The Rejected Mate by Lhainey Novel - Chapter 55

Chapter 55 " Mama ? " Her three - year - old son's small voice echoed through the quiet den , warm and full of innocent curiosity . Kathy turned , her heart softening instantly at the sight of her little boy . Her son . Her light . The love of her life . She once believed she understood what love was when she met Michael . He had been everything to her - her partner , her protector , her heart's deepest longing . But the day Leo came into the world , crying and tiny and perfect , Roselyn realized she'd only just begun to understand love .

There was nothing - absolutely nothing - she wouldn't do for him . " Yes , Leo ? " she replied , kneeling to meet his bright amber eyes . " Mama is busy today getting ready for the mating ball , okay ? So I need you to be a very good boy . " Leo gave her a proud nod , hugging his stuffed wolf to his chest . " Leo good , Mama ! " he chirped , then returned to his toys , humming quietly to himself . Kathy watched him for a moment longer , her smile slowly fading .

Her heart swelled with love for her son , but as always , the joy was tinged with a sharp , familiar sadness - a shadow that never truly left . She placed a hand over the mark on her neck , the symbol she always kept covered . A reminder . A wound . A betrayal . Her sister's pup would've been Leo's age now . A cousin , a playmate , maybe even a best friend . If only ... if only things had gone differently . Kathy let out a slow breath . The ache in her chest never seemed to dull , no matter how many times she tried to bury it . Growing up , she and Elaine had been inseparable .

More than sisters - they were best friends , confidantes , soul - bonded in the way only siblings born under the same moon could be . They had shared everything - dreams , secrets , laughter , even grief . There was no one Kathy had trusted more . If only she had confided in her about Michael from the beginning . If only she hadn't waited . But Elaine had been away from the pack when Kathy and Michael first began to see each other . Kathy had wanted to surprise her , to share the news face - to - face . She hadn't known- couldn't have known - what was coming .

1/3 : < Chapter 55 +25 Points By the time Elaine returned and the truth came out , it was too late . Elaine was Michael's fated mate . Kathy had been ready to step aside , to let the Goddess's will be honored . She loved Michael , yes - but her sister , her blood , came first . But fate had already played its cruel hand . She was pregnant . The former Alpha - Michael's father - was clear : for the good of the pack , the heir could not be born illegitimate . The future Alpha's lineage had to be secured , respected , honored . Mating Michael was no longer a choice . It was an order .