Page 90 of Claiming His Rejected Mate

Kieran gestures for us to follow, leading us inside while the warriors remain tense and alert with Magnus outside.

The moment the doors close behind us, I feel the weight of the conversation settle over my shoulders.

Elara stands before me, her expression tight with exhaustion, but her green eyes hold not just desperation, but likely relief.

She reaches for my hand and I run to her arms.

“Mom,” I whine into her shoulder. “I’ve missed you, Mom,” I cry.

“My Hazel. I should have come sooner,” she says softly.

I would never forget how she tried to speak for me when I was being punished before the entire pack. The last time I saw her was when I told her I was leaving the pack for Broadstone. I would never know the things she suffered after I left.

“I fight every day for you, my baby. I tried to get them to reverse their decision. I tried. I tried…”

“Shh, I know, Mommy. I know. It’s okay. I’m okay.”

She pulls back and gives me a once-over, smoothing her hands down my arms. I wince at the pain and her eyes water.

“I’ve heard the stories. They said you were a force. You lead your own troop?”

I nod, pride overflowing with my tears. “I was great on the battlefield,Mom. They respect me now. It’s …” I turn to look at Kieran. “It’s been the worst without you, Mom. But it’s getting better.”

She looks at Kieran too and turns back to her, her lips quivering. No words come. She only manages a nod.

She steps closer, gently cupping my face like she used to. “I know you're angry. I know you have every reason to hate what happened…and your father. But right now, I need you to listen to me.”

Her hands tremble slightly, but her voice is steady.

“If we don’t stand together, we will fall. Eldon isn’t just coming for Moonfang—he’s coming for all of us. And if we don’t stop him, he’ll use the Nightclaw warriors he takes to come back for Moonfang.”

I close my eyes briefly, swallowing against the knot in my throat.

I exhale slowly.

Before I speak, Kieran holds my shoulder.

“What is your Mate hiding from us?” he asks.

I’m about to curse at him for interrupting, but I see my mother’s face change. And then the ghost of a smile teases her lips before she speaks.

“Nightclaw is without an Alpha. Jag is dead, killed in the attack by Eldon's men. We seek an alliance. We request to annex with Moonfang.” So that is the real reason they are here.

That means Nightclaw is exposed like a headless animal, without the power of an Alpha, they will fall to any attack. Joining Moonfang as part of the pack automatically gives them safety from the rogues.

Kieran nods and steps back. “I’ll consider it if my Luna wills.”

I nod without hesitation. Eldon must go down.

Her breath shudders, relief flickering across her face.

My mom nods, squeezing my hands on hers.

“That’s all I ask.”

Chapter 28

Hazel