The Rejected Mate (Elaine and Michael) novel Chapter 56

“Daddy!” Leo exclaimed, dropping his little wolf toy with a clatter on the floor. His small feet padded quickly across the rug as he ran straight into Michael’s open arms. Michael bent down, catching the boy with practiced ease, lifting him high into the air before pulling him close. He buried his face in Leo’s neck, inhaling the familiar, comforting scent of his pup. For a fleeting moment, the weight of his duties lifted, and all that existed was his son’s laughter.

Kathy, watching from her chair by the window, couldn’t help but smile. There was a softness in Michael when he was with Leo, a tenderness that reminded her every day why she had chosen him–not just as her mate, but as the father of her child. He is a good father, she thought. And a good mate too.

“Can we play, Daddy?” Leo asked hopefully, his little hands clutching Michael’s shoulders.

Michael kissed his son’s hair, sighing regretfully. “Not right now, son. I have duties waiting. Next time, okay?”

Leo’s smile faltered, disappointment clouding his bright eyes, but he nodded obediently.” Okay.” He slid down from Michael’s arms and picked up his toy again, retreating back to his corner.

Kathy rose and crossed the room, leaning in for the kiss that was their usual greeting. Michael pressed his lips to hers gently, his hand lingering on her waist for just a moment longer than usual, as though grounding himself.

“How are you?” he asked, studying her face.

“I’m… managing,” Kathy answered with a weary smile. “There’s so much to decide for the mating ball in two weeks. Flowers, food, decorations–every detail feels overwhelming. This will be our first mating ball since we became Alpha and Luna. The pressure from the other packs is… a lot.” Her shoulders sagged slightly, betraying the burden she carried.

Michael brushed his thumb along her arm. “You’ll do well, love. You always do.”

But Kathy tilted her head, frowning. His eyes were too serious, his expression too guarded. ” Is something wrong?” she asked quietly, sensing the heaviness he was holding back.

Michael exhaled slowly, as though bracing himself. “Next week, Alpha Darius will be here. He’ll stay until the mating ball.”

Kathy blinked, startled. “Why?” she asked curiously. Her brows knitted together. Of all the packs, why Crescent Moon? She knew their pack was not Darius’s favorite; in fact, she suspected he despised them. His presence for two full weeks could only mean something

Michael’s jaw tightened. “There’s been an increase in rogue attacks along our northern border. We need help containing it. Crescent Moon’s warriors are unmatched, and our warriors could benefit from their training.”

“Oh…” Kathy murmured, her fingers twisting the fabric of her dress. Memories of the last time Darius had stepped foot in their territory surfaced, unsettling her. “It’s just that, after the last time he was here-” She shook her head.

Michael caught her hand, steadying her. “He’s only protecting his people. It’s in his nature. As the Alpha of a warrior pack, he’s bound to be protective–especially when it comes to his pack members.”

Kathy’s lips pressed into a thin line, her voice softening. “And I’m grateful for that. Elaine needs someone to protect her. Goddess knows I wasn’t able to, not as her sister.” Her voice cracked, pain threading through her words.

Michael’s eyes dimmed with guilt. “Not just you, Kathy. Everyone failed Elaine–especially me. I was her fated mate, and I failed her in every possible way. But we can’t keep dwelling on the past. Our pack needs us focused. And right now, we need Alpha Darius and his warriors. No one denies Crescent Moon’s strength. They are the best when it comes to defense and protection.”

“I understand,” Kathy whispered, though her heart ached. She hesitated, then asked quietly, almost pleadingly, “Do you think he’ll give us an update about Elaine?” Her eyes searched his desperately, clinging to a hope she could hardly admit aloud.

Michael gathered her against his chest, his hand resting on the back of her head. “I wouldn’t count on it, love. Our inquiries about her have gone unanswered. It’s as if the entire Crescent Moon pack has been ordered to silence.” He paused, shaking his head. “But no… that’s not Darius’s way. He’s not the kind of Alpha to play such games.”

Kathy’s tears spilled over, her chest trembling against him. “I miss her, Michael. I miss my sister so much. I just… I just pray to the Goddess for one chance–just one–to tell her how sorry I am. For being a terrible sister. For taking her mate. For… for being the reason she lost her pup.” Her words dissolved into sobs.

Michael’s hand cupped her cheek, his thumb brushing away her tears. “Shhh. None of that was your fault, Kathy. We tried to do what was right. But at that time, we had no power to stop what was happening. You know the word of an Alpha is absolute. None of us could defy my father at that time.”

They stood there in silence for a long moment, both weighed down by the same regrets, the same scars of the past. Yet as Alpha and Luna, they knew they could never show such weakness to their pack.

Finally, Kathy pulled back, straightening her shoulders with quiet resolve. “I’ll make the necessary preparations for Alpha Darius’s arrival,” she said firmly, forcing composure back into her tone. With a quick mind–link to an omega to watch Leo, she turned and left the room, slipping back into her duties as Luna.

Michael watched her go, his heart heavy. Duty always came first–but the ghosts of their past would never stop haunting them.