The Rejected Mate by Lhainey Novel

Retain 115 Summary The chapter opens with a vibrant celebration at Crescent Moon's grand hall, marking Elaine's formal ascension as Luna. Nathan, though still a child, carries himself with dignity and pride as he accompanies his parents, Alpha Darius and Luna Elaine, through the gathering of pack members and honored guests. Darius remains vigilant, protecting Nathan while maintaining a calm exterior despite sensing a hostile gaze from Michael, whose simmering fury is tightly restrained for the sake of the occasion.

As the festivities continue, the trio approaches Councilman Orion, who officiated Elaine's ceremony. Nathan confidently introduces himself to Orion, signaling the unity and strength of their family. However, the mood shifts when Orion requests a private conversation with Darius and Elaine, hinting at troubling news. Despite Darius's initial reluctance, Elaine insists they address the matter immediately, understanding the weight of their responsibilities as leaders.

In a quiet, tense meeting, Orion reveals that the council is moving forward with an investigation into Elaine's past and the interference of the previous Alpha with her former mate bond. More alarmingly, Alpha Michael has petitioned the council to claim custody of Nathan, asserting he was unaware of his son's existence. This revelation ignites a fierce, protective rage in Darius, who vehemently rejects Michael's claim and threatens war if necessary to defend his family. Elaine calms Darius, grounding him with her steady presence as they prepare to face the upcoming council court.

They agree to return to the celebration for now, but with a clear plan to send guests home, strategize, and ultimately defend their family against any threat. The chapter closes on their unbreakable bond and determination to protect one another, no matter the challenges ahead. Continue Regular Chapter Reading Below Chapter 115 The celebration lingered long into the night, filling Crescent Moon's grand hall with a warm glow and the sound of joyous laughter. Torches lined the massive stone pillars, their flickering flames casting playful shadows that swayed with the movement of the crowd.

The music flowed through the space-deep, steady drumbeats thumping like a heartbeat, accompanied by bright, shimmering strings that sparkled like stars visible through the open skylight above. At the start of the evening, Nathan remained close to Darius and Elaine, weaving with them through clusters of allied pack members and honored guests from distant territories. Though still a child, Nathan carried himself with a surprising dignity-his shoulders squared in a manner reminiscent of his father's, his chin held high as if already bearing the weight of future leadership.

Each small bow he offered drew warm smiles from the elders, and every firm handshake earned approving nods from the Alpha pack members. Darius kept a protective hand near Nathan's back, his gaze sharp and watchful, the instinct of a guardian evident in every measured step. Nathan fully understood the significance of the night-his mother's ceremony, her formal ascension as Luna of Crescent Moon-and he bore his role as her escort with quiet, solemn pride. Elaine sensed a pair of eyes tracking them across the room. A cold, piercing gaze that seemed to tighten the very air around her.

She forced herself to ignore it, focusing instead on the comforting warmth of her mate's hand brushing against hers, feeling the steady rhythm of his pulse beneath her fingertips. Yet she noticed the way Darius tensed each time that gaze landed on her. The fury burning in his eyes wasn't merely simmering beneath the surface-it was caged, restrained only by sheer force of will. For now, Darius chose not to confront Michael. Not tonight. Not on the night that belonged to Elaine. But every breath he took betrayed the fragile thread holding his restraint in place.

The three of them approached Councilman Orion, who stood quietly near the edge of the hall beneath a softly glowing lantern. Its amber light outlined the streaks of silver in his hair, giving him an almost ethereal presence. Earlier, he had officiated the ceremony, binding the pack's acceptance of Elaine as their Luna with ancient rites and words that carried profound power. "Councilman Orion, thank you for joining us to celebrate and to conduct my Luna's ceremony," Alpha Darius said, his voice steady and commanding even amid the revelry.

He then placed a hand gently on Nathan's shoulder, guiding him forward. "Have you met our son? This is Nathan. Nathan, meet Councilman Orion." Without hesitation, Nathan stepped ahead, extending his small hand. "Hello, Councilman. My name is Nathan. Thank you for coming to our pack." Though soft, Nathan's voice was clear and confident. Orion's expression softened in response. The councilman inclined his head slightly, clearly impressed not only by the boy's manners but by the undeniable bond linking him to the Alpha and Luna standing beside him.

A complete family-united, loyal, and fiercely protective. A family that, if the council's recent summons meant what Orion feared, would soon face its greatest challenge. "Pleased to meet you, young alpha," Orion replied. "It is always an honor to serve." Then his expression shifted subtly-just enough for Darius and Elaine to sense the weight of what was to come. Lowering his voice, Orion spoke quietly. "Alpha... I would like a word with you and the Luna after the celebration. Or, if more convenient, tomorrow morning." Elaine straightened, a sudden tension threading through her spine.

"If it's important, Councilman, we can discuss it now." Darius immediately turned toward her, ready to object-her ceremony wasn't even halfway finished, and he didn't want anything to spoil this night. But Elaine shook her head firmly. "If it concerns our pack," she said softly, "we need to face it sooner rather than later. Our responsibilities don't pause. Besides..." She softened her gaze, looking at him with quiet understanding. "You won't be able to stop thinking about it until we do. It will cloud your mood.

I'd rather know now if something deserves that shadow." Darius exhaled, frustration flickering across his face, but he yielded. He crouched down to Nathan's level. "Nathan, stay here with Uncle Marcus and Evan. We'll be back shortly. We just need to speak with Councilman Orion." "Okay, Daddy," Nathan replied without hesitation. "You remember the rules?" "I know, Daddy." Nathan nodded with a maturity that exceeded his years. Darius exchanged a silent, commanding look with Marcus and Evan.

Both warriors straightened, their expressions solemn and resolute-they would protect Nathan with their lives. Taking Elaine's hand, Darius followed Orion out of the warmth and noise of the hall. They walked down the corridor, torchlight flickering against the cold stone walls. The air grew cooler as they neared Darius's office, the sounds of celebration fading into a distant hum. When the door closed behind them, the silence inside felt heavy, almost oppressive. Darius crossed his arms over his chest. "Speak, Orion." The councilman drew a steadying breath.

"Alpha, you are aware the council has been investigating the events surrounding Luna Elaine's time in Silverblade-the previous Alpha's interference with her former mate bond." "Yes," Darius replied. "We were informed." "The council has reached its next phase. All parties involved have been summoned to Council Court in three days. There will be final questioning-and judgment. The council intends to issue its sentence." Darius nodded slowly, his shoulders sagging just a little. "We will attend." He turned, prepared to return to the celebration, but Orion's voice stopped him.

"That is not all, Alpha." Darius faced him again, jaw clenched tight. Orion swallowed hard. "Alpha Michael has petitioned the council to investigate his claim that his son should be with him-since he was not informed of the child's existence." The words exploded in the room like a thunderclap. "What?!" Elaine gasped, disbelief sharp in her voice. Beside her, Darius's power surged violently, a wave of raw fury radiating from him. His aura crackled in the air, thick and suffocating. "What right does he think he has?" Darius growled, voice booming with barely contained rage. "Nathan is my son.

My wolf and I have accepted him as our own. His mother is my fated mate!" "Darius, love," Elaine whispered, reaching out to steady him, trying to tether the storm within. "He has no right, Elaine," Darius seethed. "None whatsoever. He chose Kathy. He walked away. He forfeited everything." "That will be for the council to decide," Orion said cautiously. "If Alpha Michael can prove his rights were violated-" Darius cut him off with a roar. "I would kill him before I let him claim anything. Orion, I will declare war if I must.

I will erase his pathetic pack from the map before I allow a coward like him to lay a hand on my son!" "Darius! Calm down," Elaine urged, cupping his face in both hands. Her touch was the only thing capable of breaking through the inferno of his anger. She turned to Orion. "Thank you for informing us. But for now, we will return to the celebration as if nothing has occurred." Then she looked back at Darius, grounding him with her steady, unwavering gaze. "We have time. Three days before the council meeting. Tomorrow, we send our guests home.

The next day, we strategize." Her voice softened, though her determination remained fierce. "And on the third day... we will defend our family against any threat that dares to touch us." Darius closed his eyes, drawing in her calm like a balm, letting it soothe the storm raging inside him. For their family, he would stand against the world. And for their family, she would stand beside him-unbreakable, unshakable. Conclusion The night's celebration, filled with joy and unity, also revealed the fragile balance that the family must now navigate.

Nathan's poised presence symbolized hope and continuity, while Darius and Elaine's shared strength underscored their commitment to protect what they hold most dear. Despite the looming threat from Alpha Michael and the weight of the council's impending judgment, their bond remained the unyielding core of their resilience. In the quiet moments after the ceremony, the couple's resolve crystallized into a promise: to face whatever challenges arise with unwavering determination and steadfast love.

With the council's impending judgment looming and Alpha Michael's shocking claim threatening to unravel their hard-won peace, Darius and Elaine must navigate a treacherous path between loyalty, justice, and the fierce protection of their family. The fragile calm of the celebration has given way to a storm of emotions-anger, fear, and determination-that will test the strength of their bond and the unity of their pack.

As the days count down to the council meeting, expect to witness the characters grappling with difficult decisions and the weight of responsibility pressing heavily on their shoulders. Alliances may be questioned, and the true resilience of their family will be revealed. The emotional stakes are higher than ever, and every choice could have far-reaching consequences. Readers will find themselves on edge, eager to see how Darius and Elaine prepare to face the challenges ahead while safeguarding their son and their legacy.

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.