Rejected by Her Mate Claimed by Four Alphas novel Chapter 48

CHAPTER 45-1

Clara’s POV

Watching Darius walk out, I put on a bright smile, grinning from ear to ear.

But as soon as the door was shut behind him, my expression went cold.

“So we’ve technically been reduced to a trophy to flaunt around,” my wolf taunted.

And honestly, I couldn’t refute what she said.

I had a thing for Darius. I actually like him and I’d definitely want more sexcapades with him.

But the fact that I was being turned into a pawn in whatever game he was playing pissed me off.

I paced the room, my muscles still aching from today’s fights. Six elite warriors. Back to back.

And now he wanted me to take on two Alphas?

Not just any Alphas. Alphas with true, pure alpha bloodlines running through their veins.

“You can handle it,” my wolf said, her confidence unwavering. “We’ve handled worse.”

Had we?

I honestly wasn’t sure anymore. The memories of Jaden’s betrayal flashed through my mind. The humiliation, the pain, the sense of everything I’d built crumbling beneath my feet.

And then fellow pack members who I once sacrificed for, chasing me through the forest, determined to end my life simply because I dared to speak my mind.

I stopped pacing, catching my reflection in the mirror. Bruises bloomed across my skin like dark flowers, each one a reminder of today’s victory. Each one earned. Each one proof that I was exactly what Jaden had thought–strong, fierce, and uncontrollable.

For a second, I felt he was right. Why man will ever love a woman who was this fierce?

But memories of how Darius looks at me flashed in my mind.

Darius was actually turned on by my strength. He loved it and was even willing to show it off. Although it was more like showing off a pet project but… at least he was proud to show me off, proud to talk about me.

I had to give him that.

But was he any different? Or was I just trading one Alpha who wanted to use me for another?

“At least this one’s prettier to look at,” my wolf suggested with a mental smirk.

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APTER 15.

I rolled my eyes. “Not helpful.”

Sighing, I sat on the edge of the bed. No matter how I felt about being used as a pawn, I couldn’t deny this was an opportunity. If I defeated these Alphas, my position here would be unquestionable. I could finally get Darius to tell me why he wanted me here.

Also, recalling that the deal we made had me bound to him till he was tired, I needed to know the

full extent.

No one would dare look at me as just some stray Darius had picked up out of pity or worse-

desire.

And Darius had promised to help me get what I wanted most. Revenge. The chance to make Jaden suffer for his betrayal, to make him realize exactly what he’d thrown away.

The prospect sent a shiver of anticipation through me. Worth it. This was worth it.

Deciding not to dwell on it further, I lay back on the bed, staring at the ceiling. Tomorrow would bring new challenges. For now, I needed rest.

Sleep came easier than I expected, my exhausted body dragging me under despite my racing

thoughts.

I woke up with the sun, my body stiff but remarkably less pained than I’d anticipated. Darius’s ointment had worked wonders. Or perhaps it was just my accelerated healing, finally catching up after the beating I’d taken.

Instead of heading to the training grounds as usual, I made a different plan. The pack would be busy with morning drills and patrol rotations and it was the perfect time for me to slip away for some much–needed solitude.

There was a stream about a mile from the pack house, hidden among a grove. The same stream I had to run away through just to make sure the boys didn’t get a hold of my pantie.

Although the situation that day was intense and insane, the water there was cool even in summer heat, and had this weird aura that seemed to soothe aching muscles on contact.

Today, I needed that more than ever.

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CHAPTER 45-2

I dressed quickly in loose clothes that would be easy to remove, grabbed a small towel, and slipped out through the side entrance where the guards were least attentive. Years of avoiding

unwanted attention and staying in the shadows in Jaden’s pack had taught me how to move

unseen when necessary.

The forest welcomed me like an old friend, dappled sunlight filtering through the canopy above. !

breathed deeply, letting the scents of pine and wild herbs fill my lungs. This, at least, felt like freedom–the ability to walk alone, to choose my own path, even if just for an hour.

The stream came into view, the water crystal clear and inviting. I paused, listening carefully. Nothing but the rustle of leaves and the gentle gurgle of flowing water.

Perfect.

I shed my clothes without hesitation, piling them neatly on a sun–warmed rock. The air kissed my

skin, cool but not unpleasant.

My bruises were already fading from dark purple to a lighter blue–green, the body’s way of healing itself. By tomorrow, they’d be barely visible. By the day of the fight, they’d be gone completely.

The water beckoned, and I didn’t resist.

Iwaded in slowly, gasping slightly as the cool stream flowed around my ankles, my calves, my thighs. When it reached my waist, I took a deep breath and plunged forward, submerging

completely.

The shock of cold sent electricity through my veins, washing away the lingering stiffness in my muscles. I stayed underwater as long as my lungs would allow, letting the current tug gently at my hair, my limbs, my worries.

When I finally surfaced, pushing wet hair from my face and drawing in a deep breath, I found myself staring directly into a pair of piercing blue eyes.

Darius.

He stood at the edge of the stream, arms crossed over his chest, watching me with an expression that made my skin warm despite the cold water. He was dressed casually. Dark jeans and a fitted black t–shirt that did nothing to hide the powerful build beneath.

My first instinct was panic–I was completely naked, vulnerable. But then something shifted inside me. My wolf’s voice purred in my mind.

“Why not give him a show? Let him see exactly what he’s wagering on.”

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CHARTER AR-

The idea struck me as deliciously wicked. Why not indeed?

Instead of covering myself or ducking back underwater, I swam slowly toward the shallows where he stood. His eyes never left mine, though I knew he was acutely aware of everything the water

revealed and concealed as I moved.

I took my time, each stroke deliberate, letting the water caress my skin as I drew closer to him.

When my feet touched the rocky stream bed, I stood, the water now only reaching my waist.

Darius’s jaw tightened, a muscle jumping in his cheek. But he didn’t move, didn’t speak.

I walked toward him, letting the water fall away from my body inch by inch. First my stomach, then the curve of my ribs, then my breasts. I didn’t rush, didn’t try to hide. Let him look. Let him see

exactly what he was risking.

His eyes darkened, pupils dilating as I emerged fully from the stream. Water droplets ran down my skin, tracing paths over my collarbones, between my breasts, across the flat plane of my stomach. I watched his gaze follow them, felt the heat of his stare like a physical touch.

When I reached the bank, I was just inches from him. Close enough to feel the heat radiating from his body, to see the rapid rise and fall of his chest. His Adam’s apple bobbed as he swallowed hard, and it was thrilling seeing the effect I was having on him.

Power. This was power, and not the kind that came from titles or bloodlines, but something more womanly. The power to want and be wanted. The power to make an Alpha lose his composure

with nothing but my presence.

I moved closer still, until we were almost touching. Water from my skin dampened his shirt where my breasts nearly brushed against his chest. I could smell him–that intoxicating blend that made my wolf pace restlessly within me.

“Did you miss me so badly you came to visit?” I asked, my voice a low purr as I tilted my head up to meet his gaze. I made sure he felt my hot breath against his skin as I leaned in, my lips a whisper away from his ear.

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