Rejected By My Mate; Claimed By Lycan Quadruplets Chapter 120

Alpha Baron's POV

I walked into my pack’s council chamber with the weight of a mountain on my shoulders. The doors shut behind me, and the sound echoed through the wide hall. My council was already seated, their eyes fixed on me, waiting. The air was thick with anticipation. They knew why I had summoned them—word about Rowland’s death had reached every corner, and speculation was already running rampant.

I took the high seat at the head of the table, my fingers tightening against the carved arms. “You all know why we are gathered,” I began, my voice firm, though inside my chest was a swirl of thoughts. “Alpha Rowland is gone. His death has left his pack vulnerable, fractured, and in need of leadership. The council has already approached me with their request—no, their demand—that stability must be restored at once.”

Murmurs filled the chamber. Elder Niles, the oldest among us, leaned forward. “And what do you propose, Baron? You would not call us here unless you had already formed an answer.”

I nodded. “You’re correct. Rowland’s pack cannot be left leaderless, and appointing someone among them will cause division. You know as well as I do that Irene is still grieving, and Bryan, while strong, lacks the full recognition of his people. That pack will tear itself apart if left to debate succession.”

Councilor Miriam tilted her head, her hawk-like eyes narrowing. “Then what is your plan?”

I inhaled deeply. “Merge them with us. My pack and Rowland’s, one force, one strength, one rule. To seal that union, I will crown Bryan as Alpha and Irene as Luna of both packs. Together, they will unite the bloodlines and keep the people in line. It will prevent rivals from staking false claims, and it will strengthen us all.”

The chamber erupted in voices—shock, questions, suspicion.

“Merge the packs?” one councilman scoffed. “Baron, that is unprecedented—”

“No,” I cut in sharply. “It has happened before, in times of chaos, in times of war. We cannot afford division now. This is the safest path forward.”

Elder Niles slammed his palm against the table. “And what of your seat, Baron? Where does that leave you?”

I gave him a small smile, though it did not reach my eyes. “I remain Alpha of my people, but Bryan will inherit the merged pack in time. I am not abandoning my position—only safeguarding the future. If we do nothing, enemies will exploit this moment of weakness. You know this as well as I do.”

Silence followed. They exchanged glances, weighing my words, and finally Miriam leaned forward again. “And the council of Rowland’s pack? What of them? Will they accept?”

“They already did,” I answered flatly. “They agreed today that a merger is the best course. They trust me to ensure the transition is smooth. What they want is stability. What they need is someone strong enough to enforce it. That will be Bryan. And Irene.”

At the mention of Irene’s name, some councilors frowned. One of them muttered, “The girl’s temper will undo us all…”

I ignored the remark. “She is Rowland’s daughter. Her bloodline demands respect. Without her, the people will not follow. With Bryan at her side, they will. Do not doubt it.”

Silence held again, thicker this time. Finally, Niles sighed heavily, shoulders slumping. “If the council of Rowland’s pack already agreed, then so be it. We have little choice but to follow suit. But Baron—this will be a storm to weather. Do not think for one moment this will pass quietly.”

“I know,” I said, my voice low. “And that is why I will not delay. We must act now.”

I rose from my chair, my decision already made, my mind already moving ahead. The chamber doors opened once more, and I gestured for the guard to fetch Bryan.

Moments later, the boy—no, the young man—entered. His shoulders were squared, though I saw the tension in his jaw. He bowed his head in respect. “You called for me, Alpha Baron.”

“Yes,” I said, studying him. He looked so much like Rowland in his youth—fierce, proud, with eyes that burned. “Sit. We have matters to discuss.”

He obeyed, though I could sense the restless energy in him, the uncertainty. I folded my hands on the table. “You know what has happened. Your father is gone. His pack grieves. They are vulnerable, and wolves from outside are already watching. If nothing is done, you will be devoured.”

His lips pressed into a thin line. “I am ready to take my father’s place. I have been ready.”

I raised a brow. “Are you? To rule is not merely to fight. It is to hold lives in your hands, to make choices that will damn or save hundreds. You believe you are ready for that weight?”

His chin lifted. “Yes. I will not let his legacy die. I will not let my people suffer.”

I let the silence linger before I spoke again. “Then hear this: the council and I have agreed to merge your father’s pack with mine. Two as one. You and Irene will be crowned as Alpha and Luna of both. This union will give you strength, authority, and protection.”

For a moment, his expression faltered. “Merge… the packs?”

“Yes,” I said firmly. “It is the only way forward.”

His hands curled into fists on the table. “And what of you? What becomes of your seat?”

I almost laughed at the question. “Do not trouble yourself with me. My role does not vanish. But the future must be secured in your hands, not mine. Do you accept this?”

He was quiet for a long time, his breath steady, his mind clearly racing. At last, he looked up, determination flashing in his eyes. “Yes. If this is what it takes to protect them all, then I will do it. I will take the mantle. I will rule.”

I studied him, testing the resolve in his tone, the set of his face. At last, I nodded. “Good. Then you must prepare. The coronation will be arranged at once. There can be no delay. You must step into this role before anyone has time to challenge it.”

I stood, turning to the guards. “Fetch Henry.”

Moments later, Henry entered—my trusted right hand, the one who handled matters with precision. “You summoned me, Alpha?”

“Yes,” I said. “We are moving forward. Invitations must go out for the coronation ceremony immediately. Every allied pack must be represented. No absence will be tolerated. Deliver them personally if needed.”

Henry bowed. “It will be done.”

“And one more thing,” I said, my tone sharper. “Enzo must be invited. Personally. Not merely with a messenger. I want him here. I want him seated in honor. And when he arrives, we will give him the respect he deserves. There will be no slight, no insult. We need him.”

Henry hesitated. “Enzo… will he even come? Many whisper he was blamed—”

“I know what they whisper,” I snapped. “And it is why we must silence it. He is powerful. Respected. Feared. If he lends his presence, it legitimizes Bryan’s coronation. It shows unity. Without him, doubt will linger. With him, we hold firm.”

Henry nodded slowly. “Understood. I will see to it myself.”

“Good.” I turned back to Bryan. “Prepare yourself. The next time you walk into this chamber, it will be as Alpha. Do not fail me. Do not fail them.”

He rose to his feet, his expression fierce, his voice steady. “I won’t.”

As he left, I felt a chill pass through me. For all his determination, I knew storms would come. Irene’s grief. The whispers of betrayal. The politics of wolves who smelled weakness like blood in the water. But for now, I had set the course. There was no turning back.

“Henry,” I said again, softer now. “Make certain the invitations reach even the most distant allies. This must be a gathering none will forget. And when Enzo walks through those doors, make sure every wolf bows.”

Henry inclined his head. “It will be done, Alpha.”

I sat back down, my chest heavy with both relief and dread. The game was in motion. The pieces were moving. And whether it ended in triumph or blood, I could no longer stop it.