Rejected By My Mate; Claimed By Lycan Quadruplets Chapter 381

Serena sat in her office, the weight of the past few days slowly beginning to lift off her shoulders. The battle had been long, the tension suffocating, but she had won.

She was still CEO of Rocky’s Designs, and despite all the odds stacked against her, she had managed to outmaneuver those who wanted her gone.

She leaned back in her chair, exhaling slowly as she stared at her phone. Ryan’s name hovered on her screen, her finger hesitating over the call button.

It wasn’t like her to reach out to him first. In fact, she rarely did unless it was absolutely necessary. But this time, something in her gut told her it was the right thing to do.

Ryan had helped her.

He had reached out to shareholders on her behalf. He had warned her about his father’s possible involvement, something he hadn’t needed to do.

Despite their complicated past, he had stood by her in this—at least in his own way.

With a deep breath, she pressed the call button and held the phone to her ear.

It only rang twice before Ryan picked up, his voice laced with curiosity. “Serena? You actually called me?”

She rolled her eyes at his amused tone. “Don’t make it a big deal, Ryan.”

He chuckled. “It is a big deal. What’s the occasion?”

Serena sighed, glancing out the window at the city skyline. “I won the vote.”

There was a brief pause before Ryan responded, his voice smoother this time. “I knew you would.”

She smirked slightly. “Confident in me, were you?”

“Always,” he admitted easily. “You’re not the type to lose.”

Serena let the words sit between them for a moment before speaking again. “I just thought you should know since you… helped.”

Ryan hummed. “Is that your way of saying thank you?”

Serena exhaled. “Yes, Ryan. Thank you. There, happy?”

Ryan chuckled again, clearly enjoying this more than she wanted him to. “You’re welcome. But if you really want me to accept your gratitude, I have one condition.”

Serena frowned slightly. “And what is that?”

“You, me, and Amy—going on that adventure she asked for,” Ryan said smoothly.

Serena tensed slightly. “Ryan—”

“No excuses,” he cut in. “Amy said she wanted it, and I already promised her. If you don’t show up, you’ll be breaking her little heart. And I know you wouldn’t do that.”

Serena sighed, rubbing her temples. “You’re manipulating me, Ryan.”

Ryan smirked through the phone. “No, I’m just helping you be a good mother.”

Serena let out another slow breath. “Fine. But only because of Amy.”

“Of course,” Ryan said innocently. “I’ll pick you both up after school.”

Serena shook her head. “I’ll drive us.”

Ryan chuckled. “Still need to be in control, huh?”

“Always,” she said before ending the call.

—

That afternoon, Serena pulled up to Amy’s school, watching as the little girl ran toward her with an excited grin.

“Mommy!” Amy threw her arms around Serena, bouncing excitedly. “Are we really going on an adventure?”

Serena sighed, smoothing her daughter’s curls. “Yes, sweetheart. Ryan convinced me.”

Amy gasped dramatically. “Really? Mommy, you never say yes to fun things!”

Serena raised an eyebrow. “That’s not true.”

Amy giggled. “It is true!”

Serena rolled her eyes but smiled as she helped Amy into the car.

When they arrived at the adventure park, Ryan was already waiting, leaning casually against his car. He looked effortlessly charming, dressed in a dark fitted T-shirt and jeans, his hair tousled in that annoyingly perfect way.

“Right on time,” Ryan said as Serena stepped out.

Amy practically jumped out of the car, running toward him. “Daddy! Let’s go!”

Ryan scooped her up effortlessly, spinning her around before setting her down. “Are you ready for the best adventure ever?”

Amy nodded eagerly. “Yes!”

Serena crossed her arms. “I hope this adventure of yours isn’t a bad idea.”

Ryan smirked. “Would I ever let anything happen to you two?”

Serena exhaled. “Let’s just get this over with.”

Ryan chuckled, leading them toward the entrance of the park.

—

The first stop on Amy’s list was the treetop obstacle course. A massive wooden structure stretched across the park, suspended by thick ropes and platforms.

Other families were already making their way across, climbing through tunnels, walking across wobbly bridges, and ziplining down to the next checkpoint.

Amy’s eyes lit up. “I wanna do that one!”

Serena hesitated. “Amy, that looks—”

“Fun,” Ryan finished, grinning. “Come on, Serena. Where’s your sense of adventure?”

Serena shot him a glare. “Buried under years of responsibility.”

Ryan laughed. “Then let’s dig it up.”

Before she could argue, Amy was already pulling her toward the starting platform.

—

The first obstacle was a series of swinging wooden planks, connected by ropes. Amy went first, giggling as she wobbled across, her little hands gripping the ropes tightly.

“Come on, Mommy!” she called.

Serena took a deep breath before stepping onto the plank. The moment she did, it swayed violently, making her heart lurch.

Ryan, who was right behind her, smirked. “Nervous?”

Serena shot him a glare. “Shut up.”

Ryan chuckled but stayed close behind, making sure she didn’t slip.

By the time they reached the zipline at the end, Amy was practically bouncing with excitement.

“I wanna go first!” she said, grabbing the handle.

The instructor helped secure her, and in seconds, Amy was soaring through the air, squealing in delight.

Serena exhaled, turning to Ryan. “I don’t suppose you’d let me back out now?”

Ryan grinned. “Not a chance.”

Before she could protest, he nudged her forward.

With a deep breath, Serena grabbed the handle and pushed off.

For a few seconds, pure adrenaline rushed through her as she soared over the park, the wind rushing against her skin.

When she landed, Amy ran up to her, beaming. “Mommy, you did it!”

Serena laughed breathlessly, shaking her head. “Yeah, I did.”

Ryan landed beside her, smirking. “See? Told you it’d be fun.”

Serena rolled her eyes but smiled.

—

The rest of the day was filled with laughter, from riding bumper boats to competing in an arcade challenge where Amy insisted she could beat them both.

By the time they finally sat down for ice cream, the sun was beginning to set. Amy was practically glowing with happiness, her cheeks flushed from excitement.

“Best day ever,” she declared, licking her ice cream.

Serena glanced at Ryan, who was watching Amy with a soft expression.

Maybe, just maybe, this adventure hadn’t been such a bad idea after all.