The Rejected Mate (Elaine and Michael) novel Chapter 43

The next morning arrived faster than Elaine expected. The gentle knock on her hospital room door stirred her from sleep, and she blinked awake to see the faint golden light of dawn slipping past the curtains.

Dr. Grey entered with a clipboard in hand, his expression professional but kind. “Good morning, Elaine. How are you feeling today?”

“A little tired, but much better,” she answered truthfully, pushing herself up on the pillows.

He nodded approvingly. “That’s good to hear. I’ve reviewed everything. Your wolf has healed significantly, and I’m confident you’re strong enough to be discharged. Just take it easy–no strenuous activity until your strength is fully back. Remember, your wolf is working hard to keep you pup safe.”

Elaine gave him a grateful smile. “Thank you, Dr. Grey.”

By the time she had signed the necessary papers and gathered her few belongings, Darius arrived. He leaned casually against the doorway, but his eyes softened the moment they fell on her.

“Ready?” He asked.

Elaine took a deep breath and nodded. “As ready as I’ll ever be.”

They walked together through the pack hospital’s quiet halls, her steps cautious but steady. Once outside, the crisp morning air greeted her, carrying with it the familiar scents of the Crescent Moon territory–pine, earth, and the faint, comforting trace of the pack itself.

Waiting near the car was Roselyn, bouncing on her heels with impatience.

“Finally!” She exclaimed the moment she spotted Elaine. “I was beginning to think they were going to keep you in there forever. Come on, I can’t wait to show you the pack house!”

Elaine laughed softly, shaking her head. “It hasn’t even been that long.”

Roselyn grinned mischievously. “It felt like forever.”

Darius shot his sister a pointed look. “Roselyn, calm down. She just got discharged.”

Roselyn pouted but zipped her lips, though her excitement still shone through her bright eyes.

The drive to the pack house was short, but to Elaine, it felt momentous. She watched the landscape blur past–the dense woods, the well–kept roads, the occasional cluster of houses, until at last the pack house came into view.

It was grander than the pack house in Silverblade, with its stone walls and wide balconies overlooking the forest. As the car rolled to a stop, a wave of nervousness fluttered in her stomach.

Darius caught the subtle shift in her expression.

“You’ll be fine,” he murmured, his voice steady, reassuring.

Inside, the pack house was alive with quiet bustle. Members passed by, nodding respectfully to Darius, their gazes curious when they lingered on Elaine. She felt a flush rise to her cheeks, but Darius’s presence at her side kept her grounded.

He led her up the main staircase, past polished wooden railings and wide hallways, until they reached a room at the end of a corridor. He opened the door for her, gesturing inside.

“This will be your room.” He said.

Elaine stepped inside and was immediately struck by how warm and welcoming it felt. The room was modest yet comfortable–soft bedding, a writing desk by the window, and a view of the forest beyond.

Sunlight spilled across the floor, giving it a golden glow.

She turned to him, overwhelmed. “Darius, this is… more than I expected. Thank you.”

“You’re welcome,” he said simply, his gaze lingering a moment longer than usual before he cleared his throat. “Settle in, and later today, I’ll introduce you to your new duties.”

Roselyn practically burst into the room behind them, unable to contain herself any longer. “Oh, it’s perfect!

And you’re right next to my room. We can talk all night if we want!”

Elaine laughed, shaking her head in amusement. “I’m starting to think you had something to do with this room being chosen.”

Roselyn winked dramatically. “Maybe.”

Darius rolled his eyes but didn’t argue.

“Elaine,” he said, drawing her attention back to him, “tomorrow, come by my office. We’ll go over your responsibilities. Nothing overwhelming at first, just easing you into it. But for now, take a rest or walk around the pack house, get familiar with your new home”

Elaine felt her nerves again, but they were steadied by the trust she saw in his eyes. For the first time since arriving in Crescent Moon, she allowed herself to believe she might truly have a place here–not just as a guest, but as someone who belonged.

“I’ll be there, and thank you again for the opportunity.” She promised.

As Darius left the room, Roselyn plopped herself down on the bed, grinning from ear to ear. “See? I told you it would all work out.”

Elaine smiled softly, her heart lighter than it had been in a long time.

“Yes,” she whispered, almost to herself. “Maybe it really will.”

“Now, do you want a tour of the pack house?” Roselyn asked her excitedly.