The Rejected Mate by Lhainey Novel

The golden light of the late afternoon bathed Crescent Moon in warmth as Darius's car crossed the familiar boundary of their territory . The tall pine trees swayed gently in the wind , their scent instantly wrapping around him like home . The distant howls of patrolling wolves echoed softly in the valley a melody that spoke of belonging , of peace . L He let out a slow breath he didn't realize he'd been holding . " It's good to be back ," he murmured , his voice low and full of relief . One arm was still draped around Elaine's shoulders as if afraid that if he let go .

" I don't want to be away from for that long ever again . " you two Elaine smiled faintly , leaning into his chest as the car rolled down the familiar gravel road toward the packhouse . His scent - that earthy warmth of pine and cedar - always made her feel safe . " I've missed you both so much , " Darius continued , pressing his forehead gently against her temple . Elaine turned to their son in the back seat , her eyes soft . " We missed you too . Right , Nathan ? " Right ! " Nathan grinned , his tiny hands spreading wide apart . " We missed you this much , Daddy !

" Darius laughed , the sound easing the heaviness that had been sitting in his chest since Silverblade . " I missed you too , buddy . More than you know ." - fierce , protective , and unyielding . His As he looked at his son , pride flickered through him son . Not by blood yes , but his son nonetheless , his legacy . The thought of Alpha Michael even suggesting that Nathan belonged to anyone else sent a dangerous flash through Darius's golden eyes . If not for Elaine's calming touch that day , there would've been a fight . " Is something wrong ?

" Elaine asked softly , noticing the sudden tension in his jaw . He forced the thoughts away and smiled down at her . " Nothing , love . Everything's fine . " He kissed her forehead gently , grounding himself in her warmth . Before he could say more , Nathan pressed his little face against the window . " We're here ! Daddy , Mommy - look ! Grandpa and Grandma ! " Elaine followed his gaze , spotting Blaine and Celine standing on the wide stone steps of the packhouse , waiting .

The two elders were radiant in the sunlight - Blaine's presence calm and 1/3 Chapter 94 commanding , while Celine's arms were already open wide . +25 Priz The moment the car came to a stop , Nathan threw open the door and leapt out , his small feet pounding against the path as he ran toward them . " Grandpa ! Grandma ! I missed you ! " he shouted , his laughter echoing through the courtyard . Celine crouched down , arms open . " We missed you too , our little Alpha ! " she said, gathering him into a tight embrace . Her silver hair shimmered in the light as she pressed a kiss to his cheek .

Blaine chuckled , his stern face softening . " You've grown again , haven't you ? Soon, you'll be taller than me . " " I will be ! " Nathan said proudly , puffing out his chest . Elaine and Darius stepped out of the car , their fingers entwined . The scent of home- pinewood , earth , and faint traces of pack wolves enveloped them both . - " How was your trip ? " Blaine asked , turning toward Darius as Celine guided Nathan inside . ' Roselyn called earlier . She told us she's giving her mate a chance ." Darius nodded . " Yes . She's staying with Calvin in Silverblade .

It was her choice - and I support it . The flight back was smooth , and Nathan couldn't stop talking about seeing everyone again . " " That's wonderful to hear . " Blaine's expression softened . " Everything here is stable . The borders are secure , patrols have been doubled while you were away . " " See , Daddy ? " Nathan said proudly , tugging at Darius's hand . " I told you ! I left the pack in good hands . Grandpa Blaine has good hands ! " Darius chuckled and crouched down beside his son . " Yes , you did good , little Alpha .

" " Elaine smiled , watching the two most important men in her life . For a moment , it felt perfect - peaceful , like the world had slowed down just enough to let her breathe again . After a brief moment of quiet reunion , Darius turned back to his father . " We have a lot to discuss , Dad . Meet me in my office in an hour? " Blaine nodded , his expression shifting to something more serious . " I'll be there . " An Hour Later The sun had dipped lower , spilling orange light through the large windows of Darius's office .

2/3 Chapter 94 The room smelled of old books and oak , its walls lined with maps and ancient records of Crescent Moon's lineage . When Darius entered , Blaine , Marcus , and Evan were already there . The air was thick with the weight of unspoken questions . " Son ," Blaine began as soon as Darius settled behind his desk , " what exactly happened in Silverblade ? All we were told was that Elaine needed to go and speak with Roselyn . When we later heard from your sister , she only said she found her mate- and now she's decided to stay there . Is she truly safe ?

" - Darius leaned back in his chair , rubbing the back of his neck . " She's safe , Dad . Her mate is Calvin Elaine's brother . Roselyn was thinking of rejecting him because of what happened in the past . That's why Elaine needed to go to help her see the truth . " - Blaine frowned , exchanging a look with Marcus and Evan . " That's ... concerning . What that pack did to Elaine was bad enough . But they do that to your sister " " I know , " Darius interrupted calmly . " But Roselyn's happiness matters more to me m .. I made sure she'll be protected .

And she had an agreement with Calvin , if Silverblade does not make her happy . They will move here . And Calvin will step down as beta of Silverblade . " Blaine exhaled slowly , nodding . The tension in his shoulders eased . " Good . That's all I needed to hear . I trust your judgment , son . I just needed to know my daughter is safe . " "She is ," Darius assured , his gaze steady . " I wouldn't have left her there if I wasn't certain . " the kind of silence that came after storms . Blaine's For a moment , the room fell silent - expression softened as pride flickered in his eyes .

" Then tell me ," he said finally , folding his hands on the desk . " What really happened there ? I - there's more you're not saying ." can see it in your eyes - to Michael's claim , to Elaine's Darius hesitated , his mind flashing back to Silverblade trembling voice , to the storm of emotions that still lingered . He took a deep breath . " There is , " he admitted . " And you need to hear all of it . " 8 E 289 Comments