’t shadowed by pain or worry–it was light, almost carefree. He let himself savor it for a moment before drawing in a steady breath.

“Anyway,” he began, shifting in his seat, “I came here to talk to you.”

Elaine tilted her head curiously. “About?”

“Dr. Grey informed me that you can be discharged as soon as tomorrow,” Darius said, watching her reaction carefully. “So I thought it was time we discussed your living arrangements from here on out.”

Elaine’s brows drew together, the weight of uncertainty settling on her shoulders.

“Oh… I’m not sure what I’m going to do,” she admitted, her voice quiet. “This is all new to me–living in a different pack, not really knowing anyone. What would I even do?”

She bit her lip before adding, “I don’t want to be a burden to anyone.”

Darius leaned forward, resting his forearms on his knees as he spoke firmly, his tone leaving no room for doubt. “You won’t be a burden, Elaine. My mother already told you that you’re welcome to stay at the pack house, and honestly, that’s what I want as well. You know me, you’ve met my beta, my parents, and now Roselyn. You’re not alone here. And as for being a burden–tell me, has anyone in my family or in my pack ever made you feel like you were one?”

Elaine shook her head quickly, her eyes glistening with sincerity. “No. Everyone has been… incredibly kind.

I’m grateful for all of you.”

“Then believe me when I say you’re not a burden,” Darius said gently.

Elaine hesitated, her gaze dropping to her hands. “But… the pack house, it’s meant for high–ranking members or those who work directly under the Alpha. I can’t stay there, not really. Even if I wanted to.”

Darius’s lips curved into the faintest smile, one that hinted at something he had been planning.

“About that,” he said, his voice low but steady, “I actually have a job offer for you.”

Elaine’s eyes widened. She blinked at him, certain she had misheard. “A… job offer?”

He nodded, straightening in his seat. “Yes. How would you feel about working as my assistant?”

Elaine’s mouth fell open slightly in shock. The last thing she had expected was for Darius to hand her such an important responsibility.

“Why me?” She asked finally, her voice hushed but firm. Deep down, she needed to know–was this truly about her abilities, or was it pity dressed as opportunity?

Darius’s expression hardened just a little, though not unkindly.

“Why you?” He repeated. “Because when I returned, I found myself drowning in paperwork. I was gone for only a week, and already the documents waiting for me were stacked to the ceiling. Normally, if I had a Luna, she would handle much of that. But since I don’t, my second option is to hire someone. And when I thought of who I wanted for the job, you came to mind immediately.”

Elaine swallowed, searching his face. “But still… why me? Out of everyone you could choose?”

“Because,” he said firmly, meeting her gaze without wavering, “I saw how you worked back in Silverblade. I saw how capable, organized, and sharp you were, even under pressure and what you were going to. That’s exactly what I need in my office. I don’t offer things I don’t mean, Elaine. I wouldn’t risk the pack’s affairs on someone who couldn’t handle it. So will you help me?”

Her heart skipped. For a moment, she just stared at him, unsure whether to believe the sincerity in his voice.

“Are you certain?” she asked at last, her voice soft. “Because I could find work elsewhere. If you’re only offering this because you feel sorry for me, then-”

Darius’s jaw tightened ever so slightly, and his eyes narrowed.

“Elaine,” he said, his tone a mix of hurt and authority, “I am many things, but I do not offer out of pity. The fact that you even think I would…”

He shook his head, sighing. “I’ll admit, I’m offended by that.”

Her cheeks warmed with guilt.

“I–I didn’t mean to offend you, Darius,” she whispered quickly.

His voice softened again, the edge fading as he saw her sincerity. “I know. I understand why you’d question it. But I need you to trust me on this. So what about my offer?”

For a long moment, silence stretched between them. Then, slowly, a smile tugged at Elaine’s lips. Her chest felt lighter, the doubts easing as she looked at him.

“Yes,” she said finally, her voice steady. “I accept your offer.”

The tension in Darius’s shoulders eased, and for a fleeting second, relief crossed his face.

“Good,” he said simply, though his eyes lingered on her with something warmer than just professional satisfaction.