Rejected By My Mate; Claimed By Lycan Quadruplets Chapter 142

Atlas's POV

I pushed open the heavy wooden door of the training hall and the familiar sharp scent of sweat, metal, and worn leather hit me instantly. The clang of blades clashing against each other echoed from the far end, but most of the warriors had already wrapped up their drills for the day. A few lingered around, sparring lazily or catching their breath, and in the middle of it all stood Kael—shirtless, his chest glistening, the bastard grinning like he owned the place.

I made my way toward him, pulling a few folded bills out of my pocket. The smirk on his face widened when he saw me approach. “Don’t tell me…” he drawled, already guessing why I was here.

“You guessed right,” I muttered, shoving the money against his chest. “You win. Lisa’s head over heels for Enzo.”

Kael barked out a laugh, shaking his head as he tucked the cash into his sweatpants pocket. “I told you. I fucking told you, Atlas. She’s wrapped around him so tight it’s pathetic.” He leaned closer, his voice dropping into a mocking tone. “You should’ve seen her the other night… the way she moaned when he stroked deep. Fucking gullible.”

He threw his head back and imitated the sound, high-pitched and drawn out, exaggerating every syllable like a drunken performer. Some of the nearby warriors snorted, shaking their heads at his antics. I didn’t laugh. My jaw tightened, but I didn’t let it show.

“You and your damn mouth,” I said flatly.

Kael chuckled, wiping his forehead with the back of his arm. “Don’t get all sour with me, brother. A bet’s a bet. You thought she’d hold out, that she’d play hard to get. But nah… one brush of Enzo’s hand and she melted. They always do. You can’t blame her.”

“I wasn’t blaming her,” I shot back quickly. Maybe a little too quickly. Kael caught it, of course.

“Mm-hmm,” he hummed, clearly amused, tossing a practice dagger from one hand to the other like it was nothing. “Whatever you say.”

Before I could reply, footsteps echoed behind me. I turned to see a young servant, head bowed, hands clasped nervously in front of him. “Delta Atlas,” he said, his voice quiet but steady, “your car is ready for the trip.”

Finally.

I gave Kael one last look. “Guess this is where I leave you.”

Kael shrugged, smirk still glued to his face. “Safe travels. Don’t get too stiff out there in Bryan’s territory. And hey—if Irene looks at you twice, don’t act like you don’t notice. She’s got a wandering eye, trust me.”

“Mind your business,” I said, shaking my head as I turned to follow the servant out. His laughter echoed behind me, bouncing off the walls of the training hall until the heavy door shut it out.

---

The drive was long, and for most of it, I stared out the window, letting the silence stretch. My driver knew better than to fill the air with chatter. The trees blurred past, tall shadows rolling by as the road cut deeper into neutral territory. My mind wasn’t quiet, though. It never was.

Kael’s words lingered, needling at me. The way he mocked her moans. The way he reduced her to something gullible and naïve. I told myself it didn’t matter, that I didn’t give a damn about Lisa or her choices. But if that were true, why did my chest feel so tight hearing it? Why did I hand him that cash with clenched teeth, swallowing something sharp in the back of my throat?

I shifted in my seat, forcing my thoughts elsewhere. Bryan. That was what mattered right now. The man had requested my presence for a reason, and while his tone over the line had been friendly enough, I knew better than to take things at face value. Bryan wasn’t the type to waste time on courtesy visits.

The car slowed as we approached the gates of Bryan’s pack. Two guards stood tall, their sharp eyes scanning the vehicle until recognition settled in. The heavy iron bars parted, and we rolled inside.

The compound was quieter than I expected. Tidy lawns, neat rows of houses, warriors stationed at key corners. Everything screamed discipline and order. Bryan always was meticulous.

When the car stopped in front of the main house, I stepped out, adjusting my jacket. My eyes swept the area, instinctively mapping exits, guard placements, possible blind spots. Old habits. Necessary ones.

The door opened before I could knock. Bryan himself stood there, tall, broad-shouldered, his salt-and-pepper beard trimmed neatly. His smile was warm, practiced.

“Atlas,” he greeted, voice booming. “You made it. Come in, come in.”

“Bryan,” I said, giving a curt nod as I stepped inside. The house smelled faintly of cedarwood and polished leather.

And then she appeared. Irene.

Graceful as ever, her dark hair cascading over her shoulders, her dress simple yet deliberately flattering. Her lips curved into a smile, but her eyes lingered on me longer than necessary.

“Welcome, Atlas,” she said smoothly, her voice soft, melodic. “It’s been far too long.”

I inclined my head politely. “Irene.”

Bryan clapped me on the back, oblivious—or maybe just ignoring—his mate’s pointed glance. “Dinner is almost ready. But first, come sit. We have much to discuss.”

I followed him into the living room, my senses on alert. The quiet hum of the place didn’t fool me. Whatever Bryan wanted, it wouldn’t just be small talk. And Irene’s gaze burning into the back of my head only confirmed that tonight was going to be anything but ordinary.

“Please have a seat while we get you something light” Irene said, gesturing to a one seater with a mischievous smile on her face.

I rolled my eyes, muttering a light thanks before seating. I mindlinked Enzo immediately of my arrival then told him I will communicate the details once I'm done with him.