Rejected by Her Mate Claimed by Four Alphas novel Chapter 133

CHAPTER 116

Clara’s POV

I smiled back at Darius, grateful for the brief escape from the political theater. “I’ll be quick.”

He nodded, his hand giving my waist a gentle squeeze before releasing me. “Take your time. I’ll be here when you get back.”

I made my way through the crowd, weaving between groups of alphas and their companions who were engaged in animated conversations. The formal atmosphere had relaxed considerably during the recess, but I could still feel eyes following my movement across the room.

The restrooms were located down a long hallway off the main batoom, past several smaller conference rooms and a few service areas. As I walked, I felt some of the tension leave my shoulders. Playing the perfect mate for hours was more exhausting than I’d expected.

The hallway grew quieter as I moved away from the main gathering, the sounds of conversation fading to a distant murmur. I was almost at the restroom when I heard footsteps behind me.

I didn’t think much of it at first. Other people needed to use the facilities too. But something about the rhythm of the steps made my wolf perk up with unease.

I picked up my pace slightly, telling myself I was being paranoid. Just get to the restroom, handle business, and get back to Darius. Simple.

The footsteps behind me matched my increased speed.

Now I was definitely being followed.

I was just a few feet from the restroom door when a hand suddenly grabbed my arm and spun me around. Before I could react, I found myself slammed against the wall, a strong body pinning me in place.

My training kicked in immediately. I tried to bring my knee up, but he anticipated the move and blocked it

with his thigh. I attempted to twist away, but his grip was iron–strong.

r

“Easy there, little wolf,” a familiar voice said, and I looked up to see Lucien’s dark eyes staring down at me. “I just want to talk.”

“Get off me,” I hissed, struggling against his hold. “Let me go right now.”

“In a moment.” His voice was calm, controlled, like he was discussing the weather instead of assaulting

me in a hotel hallway. “First, I have a question for you.”

I could feel the heat radiating from his body where he pressed against me, could smell his scent of pine and something darker, more dangerous. My wolf was going crazy, torn between wanting to fight and something else I didn’t want to acknowledge.

“I don’t owe you any answers,” I said, trying to keep my voice steady despite the way my heart was racing.

His lip: Lurved into a slight smile. “Perhaps not. But I’m curious about something. You were the one who faced all against Ronan, weren’t you?”

The question caught me off guard. How did he know about that?

“I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

“Don’t lie to me, Clara.” He leaned closer, his breath warm against my cheek. “I heard the stories. A warrior who took down three of Darius’s elite fighters without breaking a sweat. A woman who almost defeated Alpha Ronan himself in combat when you sparred with him. It makes me wonder if you could take me on.”

My stomach dropped. He knew. Somehow, he knew about the fight that was supposed to have been kept quiet.

“Answer me,” he said, his voice dropping to a dangerous whisper. Were you the one who nearly brought down an alpha in single combat?”

I stared at him, weighing my options. Lying would be pointless now. He clearly already knew the truth.

“Yes,” I said finally. “It was me.”

The change in his expression was immediate and unsettling. His eyes darkened, and something predatory

flickered across his features. He stared at me like I was some kind of fascinating puzzle he was finally

beginning to solve.

“Incredible,” he murmured, his free hand coming up to touch my hair.

I jerked my head away from his touch, but there was nowhere to go with the wall at my back. “Don’t touch

me.”

He ignored my protest, his fingers trailing through the strands with an almost reverent gentleness that was completely at odds with the way he was restraining me.

“Such strength,” he said softly. “Such power. No wonder you caught their attention.”

His hand moved from my hair to my face, fingertips tracing along my cheekbone with the same light touch. I tried to pull away again, but his other hand tightened on my arm, keeping me in place.

“Stop,” I said, but my voice came out weaker than I intended.

There was something happening here that I didn’t understand. Some kind of connection that made my skin tingle where he touched me, made my wolf whimper with recognition.

What was wrong with me? Why did every alpha I met seem to affect me this way?

“You feel it too, don’t you?” he asked, his voice barely above a whisper. “The pull between us.”

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