Rejected by Her Mate Claimed by Four Alphas novel Chapter 185

CHAPTER 169-1

Alpha Ronan’s POV

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The secure case felt heavier in my hands than it should have as I loaded it into the SUV. Three gifts that

would either seal an alliance or reveal exactly where I stood in Clara’s plans.

“Alpha, the convoy is ready,” Kane said, approaching with a tablet showing our route. “Twelve vehicles,

forty–eight warriors, plus the supply trucks with medical equipment and weapons.”

I nodded, scanning the lineup of black SUVS and military–grade trucks. Enough firepower to make a

statement, but not so much that it looked like an invasion.

“You’re staying back to coordinate things here,” I told Kane. “I need someone I trust managing pack business while I’m gone.”

Kane looked like he wanted to argue, but he just nodded. “Yes, Alpha. How long do you expect to be away?”

“A few days at most,” I said, sliding into the passenger seat of the lead vehicle. “Depends on how the

negotiations go.”

The drive to Darius’s territory took three hours through winding mountain roads. I spent most of it staring

out the window, thinking about what I was going to say to Clara. How I was going to present my proposal.

My driver, Blake, glanced at me through the rearview mirror. “You’re quiet today, Alpha.”

“Just thinking about what comes next.”

“The war against Jaden?”

“Among other things.” I shifted the secure case on my lap. “Clara Ashburn isn’t what I expected when I first

heard about her.”

Tristan nodded. “From what the warriors are saying, she’s something special.”

“She is,” I agreed. “And she’s going to win this war. I want to make sure we’re positioned properly when she

does.”

We crossed into Darius’s territory just after noon. The border guards waved us through after a brief radio check, and I could see why Darius’s pack had such a fearsome reputation. Every checkpoint was manned by warriors who looked like they could tear through steel with their bare hands.

The packhouse came into view as we rounded the final curve. It was massive, built like a fortress with stone walls and narrow windows. This wasn’t just a home. It was a stronghold.

We pulled up to the main entrance, where a tall man with dark hair was waiting. Xander, Darius’s beta

I stepped out of the SUV and walked toward him, the secure case tucked under my arm. Behind me, my

warriors were unloading supplies with military precision.

CHAPTER 169+

“Alpha Ronan,” Xander said, extending his hand. “Welcome to Shadowfang territory.”

Xander,” I replied, shaking his hand firmly. “Thank you for the hospitality.”

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“Alpha Darius and tona Clara are finishing up some business,” Xander explained, leading me toward the entrance. “They’ll be with you shortly. Can I offer you anything while you wait?”

“Coffee would be good,” I said. “And somewhere to store these supplies until Clara can review them.”

Xander nodded and gestured to several pack members who immediately began coordinating with my

warriors. Within minutes, crates of medical supplies and weapons were being moved into secure storage

areas.

I followed Xander into the packhouse out of courtesy even though I already knew my way around.

Xander led me down a hallway lined with portraits of previous Shadowfang leaders. Moments later, we

arrived at the office.

“We’re here,” he said.

I looked around the office, but what caught my attention was a woman’s dress draped over the back of a

chair. Simple, elegant, and definitely not something Darius would wear.

Clara had been here recently. The thought made my wolf stir with anticipation.

Xander poured coffee from a pot that smelled like it had been brewing for hours. Strong enough to wake

the dead.

“How is Clara doing?” I asked, settling into one of the leather chairs facing the desk. “After everything that happened with Jaden.”

“Stronger than ever,” Xander said with genuine admiration. “She’s been training with our warriors, planning strategy sessions, coordinating with other packs. I’ve never seen anyone bounce back so fast.”

I wasn’t surprised. Clara struck me as the type of woman who used adversity as fuel rather than letting it

break her down.

“And Darius?”

Xander’s expression grew thoughtful. “Happy in a way I’ve never seen him before. Like he’s found what he didn’t know he was looking for.”

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CHAPTER 169-2

Before I could respond, heard footsteps in the hallway. Two sets, moving in sync like people who’d learned to match each other’s pace.

The door opened and Darius walked in, his hand firmly clasped with Clara’s.

The first thing that hit me was her scent. It had changed since our phone conversation days ago. Where

before there had been pine and wildflowers with an edge of smoke, now there was something else woven

through it. Something distinctly male and possessive.

Darius’s scent. They were bonded.

I kept my expression neutral, but my wolf noted the change immediately. This wasn’t just a political alliance anymore. These two were mated in every way that mattered.

“Ronan,” Darius said, his voice warm but cautious. “Good to see you.”

“Darius. Clara.” I stood and inclined my head respectfully to both of them. “Thank you for agreeing to

meet.”

Clara looked exactly as I remembered from our sparring match, but there was something different in the

way she carried herself. More confident, more settled.

“Thank you for coming,” she said, her voice steady. “I heard you brought supplies.”

“Medical equipment, weapons, tactical gear,” I confirmed. “Everything we discussed during our call.”

Darius guided Clara to the chair behind his desk, then took the seat beside her. The casual intimacy of the gesture wasn’t lost on me. These two had claimed each other completely.

I settled back into my chair and couldn’t resist a small smile. “I have to say, Darius, I’m impressed. Most Alphas wait until after the official mating ceremony to mark their mates.”

Clara’s cheeks flushed slightly, and she touched her neck where I could just make out the edge of a fresh

bite mark beneath her collar.

ľ

Darius just shrugged, not looking the least bit embarrassed. “When you know, you know.”

Clara shot him a look that was part fond and part exasperated. “Can we focus on business, please?”

The mark was clearly something she didn’t want to dwell on. From what I understood about her history with Jaden, being claimed probably brought up complicated feelings. But she’d accepted Darius.

“Of course,” I said, setting the secure case on the desk between us. “Let’s talk about what comes next

Clara leaned forward, her full attention focused on me. “You mentioned you had contacts among other

Alphas. How many packs can you bring to this coalition?”

“Directly? At least six, possibly eight if I can convince a few holdouts ” I opened the case and pulled out the first document. “I’ve already gotten commitments from Northwind and Ironwood packs. Both have

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grievances with Jaden.”

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Darius picked up the paper and scanned it quickly. “Marcus and Thompson. Good Alphas, reliable in a

fight.”

“The others are more cautious,” I continued. “They want to meet face to face before committing to war. But I think they can be convinced.

Clara nodded thoughtfully. “What about resources? Warriors, weapons, supplies?”

“Between my direct allies, we’re looking at roughly three hundred warriors, plus support staff.” I pulled out the tactical map next. “I’ve also been gathering intelligence on Jaden’s territory for years. Patrol routes,

weak points in his defenses, supply lines.”

Clara’s eyes lit up as she studied the map. “This is incredible. How did you get this level of detail?”

“Patience and a very good spy network,” I said simply. “I’ve been planning Jaden’s death for ten years. I’ve

had time to be thorough.”

Darius was examining the third document now, the alliance agreements from neighboring Alphas. “These are impressive commitments, Ronan. But they all have the same condition. Proof of Jaden’s crimes.”

“Which we have,” Clara said firmly. “The evidence of what he did to Elena, plus his recent violations of pack law. Kidnapping a mated Luna should be more than enough to convince anyone.”

I felt a surge of satisfaction. Clara understood the political game as well as the military one.

“So we have the foundation of a real coalition,” I said, leaning back in my chair. “The question is, what happens after we destroy Jaden?”

Clara and Darius exchanged a look. They’d clearly/discussed this already.

“Shadowcrest pack will need new leadership,” Clara said carefully. “Someone who can undo the damage Jaden has caused and restore stability to the region.”

“Are you volunteering for the job?” I asked with genuine curiosity.

Clara’s smile was sharp as a blade. “I have some thoughts on the matter.”

Of course she did. The woman was thinking several moves ahead, as always.

“Which brings me to my proposal,” I said, settling into the heart of what I’d come here to discuss. I’m happy to support you both in this war. My resources, my warriors, my connections are all at your disposal.”

Darius nodded slowly. “We appreciate that, Ronan.”

“But I want something in return,” I continued, watching their faces carefully.

Clara’s expression didn’t change, but I saw her shoulders straighten slightly. She’d been expecting this.

“What did you have in mind?” she asked.

I was about to answer when a new voice cut through the room like a knife.

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“Well, well. I didn’t know the righteous Ronan Hargrove would ever seek something in return for a good

deed.”

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