The Rejected Mate by Lhainey Novel

Retain 116 Summary As night fully enveloped the celebration, Elaine and Darius returned to the courtyard, where the atmosphere was calm yet charged with underlying tension. Elaine's heart remained unsettled after a prior confrontation, and though Darius appeared outwardly composed, she sensed his suppressed anger. They quickly joined Marcus, Evan, and Nathan, with Elaine holding her son tightly, finding solace in his presence amidst her inner turmoil about the threat Michael posed. The Silverblade Pack soon arrived, led by Michael, Kathy, Calvin, and Roselyn.

Roselyn and Kathy complimented Elaine sincerely, unaware of Michael's recent actions. However, when Michael spoke, his words carried a sharp edge that sent a chill through Elaine. Darius growled lowly, signaling the danger, but Elaine restrained him, determined to maintain control and composure. She firmly asserted her place as Luna alongside Darius, her true mate and Alpha, directly challenging Michael's insinuations. Darius stepped forward, declaring his devotion and protection for Elaine and Nathan, warning Michael against any threats.

Nathan, sensing the tension, asked if there was danger, and Elaine reassured him, emphasizing the importance of loyalty, honesty, and owning one's mistakes. Nathan absorbed these lessons solemnly, expressing his own desire to protect his future mate, which softened Darius's expression. Michael's anger and humiliation were evident, but he attempted a weak smile and offered a vague comment about mistakes. Elaine's smile vanished as she sent Nathan away for safety and confronted Michael with quiet but deadly authority.

She revealed Michael's petition to the Council questioning Nathan's paternity, shocking Kathy and exposing Michael's betrayal. Elaine's fury boiled as she accused Michael of abandoning his responsibility and choosing her sister over his own pup. Standing firmly beside Darius, Elaine declared that Michael was not Nathan's father and affirmed Darius's role as the loyal, strong Alpha and true father figure. Michael was left speechless, stripped of any defense, while Elaine and Darius united in strength and resolve.

Continue Regular Chapter Reading Below Chapter 116 By the time they returned to the celebration, night had fully settled, draping the courtyard in a deep, velvety blue. Lanterns hung overhead, swaying gently in the breeze like a cluster of captured stars. Soft music still floated through the air-distant flutes weaving through gentle drumbeats, mingling with the low hum of voices that drifted like smoke. Yet Elaine felt none of the usual warmth or joy. Her heart remained unsettled, still pounding from the earlier confrontation.

Beside her, Darius walked with an outward calm, but she sensed the fierce storm simmering just beneath his skin. Each step he took seemed charged, vibrating with a barely contained rage. At least, for now, he managed to keep it under control. They made a beeline toward Marcus, Evan, and Nathan, who were waiting anxiously near the long banquet tables. As soon as they reached them, Elaine bent down to Nathan's level and swept him into her arms, gripping him so tightly her knuckles turned white.

Nathan let out a small squeak from the sudden pressure, his tiny hands clutching at her gown, but he didn't pull away. "Mommy?" he asked softly. Pressing her cheek against his forehead, Elaine exhaled slowly, grounding herself in the steady warmth of her child and the familiar rhythm of his heartbeat. She had told Darius to keep his wolf in check, to hold back his fury-but she herself was shaken to her core. Losing Nathan was a nightmare she couldn't bear to imagine. And to think he might be lost to Michael of all people twisted her stomach so sharply she tasted iron.

Still, panic could not be allowed to take hold. Charging into any kind of battle-legal, political, or physical-without a clear plan was suicide. She needed to regain control, to find clarity. She had to be Luna. "What's wrong, Mommy?" Nathan's voice was gentle, worry threading through his words. "Nothing's wrong, baby," Elaine said with a soft smile, brushing his hair away from his eyes. "I just miss my handsome little escort." Nathan puffed up with pride. "I didn't go far!" "I know," she whispered, planting a kiss on his forehead.

"But I missed you." Rising, she slipped her fingers into Darius's hand just as a movement at the edge of the courtyard caught her attention. The Silverblade Pack was approaching, their figures lit by the lantern glow-Michael leading, Kathy beside him, Calvin and Roselyn close behind. They moved through the crowd like a wave of polished steel and practiced smiles. Elaine felt Darius stiffen before she even turned fully. A low vibration-a growl from his wolf-rumbled through their bond. Roselyn was the first to reach them, her smile bright and sincere.

"Elaine, my goddess, you look stunning tonight. And the ceremony-truly breathtaking." Elaine nodded politely. Roselyn's eyes held genuine warmth; it was clear she had no idea what Michael had done. Elaine suspected Kathy was just as unaware. "Roselyn's right," Kathy added softly, her smile warm and kind. "Your ceremony was beautiful. And you look... gorgeous." "Thank you," Elaine replied quietly. Then Michael stepped forward, and the atmosphere shifted, thickening with tension. His voice slid between them-smooth, but with an unmistakable edge of wrongness. "They're right, Elaine.

Your ceremony was wonderful. You were always meant to be a Luna." A chill ran down Elaine's spine. Every instinct screamed that danger was near. Behind her, Darius let out a low growl, quiet enough not to draw attention but deep and fierce enough to freeze the blood of anyone nearby. Elaine immediately placed a hand on his shoulder, shaking her head-Not here. Not now. She faced Michael again, standing tall and steady. "Thank you, Alpha Michael. And yes-I believe I was always meant to be Luna of Crescent Moon. With my fated mate and Alpha, Darius." Michael's jaw clenched tightly.

"I am very fortunate to have found him," she continued, her voice firm and unwavering. "A loyal, strong, devoted mate. Both my son and I are lucky. We are exactly where we're meant to be." A sharp, ugly flicker crossed Michael's face-a direct hit. Before he could recover, Darius stepped forward, his deep, steady voice resonating with alpha authority. "I am the one who is lucky, my Luna. To have you, and to have Nathan. You both mean everything to me, and I will kill anyone who threatens our family." His eyes locked onto Michael's, the message clear and unyielding.

Nathan tugged on Darius's sleeve. "Daddy... is there a threat?" "No, baby," Elaine said, crouching down and gently brushing a thumb across Nathan's cheek. "No threat. Daddy is just reminding Alpha Michael what it means to be the Alpha of Crescent Moon. We protect what belongs to us. We are loyal and honest. We don't hide from our mistakes. We own them." Nathan nodded solemnly, absorbing every word. "Daddy is strong. When I grow up, I will protect my mate too." Darius's expression softened, a rare tenderness shining through. "Yes, Nathan. Mates are sacred gifts from the Goddess.

We treasure them. We protect them. Always." Michael's face flushed-a tangled mix of rage, humiliation, and the sting of undeniable truth-but he had no response. He forced a smile. "Even Alphas make mistakes, Nathan. What matters is how you fix them." Elaine's smile faded completely. "Nathan," she said quietly, "it's late. Go back to the pack house with your guards." "Okay, Mommy." Without hesitation, Nathan obeyed, trusting her completely. Only once he was out of earshot did Elaine turn to Michael, her expression hard as stone-controlled, deadly.

"Alpha Michael," she said in a low voice, "you have no right to offer unwarranted advice to my son. Keep your thoughts to yourself." "Elaine?" Kathy whispered, confusion clouding her face. Elaine's gaze shifted to her. "I hope you understand what your Alpha has done. He petitioned the Council to question my son's paternity." Kathy's face paled. She spun toward Michael. "Michael... what have you done?" Michael lifted his chin defiantly. "He is my son, Elaine. He deserves to know his real father.

I thought you lost our pup in the miscarriage." Elaine inhaled sharply, fury flashing in her eyes like shards of ice. "I did lose a pup, Alpha. And you know why. You made your choice. What am I supposed to tell my son? That he had a sibling who died before he was born because his father lacked courage? Because his father betrayed his bond and chose my sister?" Michael's face went white. "You made your choice," Elaine said, her voice trembling with restrained rage. "And I made mine. You are not my son's father. His father"-she stepped beside Darius, taking his hand-"is right here.

A loyal, strong Alpha." Darius stood tall, a silent pillar of strength at her side. Michael had nothing left to say. Conclusion The chapter closes with Elaine and Darius standing united, their bond and family forged through loyalty and love, unshaken by Michael's attempts to disrupt their peace. Despite the undercurrent of tension and the shadows cast by past betrayals, Elaine's strength shines through, as she embraces her role as Luna and protector of her son. The quiet moments with Nathan ground her, reminding her of what truly matters-the safety and happiness of her family.

In the face of adversity, Elaine's resolve only deepens, embodying the fierce grace of a leader who will fight for her own. This chapter delicately explores themes of loyalty, identity, and the power of chosen family, highlighting the emotional complexity beneath the surface of political and personal conflicts. The tension between past mistakes and present commitments creates a palpable emotional charge, yet Elaine's unwavering stance offers a beacon of hope and resilience.

As Michael's true intentions become clearer, the emotional stakes rise-not just for Elaine and Darius, but for everyone caught in the crossfire of past betrayals and present power struggles. Amidst the lingering shadows of deceit and heartbreak, the characters will be forced to confront uncomfortable truths and make choices that could either heal or fracture their bonds irreparably. Expect the delicate balance of trust and authority to be challenged, with emotions running high and the ever-present threat of conflict looming just out of sight.