The Rejected Mate (Elaine and Michael) novel Chapter 98

A week had passed since Elaine and Darius returned to Crescent Moon. The Silverblade territory felt quieter without them–too quiet, if Roselyn was being honest. Every morning, she called her parents, and every night she called Elaine, as if the sound of familiar voices could fill the growing ache of missing them.

Elaine’s Luna Ceremony was fast approaching, and preparations were already in full swing. Roselyn could almost picture it–the chatter of women, fabrics rustling, laughter echoing through Celine’s dressing room. She had always imagined helping Elaine choose her Luna gown, fussing over silk and lace, teasing her about her new title. But that wasn’t her place anymore. She wasn’t an unmated she–wolf free to linger where she pleased. She had a mate now. A new pack. A new life.

She exhaled deeply, the sound soft but heavy.

“Something wrong, mate?” Calvin’s voice came from behind her, calm and warm. He wrapped his arms around her waist as she stood by the open balcony, looking out across Silverblade’s sprawling pines.

Roselyn leaned back into his chest, eyes tracing the horizon. “Nothing’s wrong,” she

murmured, though her tone betrayed her. “Just… missing all the fun of shopping with Elaine and my mom. They’re picking dresses for her Luna ceremony.”

Calvin smiled, pressing a kiss to her temple. “You told them we’ll be there next week, right?”

“Yes,” Roselyn said, turning to face him with a small frown. “But I still can’t believe my brother is pushing for the ceremony so soon. He’s only giving my mom and Elaine two weeks to prepare. He’s impatient, as always.”

A chuckle rumbled from Calvin’s chest. “He’s been waiting years to finally announce Elaine as his Luna. You can’t expect him to wait for the next full moon when there’s one just around the corner.”

Roselyn folded her arms, still pouting. “I guess.”

Calvin’s smile softened. “And yes–we’ll be there. Michael and Kathy received their invitations too.”

At that, Roselyn’s expression changed. Her brows knit together, and she bit her lower lip, hesitating. Calvin noticed immediately.

Roselyn studied him for a moment, her voice quiet but firm. “For your sake, for Elaine’s sake, and for that little boy’s–let’s hope you’re right.”

Calvin drew her close, his arms wrapping around her as if he could shield her from her own worries. She leaned into his embrace, though the unease in her chest remained. His scent- earthy and familiar–usually brought her peace, but today, even his warmth couldn’t chase away the faint flicker of doubt she felt whenever Michael’s name was mentioned.

“Enough of this talk,” Calvin murmured, kissing the top of her head. “Let’s get breakfast at the pack house. Unless…” His voice dropped teasingly. “You’ve changed your mind and want to stay here with me again?”

Roselyn smiled at that, finally breaking into a soft laugh. “Tempting. But no–we can go. I need to start acting like part of your pack, not just your mate.”

Calvin grinned, eyes glinting with pride and affection. “That’s my mate.”

Together, they left the balcony hand in hand, sunlight spilling across the floorboards behind them. Yet as they walked toward the pack house, Roselyn couldn’t shake the feeling that next week’s ceremony–so bright, so full of promise–might not be as simple as it seemed.