The Rejected Mate (Elaine and Michael) novel Chapter 84

The next day, Michael waited in his office, staring blankly at the papers spread across his desk. The morning light filtered through the tall windows of the pack house, but it brought no warmth-only a pale, distant glow that mirrored the emptiness gnawing at his chest. He had been waiting for Council Lucius since dawn, replaying everything that had happened in his mind, searching for answers that refused to come.

He didn’t understand what was happening to him. Ever since that day-the day he marked Kathy-something inside him had shattered. He felt the bond break, sharp and unnatural, like a thread being torn from his very soul. And then came the chaos. Elaine’s painful cry still echoed in his ears, a sound so haunting that it visited him even in sleep. The image of her collapsed form in Darius arms, the scent of blood and anguish, had burned itself into his memory.

Then the doctor’s grim face, the quiet voice that followed: “She suffered a miscarriage… she doesn’t want to see anyone except Alpha Darius.”

That sentence had changed everything.

If that wasn’t enough, Darius himself emerged later, his expression heavy with something between sorrow and fury. He had informed them that Elaine had requested a transfer to their pack. His father had tried to refuse, claiming it would be improper for one of their ranked wolves to leave, but Darius had been unyielding. When Darius wanted something, there was no stopping him.

Since Elaine’s departure, nothing had been the same. The pack felt different-colder, emptier. The warmth that used to fill their home was gone. His relationship with his parents had become strained to the point of breaking.

By the time he ascended as Alpha, Michael had made his decision. He relocated his parents -and Kathy’s-to the other side of the territory, far from the pack house. No one entered his home without his permission, not even family. His mother had pleaded with him to reconsider, tears streaming down her face as she begged for understanding. But Michael had steeled himself.

There was nothing left to reconsider. His father’s ambition had destroyed too many lives.

He had gotten what he thought he wanted-Kathy as his mate, a future, a family-but at what cost? Their lives were built on betrayal and guilt. Kathy had lost her sister, her confidante, her best friend. The bond between the two sisters, once so unbreakable, had withered because of obedience to his father’s will. And now, even the story of their mating-a tale that should have been one of love and destiny-was tainted.

How could he ever tell his son, Leo, the story of how his parents came to be, when every part of it was a reminder of the pain they caused? How could he teach his son about honor, about love and the sacredness of the mating bond, when his own bond was born from deceit?

And then there was Nathan. Elaine and Darius’s son.

Michael couldn’t explain it, but something inside him knew. He could feel a connection-a pull that went beyond reason or blood. When he saw the boy, something stirred in him, something that felt achingly familiar. It was the same instinct, the same warmth he felt toward Leo. A part of him wanted to deny it, to dismiss it as guilt, but deep down, he couldn’t. Nathan felt like his.

A knock broke through his thoughts.

“Come in,” he said, his voice low but steady.

Calvin, his Beta, stepped inside. “Alpha, Council Lucius is at the gate and will be here in a few minutes.”

Michael rose from his chair, straightening his jacket. The weight of leadership had aged him; his once bright eyes now carried the burden of regret.

“Let’s go,” he said, striding toward the door. “We need to discuss this so all of us can finally move forward.”

He paused at the threshold, glancing briefly at Calvin. “Did you send word to Alpha Darius and Elaine?” he asked.

“Yes, Alpha,” Calvin replied. “Alpha Darius said he’ll be here, but he insists that Elaine stay with Roselyn for now. He wants to hear what Council Lucius says first before involving her.”

Michael nodded, though a part of him ached at the mention of her name. “Very well. Tell him we’ll have the meeting after lunch. I want everyone present when the time comes.”

“I’ll let him know, Alpha,” Calvin said, bowing his head slightly before following him out.

As they stepped into the front courtyard, the sound of an approaching vehicle broke the silence. The sleek black car rolled to a stop, and moments later, Council Lucius emerged. His presence commanded respect-calm, firm, yet seasoned with the quiet wisdom that only years of service to the Council could bring.

Michael approached him at once, extending his hand. “Lucius, thank you for coming. I know the notice was short, but I appreciate your time.”

Council Lucius clasped his hand firmly, his sharp eyes studying Michael. “Think nothing of it, Alpha. I could sense from your message that the matter you wish to discuss is… significant.”

He paused briefly, his expression thoughtful. “So, let us not waste time. The sooner we understand, the sooner we can bring clarity.”

Michael inclined his head. “Yes. We’ll have the meeting after lunch. There are things that must be said-truths that have been buried for far too long.”

Lucius gave a slow nod, his gaze steady. “Then let us hope this day brings the answers you seek.”

Michael turned toward the pack house, the heavy air pressing around him like a storm about to break. Deep down, he knew this meeting would change everything-again.