The Rejected Mate (Elaine and Michael) novel Chapter 54

“Alpha, there is an increase in rogue attacks along our northern border,” Calvin, his beta, reported gravely, laying down the patrol logs on Michael’s desk. His voice carried the weight of both urgency and frustration.

Michael leaned back in his chair and rubbed his temples, releasing a slow sigh. It wasn’t just their pack. For weeks now, the reports had been growing–an uptick in rogue activity, not just in Silverblade, but across several neighboring packs. Only an hour ago, he had ended a tense phone call with Alpha Raymond of Ironclaw, who confirmed his warriors had also been engaged in more skirmishes than usual.

“This isn’t isolated anymore,” Michael muttered, his brows furrowed. “It’s spreading. If we continue to deal with this alone, we’ll be stretched too thin.” He paused, then added firmly, though with visible reluctance, “I think we cannot delay any longer. We need to contact Crescent Moon for help. Not only with suppressing these rogues, but in training our warriors properly.”

Calvin shifted, studying Michael carefully before speaking. “I know you’ve avoided that route for as long as possible, but what choice do we have? They’re the warriors‘ pack for a reason. This alliance wasn’t created just for show–it was built for moments like this.” His tone softened as he leaned forward slightly. “And you know as well as I do, Alpha Darius and his wolves are unmatched in combat. If anyone can prepare us for rogue continues attack, it’s them.”

Michael’s jaw tightened at the mention of Darius. Even after all these years, the name still stirred a dull ache and bitter unease in his chest. He stared at the stack of unfinished documents on his desk, not really seeing them. His last conversation with the Crescent Moon alpha replayed in his mind–the stiff formality, the cold civility, and the sharp shift in Darius’s gaze when Elaine’s name was spoken. Michael had shut the topic down immediately, shaking his head, unable–or perhaps unwilling–to explain.

“The last time I spoke to Darius was during my Alpha ceremony,” Michael said quietly, almost to himself. “That was three years ago. He was civil, yes… but his resentment still lingers. I could feel it. He may not say it outright, but I know what he thinks of me. Of us.”

Calvin didn’t argue. He knew too well why his alpha hesitated. The history between Silverblade and Crescent Moon wasn’t just about strained alliances–it was personal. Calvin could see the way Michael carried it like a shadow that never left.

“I’ll make the call,” Michael finally said, forcing the words out with a heavy exhale. “I’ll ask for their assistance. Perhaps we can arrange for them to come here a week before the mating ball. That gives us three weeks to prepare.” He looked up, his expression hardening with resolve. “But I want you to make sure my parents don’t interfere when Crescent Moon arrives. No questions. No provocation. Especially not with Alpha Darius.”

Calvin nodded immediately. “Understood. I’ll see to it.”

A silence fell between them, both men lost in their own thoughts, Calvin broke it after a moment, his tone gentler. “Michael… you know our friendship has been… strained since Elaine left. I didn’t agree with what was done. But when your father gave his order, I had no choice but to stand down. I regret that every day.”

Michael’s gaze flickered, the guilt he often buried rising to the surface. “I know,” he said quietly. “I know you wanted to comfort her, to reach out. But the alpha’s command left you no room to move. You’re not the only one who carries regret, Calvin.”

When Elaine had left for Crescent Moon, Calvin had felt to follow her. But again, his father’s hand had closed around his decisions like iron shackles. He is the future beta and cannot just leave his duty to his pack, his obligation to the pack.

Calvin’s relationship with his own family had suffered too. His parents, his sister–they had all taken sides, and he had found himself caught in the crossfire of loyalty and morality. Even now, years later, the wounds hadn’t fully healed.

“I’ve tried,” Calvin admitted, his voice low. “I’ve tried to get news of her from Crescent Moon, but it’s as if their entire pack shields her from us. No one will speak. No whispers, no letters… nothing. It’s like she’s beyond our reach entirely.”

Michael’s chest tightened. That silence was its own message. Elaine didn’t want to speak or even see them.

For a moment, the weight of the past threatened to drown them both. But then Calvin straightened, forcing a steadier expression. “At least now, we’re moving forward again. Not as just alpha and beta–but as friends. We both made mistakes, but we’re still here. And maybe this is our chance to start mending what’s been broken.”

Michael met his eyes, and for the first time in a long while, he allowed himself a faint, tired smile. “Perhaps it is.”

Outside, the winds shifted, carrying the faint warning howl of a distant patrol. The rogues were pressing harder.

Michale is not looking forward to that awkward call with Alpha Michael. But as an Alpha himself, he needs to prioritize the safety of his pack.

He needs to inform Kathy as well. As the Luna she will have to prepare rooms for the Crescent Moon Alpha and his soldiers.

Kathy has been hoping that Elaine will come and attend the mating ball this year. For the past two years, we have been attending mating balls hoping to see her but… on the first time they attended a maying ball they made a mistake to asked Darius why Elaine is not attending since she is not mated. Darius just look at them and said Elaine will never attend a mating ball, then he just left.

Michael sighed and stood up, time to look for his Luna.