Page 89 of Claiming His Rejected Mate

Eldon’s rogues were never just about Moonfang.

This was about power. About dominance.

And if he was targeting Nightclaw now…

Our silence must give something away because Magnus presses on. “We can’t hold them off alone,” he states plainly, aware that we know the implications of the picture he has laid out for us. “Not without an alliance.”

The tension in the air thickens instantly. Kieran looks at me like he’s waiting for my reaction. Like he’s giving me the floor to respond.

I let out a sharp breath. “You want Nightclaw to fight alongside Moonfang?”

Magnus’s gaze flicks to me with no warmth at all.

“That’s the only way we survive.”

I hate that I know he’s right.

But that doesn’t mean I trust him.

Kieran speaks up now, picking up on my disdain for him. Even my wolf’s hackles are raised. “You expect me to believe that after all this time—after everything you’ve done to her—you suddenly care about an alliance?”

His gaze hardens. “I expect you to understand that if we don’t fight together, we all die.”

I clench my jaw, my wolf growling in warning.

I don’t trust him.

I don’t trust Nightclaw.

And I sure as hell don’t trust any deal that suddenly puts them at our borders.

My voice cuts through the silence. “I have nothing to say to you.” Because even in this situation, he is still stubborn in his pride.

Magnus looks at me. Really looks at me. And for the first time since his arrival, something flickers in his gaze—something almost like regret.

It doesn’t last.

“You may not,” he admits. “But your mother does.”

Elara finally speaks, her voice soft but firm. “Hazel, I need to speak with you…” she looks at everyone within earshot then adds, “alone.”

I turn to Kieran and Ayana.

I don’t respond right away. There’s something worrying in Elara’s gaze, something that makes my wolf stir.

Then I say, “My Alpha mate will be present.”

It feels good to finally say that to Magnus’ face. To throw the shame he made me swallow back at him.

A hush falls over the courtyard.

The warriors freeze.

Even Magnus’ eyes widen slightly.

Elara studies me, her green eyes sharp—a different color than mine. Then, slowly, she nods.

“As you wish.”