Rejected by Her Mate Claimed by Four Alphas novel Chapter 204

CHAPTER 192

Clara’s POV

The knock on the door felt like cold water thrown over the heat building between Darius and me. I stood there, half naked, breathing hard, staring at him as reality came crashing back.

“Alpha Lucien has arrived,” the voice said through the door. “He wants to see you right now.”

Darius’s jaw got tight, his hands still on my bare waist. The look in his eyes was pure anger mixed with something darker.

“Tell him we’ll be down in ten minutes,” I called out, my voice steadier than I felt.

“Yes, Luna Clara.”

Footsteps walked away down the hall, leaving us alone again. But the moment was broken, the spell gone.

“Perfect timing,” Darius said, stepping back and running a hand through his hair.

I reached for my clothes, suddenly feeling naked. “He helped us during the battle. This must be important.”

“Or he’s just being Lucien,” Darius said, pulling his shirt back on. “He’s good at showing up at bad times.”

I got dressed quickly, my mind already moving from what we’d been about to do to what this visit might mean. Lucien had fought with us during the war, and I’d noticed his eyes on me more than once during the

battle.

“What do you think he wants?” I asked, checking how I looked in the mirror.

Darius was putting on his sword belt, his moves sharp with leftover anger. “With Lucien, it could be

anything. But he’s been very interested in your win.”

Something in his voice made me look at him closer. “You don’t trust him.”

“I don’t trust anyone easily,” he said. “But Lucien is really good at making deals that help him more than the

other person.”

That was useful to know. I remembered it as we walked downstairs to the main hall.

Lucien was waiting for us, looking perfect even though he’d just been in a big battle. His dark hair was neat, his clothes clean, his body relaxed but ready. He stood when we came in, a small smile on his lips.

“Clara, Darius,” he said, his voice warm. “Great job on your big win.”

“Lucien.” I kept my voice calm and business–like. “Thank you for helping us during the battle.”

“It was good to fight next to such good warriors.” His eyes moved between Darius and me, taking in details

I wasn’t sure I wanted him to see. “I hope you don’t mind me staying to talk about what your new position

means.”

Darius’s hand found the small of my back, a quiet but clear sign that I was his. “What do you mean?”

“Political stuff, mostly. Clara’s win over Jaden and her claim over Shadowcrest land changes how much power everyone has in this area.” Lucien sat back in his chair like he planned to stay a while. “There are chances here that shouldn’t be missed,”

I took a seat across from him, keeping my face calm. “What chances?

“Trade deals, for one. Shadowcrest controls good land and resources. With the right management, it could make a lot of money.” His eyes focused on me. “You’ve put yourself in a really good spot, Clara.”

It sounded reasonable, but I could sense there was more to it than simple politics. The way he looked at me made something flutter nervously in my chest.

“And what part do you see yourself playing in these chances?” I asked.

“Helping, maybe. I know how to manage conquered lands and bring displaced people together.” He

stopped, his smile becoming more personal. “I was really impressed with how you handled things after the

battle. Most leaders would have let their emotions control them, but you stayed calm and made smart

choices.”

The compliment made warmth spread through me, even though I tried to stay neutral.

“We’re still working on the transition,” I said diplomatically.

“Of course. These things take time to settle.” His gaze stayed on me just a moment too long, and I felt my pulse quicken. “Maybe we could talk about the details more tomorrow? I have some ideas that might help make things smoother for everyone.”

Darius shifted beside me, his hand pressing firmer against my back. “We can set up a meeting with our

advisors.”

“Actually,” Lucien said smoothly, “I was hoping to talk with Clara directly. Since she’s the one who conquered the territory, her view would matter most. Besides, some of what I want to discuss is…

sensitive.”

I could feel the tension building between the two men like electricity in the air.

“That can be arranged,” I said quickly, wanting to ease the tension. “We can meet tomorrow morning.” “Perfect.” Lucien stood, graceful and calm. “I look forward to talking about your future plans. I have a feeling there’s much more to discuss than just territory management.”

The way he said it suggested he had more than politics in mind. His voice had dropped lower, more

intimate.

“We’ll have a room prepared for you,” I said, standing as well.

“Thank you. I always appreciate your hospitality.” His eyes met mine directly. “Your kindness is…

memorable.”

As he left the hall, I could feel the tension coming from Darius. When we were alone, he turned to face me.

“I don’t like this,” he said bluntly.

“It’s just political talk,” I said, though something told me it was more complicated than that.

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