Rejected By My Mate; Claimed By Lycan Quadruplets Chapter 153

Third person POV

The morning sunlight spilled through the high windows of the estate, washing the wide hall with a soft glow. Calla had been pacing since dawn, nerves and excitement making her restless as she adjusted flower petals scattered across the long table and checked the ribbons tied around the chairs. She wanted everything perfect before Lisa stepped into the surprise.

“Stop moving those flowers before you bruise them,” Atlas muttered from behind her, stretching out his arms lazily. His shirt clung to his damp skin from training, but his eyes gleamed with amusement.

“I can’t help it,” Calla whispered back, biting her lip. “She’ll be here soon.”

Kael snorted, tossing a mask he had been fiddling with onto a chair. “Lisa doesn’t notice half of these little details. You could put weeds in those vases and she’d still smile like you gave her gold.”

Calla shoved him lightly. “You don’t understand. It’s her first time being celebrated. That makes it special.”

Atlas grew quiet at that, eyes narrowing slightly. He knew exactly what Calla meant. Lisa had confessed before, in those small cracks when her guard slipped, that no one had truly celebrated her before. Not a birthday, not even small victories. Life had been duty and endurance. So this day wasn’t just a birthday—it was a statement.

The heavy doors creaked open, and all heads whipped toward them.

Lisa stepped in hesitantly, wearing a simple dress Calla had convinced her to wear that morning under the guise of “just looking pretty for the day.” Her hair was down, brushing her shoulders, and there was a natural softness about her that drew every eye.

The chorus of voices erupted instantly.

“Happy birthday!”

The room lit up with cheers and claps. Confetti burst from a small cannon Kael had insisted on firing, scattering golden flakes into the air. Lisa froze in the doorway, eyes wide, lips parting soundlessly as she took in the sight before her. Balloons lined the ceiling, the long table glittered with treats, and a cake sat at the center with candles waiting.

Calla was the first to reach her. She rushed forward, cupping Lisa’s hands warmly. “Happy birthday, my dear. May this year bring you joy you’ve been denied for far too long.” Her voice cracked a little at the end.

Lisa’s chest tightened painfully, emotion bubbling up before she could even swallow it down. She lunged forward, hugging Calla tightly, burying her face against the woman’s shoulder. “Thank you,” she whispered hoarsely. “I… I don’t even know what to say.”

Atlas strolled over next, a crooked grin on his lips though his eyes betrayed a gentleness he rarely showed. He held his arms open, and Lisa didn’t hesitate—she stepped into his embrace, letting him squeeze her once, firm and grounding.

“Happy birthday, troublemaker,” he murmured, ruffling her hair lightly as if she were his little sister. “Don’t cry too much or Kael will start teasing you.”

“Already planning on it,” Kael called, striding forward with a mischievous smirk. He didn’t bother with words at first—he just engulfed Lisa in a bear hug, lifting her slightly off the ground until she squealed.

“Kael!” she laughed breathlessly, pounding his shoulder.

He set her down but didn’t release her right away, looking at her with unusual softness. “Happy birthday, Lisa. You deserve every damn bit of today.”

She hugged him back fiercely before turning toward Ash, who lingered at the side with his usual calm air. He stepped forward, expression unreadable, but when he reached her, he bent slightly and pulled her into his arms with quiet reverence.

“Happy birthday,” he said simply, voice steady and smooth. But Lisa felt the sincerity, deep and unshakable, vibrating from him like a quiet vow.

By now her eyes were glassy, her throat tight. She drew back slowly, offering him a watery smile. “Thank you, Ash.”

And then her gaze lifted—inevitably, unavoidably—to Enzo.

He stood just a few feet away, hands clasped loosely behind his back, dark eyes fixed solely on her. There was no rush in his movements, no attempt to outshine the others. He simply waited.

Lisa’s chest constricted. She wanted to hug him like she had the others, but something in her rebelled against the idea of making it that simple. Her heart pounded erratically as she stepped closer. The others watched with expectant smirks, already sensing the tension crackling between them.

Lisa stopped in front of him, tilted her head, and before anyone could anticipate it, she leaned up on her toes and pressed her lips against his.

The kiss was brief—barely a brush—but deliberate, stylish, and executed right there in front of everyone.

The room went silent for a beat, then erupted into whistles and teasing laughter.

Kael whooped. “Well, damn, didn’t expect a show with the birthday cake!”

Atlas laughed, shaking his head. “Smooth move, Lisa.”

Even Calla clasped her hands together, eyes shining with joy.

Enzo, for his part, didn’t move for a heartbeat. His expression barely shifted, but his eyes burned with intensity as if the kiss had ignited something primal in him. Slowly, almost possessively, his hand rose to brush her cheek, a subtle caress that sent shivers racing down Lisa’s spine.

“You’re bold today,” he murmured low enough for only her to hear.

Lisa’s cheeks flushed, but she didn’t look away. “Maybe I am.”

Before the moment could stretch too far, Ash cleared his throat, drawing everyone’s attention. He stepped forward, holding a slim envelope in his hand.

“This,” he announced, “is our gift to you.”

Lisa blinked, brows knitting as she accepted the envelope. Her fingers trembled slightly as she pulled it open. Inside was a sleek set of documents and a photograph of an island surrounded by crystalline waters.

Her breath caught. “What is this?”

“A private island,” Ash explained calmly, lips twitching faintly as if amused by her reaction. “One of ours. We’ve arranged a boat cruise for you, to take you there. You’ll get to celebrate properly, away from everything else.”

Lisa’s hand flew to her mouth, eyes welling instantly. The photo blurred as tears filled her vision. She pressed the papers to her chest, shaking her head slightly. “I… I don’t… I don’t deserve this,” she whispered brokenly.

Kael stepped forward quickly, crouching a little to meet her gaze. “Don’t you dare say that. Of course you deserve it. Hell, you deserve more than this.”

Atlas chimed in, softer than usual. “It’s about time someone showed you what it feels like to be valued.”

Calla reached out, squeezing Lisa’s arm warmly. “This is just the beginning.”

The tears spilled freely now, running down her cheeks as she clutched the gift tighter. Her voice cracked as she choked out, “No one’s ever… ever done this for me. I’ve never been celebrated before. Not once.”

The room grew still at her confession. Silence pressed heavy, broken only by her uneven breaths.

Then Enzo stepped closer, slipping an arm around her waist with uncharacteristic tenderness. He pulled her gently against his side, his large hand stroking her back in slow, soothing motions.

“You’re celebrated now,” he murmured firmly. “And you’ll be celebrated every year from now on.”

Lisa turned into his chest, sobbing quietly, overwhelmed yet comforted by the solidity of him. His presence grounded her even as emotions threatened to drown her completely.

Around them, the others exchanged quiet glances—some tender, some amused, but all protective. For once, they weren’t warriors or alphas or rivals. They were simply a family, gathered to give one broken girl the joy she had been starved of her whole life.

And Lisa felt it—deep in her bones—that for the first time, she belonged.