The Rejected Mate (Elaine and Michael) novel Chapter 63

The next morning, as the first rays of sunlight spilled across the pack house, Darius called Nathan into his office. His son, bright–eyed and always eager to be in his father’s presence, bounded in with excitement, only to pause when he saw the serious expression on Darius’s face.

“Nathan,” Darius began gently, resting his hand on the boy’s small shoulder, “I need to tell you something important. Tomorrow morning, I’ll be leaving to visit another pack. There are matters that require my attention.”

Immediately, Nathan’s hopeful expression shifted to worry. His little brows furrowed, and he clutched at his father’s arm. “Daddy, please take me with you. I don’t want you to leave me behind.” His voice carried both the desperation of a child and the budding determination of a future alpha.

Darius knelt down to meet his son’s eyes, his tone firm but affectionate. “I know you want to come, pup, but this is something I must do on my own. You have an even greater responsibility here. While I’m away, I need you to protect our pack, to stay strong like the good and future alpha I know you’ll be.”

Nathan pouted, his bottom lip trembling, but he nodded slowly. “Protect the pack… like a future alpha,” he repeated, almost as if convincing himself.

The moment he stepped out of the office, however, his spirits lifted with a surge of pride. All around the pack grounds, Nathan ran with boundless energy, calling out to whoever would listen. “Daddy’s leaving tomorrow, but don’t worry–I’ll be the alpha while he’s gone!” His declarations brought smiles and laughter from the warriors, omegas, and elders alike, though many exchanged fond glances at his enthusiasm.

Later that day, Darius sought out Roselyn. She was lounging on the veranda, her sharp eyes already reading what he was about to say. “Roselyn,” he began, folding his arms, “don’t forget -you’ll have to go to Silverblade next week for the mating ball.”

Roselyn groaned dramatically, tossing her hair over her shoulder. “You and your rules, Darius. Can’t believe you’re forcing me to go. I told you, I’m not ready. I’m still enjoying my singlehood.” She smirked, though her eyes twinkled with mischief.

“All the same, you still have to come.” Darius said with a sigh.

She only smiled slyly and replied, “We’ll see.”

Darius shook his head, releasing a heavy breath, knowing full well that convincing Roselyn to do anything she wasn’t ready for was like trying to move a mountain with bare hands.

Days passed quickly after Darius’s departure. The pack carried on as usual, though Elaine felt his absence like a missing heartbeat. On one particular afternoon, she joined Roselyn at the city mall to prepare for the upcoming mating ball. Roselyn stood in front of a rack of shimmering gowns, her expression somewhere between annoyance and reluctant curiosity.

“Can you believe this?” Roselyn muttered, holding up a crimson dress against her frame.” Darius insists I go to this ridiculous ball. I’m not ready to meet my mate. What if I don’t even like him? I’m perfectly happy as I am–free and single.”

Elaine chuckled softly, her eyes warm as she watched her friend. “You’ll never truly know if you’re ready until you meet him. Sometimes the bond itself tells you what you didn’t know your heart was missing.”

Roselyn tilted her head, considering her words before shrugging. “Maybe you’re right.” She placed the dress back and turned toward Elaine, her sharp grin returning. “What about you? Are you ready to step up as the official Luna of our pack? Because I’d wager once this ball is done, Darius will be planning your Luna ceremony before you can even blink.”

Elaine hesitated, her fingers grazing the fabric of a soft lavender gown beside her. Her voice was steady, but the tremor of nerves was there. “I am ready… but at the same time, I can’t help but feel nervous, Roselyn. What if–what if he finds his fated mate at this ball? After everything, after all the sacrifices, what if fate decides differently?”

Roselyn’s smile softened, her usual playful edge giving way to sisterly reassurance. “Elaine, you already know where Darius stands on this. If he ever found his fated mate, he would reject her. He chose you, and that means more than any bond could.”

Elaine bit her lip, her thoughts pulling her back to her own past. “But you I what rejection feels like, Roselyn. The pain, the humiliation–it nearly destroyed me. How could I ever wish that on another woman?”

Roselyn reached out and squeezed her hand firmly. “It won’t be the same. Darius isn’t Michael. He will never deceive, never betray. If he finds his mate, he’ll explain everything from the beginning. He’ll honor you. That is the difference. You know that.”

A small, wavering smile touched Elaine’s lips. “I know. And I trust him… I really do. It’s just… sometimes I can’t shake the feeling that the happiness I have right now has an expiration date, like it’s too good to last.”

“Don’t think like that.” Roselyn’s tone grew firm, almost commanding. “You and Darius are mates, maybe not fated, but by choice. And sometimes, choice is even stronger than destiny. The Moon Goddess may not have tied your souls, but she guided him to you for a reason. From the very beginning, you were the one he chose.”

Tears stung Elaine’s eyes, though she blinked them away with a smile. “Thank you, Roselyn. It helps to hear that. Still, sometimes doubts creep in–especially when he attends mating balls, knowing what they represent. I know I was the one who encouraged him to keep going … but still…”

Roselyn nodded slowly, her gaze thoughtful. “After everything you endured in Silverblade, it’s no wonder you feel this way. Anyone in your place would. But don’t let your past steal the joy you’ve built now.”

Elaine exhaled shakily, then smiled and nudged Roselyn’s arm. “Enough of this gloomy talk. Tell me what do you think of that gown? Will it suit you?”

Roselyn’s lips curled into a wide grin as she twirled, holding a glittering silver dress against her figure. “Now this–this might actually make the ball worth attending.”

Both women burst into laughter, the weight of their conversation easing as they turned their attention back to the gowns.