Rejected by Her Mate Claimed by Four Alphas novel Chapter 15

CHAPTER 14

Clara’s POV

The moment stretched between us, tense and electric. I couldn’t have moved if I wanted to,

trapped not just by his weight but by whatever was happening in that shared gaze.

“Alpha!”

The shout shattered the silence. Alpha Darius’s head snapped up, his body instantly tense. A

man stood at the courtyard entrance, then froze when he saw our position.

“I… I’m sorry, Alpha,” he stammered, his eyes widening. “I didn’t realize—”

In one fluid motion, Alpha Darius pushed himself off me and stood. His face returned to that unreadable mask, though I didn’t miss the tension in his jaw.

“What is it, Beta Xander?” His voice was cold, giving no hint of what had just happened.

“The scouts have returned from the eastern border,” Beta Xander said, his eyes darting between us. “They’re waiting in your office.”

Alpha Darius nodded. “I’ll be there.” He turned to me, his expression neutral. “Tomorrow.

Same time.”

Without another word, he walked away, leaving me still lying on the ground, confused and

breathless.

It took me several attempts to stand, my muscles now completely spent. The walk back to my room was torture, each step sending fresh waves of pain through my battered body. Somehow, I made it back, following the path we had taken yesterday.

The hot shower was bliss, washing away sweat and dirt, though nothing could ease the deep ache in my muscles. I knew tomorrow would be worse. First day soreness was nothing compared to what followed.

I had just stepped out of the bathroom, rubbing my wet hair with a towel, when a light knock sounded at my door.

“Come in,” I called, assuming it was Samuel with more healing supplies.

Instead, a young woman with short dark hair poked her head in. She looked about my age, with friendly eyes and an easy smile.

“Hey,” she said. “I’m Nora. Alpha Darius instructed me to keep you company during your stay.

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CHAPTER 14

+25 Points

Thought I’d see if you wanted to join us for lunch or if you’re planning to eat in your room?”

I hesitated. The thought of walking all the way to the dining hall made my legs ache in protest. But the idea of sitting alone in this room was equally unappealing.

“I’ll join you,” I decided. “Just give me a minute to change.”

She nodded and stepped back outside. I pulled on the simplest clothes I could find–loose pants and a soft shirt–anything that wouldn’t aggravate my sore muscles.

When I stepped out, Nora gave me a sympathetic once–over. “First day of training with the Alpha, huh? You’re still walking, which is more than most can say.”

“Is he always that brutal?” I asked as we started down the hallway.

She laughed. “That’s Darius. He doesn’t believe in taking it easy, even on the first day.” She glanced at me curiously. “Though I’ve never seen him personally train anyone before. You must be special.”

I didn’t know how to respond to that, so I said nothing. As we walked through the pack house, I found myself noticing details I’d missed yesterday.

Despite the stone walls and practical layout, there were unexpected touches that softened the military feel–hand–woven tapestries on some walls, carved wooden railings, small alcoves with comfortable seating.

“It’s not what I expected,” I admitted.

Nora raised an eyebrow. “What did you expect?”

“Something colder. More fortress, less home.” I looked at an intricately carved door we passed. “There’s art everywhere.”

“Alpha Darius may be a warlord, but he’s not just that,” Nora replied. “The stories make him sound like some heartless monster, but…” She shrugged. “He takes care of his people. This pack is more than just the home for the deadliest wolf warriors, you know.“.

I thought about that as we continued walking. The Alpha I’d seen today was cold, ruthless, pushing me beyond my limits without mercy.

But taking my time to look at this pack house told a different story–one of someone who valued beauty alongside strength, comfort alongside practicality. Like a lost kid trapped in his own world, trying to create something worthy of protection.

Suddenly, the memory of Alpha Darius on top of me flashed in my mind–his weight, his heat, the brush of his lips against mine. My cheeks flushed, and I shook my head to clear the

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thought.

“You okay?” Nora asked.

“Fine,” I said quickly. “Just tired.”

+25 Points

The dining hall was large and filled with people. Conversation hushed briefly as we entered, curious eyes turning our way. Nora led me to a table where three others sat.

“Everyone, this is Clara,” she announced. “Clara, this is Kira, Eli, and Marcus.”

They greeted me with varying degrees of curiosity. Kira, a petite blonde, leaned forward. “So you’re the one everyone’s talking about. The outsider the Alpha brought back.”

“Why are you here?” Marcus asked bluntly. “Alpha Darius doesn’t usually bring strays home.”

“Marcus!” Nora scolded.

“It’s fine,” I said. “I’m here to work with the Alpha. That’s all.”

“Work?” Eli raised an eyebrow. “What kind of work?”

I hesitated, not sure how much to share. “Training,” I said finally.

That raised more eyebrows, but they didn’t press further. Lunch was simple but hearty–meat, bread, and vegetables. I ate slowly, my body desperately needing the fuel but my muscles protesting even the simple act of lifting fork to mouth.

After lunch, I decided to explore a bit. My body needed movement to prevent my muscles from seizing up completely.

“I think I’ll take a walk,” I told Nora.

She frowned. “You’ll need an escort. Alpha’s orders.”

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