The Rejected Mate (Elaine and Michael) novel Chapter 94

The golden light of the late afternoon bathed Crescent Moon in warmth as Darius’s car crossed the familiar boundary of their territory. The tall pine trees swayed gently in the wind, their scent instantly wrapping around him like home. The distant howls of patrolling wolves echoed softly in the valley a melody that spoke of belonging, of peace.

He let out a slow breath he didn’t realize he’d been holding.

“It’s good to be back,” he murmured, his voice low and full of relief. One arm was still draped around Elaine’s shoulders as if afraid that if he let go. “I don’t want to be away from for that long ever again.”

Elaine smiled faintly, leaning into his chest as the car rolled down the familiar gravel road toward the packhouse. His scent – that earthy warmth of pine and cedar – always made her feel safe.

“I’ve missed you both so much,” Darius continued, pressing his forehead gently against her temple.

Elaine turned to their son in the back seat, her eyes soft. “We missed you too. Right, Nathan?

“Right!” Nathan grinned, his tiny hands spreading wide apart. “We missed you this much, Daddy!”

Darius laughed, the sound easing the heaviness that had been sitting in his chest since Silverblade. “I missed you too, buddy. More than you know.”

–

fierce, protective, and unyielding. His As he looked at his son, pride flickered through him son. Not by blood yes, but his son nonetheless, his legacy. The thought of Alpha Michael even suggesting that Nathan belonged to anyone else sent a dangerous flash through Darius’s golden eyes. If not for Elaine’s calming touch that day, there would’ve been a fight.

“Is something wrong?” Elaine asked softly, noticing the sudden tension in his jaw.

He forced the thoughts away and smiled down at her. “Nothing, love. Everything’s fine.” He kissed her forehead gently, grounding himself in her warmth.

Before he could say more, Nathan pressed his little face against the window. “We’re here! Daddy, Mommy – look! Grandpa and Grandma!”

Elaine followed his gaze, spotting Blaine and Celine standing on the wide stone steps of the packhouse, waiting. The two elders were radiant in the sunlight – Blaine’s presence calm and commanding, while Celine’s arms were already open wide.

The moment the car came to a stop, Nathan threw open the door and leapt out, his small feet pounding against the path as he ran toward them.

“Grandpa! Grandma! I missed you!” he shouted, his laughter echoing through the courtyard.

Celine crouched down, arms open. “We missed you too, our little Alpha!” she said, gathering him into a tight embrace. Her silver hair shimmered in the light as she pressed a kiss to his cheek.

Blaine chuckled, his stern face softening. “You’ve grown again, haven’t you? Soon, you’ll be taller than me.”

“I will be!” Nathan said proudly, puffing out his chest.

Elaine and Darius stepped out of the car, their fingers entwined. The scent of home- pinewood, earth, and faint traces of pack wolves enveloped them both.

“How was your trip?” Blaine asked, turning toward Darius as Celine guided Nathan inside.‘ Roselyn called earlier. She told us she’s giving her mate a chance.”

Darius nodded. “Yes. She’s staying with Calvin in Silverblade. It was her choice – and I support it. The flight back was smooth, and Nathan couldn’t stop talking about seeing everyone again.”

–

Darius leaned back in his chair, rubbing the back of his neck. “She’s safe, Dad. Her mate is Calvin Elaine’s brother. Roselyn was thinking of rejecting him because of what happened in the past. That’s why Elaine needed to go to help her see the truth.”

–

Blaine frowned, exchanging a look with Marcus and Evan. “That’s… concerning. What that pack did to Elaine was bad enough. But they do that to your sister”

“I know,” Darius interrupted calmly. “But Roselyn’s happiness matters more to me m.. I made sure she’ll be protected. And she had an agreement with Calvin, if Silverblade does not make her happy. They will move here. And Calvin will step down as beta of Silverblade.”

Blaine exhaled slowly, nodding. The tension in his shoulders eased. “Good. That’s all I needed to hear. I trust your judgment, son. I just needed to know my daughter is safe.”

“She is,” Darius assured, his gaze steady. “I wouldn’t have left her there if I wasn’t certain.”

the kind of silence that came after storms. Blaine’s For a moment, the room fell silent – expression softened as pride flickered in his eyes.

“Then tell me,” he said finally, folding his hands on the desk. “What really happened there? I– there’s more you’re not saying.” can see it in your eyes – to Michael’s claim, to Elaine’s Darius hesitated, his mind flashing back to Silverblade trembling voice, to the storm of emotions that still lingered.

He took a deep breath. “There is,” he admitted. “And you need to hear all of it.”