Rejected by Her Mate Claimed by Four Alphas novel Chapter 227

125 Points

CHAPTER 209

Alpha Darius’s POV

The meeting room felt heavy with unspoken tension.

I sat at the head of the long oak table, watching the other three Alphas settle into their seats. Clara had left an hour ago after dinner. The official proceedings to make her Alpha status legitimate would begin soon, and there were countless details to coordinate.

The moon light filtered through the tall windows, casting long shadows across the polished wood. Each Alpha had brought their own stack of papers, their own agendas, their own interests to serve. But underneath the business formalities, I could sense something else brewing. Something that made my wolf pace restlessly beneath my skin.

“Let’s discuss the transition process,” I said, spreading out the treaties and partnership agreements we’d prepared. “Clara’s new role requires formal support from all our packs. The Alpha Council will expect unified backing when they review her claim.”

“Of course,” Lucien said, leaning back in his chair with that calculated grace he’d perfected over years of political maneuvering. “Though the paperwork is just formality at this point. Clara has already proven herself more than capable.”

“More than capable,” Ronan agreed quietly, his hazel eyes scanning the documents before him. “Taking down Jaden’s entire power structure in one coordinated strike showed real leadership potential. The kind that can’t be taught.”

“Leadership and strategy,” Killian added, that familiar smirk playing on his lips like he was enjoying some

private joke. “She knew exactly how to use each of our strengths to achieve her goals. Very impressive

coordination.”

There was something in his tone that made my wolf stir restlessly. The way he emphasized ‘use’ sounded too personal. Too intimate. As if he were remembering specific moments and requests Clara had made.

“Clara coordinated our resources effectively,” I said firmly, keeping my voice level despite the irritation building in my chest. “That’s what good Alphas do. They assess available assets and deploy them strategically.”

“Absolutely,” Killian agreed, his green eyes glittering with something I didn’t like. “She’s quite talented at getting what she wants from people. Knows exactly which buttons to push.”

I felt my hands clench slightly under the table. The casual way he talked about Clara ‘pushing buttons’ suggested a level of familiarity that crossed professional boundaries.

“What’s that supposed to mean?” I asked, my voice dropping to that warning tone that had made grown

warriors back down.

“Just that Clara has a gift for persuasion,” Killian replied smoothly, completely unfazed by the menace in

CHAPTER 20

my voice. “Very useful skill for an Alpha. The ability to make others want to help her.”

t studied his face, noting the layers of meaning beneath his seemingly innocent words. Killian never spoke without purpose, and right now his purpose felt dangerous. There was something in his expression that suggested he knew things about Clara that I didn’t. Had seen sides of her that were meant to be private. “The partnership opportunities are substantial,” Lucien interjected, pulling out a detailed map of the territories and spreading it across the table. “Shadowcrest controls three major trade routes through the northern pass. Our combined influence could reshape the entire regional economy within two years.”

I forced myself to focus on the map, noting the strategic positions marked in different colors. Each pack’s territory was clearly defined, but the overlap zones showed where cooperation could yield significant benefits.

“Exactly,” I said, trying to refocus on business despite the tension Crackling through the air. “Which is why these treaties need to be ironclad. Clara’s position must be unassailable when other Alphas start testing her authority.”

“Clara’s position,” Killian repeated thoughtfully, his fingers drumming against the table in a rhythm that somehow felt mocking. “Yes, we certainly want to make sure she’s properly supported in her new role.”

Again, that tone. Like he was implying something beyond professional support. Like he had his own ideas about what kind of support Clara might need.

“She’ll have all the support she needs,” I said firmly, my voice carrying the absolute conviction of someone who would kill to ensure that promise.

“From all of us,” Killian added with a smile that didn’t reach his eyes. “After all, Clara has proven she knows how to work with each of our different… strengths

The pause before ‘strengths’ was deliberate. It had that suggestive again.

I felt my control starting to slip. The casual way he included himself in Clara’s future, the implications hidden in his words, the smug satisfaction radiating from his posture. Everything about Killian’s behavior screamed challenge.

r

“Clara has my pack’s full backing,” I said, emphasizing the word ‘my’ just enough to remind everyone

whose mate she was and whose protection she enjoyed.

“Of course,” Killian said with mock innocence, but there was steel underneath the casual tone. “Though! imagine she appreciates having multiple allies to call on. Diversified support is always wise for someone

in her position.”

“Clara doesn’t need diversified support,” I replied, my voice hardening as my patience finally started to fray. “She has everything she needs.”

“Does she?” Killian leaned forward slightly, his smirk widening into something more openly provocative. “Because leading a pack requires many different types of assistance. Strategic advice. Political connections. Personal guidance. One Alpha can’t provide everything a woman like Clara needs.”

CHAPTER 20

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