The Rejected Mate by Lhainey Novel

Retain 143 Summary In the epilogue of "Retain 143," Nathan experiences a profound emotional upheaval as he listens to his mother recount her painful past, revealing that he was meant to have a twin who did not survive. This revelation shatters Nathan, leaving him grappling with feelings of anger and sorrow for the suffering his mother endured. His wolf, a manifestation of his primal instincts, stirs with rage, urging him to seek vengeance against those who hurt her.

However, Nathan recalls the teachings of his father, who emphasizes the importance of clarity over emotion, prompting him to listen and process his mother's story with an open heart. The moment his father claims him with pride, rather than obligation, brings Nathan a sense of relief and belonging. As Nathan prepares for a visit to the Silverblade Pack, he is acutely aware of the complexities surrounding his family lineage. The anticipation of meeting his uncle, Alpha Calvin, and his best friend, Leo, weighs heavily on him.

Nathan's wolf is restless, reflecting his inner turmoil about the revelations of his family ties and the implications they hold for his identity as an Alpha. The journey to Silverblade feels like a return to a place where his past is buried, now threatening to resurface and complicate his relationships, especially with Leo, who is unknowingly connected to Nathan's biological father. Upon arrival, the atmosphere is filled with warmth and excitement, but Nathan feels a disconnect, as if he is wearing a mask in front of those who love him.

His interactions with Leo are strained, the weight of unspoken truths hanging between them. Despite the jovial welcome from the Silverblade Pack, Nathan's wolf senses the fracture in their bond, stemming from the hidden realities of their lineage. As Nathan stands on the balcony, contemplating the moonlit training grounds, he is confronted by Leo's concern, which prompts Nathan to realize the need for an honest conversation about their intertwined fates. The chapter culminates in a moment of reckoning, as Nathan prepares to share the truth with Leo.

The gravity of their relationship, defined by blood and choice, looms large as Nathan acknowledges the complexities of their identities. He understands that despite the revelations that could change everything, the bond they share remains unbreakable, forged by their experiences and the choices made by the Moon Goddess. This moment signifies a pivotal turning point for Nathan, as he embraces the duality of his existence and the connection he has with Leo, recognizing that they are still brothers, regardless of the circumstances surrounding their birth.

Continue Regular Chapter Reading Below **Epilogue (Nathan)** **** **Claim** Listening to my mother recount her story shattered something deep within me. It wasn't a clean, straightforward break; it felt more like a jagged fissure, sharp and profound, reminiscent of glass fracturing under immense pressure. Each word she uttered bore a weight that I was utterly unprepared to bear. The heartache she had endured-alone, bleeding, and terrified-was etched into every breath she took as she shared her truth.

And when she finally revealed that I was meant to have a twin, that the other half of me had not survived the torment she had faced... the atmosphere in the room shifted, becoming sharp and unyielding. A scream throbbed behind my ribs, a raw and primal sound. My wolf stirred restlessly within me, a tempest of teeth and fury. *We were meant to be two,* he growled, his voice a deep rumble in my mind. *They hurt us. They hurt Mother.* The urge to rage was overwhelming. I wanted to tear down walls, to hunt down every shadow of those who had inflicted pain upon her.

My mother-the warmest soul I had ever known, the Luna who spoke with kindness, who touched others with gentle grace, who forgave when anger would have been the easier path-how dare they hurt her? How dare fate snatch away the other half of my soul before we even drew breath? But I had made a promise to her. I vowed to listen with an open heart, to set aside my anger for the moment. This was part of my alpha training, something my father had ingrained in me from the moment my voice deepened and my aura began to manifest. "A true Alpha thinks with clarity, not emotion.

Emotions make you reckless. Facts carve your path." So I sat there, spine straight, fists clenched, heart trembling, and I listened. Every part of me howled in protest-but I listened. And when my father-my father-looked me squarely in the eyes and said: "You are my son. My heir. Our bond is more than blood." Something within me crumbled-not from pain, but from a profound sense of relief. If the Moon Goddess had appeared before me at that moment, I would have knelt and offered my gratitude. My father didn't hesitate. He didn't flinch. He claimed me with pride-not obligation.

The way my wolf settled, the way his breath synchronized with mine without any conscious effort-it was undeniable proof. Divine proof. - **Claim** Our bond transcended mere blood. It was a choice. It was forged in fire. It was blessed by fate. In the heart of my wolf, Alpha Darius is our father. In my heart, he has always been. Now, as I sit in the car on our annual visit to the Silverblade Pack, my mind is a tumultuous battlefield. My wolf cannot find peace-he shifts restlessly beneath my skin, claws scraping against the insides of my ribs.

It feels as though we are embarking on our first journey to Silverblade. Yet this time, everything is different. Silverblade is not merely an allied pack. It is a fracture in my lineage. It is the very place where my past was buried alive, and now it claws its way back to the surface. I know that Alpha Calvin will be waiting for us-the man I have just learned is not only my mother's brother but my biological uncle. Aunt Roselyn will be by his side, her warm smile and crinkling eyes filled with affection. Their son, Liam, will likely be bouncing on his heels with excitement.

And then there's Leo. My best friend. The one who knows every insecurity I have harbored about stepping into the role of Alpha. The one who laughed with me when the weight of leadership felt unbearably heavy. The wolf with whom I shared every secret. And now... I am painfully aware that his father is my biological father. The air in the car grows heavier with every passing mile. My palms grow clammy. My wolf continues to pace, repeating the same thought like a mantra: *This changes everything. This changes nothing.

This changes everything.* Stella hums softly beside me, her head resting against the cool window. Uncle Evan and Aunt Veronica sit in the back seat, quietly discussing pack matters. My father's hand rests on my mother's knee, his thumb stroking gently, a silent anchor in the storm of my thoughts. "Are you okay, Nathan? Why are you so quiet?" Stella asks suddenly, tilting her head toward me with concern. I blink, forcing my voice to steady itself. "Nothing is wrong. I'm just thinking about our visit to Silverblade," I reply, trying for a casual tone but missing the mark by a mile.

Stella's face lights up, her excitement infectious. "I'm so excited! Especially to see Aunt Roselyn. She said we'll have a girls' day out and buy new clothes. She said now that I'm seven, I should change my wardrobe!" My father snorts, a sound that blends disbelief with dread. "I hope your aunt meant clothes suitable for a seven-year-old," Darius interjects, cutting into the sisters' conversation. Stella gasps dramatically. "Daddy, you're not supposed to listen to other people's conversations.

That's rude!" "What's rude is you and your aunt planning to change your wardrobe without consulting us," he counters smoothly. "You are my pup. All your clothes need approval from me or your mother." "But Mama knows," Stella fires back triumphantly. "Aunt Roselyn told her. She's coming with us." My father turns slowly toward my mother, his expression one of betrayal, as if he has just discovered a mutiny brewing in his own home. My mother can barely contain her laughter, bursting forth bright and free. Stella and I join in, and even Uncle Evan snorts behind us.

My father shakes his head, a defeated smile creeping onto his lips. The laugh lines soften his Alpha aura, and for a fleeting moment, the car feels light once more. As we arrive at Silverblade Pack House, anticipation buzzes in the air. - Before the engine even stops humming, the door swings open. "Nathan! You're finally here!" Leo shouts, his enthusiasm palpable as he grabs my arm and pulls me out, the same exuberance he has shown since childhood. "Yeah," I reply, forcing a smile that feels more like a mask. "My mom and dad came with me-and Stella.

Uncle Evan and Aunt Veronica too." His grin widens, and he immediately pulls me into our secret handshake. But my movements feel stiff, unnatural, as if I'm a marionette with tangled strings. His grin falters, confusion clouding his eyes. He senses the difference. Of course, he does. Before he can voice his thoughts, my father's voice cuts through the air, firm and commanding. "Leo-can you tell your mother and father that we would like to speak with them later today?" Leo straightens, shoulders squared with newfound seriousness. "Of course, Alpha Darius.

I'll let them know right away." But his gaze remains locked on mine. He's searching my face, looking for answers I'm not sure how to provide. I look away first, shame biting at me like a fresh wound. Inside the Pack House, laughter echoes around us. Warm hands greet us, enveloping us in hugs, welcoming us home. Yet my wolf feels the fracture beneath it all-the invisible thread connecting Leo and me, stretched thin, trembling under the weight of unspoken truths.

Later, after the initial greetings, shared meals, and small talk, I find myself standing on the balcony that overlooks Silverblade's training grounds. The moon is rising, pale and distant, casting a silvery glow over everything. My wolf stares at it, as if trying to decipher the mysteries of fate. - Footsteps approach from behind me. Then Leo's voice breaks the silence-quiet, raw, filled with concern. "Nathan... what's going on?" I close my eyes, my mother's tears echoing in my mind. My father's words blaze bright, a reminder of my identity.

My twin-the missing piece of my soul-haunts the silence that stretches between us. When I turn to face Leo, he looks as though he's bracing for either a confrontation or a heartbreaking farewell. My mouth goes dry, the weight of the moment pressing down on me. "Leo... we need to talk," I say, the gravity of my words shifting the very fabric of our futures. Two sons. Two bloodlines. One truth that will change everything. And yet-my wolf whispers- *He is still your brother.* Whether by blood, by bond, or by the choice the Moon Goddess made long before we were born.

Conclusion As I stand on the precipice of revelation, the weight of my lineage settles heavily upon my shoulders. The truth of my heritage, intertwined with Leo's existence, shapes the very essence of who we are. The emotional storm that has raged within me finds a semblance of clarity as I confront the reality that our bond transcends mere blood. My wolf, once a tempest of fury and confusion, now quiets in understanding. The ache of loss for the twin I never knew is tempered by the unwavering connection I share with Leo, a brother forged in laughter and shared secrets.

In this moment, I realize that we are not defined solely by the shadows of our past, but by the choices we make in the present. As I prepare to unveil the truth to Leo, I feel the warmth of my family encircling me, a reminder that love and loyalty can heal even the deepest wounds. The laughter and joy of our reunion at Silverblade serve as a backdrop to the gravity of our conversation, but they also illuminate the path forward. There is a sense of hope that blossoms amidst the uncertainty, a promise that we can navigate this new reality together.

The air is thick with unspoken words and unresolved emotions, and Nathan must navigate the delicate balance between brotherhood and the complexities of their shared past. As he prepares to reveal the hidden truths that have shaped their lives, the stakes are raised higher than ever. Will their bond endure the revelations that threaten to redefine their connection, or will the weight of their family legacies pull them apart? Furthermore, the dynamics within the Silverblade Pack will shift dramatically as Nathan's status as Alpha Darius's son becomes more pronounced.

With every interaction, the tension between loyalty and bloodlines will come to the forefront, challenging Nathan to assert his place not only as a son but as an Alpha in his own right. The presence of family members, especially Uncle Calvin and Aunt Roselyn, will add layers of complexity to the unfolding narrative, as their reactions to Nathan's revelations will be pivotal. Will they support him, or will their own histories complicate matters even further?

As the chapter unfolds, readers can anticipate emotional confrontations, heart-wrenching decisions, and the powerful bonds of brotherhood being tested. Nathan's journey is about to take a transformative turn, and the choices he makes in this pivotal moment will echo throughout the pack, shaping the future of Silverblade and his own destiny. The moon may rise high, but the shadows of the past loom large, and the truth will demand to be faced-no matter the cost. 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.