The Rejected Mate by Lhainey Novel

A week had passed since Elaine and Darius returned to Crescent Moon . The Silverblade territory felt quieter without them - too quiet , if Roselyn was being honest . Every morning , she called her parents , and every night she called Elaine , as if the sound of familiar voices could fill the growing ache of missing them . Elaine's Luna Ceremony was fast approaching , and preparations were already in full swing . Roselyn could almost picture it - the chatter of women , fabrics rustling , laughter echoing through Celine's dressing room .

She had always imagined helping Elaine choose her Luna gown , fussing over silk and lace , teasing her about her new title . But that wasn't her place anymore . She wasn't an unmated she - wolf free to linger where she pleased . She had a mate now . A new pack . A new life . She exhaled deeply , the sound soft but heavy . " Something wrong , mate ? " Calvin's voice came from behind her , calm and warm . He wrapped his arms around her waist as she stood by the open balcony , looking out across Silverblade's sprawling pines . Roselyn leaned back into his chest , eyes tracing the horizon .

" Nothing's wrong ," she murmured , though her tone betrayed her . " Just ... missing all the fun of shopping with Elaine and my mom . They're picking dresses for her Luna ceremony . " Calvin smiled , pressing a kiss to her temple . " You told them we'll be there next week , right ? " " Yes ," Roselyn said , turning to face him with a small frown . " But I still can't believe my brother is pushing for the ceremony so soon . He's only giving my mom and Elaine two weeks to prepare . He's impatient , as always . " A chuckle rumbled from Calvin's chest .

" He's been waiting years to finally announce Elaine as his Luna . You can't expect him to wait for the next full moon when there's one just around the corner . " Roselyn folded her arms , still pouting . " I guess . " Calvin's smile softened . " And yes - we'll be there . Michael and Kathy received their invitations too . " At that , Roselyn's expression changed . Her brows knit together , and she bit her lower lip , hesitating . Calvin noticed immediately . " Go on ," he said gently . " I can feel you thinking too hard . What is it ?

" < Chapter 98 +25 Points Roselyn looked away , fingers nervously tracing the edge of his shirt . " I just ... I'm not sure it's a good idea for Michael and Kathy to attend the ceremony . " Calvin tilted his head . " Because of what happened before ? " " That , and ... " She took a breath . " You remember how insistent Michael was about meeting Nathan ? It's not that I don't understand his reasons , but I can't help worrying . I'm protective of my nephew , Cal . Elaine's been through enough . " He nodded slowly , his gaze steady . " I know , mate . But Michael's still Alpha of Silverblade .

If he didn't attend , it would be seen as an insult . And for what it's worth , I already spoke with him . I told him to respect Elaine's wishes regarding Nathan . " Roselyn's eyes flicked up to his , unconvinced . " Yes , but you said he didn't respond when you brought it up . Don't you think that's ... strange ? " A faint crease formed between Calvin's brows . " I've known Michael since we were pups , Roselyn . He's stubborn , but he won't do anything reckless . Not now . " Roselyn studied him for a moment , her voice quiet but firm .

" For your sake , for Elaine's sake , and for that little boy's - let's hope you're right . " Calvin drew her close , his arms wrapping around her as if he could shield her from her own worries . She leaned into his embrace , though the unease in her chest remained . His scent- earthy and familiar - usually brought her peace , but today , even his warmth couldn't chase away the faint flicker of doubt she felt whenever Michael's name was mentioned . " Enough of this talk ," Calvin murmured , kissing the top of her head . " Let's get breakfast at the pack house . Unless ...

" His voice dropped teasingly . " You've changed your mind and want to stay here with me again ? " Roselyn smiled at that , finally breaking into a soft laugh . " Tempting . But no - we can go . I need to start acting like part of your pack , not just your mate . " Calvin grinned , eyes glinting with pride and affection . " That's my mate . " Together , they left the balcony hand in hand , sunlight spilling across the floorboards behind them .

Yet as they walked toward the pack house , Roselyn couldn't shake the feeling that next week's ceremony - so bright , so full of promise - might not be as simple as it seemed .