The Rejected Mate by Lhainey Novel

The hallway leading to the Alpha's office was cloaked in an unnerving quiet . The hum of voices from the breakfast hall faded behind them , replaced by the sharp echo of footsteps on polished wood . Faint candlelight flickered along the walls , dancing against the silver - edged crest of the Silverblade Pack that gleamed on every pillar . - Roselyn's pulse thudded softly beneath her skin . Calvin's hand remained entwined with hers , grounding her . One gentle squeeze a silent promise . Whatever awaited beyond that door , they would face it together .

At the far end of the corridor loomed a heavy oak door carved with the Silverblade insignia - a crescent moon cleaved by a blade . Michael pushed it open , and the scent of parchment , pine resin , and dominance spilled into the air like something alive . Sunlight streamed through tall windows , dust motes drifting lazily through its glow , illuminating shelves of scrolls and maps detailing generations of pack territories . " Come in , " Michael said , moving behind his broad desk .

His tone was calm but carried the weight of authority - a voice that never needed to shout to command obedience . Calvin guided Roselyn inside and pulled out a chair for her before sitting beside her . Kathy followed soon after , her son Leo trotting in quietly and settling near a bookshelf with a small wooden wolf clutched in his hands . Her gentle presence softened the air , though it couldn't erase the heavy tension that pressed down on Roselyn's shoulders . Michael clasped his hands together , his gaze sharp and direct . " I'll get straight to it ," he began . " The Council has called .

They've opened a full investigation into what happened three years ago my mating with Kathy , and my fated bond with Elaine . " - Calvin's expression hardened instantly . " A full investigation ? " "Yes ." Michael's tone didn't waver . " They'll contact everyone involved . That includes my parents , Calvin , Kathy and anyone tied to the events .' ― Kathy exhaled softly . " They'll reach out to my brother and to Elaine as well ." Her eyes flickered toward Roselyn . Silence thickened in the room , heavy and watchful . Roselyn met Michael's gaze , unflinching .

" Is there a reason you're telling me this , Alpha ? How does this concern the entire pack - and why am I needed for this discussion ? " " Roselyn ," Calvin murmured , his voice low and soothing , sensing the steel behind her words . 1/4 < Chapter 100 - - +25 Points Michael's expression didn't shift . " Because you are Calvin's mate , " he said evenly . " When you whether or not you hold resentment gave him a chance when you chose to stay here toward me or Kathy , you extended that chance to this pack . You are part of this , in blood and bond .

" Roselyn's shoulders loosened slightly , though frustration flickered behind her composed facade . " Yes , Alpha ," she said , her voice calm but firm . " I've given Calvin a chance , and by extension , this pack . But I wasn't here when any of that happened . So forgive me , but I don't see how this involves me - unless there's something you're asking for . " - Kathy placed a hand over Michael's , a quiet gesture of restraint . " No , Roselyn ," she said and you deserve gently . " We only wanted to keep you informed . You're my brother's mate to know what's coming .

We understand your loyalty to Elaine , and your distrust of us because of what happened . But when the Council starts their inquiry , our parents will be furious . We haven't spoken to them in years , but they will come here seeking answers ." Roselyn studied Kathy for a long moment . Was the Luna trying to be diplomatic , or merely defensive ? Maybe both . Then Michael spoke again , his tone shifting . " Also , " he said , " Calvin told me of your warning that I should not attempt to meet Nathan . I appreciate the caution , but Nathan is my son. I intend to see him .

" - Roselyn's calm faltered , replaced by an edge of disbelief . No , she thought . Not defensive . Manipulative . Calvin's jaw tightened . " Alpha , are you certain that's wise ? We already have the Council to deal with - do you really want to add another conflict on top of that ? " Michael's eyes flashed , the faint glint of his wolf beneath the surface . " He is my son , Calvin . I was denied the right to be his father . All I want is to make things right . " He turned his gaze to Roselyn . " All I want is for him to know who I am . " Roselyn's fingers curled tightly in her lap .

Calvin glanced at her , worry flickering in his eyes , but she didn't look at him - her attention was locked on the Alpha . " Your son is sitting right there , Alpha , " Roselyn said quietly , her voice like silk stretched over steel . " My nephew is not your concern . He is my brother's son . Elaine already made it clear - they'll tell him the truth when he's old enough to understand . " - Michael's composure cracked . " By then , he'll have heard only one version of the story one where I am the villain . I doubt they'll tell him I had no choice . That the decision was forced upon me .

" " No , Alpha ," Roselyn countered , her tone sharpened by restrained fury . " That choice wasn't 2/4 < Chapter 100 +25 Points taken from you . You participated in the events that led to it . You don't need to worry about being painted as the villain - Nathan will know the story , all of it , and he'll decide for himself . My nephew is bright - and he's being raised by a father who would move mountains for him and a mother who nearly died for him . " Michael's voice deepened , a growl curling through his words . " I am his father . I should be the one raising him . I should have been told .

" - dominance spilling out like a dark The air in the room thickened . His wolf surged forward tide . The windows rattled faintly against the pressure of his power . Calvin was on his feet in an instant , standing between Roselyn and the Alpha . " Michael , control your wolf , " he warned , he is prepared to protect his mate . Michael's chest heaved as he fought for composure , his eyes flickering from molten gold back to brown . Slowly , the tension ebbed , though not completely . " I'm sorry , " Michael rasped , running a hand through his hair .

" My wolf has been restless ever since we learned about Nathan ever since the rejection . " Roselyn said nothing . - Michael's tone softened , weighted with regret . " Roselyn , when I was forced to move forward with my mating to Kathy , I chose duty over my fated mate . I know we hurt Elaine . I know we're the reason she lost Nathan's twin . But I didn't choose to abandon my son . I was never given that chance . " " Alpha ," Roselyn said quietly , but every word struck like a blade , " Nathan is my brother's child . Darius would die before letting anyone threaten his family .

You once chose your pack over your mate perhaps it's time to do that again . They've already told you: when Nathan is old enough , he will decide if he wants to meet you . " - Michael's eyes burned with something raw - desperation , guilt , longing . " I can't wait that long , " he said hoarsely . " My wolf can't . " Roselyn met his gaze , unwavering . " Then be prepared , " she said , " to face the Council's judgment - and possibly , a war with my brother . " Michael hesitated . " You're his sister , Roselyn . You could be the bridge between us . " And just like that , the mask slipped .

Roselyn tilted her head slightly , her voice low and cold . " So that's the real reason you wanted me here ." Michael's jaw tightened . " No. What I meant is that Darius will think twice before severing our 3/4 < Chapter 100 +25 Points alliance now that you're here - mated to my Beta . I'm simply asking for a chance . A chance to meet my son . " The air fell still , heavy with unspoken threats and lingering pain . Roselyn rose slowly from her chair , her gaze sharp as moonlight . " Careful , Alpha ," she said softly . " When you ask for chances , make sure you deserve them .

" Calvin a Then she turned , her footsteps echoing against the floor as she left the room - silent shadow beside her , the faint scent of tension and truth still hanging thick in the air .