Rejected by Her Mate Claimed by Four Alphas novel Chapter 236

CHAPTER 217-2

“And what makes you think you can promise that?” I asked. “What makes you different from the others?”

Killian was quiet for a moment, his jaw tightening. When he spoke again, his voice carried a weight I hadn’t heard before.

“Because I’ve already lost a mate once,” he said quietly. “I know what that emptiness feels like. I know what it’s like to have that bond severed and think you’ll never feel whole again.”

Although this was no news to me, his words caught me off guard.

I couldn’t help it as I blurted qut. “You lost your mate?”

“Years ago,” Killian said, his green eyes distant with memory. “She died during a rogue attack on our

territory. I was too late to save her.”

The raw pain in his voice made my chest tighten with sympathy. “Killian, I’m so sorry.”

“I spent years convinced I’d never feel that connection again,” he continued, his hand reaching out to take mine. “The Moon Goddess gives us one mate, right? That’s what everyone says. So when she died, I thought that was it. That I’d spend the rest of my life alone.”

“But then you felt the bond with me

“Yes,” Killian said, his grip on my hand tightening slightly, “And it terrified me at first. Because feeling this again meant opening myself up to the possibility of losing it all over again.”

“So why are you here? Why fight for this if it scares you?”

“Because I’ve lived without this bond, Clara,” Killian said, his eyes meeting mine with fierce intensity. “I’ve spent years in that darkness, and I won’t go back. Not when the Moon Goddess has given me a second

chance.”

His honesty was heartbreaking. I could see the genuine fear beneath his confident exterior, the vulnerability he was showing me.

“What happened wasn’t your fault,” I said softly.

“Wasn’t it?” Killian asked bitterly. “I was supposed to protect her. That’s what mates do. And I failed.”

“You can’t blame yourself for a rogue attack.”

“Can’t I?” His voice was harsh now. “I replay that day over and over. If I’d been faster, stronger, more prepared. If I’d just been there when she needed me.”

“Killian…”

“That’s why I understand what Darius is feeling,” Killian said, cutting me off. “That fear of losing you. That desperate need to hold on. But I also know that fear can’t dictate how we love.”

CHAPTULA **

“What do you mean?

“Darius is trying to control the situation because he’s afraid, Killian explained. “He thinks if he can force you to choose only him, he can prevent the pain of sharing you. But love doesn’t work that way, Clara. You can’t cage someone because you’re afraid of losing them.”

“And you wouldn’t try to cage me?”

“I would cherish every moment I had with you,” Killian said simply. “Whether that’s as your only mate or as one of several. Because I know how precious and fleeting this bond can be.”

His words were compelling, but something still bothered me. “And if I choose Darius? If I decide I can’t split myself between multiple mates?”

Killian’s expression grew pained. “Then I’ll survive. I’ve done it before. But this time, I’ll know exactly what I’m losing.”

“That’s not fair to you.”

“Life isn’t fair,” Killian said, a bitter smile crossing his face. “I learned that the day I buried my first mate. But I’d rather have the chance to fight for you and lose than never fight at all.”

“Even if it destroys you?”

“I’m already destroyed,” Killian said quietly. “Have been for years. You’re the first thing that’s made me feel

whole again. That’s worth any risk.”

His vulnerability was almost too much to bear. I could see the genuine pain in his eyes, the desperation

hidden beneath his usual confidence.

“I need time to think,” I said, pulling my hand away from his.

Killian nodded, though I could see the fear flash across his face. “Of course. But Clara?”

“Yes?”

“Don’t let fear make this decision for you,” he said. “Don’t choose based on what’s safe or what others

୮ expect. Choose based on what your heart truly wants.”

“And if my heart wants all of you?”

“Then maybe that’s your answer,” Killian said, standing up. “Maybe the Moon Goddess blessed you with four mates because she knew you were strong enough to love us all.”

“Or maybe she’s testing me,” I said bitterly. “Seeing how much I can endure before I break.”

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