Rejected by Her Mate Claimed by Four Alphas novel Chapter 126

CHAPTER 110-1

Alpha Darius‘ POV

I watched Ronan and Killian circle Clara like predators sizing up prey, and something dark and possessive coiled in my chest. They were both being subtle about it, of course. A compliment here, a lingering look there, casual touches that lasted just a fraction too long.

But I saw it. I saw everything.

“Clara, that dress is absolutely stunning on you,” Ronan said, his eyes traveling over her figure in a way that made my jaw clench. “The color brings out your eyes beautifully.”

“You’re too kind,” Clara replied graciously, but I noticed how she shifted slightly closer to my side.

Killian moved in from her other side, his voice dropping to that smooth tone he used when he wanted something. “I have to say, Darius is a lucky man. Though I have to wonder how he managed to convince such a remarkable woman to tie herself down to a workaholic like

him.”

The comment was delivered with a smile, but there was an edge underneath it. A challenge.

Clara’s laugh was light and musical. “Darius has his charms. More than you might expect.”

“Oh, I’m sure he does,” Killian replied, his eyes never leaving her face. “Still, if you ever find yourself curious about what else is out there…”

“Killian.” My voice cut through his words like a blade. “Careful.”

He raised his hands in mock surrender, that infuriating smirk playing at the corners of his mouth. “Just making conversation, Darius. No harm in appreciating beauty when you see it.”

Ronan chuckled. “Down, boy. We’re all friends here.”

Friends. Right. These two had been circling Clara like vultures since the moment they laid eyes on her, and they thought I didn’t notice.

But here was the thing they seemed to forget. Clara was here with me. She wore my mark of protection. She stood at my side as my acknowledged mate. Every alpha in this room knew exactly who she belonged to.

Let them look. Let them want. Let them wish.

She was mine.

“Actually,” I said, placing my hand firmly on the small of Clara’s back, “I think it’s time we

CHAPTER 110-1

found our seats. The formal session should be starting soon.”

+25 Points

“Of course,” Clara agreed immediately, but I caught the subtle look of relief that crossed her features.

Smart girl. She could feel the tension building just as much as I could.

“Gentlemen,” I nodded to Ronan, Killian, and Lucien. “We’ll catch up more later.”

“Looking forward to it,” Ronan replied, but his eyes were still on Clara.

I guided Clara away from them, my hand never leaving her back. As we moved through the crowd toward the main seating area, I felt eyes following us. Good. Let them all see who she belonged to.

“Thank you,” Clara murmured quietly, her voice pitched for my ears alone.

“For what?”

“Getting me away from them. I could feel them circling like sharks.”

I allowed myself a small smile. She was more perceptive than I’d given her credit for. “You handled yourself well. But yes, they were getting a bit too comfortable.”

“Possessive much?” she teased, but there was warmth in her voice.

“Completely,” I replied without shame. “You’re mine, Clara. I don’t share.”

She went quiet at that, but I felt her lean slightly into my touch. Whatever complicated feelings she had about our arrangement, the basic truth remained. She was under my protection, and that meant something.

The main ballroom had been transformed into a conference space, with circular tables arranged to face a raised platform where the speakers would address the gathering. Each table seated eight, strategically arranged to mix different pack alliances and prevent any one group from dominating the discussions.

I found our assigned seats near the front, close enough to the platform to demonstrate our pack’s importance but not so close as to seem eager or desperate for attention. Perfect positioning.

Clara settled beside me with practiced grace, adjusting her dress smoothly and folding her hands in her lap. She looked every inch the accomplished alpha’s mate, confident and composed.

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