The Rejected Mate (Elaine and Michael) novel Chapter 62

Later that night, when Darius finally returned to their suite, the quiet of the evening wrapped around him like a heavy cloak. His shoulders were sore from the day’s endless meetings and preparations, but the first place his feet carried him was not to his own room, but to Nathan’s.

He pushed the door open gently, careful not to wake the boy. The soft glow of the nightlight painted the room in warm amber tones, and there was Nathan, sprawled across his bed with his little arms wrapped tightly around his stuffed wolf. His chest rose and fell in the deep rhythm of childhood sleep, his lips parted slightly as though he was still in the middle of telling a story in his dreams.

Darius’s heart softened instantly. He crossed the room, leaned over, and pressed a tender kiss against his son’s forehead. The familiar scent of Nathan–soap, and the faintest hint of his favorite blanket–filled his senses. He had missed their nightly routine, and guilt tugged at him. Normally, he made it a point to be back in time for dinner. Those evenings were precious: the three of them gathered together, Nathan excitedly recounting every detail of his day while Elaine smiled lovingly at them both. And then there were the special ” Alpha–and–son days” that Nathan treasured–days where Darius devoted himself fully to his boy, teaching him small things, letting him shadow him like a true little warrior.

“I’ll have to tell him tomorrow,” Darius thought, brushing Nathan’s hair back from his forehead. “Two whole weeks. He’ll ask a hundred questions, maybe more.” The thought made him chuckle softly. His son’s endless curiosity was something he both adored and, at times, found exhausting. But it was a kind of exhaustion he would miss dearly.

He lingered for another moment, just watching, before closing the door quietly behind him. With a sigh, he turned toward their bedroom.

Elaine was waiting for him, curled gracefully on the couch with a book in hand. She looked up the moment he entered, concern flickering across her face when she noticed how late it was. Setting the book aside, she rose, the soft fall of her robe brushing against her legs as she crossed the room.

“You’re here,” she said softly, though her tone held a note of worry. “What happened? It’s already so late.”

Before Darius could answer, she wrapped her arms around his neck and pressed her lips to his in a hot, lingering kiss. He responded instantly, tightening his hold around her waist and pulling her close against his chest. For a fleeting moment, he wanted to forget everything except this–her warmth, her love, the safe haven she always gave him.

When they finally pulled back, he rested his forehead against hers. “We need to talk, my love,” he murmured.

Elaine nodded, her eyes searching his face. She let him guide her to sit, and as they settled together, Darius recounted his day–the call from Michael, the request for joint training with Silverblade, the rogue containment, and the preparations for the upcoming mating ball. His voice was steady, but Elaine could feel the weight behind his words.

“When are you leaving?” she asked quietly, bracing herself.

“The day after tomorrow, love,” he said. His hand slipped into hers, squeezing gently. “And we’ll remain there through the mating ball. About two weeks.”

Elaine’s lips curved into a sad smile. Two weeks felt like forever. She had grown used to having him at her side–his unwavering love, his constant care, the way he made her and Nathan feel whole. It had been a long time since he last left for joint training, and even then, he was only gone for a handful of days. He had spoiled her with his presence, with the stability he gave to her and to Nathan. True to his promise, he had embraced Nathan as his son, never once letting the boy feel like less than his own blood.

“I’m missing you already,” Elaine whispered, her voice catching slightly. “And I know Nathan will too.”

Darius studied her face for a long moment, then asked with quiet hope, “Would you consider coming with me? You and Nathan both?”

There was a softness in his tone, but also something deeper–an unspoken desire. It wasn’t just about not wanting to be apart; it was about bringing her back to Silverblade, about allowing her to face the past she had avoided for so long. Once their bond was made public, once she stood by his side as Luna of Crescent Moon, there would be no avoiding such things. Other packs would expect to see her at his side, and they would host others in turn.

Elaine’s eyes clouded with thought. Her heart ached at his invitation, but she knew herself too well. Not yet. She wasn’t ready to walk into that place, to see the faces, to face the ghosts that still lingered there.

“Not right now,” she said at last, her voice low but firm. “I don’t think I’m ready for an extended stay.”

Darius exhaled heavily, a sigh filled with both disappointment and understanding. He reached out, brushing his thumb along her cheek. “I understand, love. I’ll miss you both more than words can say. But… can you do me a favor while I’m gone?”

Her brows lifted gently. “Hmm? What is it?”

A faint smile tugged at his lips, as though he already anticipated her reaction. “Please make sure Roselyn goes to the mating ball. I won’t be here to drag her out, and if I don’t ask you, she’ll find a way to vanish again.“.

Elaine burst into laughter, the sound light and genuine after the heaviness of their conversation. She shook her head, still smiling. “I’ll try. But you know your sister, Darius.”

Darius chuckled with her, the tension easing for a moment. In that laughter, in that shared look, they found comfort, a reminder of the bond they carried through every trial.