The Rejected Mate by Lhainey Novel

Retain 144 Summary In the epilogue of "Retain 144," Leo experiences a profound sense of dread when his best friend Nathan fails to greet him as usual. This small but significant change in their routine signals something is amiss, and Leo feels the weight of this unspoken tension. Nathan, who has always been a source of strength and support for Leo, appears distant and troubled, which deepens Leo's anxiety. The bond between them is strong, but the unknown looming over them creates a rift that Leo cannot ignore.

The atmosphere shifts dramatically when Alpha Darius requests a private meeting involving both families. Confused and apprehensive, Leo seeks clarity from Nathan, who reveals that he has learned something important that affects both of them. This revelation heightens Leo's anxiety as he senses that the conversation will uncover painful truths about their pasts. The meeting, filled with a heavy silence, becomes a pivotal moment for Leo as he learns about the tragic history between his parents and Nathan's mother, Luna Elaine.

Leo learns that Nathan should have been a twin, but Luna Elaine lost the child due to the circumstances surrounding Leo's birth. This revelation shatters Leo's perception of himself and his place within the pack, as he grapples with the idea that he is the reason behind Nathan's loss. The emotional turmoil escalates as Leo confronts his parents about the implications of their choices and the expectations placed upon him as the future Alpha. The weight of guilt and shame overwhelms him, making him question his worth and the love he shares with Nathan.

As the meeting unfolds, Luna Elaine and Nathan both reassure Leo that he is not to blame for the past. Their words, filled with compassion, begin to heal some of the wounds Leo carries. Nathan stands firm in his support, declaring their bond as brothers, regardless of the painful history that binds their families. This moment of solidarity provides Leo with the strength to voice his true feelings about his future, ultimately declaring that he does not wish to become the next Alpha.

In a powerful act of self-affirmation, Leo chooses to prioritize his own desires over the expectations placed upon him. He expresses his wish for a simple, peaceful life, marking a turning point in his journey. The room breathes a collective sigh of relief as Leo's truth reshapes his future, freeing him from the burdens of expectation and allowing him to embrace his identity on his own terms. The support from Nathan and the acceptance of his parents create a new foundation for Leo, one where he can finally be true to himself.

Continue Regular Chapter Reading Below Epilogue ( Leo ) Claim Do you ever feel something bad is coming before it arrives ? A pressure in your chest , like a storm forming behind clear skies ? That's what I felt the moment Nathan failed to do our usual greeting . It was small - no one else noticed . Just a handshake , a rhythm we've practiced since we were pups . But to me , it felt like the earth shifting under my feet . Nathan didn't look at me like he usually does - with laughter in his eyes , teasing , or quiet confidence . Instead , he looked ... distant .

Like he wished he could be anywhere but here . His smile was tight , controlled . Nathan has been my best friend for as long as I can remember . My anchor . My quiet strength . He never judged me for being soft , even when others did . He never looked at me like I was weak , or wrong , or disappointing . And unlike some of our packmates - who expect the future Alpha to be a mirror of Alpha Calvin - Nathan never placed expectations on me . He never tried to shape me into something I wasn't . I am the current Alpha Heir .

Even though Alpha Calvin and Luna Roselyn have a son - Liam - who should obviously inherit the position . Everyone told me , from a young age , that I was chosen . That I must carry the pack's legacy . That I must train , study , endure whatever Alpha Calvin demands . And I tried . I tried so hard . But sometimes the brutal training , the judging eyes , the constant pressure - it becomes too much . And when it does , Nathan is the one who listens while I fall apart . Most of the time with our phone calls and sometimes when he visits our pack when he has his vacation . But today ...

he wasn't by my side . Today, he was far away - even while standing right next to me . And then Alpha Darius asked me to inform my parents that they wanted to speak privately , later in the day . That confused me even more . Why involve my parents ? When I asked Nathan what was wrong , he only said he'd learned something - something his parents told him - and he was still processing it . He said it involved me , too . That we should 1/5 < Epilogue ( Leo ) all talk together . He wouldn't tell me anything more . I trust Nathan with everything in me . More than a brother . Closer than blood .

Claim We're both thirteen , but he has always felt older - wiser in a way I've never been . Sometimes I think Nathan was born with the moon's patience in his veins . Meanwhile , I am just like my mother - happy to avoid the spotlight , happiest in quiet places . The meeting finally came . Six of us in Alpha Calvin's office : My parents . Nathan's parents . Me and Nathan . A heavy silence sat on the room like a living thing . Even Alpha Calvin and Luna Roselyn were instructed not to interrupt - so whatever this was , it was big . Important . Part of me wanted to run .

My heart was loud enough that it was deafening . Nathan sat beside me , shoulders straight , but his eyes wouldn't meet mine . The room felt too small for what was coming . And when Luna Elaine finally spoke - softly , with a voice full of both sorrow and steel - my world cracked open . I learned of their past . The bond Luna Elaine and my dad , Michael once shared . The way fate twisted against them . The child she lost - my brother's twin . Nathan should have been born a twin . But Luna Elaine miscarried - because of the pain caused by my parents ' choices .

Caused by the force , the pressure , the expectations . Nathan's twin . 2/5 < Epilogue ( Leo ) My sibling . The blood in my veins turned to ice . I was the reason why my parents was forced to follow through with the mating . The reason my parents chose each other when my father bond belonged elsewhere . The reason for Luna Elaine's pain . I didn't want to speak - but the words tore out of me anyway . Claim " How could you do that ? Is this why some of our pack look at me differently ? Like they're judging me ? You were the previous Alpha pair .

That's why I'm the future Alpha - even though Alpha Calvin and Luna Roselyn have Liam . " My voice shook - not with anger , but something worse . Michael's answer was heavy , honest . " Yes . When I relinquished my Alpha title , I asked the Council to ensure that you would remain the Alpha Heir . Our mistakes should not destroy your future . You and Nathan are innocent . " Innocent . It tasted bitter . I turned to Nathan - my voice small , broken . " You knew . That's why you acted differently earlier . You ... hate me now , right ? How could you not hate me ?

I'm the reason you lost your twin ." Kathy's breath caught . " Leo , don't say that . You are not to blame . " " But it's true , Mom . If you weren't pregnant with me , they wouldn't have forced you to mate with Dad . I'm the reason Luna Elaine suffered . " She couldn't answer . Her eyes filled with tears - but her silence said everything . There was truth in my pain , even if she didn't want to acknowledge it . Then Luna Elaine spoke - and it was like the moon itself was speaking through her . " You are not to blame . Everything happened because of choices we made .

Kathy being pregnant with you is not the reason I lost Nathan's twin . Your parents chose to follow the Alpha's order . You were never part of that choice . You are a blessing to your parents , the 3/5 < Epilogue ( Leo ) same way Nathan is a blessing to me and Darius . Do you hear me ? " Her hand found mine - warm , steady . I could only nod . Then silence again , thick as fog . Leo looked at Nathan , voice barely a whisper . " And ... you , Nathan ? What do you think ? " Nathan met my eyes - steady , clear . Claim " I agree with my mom . You are not to blame . You are my brother .

My best friend . But I only have one father - and that's Darius . " He looked straight at Michael when he said it . I watched my dad's pain - sharp , but held with dignity . His wolf pressed against his skin - broken , humbled . " My wolf accepted long ago that we are no longer your father - and never will be . We are grateful to be the father of your best friend . I know everything might change after today , but I thank the Goddess that you do not hate Leo . He is innocent . It was my cowardice - my failure to fight for my mate . That is why your mother suffered and loss your twin .

And we accept the punishment we carry every day . " The room went silent again . Nathan turned to me - eyes fierce , protective . " Leo , if you have anything to say to your parents - anything at all - you can say it . As your best friend and brother , I will support you ." My heart climbed into my throat . My parents stared , confused and unprepared . " What do you want to say ? " Kathy asked gently . And everything I've hidden , everything I've swallowed and buried - finally came free . " Mom ... Dad ... I don't want to be the next Alpha .

" The words trembled - but felt like air after drowning . 4/5 < Epilogue ( Leo ) " It's not for me . I'm sorry if I disappoint you , but I don't want to be Alpha . All I want is a simple , peaceful life . Becoming Alpha is the opposite of that . " The room exhaled . A truth spoken . A future rewritten . Claim And even though fear trembled in my bones - the silent support of my brother steadied me . For the first time in my life - I chose myself . 23 Comments LUCK DRAW > 349 E Vote Conclusion In the aftermath of that fateful meeting, a heavy weight began to lift from Leo's chest.

The truth, once a dark cloud looming over him, transformed into a catalyst for liberation. No longer shackled by the expectations of others, he felt a sense of clarity wash over him. The revelation of his connection to Nathan, a bond forged not only in friendship but in shared pain, deepened their relationship in ways he had never anticipated.

As the words "I don't want to be the next Alpha" hung in the air, Leo realized that he was no longer just the Alpha Heir; he was a young man reclaiming his identity, daring to carve out a life that resonated with his own desires rather than the imposed legacy of his lineage. Nathan's unwavering support anchored Leo through this tumultuous shift, reminding him that love and friendship transcend bloodlines and titles. The fear that once gripped him began to dissipate, replaced by a burgeoning hope for a future where he could pursue his own path.

Moreover, the implications of Leo's choice ripple beyond just his immediate family. The pack, who have long viewed him as the destined Alpha, will undoubtedly react to this unexpected turn of events. Will they rally behind him in support, or will dissent grow among those who believe a leader must be chosen by blood and tradition? As Leo grapples with his newfound freedom, he must also confront the realities of what it means to forge his own path in a world that has always dictated his place in it.

Anticipation builds as we await the unfolding of alliances, rivalries, and the quest for self-identity in a pack that may not be ready for such a change. 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.