Rejected by Her Mate Claimed by Four Alphas novel Chapter 45

CHAPTER 42

Alpha Darius‘ POV

“That,” I said, “is what I’d like you both to come see for yourselves.”

I could practically hear the gears turning in their heads. Both were proud, competitive alphas who’d built their reputations on strength and cunning. The suggestion that a normal female wolf could best them would be impossible to ignore.

“You’re proposing a demonstration,” Lucien said slowly.

“I’m proposing a challenge,” I corrected. “If you’re brave enough to accept it.”

Ronan scoffed. “Brave enough to fight a female wolf? Don’t insult me, Darius.”

“Brave enough to admit it when she wins,” I countered.

“When?” Licien noted my choice of words. “Not if?”

“When,” I confirmed. “I’ve seen what she can do. Have you ever known me to place a bet I wasn’t certain of winning?”

They hadn’t. In all our years of friendship and alliance, I’d developed a reputation for calculated

risk, for never committing unless victory was assured.

“What are the stakes?” Ronan asked, business now.

I smiled. They were hooked. “If she loses to either of you, I’ll cede the disputed hunting grounds at

the western ridge.”

Both alphas inhaled sharply. Those territories had been a point of contention for generations–rich

with game, strategic in position.

“And if she wins?” Licien asked cautiously.

“Then you both acknowledge my pack as first among equals in our alliance. When decisions must be made, my voice carries the deciding vote.”

It was a bold ask. Our three packs had maintained a careful balance of power for decades. What I was proposing would tip that balance decisively in my favor,

“That’s a lot of faith to put in one fighter,” Ronan observed. “Even if everything you say is true.”

“I’ve never been more certain of anything,” I replied. “Come see for yourselves. Three days‘ time. Bring your seconds, your witnesses. Make it official.”

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CHAPTER 437

They conferred briefly, voices lowered, before Ronan spoke again.

“Three conditions,” he said. “First, we fight her separately, not together.”

“Agreed.”

“Second, if she beats one but loses to the other, the stakes are nullified.”

I considered this. “Fair enough.”

“Third,” Licien added, “we want to meet her before the fights. Talk to her. Ensure there’s no…. enhancement at work.”

He meant magic. Dark rituals. Forbidden power sources. The possibility had crossed my mind when I first saw her fight, but I’d found no evidence of it.

“She’s exactly what she appears to be,” I assured them. “But yes, you can meet her beforehand. I have nothing to hide.”

“Then we accept,” Licien said. “Three days.”

“Three days,” I echoed. “I’ll have everything prepared.”

After we disconnected, I sat back, satisfaction coursing through me. It was a gamble, yes. But not

nearly as much as they believed. Clara had already proven herself beyond my wildest

expectations. With three days to recover and prepare specifically for these fights, she’d be even

more formidable.

And when she won–because she would win–my pack’s position would be secure. The alliance would remain, but with a new hierarchy that placed us at the top where we belonged.

All thanks to the stray wolf who’d fought her way into my pack against all odds.

I drained the last of my whiskey, set the glass down, and rose to my feet. I needed to speak with Clara, to prepare her for what was coming. She wouldn’t like being used as a pawn in pack politics. But then, she wasn’t a pawn. She was the queen on my chessboard now. The most powerful piece

in play.

I walked to my office door and pulled it open. “Xander,” I called to my beta who was never far.

He appeared immediately, his expression alert. “Alpha?”

“I need you to make preparations for another fight.”

His brows shot up. “Another one? So soon after today’s challenge?”

“Yes,” I said, unable to keep the satisfaction from my voice. “But this time, it’s going to be even bigger. Clara will be facing Alpha Ronan and Alpha Lucien.”

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CHAPTER 42

Xander’s mouth actually fell open. “Both of them? Alpha, with all due respect-

“Not at the same time,” I clarified. “One after the other.”

He closed his mouth, but the concern didn’t leave his eyes. “She’s good, Alpha. Better than good. But they’re Alphas. Born Alphas with bloodlines that go back centuries.”

“And she just took down my entire elite squad,” I reminded him. “Back to back, without rest between. Do you doubt she can handle this?”

Xander hesitated. “It’s not that I doubt her abilities. I saw what she did today. But Alphas are different. Our strength comes from something deeper than just training.”

I nodded. “I know. But there’s something different about Clara too. Something I can’t quite explain.”

I looked him in the eye. “I’m betting the western ridge territories on this, Xander. Do you think I’d do

that if I wasn’t certain?”

That got his attention. The western ridge had been a sore point between our packs for

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