The Rejected Mate by Lhainey Novel

Chapter 107 thick The approach to the Crescent Moon pack house felt like the stirring of ancient power cedar - wood pillars , banners swaying with the proud moon crest , warriors stationed discreetly yet undeniably present . The air held that heavy , charged anticipation packs always felt on the eve of a Luna Ceremony . The forest itself seemed to watch . Evaluate . Judge . A sleek black SUV rolled to a stop , gravel crunching beneath the tires in the stillness . The second it stilled , Crescent Moon warriors subtly shifted , straightening , eyes sharp .

Every one of them watched the doors with the attention of wolves on alert . This was not just a diplomatic visit . This was history walking up to their door - complicated , painful history . The Silverblade pack emerged one by one , power radiating with every step : Alpha Michael , stature tall and expression unreadable . Luna Kathy , poised , gentle strength in her eyes . Beta Calvin , brother - level loyalty in his stance . And Roselyn - whose gaze immediately searched , instinct drawn to family . But it was Michael the Crescent Moon pack watched the closest .

Because this time , the wolves guarding the pack house weren't just protecting a ceremony . They were protecting a secret . A child . Their heir . Darius and Elaine stood together on the stone steps , flanked by elite warriors - surrounded by three guards , stood Nathan . and behind them , Only three years old , yet somehow standing straighter , chin lifted in practiced dignity , tiny hands clasped in front of him . A small suit . Tiny dress shoes . Determination radiating from every inch of him . < Chapter 107 Even at his age , he felt his lineage .

And every warrior watched him with unspoken vow : no one touches the future alpha . +75 Points Darius glanced sideways , making sure his men were ready . They dipped their heads subtly - readiness confirmed . Elaine felt the echo of his tension through their bond , and beneath it , the unmistakable flicker of restrained fury . Then the greetings began . " Alpha Michael ," Darius said , voice steady steel , offering his hand .

" Welcome to Crescent Moon , and thank you for traveling to honor Elaine's Luna ceremony ." Michael took his hand , grip firm , smile polite in a way that was almost too practiced . " We wouldn't miss it . Elaine is originally from Silverblade , after all . We are family - my mate her sister , my beta her brother , and my beta's mate your sister . Our packs are forever intertwined . " His eyes slid to Elaine . - And there just a flicker - something sharp , complicated . Almost possessive . Elaine suppressed a shiver .

" Welcome to our territory , Alpha Michael ," Elaine said , taking his offered hand . Her voice was calm , even regal . But touching him - even briefly - even briefly - sent old shadows rippling through her chest . Awkward didn't begin to cover it . Before the tension could darken further , a small , clear voice cut through the air : " Welcome to our pack , Alpha Michael . My name is Nathan . We are honored to have you here ." It was earnest . Pure . And devastatingly brave . Michael's face softened as he crouched slightly , offering his hand to the little alpha . " We've met , haven't we ?

When you visited Silverblade . Such a smart boy - such manners . The future of your pack . " Nathan shook his hand politely , chest puffed with pride . Elaine's palm rested lightly on his shoulder , subtly tugging him a half step closer to her , protective instinct fierce . " I remember you , Alpha Michael , Nathan said earnestly . " And I'm here as the future alpha of Crescent Moon . I want to be just like my daddy when I grow up . " Silence rippled like a blade across glass . Chapter 107 +25 Posts Michael's smile shifted - not cruel , but knowing .

And in a low voice only adult ears could catch , he murmured : " Really ? Just like your daddy ? His father must be very proud . " Elaine stiffened . Darius went absolutely still . Even the warriors ' eyes sharpened , breaths held . - That tone that insinuation - law and father . as if he had any claim . As if Darius standing there wasn't truth and Elise's voice came first , steady but edged in warning steel . " Yes , Alpha Michael , my Alpha is proud . And he is the only father Nathan has . " - Darius Her gaze cut to Darius like reinforcement . We stand united .

Darius stepped forward , jaw ticked so tight the muscle jumped . Rage simmered behind his eyes territorial , primal , dangerous - but he held control like a king . " I am the luckiest alpha to have my mate and my son , " he said , voice low and lethal calm . " And as Nathan's father , I am proud beyond measure . Thank you for acknowledging that . " Nathan hugged Darius's leg . " And I'm proud to have a daddy like you too . " The quiet love in that moment was a shield . A claim . A truth no one could rewrite . Kathy stepped forward quickly , sensing danger rising like a storm .

" Thank you for inviting us , Elaine . Michael ... " she tugged at her mate's arm gently , " let's allow Calvin and Roselyn to greet them . " Michael held Darius's gaze a beat longer - challenge simmering - then finally stepped back , letting Kathy guide him . Calvin and Roselyn came forward . " Aunt Roselyn ! " Nathan squealed , launching into her arms . Pure joy . A stark contrast to the adult tension suffocating the air . " I missed you , little alpha ," Roselyn whispered , hugging him tight . " And you are doing a wonderful job welcoming everyone .

" " Mommy and Daddy taught me how , " he said proudly . Roselyn's smile warmed . " This is my mate , Calvin . He's the Silverblade beta . " 3/5 < Chapter 107 +25 Points Nathan straightened again , offering his tiny hand . " Welcome to our pack , Beta Calvin . We are honored to have you here . " Calvin shook his hand gently , eyes soft . Then his voice dropped when he addressed Darius and Elaine : " Thank you for having us ." A beat . " And ... I apologize for earlier . " The apology sat heavy in the air , genuine but unable to erase the sting Michael had left .

Darius exhaled through his nose - slow , controlled . A warrior retracting claws for diplomacy's sake . He nodded once . Acceptance , but not forgiveness . " Enjoy your stay ," he said , tone final enough that warriors subtly tightened formation again . The Silverblade entourage moved toward their assigned quarters , guided by Crescent Moon escorts . As soon as they were out of earshot , Elaine exhaled shakily , placing her hand on Darius's chest . Through the bond , she felt it - the storm raging behind his ribs . He covered her hand with his . No words . Just grounding .

Nathan looked up between them , eyes bright , oblivious to the adult war of histories and scars . Daddy ? Mommy ? Did I do good ? " - " Darius lifted him into his arms , holding him tight tighter than necessary . " You did perfect , little alpha . " Elaine brushed a kiss to her son's temple . " Perfect . " But as the wind shifted , carrying Michael's scent away , she whispered through the bond only Darius could hear : Roselyn was right . He's here for more than ceremony . And we need to watch him . Every second . Darius's reply was a growl barely contained in human form : Let him try .

He will not take our son . Their pack house stood tall behind them . Their future nestled safe in their arms . And outside , the wolves of diplomacy circled - but Crescent Moon was ready to bare its teeth . 4/5 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.