Rejected By My Mate; Claimed By Lycan Quadruplets Chapter 50

Alpha Baron's POV

The scent of polished wood and burning incense filled the council chamber, blending with the sharp undertone of nerves and authority. I sat at the head of the long mahogany table, my gaze sweeping across the faces of the gathered elders and betas. Their expressions were grim, lined with the weight of our recent troubles.

The rogue attacks were escalating, and every passing day felt like a warning. They weren’t random strikes anymore—they were calculated, deliberate, and dangerous. Whoever was leading them had enough brains to exploit weaknesses, and the thought alone made my blood simmer.

“Reports from the northern border?” I asked, leaning back in my chair, my voice cutting through the quiet room like a whip.

Henry, my beta, stood and adjusted the parchment in his hand. “Two more sightings this week, Alpha,” he said, his tone respectful but wary. “The guards believe it’s the same group that hit the southern outposts last month. They’ve grown bold. One of our scouts reported finding claw marks just beyond the patrol points—too close for comfort.”

Murmurs spread around the table, the elders exchanging uneasy glances.

“They’re testing us,” Elder Finn said, his voice gravelly. “Testing our defenses, our patience. We should strike first before they gather strength.”

I narrowed my eyes. “Strike where, Finn? Do you know where they are hiding? Or do you suggest I waste soldiers chasing shadows?”

Finn stiffened, his wrinkled lips pressing into a thin line. “No, Alpha, but—”

“No,” I said, sharper this time. “Speculation doesn’t win wars. Information does. We cannot afford another reckless move that weakens our walls.”

Henry nodded in agreement. “The Alpha is right. Our priority should be tightening our borders, fortifying our scouts, and tracking their movements. We have capable warriors, but they need guidance, not chaos.”

I drummed my fingers on the table, considering his words. Henry had always been levelheaded—my balance when the council grew restless. He was right. We needed a plan, not panic.

“Double the patrols at the northern and western points,” I said finally. “And tell the scouts to spread false routes. If there’s a traitor feeding them information, I want them to choke on lies before I find them.”

The room quieted, everyone nodding in compliance. My gaze swept the room once more, landing on each elder as if daring them to challenge my command. None did.

I was just about to request the next report when my phone vibrated on the table, the screen lighting up with a name I hadn’t expected: Alpha Rowland.

The room fell silent as my eyes narrowed at the glowing screen. Rowland rarely called unless it was urgent—or political. Either way, I wasn’t going to let the council see me caught off guard.

“Continue without me,” I said, my tone clipped. “Henry, take notes and update me after.”

With that, I stood, slipping out of the room and into the hallway, where the air felt less suffocating. I answered the call, my voice low and controlled. “Rowland.”

“Baron,” Rowland’s deep voice rolled through the line, smooth but with a hint of impatience. “We need to talk.”

“Now?” I asked, glancing at the heavy doors of the council chamber behind me. “I’m in the middle of a high council session.”

“This can’t wait,” he replied. “We need to finalize the marriage arrangement. My daughter’s patience—and mine—is running thin. The longer this drags on, the weaker both our packs look.”

I pinched the bridge of my nose, exhaling sharply. Irene again. That girl had more fire than sense, and I could only imagine the chaos she was stirring up on Rowland’s end.

“I’ll call you this evening,” I said after a pause, my voice firm. “We’ll settle this once and for all.”

There was silence on the other end for a beat before Rowland spoke again. “Don’t make me wait, Baron. Our alliance depends on this.”

The call ended, and I slid the phone back into my pocket, my mind already turning over the possibilities. I didn’t like being rushed. I didn’t like being told what to do. But Rowland was right about one thing—the alliance was crucial, and the marriage was the fastest way to solidify it.

By the time I returned to the chamber, the elders were already mid-discussion. Henry glanced at me, sensing my shift in mood, but said nothing.

The council dragged on for another hour, but my mind wasn’t fully in it. I was already thinking about the evening call, about Irene’s temper, and about Bryan’s stubbornness. That boy had no idea how lucky he was. All he saw was a forced marriage. What I saw was survival—a strategic bond that could keep our pack safe in these unpredictable times.

When the council finally adjourned, I waved Henry over.

“Cancel my appointments for tonight,” I said.

He raised an eyebrow. “Something urgent, Alpha?”

“Yes. Rowland and I have things to settle.”

Evening came quickly. I sat in my study, a glass of whiskey in hand, waiting for Rowland’s call. When the phone buzzed, I answered on the first ring.

“Baron,” Rowland greeted, his tone brisk. “Shall we settle this?”

“Let’s,” I said, leaning back in my chair. “What’s your timeline?”

“A week,” he said without hesitation. “No more delays. The packs are watching. If we don’t act, they’ll see weakness, and weakness invites attack.”

I swirled the amber liquid in my glass, my mind racing. A week. It wasn’t ideal, but it wasn’t impossible either. “Fine. “A week,” I said. “We’ll hold the dinner, finalize the engagement, and announce it publicly.”

“Good,” Rowland said, sounding satisfied. “And Baron, make sure Bryan behaves. I don’t want any of his foolish antics overshadowing this arrangement.”

I chuckled humorlessly. “Trust me, Rowland, no one wants Bryan’s antics less than I do.”

When the call ended, I sat in silence for a long moment, staring at the dying ice cubes in my glass. A week. Seven days to ensure my son didn’t ruin everything I’d built. Seven days to prepare him for a role he clearly didn’t want but had no choice but to accept.

I sighed, setting the glass down. “Bryan,” I muttered to myself. “You’d better not fail me in this.”

The evening air was cool as I stepped outside the study, my thoughts still heavy with plans and calculations. The rogues were still a threat, but this marriage—this alliance—was just as critical. If one thing went wrong, it could all come crashing down.

Henry approached me as I stood in the hallway. “Is everything settled, Alpha?” he asked.

“Yes,” I said, my voice firm. “Prepare the household. In a week’s time, we’ll host the Rowlands for the engagement dinner. And make sure Bryan is ready. I want no excuses.”

Henry gave a sharp nod, understanding the weight behind my words.

But as I walked back toward my quarters, I couldn’t shake the gnawing feeling in my chest. Something told me this wouldn’t be as simple as Rowland believed, not with the rogues lurking in the shadows, waiting for their moment to strike.

One misstep, and we’d all pay the price.