The Rejected Mate (Elaine and Michael) novel Chapter 52

Chapter 52

Life in Crescent Moon had settled into a quiet rhythm, a peace that Elaine treasured more than she could put into words. The days passed steadily, filled with the laughter of children. training in the yards, the hum of pack members going about their duties, and the steady heartbeat of safety that this place had come to mean for her. She had thrown herself into her responsibilities, slowly taking on more and more Luna duties, though she did not yet carry. the official title.

At first, she had been shy about it–hesitant even–correcting the occasional pack member who accidentally called her Luna. But as weeks turned to months, the slips became frequent, until the majority of the pack simply referred to her that way without pause or question. Eventually, she stopped correcting them. It wasn’t because she believed she had earned it yet, but because she realized that in their eyes, in their hearts, she already was.

One warm afternoon, as she sat with Darius in his office, helping him sort through the endless stack of documents that covered his desk, the subject surfaced. Elaine had been carefully arranging signed parchments into neat piles when Darius reached over and stilled her hand. His eyes–deep, steady, and full of affection–met hers.

“Just let them call you Luna,” he said gently, his tone firm yet tender. “Because in my eyes, and in the eyes of this whole pack, that is what you are. The only thing stopping us from announcing it to the other packs is the three–year period I promised to honor while searching for my fated mate. But you already know… even if the Moon Goddess revealed her choice tomorrow, I would always choose you.”

His words were steady, but Elaine could still hear the ache beneath them, that lingering wound caused by the condition she herself had set. Sometimes, she regretted it. Sometimes, it hurt her too, knowing she had placed that barrier between them. Yet she could not help herself.

Even now, as he looked at her with unwavering devotion, a seed of fear remained buried in her heart. What if he did meet his fated mate? He had always sworn he would choose her regardless, but Elaine could not stop the thought from circling. The last thing she wanted was for another woman to feel the devastation she herself once endured–rejected, abandoned, cast aside by the one person fate had bound them to.

She lowered her eyes, brushing her palm gently over the curve of her belly. It was round now, heavy with life, carrying the child that had become the center of her every thought. Darius noticed her movement instantly. He rose from his chair and came to stand beside her, his large hand sliding to rest on her stomach. His touch was warm, reverent.

“It’s only a matter of time now,” he murmured, voice low with awe. “We’ll meet our little pup soon. I’m so excited to see you, little one.” He leaned down, pressing his cheek lightly against her belly as if to listen closer.

And then–there it was. A firm kick beneath his palm.

Elaine let out a surprised laugh, her hand flying to cover his. “Our pup is so active today. I swear, all it’s been doing is playing ball with my bladder.”

Darius chuckled, but his expression quickly turned serious. “Did you check with Dr. Grey? Are you sure everything’s all right? Do you want me to bring him here?”

Elaine rolled her eyes fondly, though her heart swelled at his protectiveness. “No, love. Everything is fine. There’s no need to call Dr. Grey. He already said the pup is healthy.”

Still, Darius sighed, his hand tightening on hers. He pulled her against his chest and kissed her deeply, a passion laced with worry. When he drew back, his eyes lingered on her as if he was memorizing every detail.

“When it comes to you and our pup,” he whispered, “I’ll always worry.”

Elaine smiled, brushing her fingers along his jaw. He had never let her forget how much he loved her, how much he cherished the child they were bringing into the world. There were days she still woke in disbelief that this was her life–that after so much heartbreak, she had found Darius, steady and strong, loving her even at her weakest and most broken.

She thought of Silverblade, of Michael, Kathy, and her parents. The betrayal had cut her to the core, but time and Darius’s love had softened the sharp edges of her pain. She had forgiven them in her heart, though forgetting was another matter entirely. One day, perhaps, she would find the courage to reach out again. One day she might return to Silverblade and face the ghosts of her past. But not yet. For now, her world was here–Darius, their pup, and the life they were building together.

A sudden, sharp pain cut through her thoughts. Elaine gasped, her hand clutching her belly. Her eyes widened as another wave followed, stronger, undeniable. She knew instantly what it meant.

“Darius…” she panted, meeting his startled gaze. “It’s time.”

He didn’t hesitate. In one swift motion, he scooped her into his arms as if she weighed nothing at all. His wolf pushed at the surface, urging speed, and in a blur of motion he carried her straight to the hospital. If not for the intensity of the contractions stealing her breath, Elaine might have laughed at the way he barked orders at anyone in his path, his Alpha authority rattling the entire wing.

Hours later, after pain and sweat, after moments when she thought she couldn’t endure another push, the sound finally came–thin, piercing, and perfect.

Their son’s first cry.

Tears streamed down Elaine’s cheeks as the healer placed the tiny, wriggling bundle into her arms. Nathan. Their Nathan. Darius hovered beside her, eyes wet with emotion, his hand trembling as he stroked his son’s downy head.

Elaine looked at them both and felt her heart break wide open. Whatever trials the Goddess might set before them, whatever fears the future held, this was her family. And she would never let go.