Rejected By My Mate; Claimed By Lycan Quadruplets Chapter 69

Bryan's POV

The ride back to my pack felt longer than it should have. Even with the steady hum of the tires on the road and the occasional snap of branches as we cut through the forest trail, my head wouldn’t quiet. I had too much to think about, too much I wanted answers to, and not enough patience to keep my thoughts in check.

By the time the familiar scent of home hit me, I was already tense. My pack’s land spread wide, the tall wooden gates opening as two guards spotted the car. They bowed deeply as we passed, and I didn’t bother acknowledging them. I wasn’t in the mood for formalities.

The car rolled to a stop in front of the main house, and before I even stepped out, the front doors opened. My father—Alpha Baron—was standing there, shoulders squared, the kind of posture that reminded everyone exactly who he was. Beta Henry was right beside him, smiling like the loyal shadow he’d always been.

“Bryan,” my father’s deep voice cut through the crisp air as I climbed out. “Welcome back.”

I gave him a curt nod. “Father.”

Beta Henry stepped forward, offering his hand. “Good to see you, Alpha Bryan.”

I took it briefly before looking back at my father. “I need to speak with you. Privately.”

Henry hesitated. “Perhaps a quick meal first? You’ve been gone—”

“No,” I interrupted, my tone sharper than I intended. “Now.”

My father arched a brow but didn’t object. “Follow me.”

We walked through the main hall, the packhouse buzzing with quiet activity. Warriors moved to and from the training grounds outside. Omegas carried laundry and trays of food to the dining hall. Every single one of them lowered their heads when we passed. The respect was there, but so was curiosity. They could feel the tension rolling off me.

Inside my father’s office, he moved to his desk and sat. I remained standing.

“You look like a man carrying a storm on his back,” he said, leaning back in his chair. “What happened?”

I folded my arms. “I came here to make my report first. Then we’ll talk about what I really came for.”

He gestured for me to continue.

I laid it all out—everything that had happened during my trip. The negotiations, the minor disputes with the border patrols of neighboring packs, the details of trade agreements. My voice was steady, professional, but inside I could feel my frustration building with each passing second. I wanted this over with so I could get to the real reason I was here.

When I finally finished, my father nodded once. “Good work. That settles our concerns for the next quarter.”

I didn’t waste a moment. “Now, about my marriage.”

His gaze sharpened instantly. “What about it?”

“I want it annulled.”

The air in the room shifted instantly. His eyes narrowed, his jaw tightening. “What did you just say?”

“You heard me.” I didn’t flinch. “I want to annul the marriage between me and Irene.”

He slammed his palm against the desk so hard the wood groaned under the impact. “Are you out of your mind?”

“No,” I said flatly. “I know exactly what I’m asking.”

His voice rose. “You think you can just throw away a bond like it’s nothing? Do you have any idea the insult this brings to me? To this pack?”

“This isn’t about the pack’s pride,” I shot back. “It’s about the fact that she’s not fit to be Luna.”

His face darkened. “Watch your words, boy.”

“I mean them,” I said coldly. “An omega would be more suited to the role than she is.”

That was it. The room went silent for half a second before his fury erupted like wildfire.

“You dare stand in front of me and say such disgraceful things about your mate?” His voice was like thunder, deep and dangerous. “You don’t choose a Luna based on convenience or your personal irritation. The position demands respect, strength, and loyalty to the Alpha—qualities I thought you valued.”

I didn’t back down. “She doesn’t have them.”

“She is your wife,” he roared. “You made vows.”

“They mean nothing if she can’t fulfill them,” I shot back. “You’re expecting me to drag along someone who can’t lead, can’t inspire, and can’t stand at my side without faltering. That’s not a Luna—it’s a liability.”

Beta Henry cleared his throat, stepping forward cautiously. “Alpha Baron… perhaps we should hear him out—”

“Stay out of this, Henry,” I snapped, cutting him off without even looking at him. “This is between me and my father. Know your place.”

Henry froze, his mouth clamping shut instantly. I didn’t care if I’d embarrassed him. This was not the time for him to play peacemaker.

My father’s eyes were locked on mine, his voice dropping lower, but no less dangerous. “You’re speaking like a boy who hasn’t learned the weight of his responsibilities. Do you think being Alpha is about comfort? About shaping the world to suit your moods? No. It’s about making choices that serve the pack—whether you like them or not.”

“I am serving the pack,” I said firmly. “By making sure it has a Luna worthy of the title.”

“You want me to grant an annulment because you’ve decided she doesn’t meet your impossible standards? Absolutely not. The bond remains.”

I clenched my fists. “So you’d rather chain me to someone who will fail us?”

“I’d rather you grow into the Alpha you’re supposed to be instead of running from what you don’t like,” he shot back.

My teeth ground together, my chest heaving. “You’re wrong.”

His eyes flashed. “No, Bryan—you are. And until you realize that, you’ll never truly lead this pack.”

We stood there in silence, the tension thick enough to choke on. I could hear my own pulse pounding in my ears. I wanted to say more, to push harder, but I knew the conversation had hit a wall. My father wasn’t going to bend. Not now. Not with the anger radiating from him like heat from a wildfire.

Finally, I turned toward the door. “Then I guess we’re done here.”

He didn’t answer, but I could feel his gaze burning into my back as I walked out. Henry stepped aside without a word, his expression unreadable.

The moment I stepped into the hallway, I let out a sharp breath. My father thought this was over. He thought I’d drop it. But he was wrong. If he wouldn’t annul this marriage, I’d find another way. One way or another, Irene wasn’t going to stay in that position.