The Rejected Mate (Elaine and Michael) novel Chapter 99

As Roselyn and Calvin walked hand in hand toward the pack house, the autumn air carried the faint scent of pine and hearth smoke. The morning light dappled through the trees, painting golden trails across the path as their footsteps fell in rhythm – steady, intimate, united. But the deeper they went into the heart of the territory, the more eyes followed them.

Pack members paused mid–conversation, mid–task. Warriors training on the field slowed their swings; mothers holding pups smiled softly; others exchanged curious glances. Whispers rippled like wind through tall grass.

For the first time, they were seeing their Beta with his fated mate.

Of course, everyone in Crescent Moon Pack already knew who Roselyn was. The quiet she–wolf who lived tucked away in the cabin by the water fall – distant, polite, and always keeping to herself. But today, she wasn’t the mysterious outsider anymore. Today, she was walking beside their Beta, his hand wrapped firmly around hers, his expression relaxed, proud … happy.

And when the Beta was happy, the pack could feel it. That joy – subtle yet powerful – pulsed through the bond they all shared, bringing a lightness to the morning.

Roselyn leaned closer, whispering, “They keep looking at us.”

Calvin’s thumb brushed gently over her hand. “They’ve been waiting to meet you, mate,” he said, his tone calm and reassuring. “They understand your reservations, but seeing you with me it tells them everything is going well between us.”

—

Roselyn frowned slightly. “They know?”

“Yes.” Calvin smiled faintly. “The Alpha announced it through the pack link. Explained the situation… told them to give you space and time to adjust.” His gaze softened. “You don’t need to worry, Roselyn. They’re just curious. Nothing more.”

She took a breath, letting his words settle. The stares no longer felt as sharp – only warm, inquisitive, and tinged with respect.

When they finally reached the grand doors of the pack house, the scent of fresh bread and roasted meat greeted them. The hall buzzed with chatter – laughter, clinking cutlery, the hum of pack life. Long wooden tables stretched across the room, sunlight spilling through wide windows.

Calvin guided her toward one of the tables. “It’s pack tradition,” he explained. “Everyone who’s not on duty joins breakfast together. The Alpha and Luna come too. It keeps us connected reminds us that no one is above the pack.”

Roselyn looked around, genuinely impressed by the easy warmth between everyone. “It’s a good tradition,” she said softly.

Just then, the murmurs quieted as the Alpha and Luna entered. Michael carried himself with calm authority, his presence commanding without effort. Beside him, Luna Kathy radiated grace – poised yet approachable – her hand resting on their young son Leo’s shoulder.

When Kathy’s eyes met Roselyn’s, a gentle smile bloomed on her face. Roselyn forced her own lips to curl upward, polite but strained. She didn’t want to appear rude.

“Alpha. Luna,” Roselyn greeted as they approached, her voice respectful though her stomach fluttered uneasily. She would have preferred to slip away quietly, but she had been raised to show respect – no matter the discomfort. And regardless of her hesitation to take on the title of Beta Female, Calvin was still the pack’s Beta. Her actions reflected on him.

but before When the meal ended, she excused herself to prepare for her return to the cabin she could step away, Alpha Michael approached. His voice, though calm, left little room for argument.

“Roselyn,” he said, “you’ll need to come with Calvin to my office.”

Her brows furrowed. “Is something wrong?”

“Nothing’s wrong,” Michael assured, but his tone was firm, authoritative. “Even though you haven’t taken the role of Beta Female, you are still mated to my Beta. When there are pack matters that affect us all, your presence is required.”

Roselyn blinked, caught between confusion and reluctant acceptance. She glanced at Calvin, who gave her a small, encouraging nod.

“All right,” she said quietly, her voice steady despite the storm of questions forming in her mind.

As they followed the Alpha down the hall, Roselyn couldn’t shake the feeling that this morning simple as it seemed marked the true beginning of her life within the pack.