The Rejected Mate by Lhainey Novel

Chapter 104 The forest path stretched before them in twilight gray , quiet except for the crunch of leaves beneath their boots and the distant howl of a lone wolf greeting the evening . Roselyn's hand brushed against Calvin's as they walked , the warmth between them grounding her despite the chill creeping through the trees . They were almost at their cabin when she finally spoke - her voice soft , but heavy with the weight of questions that had been clawing at her heart . " Calvin ," she murmured , stopping him gently by the sleeve .

" What will happen if the council finds your parents guilty of interfering with the mate bond ? " He inhaled slowly , jaw tensing , eyes darkening like storm clouds . " There are ... multiple consequences , " he said , voice low . " The least severe is ostracization . They wouldn't be banished , but they'd be stripped of Pack recognition . They'd be allowed only in certain territories , living on the edge of the very home they once stood proudly in . " He paused , throat working . " The worst is banishment . " The word hung in the air like a curse , echoing between the trees .

Roselyn's brow furrowed as she searched his face . " If that was the consequence , why did they interfere with Elaine and Michael's bond ? Why risk everything ? Why do something so ... devastating ? " " That ," Calvin sighed , rubbing a hand over his face , " is the question we all keep asking . We asked them over and over , begged for answers . But all they ever said was that it was ' for the Pack . " His eyes flickered with pain . " But if that were true , they should have approved the fated bond . A true mate bond adds stability , power , strength to future heirs .

" Roselyn shook her head , confusion knotting her chest . " Exactly . Michael and Elaine.as fated mates would have produced powerful heirs . Everyone knows that . Yet they chose Kathy's pup instead - no offense - but Kathy is a chosen mate . " Calvin nodded . " They told us that since Kathy was already carrying a pup , the Pack had to protect her . They said if Michael marked Elaine , she might ... kill the child out of jealousy ." His voice thickened with disbelief . " But I know my sister . Elaine would rather tear out her own heart than harm an innocent .

She even told them she would love that child as her own . " " And they still didn't believe her , " Roselyn whispered . Calvin's shoulders sagged . " No. They didn't . " She touched his hand , her thumb grazing over his knuckles with quiet affection . " And how are you with all of this ? " she asked softly , worry threading her voice . He was her mate - his pain was hers . 1/3 Chapter 104 +25 Points / A small , sad smile tugged at Calvin's lips . " I accepted long ago that what they did was wrong . Every choice has consequences , and they made theirs . " He swallowed hard .

" I cut ties for Elaine's sake . For the pain she went through . The only comfort is that she's happy now - with Alpha Darius . " Before she could respond , Roselyn's phone rang , the ringtone shattering the solemn silence . She glanced at the screen and her face lit up with a smile as she turned it toward Calvin . He chuckled . " Go on . Talk to her . I need to get to patrol ." " Be careful , love , Roselyn whispered . Calvin froze . It was the first time she had said it . His eyes softened , and something warm and fierce moved across his features .

He cupped her face and kissed her - deep , intense , grounding . When he pulled away, his forehead rested against hers for a heartbeat before he turned and disappeared into the trees . Roselyn exhaled shakily , then answered . " Elaine? " " Roselyn ! Help me ! " Elaine burst out immediately . " Turn on your camera - quick ! Which dress looks better ? Love , hold the camera steady ! " Elaine shoved the phone into someone's hands - Roselyn immediately recognized the voice that huffed in protest . Alpha Darius . Elaine held up two dresses . Roselyn blinked . " Where are you ?

You're not at the store , right ? " " Nope ! " Elaine laughed . " I couldn't choose , so Darius grabbed both dresses , threw them on the counter , and said ' problem solved . ' Now I'm still stuck . I called your mom but she can't decide either . " Roselyn stared , jaw dropping . Alpha Darius . Shopping for dresses . For his Luna ? Willingly ? " What did you do to my alpha brother ? " Roselyn gasped , half - shocked , half - delighted . Elaine snorted . " He gave us two weeks to prepare for my Luna ceremony . I told him I'd only agree if he helped . Buying the dress counts !

" " I said one dress ," Darius grumbled off - screen . " Oh hush ," Elaine swatted . " If I asked you again , you'd still buy both . " Roselyn laughed until her stomach hurt . " So , which do you want me to choose ? The silver or the white ? " . " The silver ! " Roselyn said with certainty . " Mother likes white because tradition , but silver will 213 < Chapter 104 make you shine like moonlight . " +25 Points X Instant relief washed over Darius's face . " Done . Silver it is . Love , save the white for another occasion . Decision made .

" He kissed Elaine's forehead and then moved like he was fleeing a battlefield . " I need to return to the office . Roselyn , you'll be here for the Luna ceremony ? " " Yes- " He vanished before she finished answering . Elaine and Roselyn burst into laughter as his retreating back disappeared . " Does he always run when overwhelmed ? " Roselyn teased . " Oh , absolutely , " Elaine said proudly . " But he always gives in . He just wants me happy . That's how he loves ." Warmth blossomed in Roselyn's chest .

And for the first time , she truly understood the gift the moon goddess had given her brother - and the goddess had finally given her , too . 8 Comments Vote ་ LUCK DRAW > 437 Sara Lili Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland's breathtaking cold.