All Chapters of Rejected by My Mate, Fated to the Lycan King: Chapter 291 - Chapter 300

HildaThe clearing is glowing with golden lantern light, strung from tree to tree like stars caught in the branches. Music floats through the air, lively and cheerful, and the scent of roasted meat, baked bread, and spiced cider wraps around everything like a warm embrace.Laughter, chatter, music, love, and everyone I care about safe and sound. It’s perfect.Scarlett darts past me, her curls bouncing, a sticky bun in each hand and powdered sugar smudged across her cheek. She’s already danced with half the warriors here, been given three new hair ribbons, and convinced Nixie to teach her the “grown-up” steps to a waltz. The child is utterly spoiled and utterly adored. Just as she should be.My gaze drifts across the party, a small smile tugging at my lips.Nixie and Percy are twirling in the open space near the fire, laughing as Percy dips her dramatically, nearly dropping her before catching her again. She swats him playfully and he leans in to kiss her shoulder. They’re so in love i

CereliaIt’s still very early. Soren’s arm is slung lazily over my waist, his breath warm against the back of my neck, and for once everything is quiet. There are no spells humming through my bones. No humans to manipulate. No wolves to protect. Just warmth and peace in the arms of the man I love.And the deep, delicious ache in my muscles from a night spent in his arms. I close my eyes and sigh contentedly.And that’s when the knock comes. Three quick raps on the door. Then silence. Another two knocks, this time faster.Followed by, “I know you’re awake! I can hear you breathing!” Soren groans into my shoulder. “She’s back.”“I’m not going away,” Scarlett adds through the door. “And I’m very hungry.” I bite back a laugh and start to roll over, but Soren tightens his arm around me with a huff.“She’s our godchild, I have to let her in,” I tell him. “It’s too early,” he groans. I pat his hand before wriggling out of bed and pull on one of his shirts, which falls all the way to my knees

ScarlettI’ve decided that Mr. Tibbles is turning six today. It’s a very big deal and he needs a special celebration.I told Mommy and she said, “That’s wonderful, sweetheart,” but I could see she wasn’t really listening. She had her head on Daddy’s chest and they were doing that annoying smile-staring thing again.I know exactly who would take me seriously. Ash.He’s been less frowny lately. That’s good, because he’s more fun when he’s not all moody and quiet like the sad statue in the garden. I find him reading a book in the sun.“Ash,” I say, tugging on his shirt. “There’s an emergency.” He blinks at me sleepily, before leaning up on his elbows. “Who’s dead?” he asks.“No one,” I say. “Yet. But Mr. Tibbles is turning six and there’s no party planned and that is basically a crime.” Ash raises an eyebrow. “Six?”“Yes,” I tell him. “In rabbit years. Which is different than our years. But he has no cake. No throne. No presents. We have to do something.”He stares at me for a long secon

CereliaThe fire crackles in the center of the clearing, casting golden light across the circle of familiar faces. Sparks drift lazily into the night sky like stars too impatient to wait their turn.It’s our last night here. Tomorrow, Soren and I return to our own pack. Our forest. Our home. With news that’s sure to thrill our pack.I’m looking forward to being home, but this place has worked its’ way under my skin.The wolves here are loud and brash and complicated. Fierce and loyal. Messy and kind. They welcomed us like we belonged, trusting me to help protect them. Leaving is harder this time than ever before.I move quietly between the groups gathered around the fire. I don’t draw attention to the way my fingers graze a warrior’s arm, easing the tension in his shoulder. Or how I touch Hilda’s wrist for just a moment, infusing the faintest pulse of warmth into her weary body. She's stronger than she looks, but even strong women need rest.She notices, of course. “Still meddling?” s

Hilda“I’m not a child anymore!” Scarlett’s voice echoes across the clearing, sharp and full of heat. She stands at the edge of the porch, hands on her hips, eyes blazing.“I never said you were,” Arlo growls, arms crossed over his chest. “I said you’re not going alone.” They’ve been at it for ten minutes. Which, for them, is actually restraint. Scarlett’s less fiery than I am, but every drop as stubborn.I’m parked in the nearest chair with my tea cooling in my hands and a front-row seat to the drama. Tara, poor thing, is trying not to keel over on the bench across from me. She’s rubbing her massive belly and eyeing the two of them like she’s worried one of them is about to really lose it.Ash sits beside her, one hand resting lightly over hers, watching the argument with an expression of not my monkeys, not my problem. Smart man.I don’t have that luxury, since they are both, in fact, my monkeys, and this argument is very much my problem. I know I’ll have to intervene soon, but in t