Rejected by Her Mate Claimed by Four Alphas novel Chapter 23

CHAPTER 21

Darius’s POV

I walked back to my chair, feeling the lingering heat of her body against mine. Even now, her scent clung to my skin–wild honey, mint and something darker, richer, and even intoxicating.

“You can leave now,” I said, settling into my seat and gesturing to the door. “Unless there’s something else you need?”

The look on her face was worth every second of restraint. Confusion. Frustration. And beneath it all, that undeniable hunger she was trying so desperately to hide.

Clara looked like she wanted to slap herself. Her cheeks flushed crimson as she scrambled to gather the folder she’d dropped, fumbling with papers that had spilled across the floor.

“I was just delivering these,” she muttered, not meeting my eyes as she shoved the documents onto my desk. “From Kira.”

“Consider them delivered,” I replied, keeping my voice neutral despite the tightness in my body.

The wolf in me wanted to chase, to claim, to finish what we’d started. The Alpha in me knew better. Patience was a weapon sharper than claws.

She backed toward the door, nearly tripping again in her haste to escape. I watched her go, admiring the way her body moved, remembering how it had felt pressed against mine. The door clicked shut behind her, and I finally allowed myself a slow exhale.

The scent of her arousal still lingered in the air.

I leaned back in my chair, wondering how long she’d deny what was happening between us. How long before she broke. The game was almost as satisfying as the inevitable victory would be.

My phone rang, interrupting my thoughts. The screen lit up with a familiar name: Alpha

Lucien.

I smiled as I answered. “The North Ridge Alpha himself. To what do I owe the pleasure?”

“Darius, you magnificent bastard,” Lucien’s deep laugh rumbled through the speaker. “I heard your pack took down that rogue camp in the eastern caves. Not a single casualty. How do you always manage to come out unscathed?”

“Superior strategy,” I replied, unable to resist the urge to add, “Something your pack might

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CHAPTER 21

want to try sometime.”

+25 Points

“My pack is doing just fine,” he shot back. “Our territory expanded another five miles west last month. Can the great Shadow Warlord say the same?”

“I don’t need more land,” I countered. “Just more efficient use of what I have. Quality over

quantity, Lucien. But then, you’ve always preferred brute force over finesse.”

“Says the man who once tore through an entire enemy pack in a single night.”

I chuckled. “That was different. They deserved it.”

We continued like this for several minutes, trading barbs that might have sounded like genuine insults to anyone who didn’t know better. But Lucien and I had a history that predated our Alpha status. We’d trained together as young wolves, fought back–to–back in

more battles than I cared to remember.

“Enough pleasantries,” I finally said. “Why are you really calling? Miss the sound of my voice?”

“As if.” I could hear the smile in his tone. “Just wanted to remind you about the treaty signing next month. Three packs, Darius. This alliance could change everything.”

I glanced at the calendar on my desk. The date was already marked in red. “I haven’t forgotten.”

“There’s more,” Lucien continued, his voice dropping slightly. “My scouts picked up unusual activity near the northern border. Rogues, but organized. Too organized.”

I frowned. “Like the caves?”

“Worse. These ones have weapons. Human weapons.”

That got my attention. Rogues were typically disorganized, relying on their wolf strength and numbers. Human weapons meant training, resources. Leadership.

“Have you told Kieran?” I asked, referring to the third Alpha who would be part of our treaty.

“Not yet. Wanted to discuss it with you first. We might need to add some security provisions to the agreement.”

Before I could respond, there was a sharp knock at my door. “Enter,” I called.

Beta Xander stepped into the office, nodding respectfully. “Alpha, the training challenges you requested are set up and ready for tomorrow. They are all prepared according to your specifications.”

“Good. Make sure to double–check as the risk level higher than usual.”

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“Yes, Alpha.” He hesitated. “And the girl? What level do you want for her?”

+25 Points

I considered this. Clara had shown promising skill, but pushing her too far too fast would be counterproductive. “Start her at intermediate. Let’s see how she handles it.”

Xander nodded and left, closing the door quietly behind him.

“Training challenges?” Lucien’s voice held surprise. “Since when does the great Alpha Darius personally oversee training? I thought you delegated that to your betas.”

The question pulled me back to that morning–Clara in my arms, the bow steady in her hands, her body aligned perfectly with mine. The way she’d picked up the technique so quickly, her natural instincts sharpening under my guidance.

“Lucien,” I said slowly, “do you know why the Moon Goddess is revered among our kind?”

“What?” He sounded puzzled by the abrupt change in topic. “What does that have to do with-

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