Rejected By My Mate; Claimed By Lycan Quadruplets Chapter 362

Serena sat on the couch, flipping through a checklist on her phone as she thought about everything she needed to pack for her trip.

Tomorrow, she would be flying to Paris for an important business deal, and she wanted to make sure she had everything she needed.

Her mind drifted for a moment as she glanced toward Amy, who was sitting on the floor playing with her dolls.

Serena sighed softly, setting her phone aside. “Amy, sweetheart, come here for a second.”

Amy looked up, her curly hair bouncing as she stood and walked over to her mother.

She climbed onto the couch beside Serena, tilting her head curiously. “What is it, Mommy?”

Serena took her little hands in hers. “I have to travel for a few days. I have an important meeting in Paris.”

Amy’s face fell instantly. “Paris?”

Serena nodded. “Yes, baby. But you’ll be staying with Aunt Emma while I’m gone.”

Amy pouted. “I don’t want you to go.”

Serena smiled gently, brushing a strand of hair from her daughter’s face. “I know, sweetheart. But it’s just for a few days. And guess what?”

Amy blinked. “What?”

Serena leaned in with a playful smile. “I’ll bring you back something special. Anything you want.”

Amy’s pout deepened as she thought about it, then slowly, she nodded. “Promise?”

Serena kissed her forehead. “I promise.”

Amy sighed dramatically. “Okay… but I want lots of gifts!”

Serena chuckled. “Of course, princess.”

Amy wrapped her arms around Serena’s waist, hugging her tightly. “I’ll miss you, Mommy.”

Serena hugged her back, holding her close. “I’ll miss you too, baby. But you’ll have fun with Aunt Emma, I’m sure.”

Amy nodded against her mother’s chest. “Okay.”

Serena sighed with relief. She hated leaving Amy, but this trip was too important to miss.

That settled, she grabbed her purse and car keys, standing up. “Alright, I have some shopping to do for my trip. Be good for Aunt Emma, okay?”

Amy nodded, already returning to her dolls.

With one last glance at her daughter, Serena left and headed for the shopping mall.

—

The mall was busy as usual, with shoppers moving around, carts filled with bags, and the scent of coffee wafting from the nearby café.

Serena pushed her cart through the aisles, picking up essentials for her trip—some new outfits, toiletries, a few travel accessories.

She was checking out a pair of sunglasses when she heard someone call her name.

“Serena?”

She turned, and there he was—Lucas.

The new employee from Rocky’s Designs, the one who had crashed into her the day before.

Serena blinked in surprise as he approached, his signature smirk in place. “Fancy seeing you here,” he said smoothly.

Serena tilted her head. “Lucas. Shopping, too?”

He shrugged. “Something like that. What about you?”

She held up the sunglasses. “Getting a few things for my trip.”

Lucas raised an eyebrow. “Trip?”

Serena nodded. “Paris. I have a business meeting there.”

Lucas whistled. “Paris, huh? Fancy.”

She smirked. “It’s just work.”

He studied her for a moment. “Still, I’d kill for a business trip to Paris.”

Serena chuckled, shaking her head. “I doubt you’d like all the meetings and negotiations.”

Lucas placed a hand over his chest dramatically. “Meetings? No thanks. But sightseeing, fine dining, walking around with a gorgeous woman—now that, I’d be up for.”

Serena rolled her eyes but couldn’t help the amused smile on her lips. “Smooth.”

Lucas grinned. “I tried.”

They continued talking as they moved through the store, Lucas occasionally helping her reach items from the higher shelves.

By the time she was done, Lucas insisted on helping her carry her shopping bags to her car.

“Thank you,” she said as he placed the last bag in the trunk.

“Anytime,” he replied, leaning against the car with a smirk. “Are you sure I can’t convince you to take me with you?”

Serena laughed. “Nice try.”

Lucas sighed dramatically. “Fine. I guess I’ll just have to wait until you get back.”

Serena shook her head in amusement. “See you at work, Lucas.”

“Looking forward to it,” he said with a wink.

She rolled her eyes playfully before getting into her car. As she drove home, she found herself smirking slightly.

Lucas was trouble.

But for some reason, she didn’t mind it.

—

Serena arrived home later that night, expecting to find an empty apartment. Amy had already left with Emma, and she had planned on finishing her packing before getting some rest.

But as soon as she stepped inside, she froze.

Ryan was there, sitting on her couch like he belonged.

He looked up when she entered, his blue eyes unreadable. “You’re late.”

Serena exhaled, shutting the door behind her. “What are you doing here, Ryan? How did you even get in?”

He stood, shoving his hands into his pockets. “ For how I got in, I collected one of your keys the other day. Also,I wanted to see you, that's why I’m here.

She raised an eyebrow. “At this hour? Why take my key?”

Ryan shrugged. “Is that a problem? I meant no harm.”

Serena sighed, walking past him toward the kitchen. “I have a flight to catch tomorrow. I don’t have time for whatever this is.”

Ryan followed her. “Where are you going?”

Serena opened the fridge, pulling out some ingredients. “Paris.”

Ryan’s jaw tightened. “Paris?”

She glanced at him. “Yes. Business trip.”

Ryan leaned against the counter. “For how long?”

Serena rolled her eyes. “Why do you care?”

Ryan didn’t answer. Instead, he watched as she moved around the kitchen, preparing a quick dinner.

Serena sighed. “Are you staying for dinner or not?”

Ryan smirked. “Since you’re offering.”

She rolled her eyes but didn’t argue.

After setting the table, they ate in silence, the tension between them thick.

Finally, Serena leaned back in her chair. “You should go, Ryan. I need to pack.”

Ryan smirked. “I’ll drop you off at the airport.”

Serena blinked. “What?”

Ryan shrugged. “You need a ride, don’t you?”

Serena hesitated. “I can manage.”

Ryan leaned closer. “Let me take you.”

She exhaled, then reluctantly nodded. “Fine.”

Ryan smirked in satisfaction, finishing the last of his drink.

Serena stood, stretching slightly before heading toward the living room. She barely had time to react before Ryan grabbed her by the waist, pulling her onto his lap.

Her breath hitched.

“Ryan—”

His lips crashed against hers, cutting off her protest.

Serena knew she should push him away. She knew this was reckless, pointless since she needed enough strength for her trip the next morning.

But as his hands roamed her body and his lips moved against hers, she found herself melting into him once again.

Maybe tomorrow, when she was thousands of miles away, she’d have the strength to stop this.

But tonight, she let herself fall.