Rejected By My Mate; Claimed By Lycan Quadruplets Chapter 54

Alpha Enzo's POV

The morning sunlight filtered through the tall glass windows of my study, casting golden streaks across the polished wooden floor. I sat behind my desk, absently twirling a pen between my fingers while my gaze lingered on the map spread out in front of me. The week-long event was approaching—an annual tradition that brought our allies and neighboring packs together for strategy talks, combat demonstrations, and, truthfully, a bit of posturing.

We had to appear united. Strong. Untouchable.

The door creaked open, and I didn’t need to look up to know who it was. Ash walked in with his usual quiet authority, Kael followed with a slight limp that he tried to hide, and Atlas sauntered in last, his grin annoyingly casual.

“You called?” Ash asked, setting down a few scrolls and reports on my desk. His tone was calm, but I caught the faint flicker of curiosity in his eyes.

I leaned back in my chair, steepling my fingers. “Yes. We need to finalize preparations for the event. I don’t want any weak links. The rogues have been growing bold, and with everything else going on, we can’t afford mistakes.”

Atlas flopped into a chair across from me, his boots propped up in that careless way that would’ve earned anyone else a broken nose. “I still say we need a better way to entertain our guests this year. Last time, that sparring demonstration was so boring I nearly fell asleep.”

Kael chuckled under his breath, though the sound came out strained. I noticed the tightness in his jaw, the way he shifted uncomfortably. He was still hurt from the incident at the ranch, but he’d rather chew off his own arm than admit it.

“We’re not hosting a circus, Atlas,” I said dryly. “We’re showing strength, not juggling for applause.”

“Strength can still look entertaining,” Atlas shot back with a smirk.

Ash rolled his eyes, clearly not interested in another of Atlas’s pointless debates. “I’ve already reviewed the security routes for the event,” he said, placing a folded map on the desk. “We’ll need extra guards stationed near the west gate, just in case. If any rogue tries to test us during the gathering, they’ll regret it.”

I nodded approvingly. “Good. That’s what I like to hear. Now—”

The sound of a faint knock on the door interrupted me. Before I could answer, Ash’s phone buzzed sharply on the table. He picked it up, glanced at the screen, and frowned.

“What is it?” I asked, reading the sudden tension in his expression.

Ash held up a finger as he answered. His voice was low, but I could still catch fragments of the conversation. “What happened?… When?… Is he breathing?… I see. Keep me updated.”

When he hung up, all three of us were watching him. “That was one of our informants,” he said slowly. “Alpha Knox has collapsed. He’s unconscious, and the healers are struggling to keep him stable. His son Cyrus is expected to step in temporarily.”

A heavy silence fell over the room. Alpha Knox wasn’t just any ally—he was one of the strongest wolves we had ties with, a man whose reputation alone kept smaller packs and rogue groups at bay. If his health failed, there would be whispers. Challenges. Weakness smelled like blood in the water.

Atlas was the first to break the silence, sitting up straighter. “If Cyrus takes over, do you trust him to handle the pressure?”

“No,” I said bluntly. “Cyrus is young, reckless, and far too eager to prove himself. If he makes the wrong move, it could create problems for all of us.”

Kael tilted his head slightly, his tone thoughtful. “Do you think someone planned this? A collapse like this could be natural… or it could be a sign of foul play.”

I considered his words, my mind already racing through possibilities. “It’s hard to say. But either way, we won’t wait to find out. We’ll tighten our own defenses and prepare for any ripple effects.”

Ash nodded. “What’s your plan?”

I stood, my voice firm and decisive. “Atlas, summon a meeting with all our allied packs. I want them here by tomorrow night. We need to coordinate, make sure no one tries anything stupid while Knox is down. We’ll show them that even if one Alpha falls, the rest of us remain united.”

Atlas’s grin widened, though his eyes were sharp now, serious. “Consider it done. I’ll reach out to the messengers and send word immediately. If anyone tries to weasel out of attending, I’ll remind them of the last time they underestimated us.”

I turned my gaze to Kael. He’d been silent since his earlier comment, leaning slightly on the desk for support. His injuries hadn’t fully healed. “And you,” I said, my tone softening just slightly. “How are you feeling?”

He blinked, clearly not expecting the question. “I’m fine,” he said automatically, but I raised an eyebrow, and he sighed. “Okay, maybe not completely fine. The healer says the fracture is healing, but it still stings like hell if I push it. And Atlas’s stupid jokes aren’t helping.”

“Hey,” Atlas protested. “My jokes are therapeutic.”

“Your jokes make me want to punch you, which isn’t good for my leg,” Kael shot back.

Despite the gravity of the conversation, I found myself almost smiling. These three—they weren’t just my right hand, my second, or my trusted warriors. They were my family, my foundation. And if Knox’s pack started wavering, I’d need them stronger than ever.

“You’ll rest after this meeting,” I told Kael. “No arguments. We can’t afford for you to be down if something happens during the event.”

“Got it,” he said, though I could see the stubbornness still flickering behind his eyes.

Ash glanced at me, his expression thoughtful. “Do you think Cyrus will ask for our help?”

“He’ll have no choice,” I replied, my voice low. “If the rogues catch wind of Knox’s condition, they’ll start moving like vultures. Cyrus will need guidance, and if he’s smart, he’ll ask for it before he digs himself into a hole.”

The meeting stretched on for another hour as we planned backup strategies. I gave each of them their assignments: Ash would oversee the event’s security preparations, Kael would work with the stables and combat teams, and Atlas would handle communications with the other packs. The tension was thick, but I knew they’d deliver.

When the conversation began to wind down, Kael leaned back, his expression thoughtful. “You think the event’s still going to happen, even with Knox out of commission?”

“Yes,” I said firmly. “If anything, it’s more important than ever. We need to show unity. If we cancel or show hesitation, it’ll send the wrong message. Weakness isn’t an option.”

Ash gave a small nod, his sharp eyes meeting mine. “Then I’ll make sure everything’s ready.”

“Good,” I said, my tone leaving no room for doubt.

When they finally left the room, I sat back down at my desk, staring at the map once more. The world outside these walls was shifting, and I could feel the weight of it pressing against my chest. If Knox didn’t survive, the balance of power would change—and not in our favor.

I rubbed my temples, letting out a slow breath. Whatever was coming, we’d be ready. We had to be.