Rejected By My Mate; Claimed By Lycan Quadruplets Chapter 104

Third person POV

The hall had grown brighter as the second segment of the celebration began. The guests were buzzing with anticipation, their voices carrying from one end of the room to the other. The earlier formalities had passed, the speeches and ceremonies completed, and now came the part everyone seemed to have been waiting for—the games of wit, tradition, and competition.

The announcer’s voice echoed through the large hall as he called for all alphas willing to compete in the traditional contest. The rules were simple: the victor would be granted a single wish, one that Alpha Enzo himself would honor publicly. It was more than just a game; it was a chance to test pride, knowledge, and political cunning in front of peers and rivals alike.

Bryan’s eyes glistened sharply at the invitation. He straightened his shoulders, adjusting the gold-embroidered hem of his ceremonial attire, and rose from his seat. His pack members immediately noticed the intensity in his expression and fell silent, watching as he made his way to the stage. Knox trailed close behind but stayed a respectful distance, his expression unreadable.

Bryan was not the only one to step forward. Several alphas volunteered—figures of renown from distant regions, leaders whose reputations carried weight. But what made the audience murmur louder than anything else was when Kael, a pack representative rather than an alpha, stepped forward with measured calmness. His presence alone stirred whispers, some amused, others skeptical.

"Kael? What’s he doing up there?" someone murmured from the guest section.

"He’s not even an alpha," another scoffed. "Does he really think he can match wits with them?"

Still, Kael’s stride remained confident as he moved to take his position on the stage. His face showed no fear, no hesitation. He bowed slightly in respect to Alpha Enzo and Beta Ash before positioning himself near the other contestants.

Enzo, seated in his place of honor, leaned back with mild curiosity flickering in his eyes. His expression was composed, but inwardly he was intrigued. Ash, standing just beside him, smirked in amusement.

“Now this,” Ash whispered, just low enough for Enzo to hear, “is going to be entertaining. Kael against Bryan? The gods must be bored.”

The announcer raised his hand, commanding silence from the hall. “The quiz shall begin. All participants will be tested on matters of initiation, the politics of packs, and matters of security. Trick questions will be woven in. Answer swiftly, answer wisely, for your responses will be weighed not only for correctness but for judgment and reasoning.”

The first round began.

The question was called: *“What is the first responsibility of an alpha to his pack?”*

One by one, the contestants answered. Most said “to protect” or “to lead with strength.” Bryan’s answer was sharp, commanding, spoken with authority: “To secure the survival and dominance of the pack above all.”

Kael’s turn came last. His voice, in contrast to Bryan’s sharpness, was calm and deliberate. “To ensure no pack member feels abandoned, for unity is survival. Without unity, strength collapses.”

The audience murmured. A handful nodded, impressed by the perspective, while others chuckled at the idealism.

Round after round continued, the questions growing more difficult, ranging from historical traditions of the lycans to delicate questions of treaties, territorial defense, and the philosophy of leadership.

At first, Bryan dominated with his quick, precise answers. His confidence was unshaken, his voice cutting through like a blade. He smirked more than once when Kael took his time, as though amused by the younger man’s thoughtful pauses.

But gradually, the tide shifted. Kael’s answers began to surprise the panel and the audience alike. Where Bryan’s responses were sharp and practical, Kael’s carried depth, subtlety, and understanding. He weaved examples, metaphors, and layered meanings, showing not only knowledge but wisdom. His answers earned applause that grew stronger with each round.

Bryan’s jaw tightened as the scores were tallied visibly on the board. He was still near the top, but Kael was catching up. Each time the younger man gave an answer, the crowd seemed more entertained, more engaged. Bryan could feel the weight pressing against him—the humiliation of losing in front of everyone, especially with Enzo present.

The final round came. The last question was introduced with ceremony: *“If granted absolute power for a single day, what decision would you make to ensure the eternal safety of your pack?”*

One by one, the alphas gave their responses. Some declared they would strengthen their borders, others that they would annihilate rival packs or establish treaties of dominance. Bryan’s turn came, and he spoke with fire.

“I would seize every resource, every weapon, every territory possible. Fear is the only true protection. If others tremble, my pack thrives without threat.”

The audience applauded, impressed by his forceful declaration. Bryan stood tall, his chest swelling with pride.

Then it was Kael’s turn. He paused, scanning the room, then looked directly toward Enzo. His expression softened into something no one expected.

“I would use that single day,” Kael said, his voice strong and unwavering, “to remind my pack that they are loved. No fear lasts forever. No wall can stand unbroken. But loyalty born from love, from true appreciation, is what will shield them long after I’m gone.”

The room fell into silence. For a moment, even the murmurs stopped. It wasn’t the kind of answer most expected. It wasn’t about conquest, dominance, or fear. It was disarmingly human, and it carried a rawness that echoed louder than the previous shouts.

Ash chuckled, breaking the tension. “Well, that’s Kael for you. Always sentimental. Not that he does much work anyway, so maybe he just has more time to think.”

The audience burst into laughter, the heavy silence breaking. Some laughed at Kael, others laughed with him, but all were entertained.

When the scores were tallied, the result shocked many. Bryan had come in second place. The top spot, however, belonged to Kael.

Applause erupted as Kael was declared the victor. Bryan’s fists clenched tightly at his side, his jaw set in hard lines. He kept his expression neutral, but the sting of humiliation burned behind his eyes.

The announcer turned toward Kael. “You have won first place. Now, according to tradition, you are granted a wish. Speak it, and Alpha Enzo shall honor it.”

All eyes turned to Kael. The young man inhaled slowly, then exhaled, lifting his chin proudly. His gaze fixed firmly on Enzo, and his lips curved into the faintest smile.

“My wish,” Kael declared, his voice carrying across the room, “is that Alpha Enzo publicly announce that he loves me—and that he appreciates my hard work.”

The hall erupted in noise—gasps, shocked laughter, whispers, and amused cheers all at once. Some clutched their goblets in disbelief, others leaned forward eagerly, entertained beyond their expectations.

Ash doubled over laughing, his voice booming across the stage. “Oh, spirits above! Kael asking for credit for work he doesn’t even do! This is the best part of the whole event.”

Even some of the elders chuckled at the ridiculousness of it. Yet others looked at Enzo with interest, waiting to see how he would respond.

Enzo himself remained silent for a moment, his expression unreadable. He leaned slightly on the armrest of his seat, eyes locked on Kael, as if weighing the sincerity behind the audacious request.

The hall held its breath, waiting.