The Rejected Mate (Elaine and Michael) novel Chapter 73

The omega who guided them down the long corridor stopped in front of the large double doors of the Alpha’s office. He hesitated for a moment before knocking politely. “Alpha, they are here,” he announced.

“Let them in,” came Alpha Michael’s steady voice from inside.

The omega pushed the door open and stepped aside, bowing slightly as Darius and Roselyn entered the room.

The office was spacious, the air thick with tension and the faint scent of pine and dominance that always lingered around Alpha Michael. Behind the desk stood Michael himself, his expression composed but clearly troubled. Beside him were Kathy and Calvin, both standing with stiff postures, their faces a mixture of guilt and nervous anticipation.

“Alpha Darius, Roselyn,” Michael began, his tone courteous but weighted. “Thank you for coming.”

Roselyn’s eyes briefly flicked toward Calvin, who seemed to take a step forward as if compelled by instinct. His wolf was restless; it was obvious from the tightness in his jaw and the way his hands clenched and unclenched at his sides. His gaze sought Roselyn immediately, desperate and pleading, but Roselyn remained behind Darius, keeping her distance.

Darius’s presence was calm but commanding. “We wanted to settle this situation between Calvin and Roselyn,” he said evenly. “You’re aware that our joint training program will end in just a few days.”

Michael nodded. “Yes, I’m aware. Let’s all sit and talk about this properly.”

He gestured toward the sitting area–a pair of long sofas facing each other near the window, separated by a low wooden table. The sunlight streaming in through the glass illuminated the dust motes swirling in the air, giving the space an almost sacred stillness.

Michael, Kathy, and Calvin took their seats on one side, while Darius and Roselyn sat on the opposite couch. The difference between the two groups was palpable–on one side, guilt and hope; on the other, caution and quiet pain.

The silence that followed was heavy. Calvin couldn’t take his eyes off Roselyn. Her hands were clasped tightly on her lap, her eyes downcast, but when she finally looked up, her gaze locked with his. Tears welled in her eyes, glimmering like morning dew.

Calvin leaned forward slightly, his voice breaking the silence. “Roselyn, please,” he began softly. “I don’t want to see you in pain. I know I’ve made mistakes–terrible mistakes–when it came to Elaine. I stood by and did nothing when she needed me most. I can’t take that back. But I want to be different now. I want to be with you. Please…. tell me what I can do for you to give me a chance.”

Roselyn’s lips trembled. She glanced toward Michael and Kathy, unsure if she could truly speak her heart with them present.

Sensing her hesitation, Calvin shook his head slightly. “Don’t mind them,” he said. “Talk to me. They’re only here because they were part of what happened before. But this… this is between you and me.”

Roselyn’s eyes darted toward her brother. Darius gave her a reassuring nod–a silent promise that he would stand by her no matter what. Taking a deep breath, Roselyn turned back to Calvin.

“Calvin…” she began slowly, her voice fragile but clear. “I’m scared. I’m scared to trust you. To give this bond a chance. To open my heart to you knowing what you did–or rather, what you didn’t do. How can I be sure you won’t abandon me the same way you abandoned Elaine? She was your sister, your blood, and you still turned away when she needed you most.”

Her voice cracked, and she quickly wiped at a tear threatening to fall.

Calvin’s eyes softened with regret. “You don’t know how much I’ve regretted that, Roselyn. Every single day since Elaine left, I’ve thought about what I should have done differently. My silence, my cowardice–it’s haunted me. I was not given a choice and because of that, I fail her.” He leaned forward, his voice growing more fervent. “Because of that regret, I swear to you, I’ll never repeat that mistake. I will do anything–anything–not to disappoint you. Just give me the chance to prove it.”

Kathy placed a hand on her brother’s arm, then turned to Roselyn. “Roselyn,” she said gently,” we want you to hear what really happened before. I know you already know what Elaine went through, but there’s more to the story. We want you to understand our side. Maybe then, you’ll see that my brother deserves a chance.”

Roselyn’s expression was unreadable. Her heart was racing, her emotions a storm. “Kathy,” she said, her tone calm but laced with sorrow, “I don’t know if I can do that. When Elaine transferred to our pack, I saw what was left of her–her pain, her shame, her silence. I saw what your pack’s choices did to her. And I’m not sure I’m strong enough to go through that same kind of heartbreak.”

Darius reached over and gently placed a hand on his sister’s arm. “Roselyn,” he said in that deep, protective tone she’d always trusted, “listen to them first. As I told you before, I don’t want you to live with regrets. If, after hearing their story, you still believe you can’t give Calvin a chance, I’ll stand with you. You have my word.”

“Alpha Darius-” Calvin began, his voice almost pleading.

But Darius cut him off with a sharp, authoritative glance. “No, Calvin. This is her decision. Not yours, not mine. And whatever she decides, I will support her completely.”

Calvin opened his mouth as if to argue, but the look on Darius’s face made him stop. He exhaled slowly, shoulders slumping. The truth of Darius’s words settled heavily in his chest. This wasn’t something he could command or fight for by force. This was something Roselyn had to choose freely.

The room fell silent again. Outside, the wind rustled through the trees, the faint sound of training warriors echoing in the distance. The tension in the air felt almost alive.

Kathy finally broke the silence. “Roselyn,” she said softly, “Elaine’s story was painful for everyone involved. But what you might not know is that Michael’s father–the previous Alpha -had forbidden us, no, ordered us to stand aside. To prioritize the future and unity of our pack. We were cowards, Roselyn, and we’ve paid for that cowardice every day since.”

Roselyn listened quietly, her chest tightening. She could hear the sincerity in Kathy’s voices, yet part of her still couldn’t shake the memory of Elaine’s when she first arrived at their pack -broken, silent, terrified.

“I don’t know…” Roselyn whispered.

Darius looked at his sister once more, silently encouraging her to take her time.

Roselyn stared at Calvin for a long moment, her eyes filled with the turmoil of someone torn between pain and hope. She could feel the faint pull of their bond–the warmth of it, the promise–but also the lingering sting of betrayal that hovered like a shadow.

Finally, she whispered, “I will listen… but no promises, Calvin.”

Calvin’s expression softened, relief washing over his face. “That’s all I ask,” he said, voice barely above a whisper.

And as silence once again settled over the room, every heart there knew that what came next would decide not only Calvin and Roselyn’s fate–but perhaps the healing of wounds that had been festering for far too long.