Sage’s POVSunday morning, I woke to find Kael’s side of the bed empty again. But this time, I found him outside on the estate grounds, moving through what looked like martial arts forms.Shirtless. Showing off the bandages still covering his wounds.“You’re supposed to be resting,” I called from the terrace.“I am resting. This is gentle movement.” Hemcompleted a slow, controlled strike. “Keeps muscles. from stiffening”“You were shot three times two days ago.”“And I’m already healing. Werewolf metabolism.”He moved through another sequence, wincing only slightly. “Besides, I need to stay sharp. Can’t protect you if I’m weak.”I descended the stone steps to the garden where he was training. “You’re not weak. You fought off seven armed men.”“‘Barely. And next time, there might be more.” He stopped, breathing hard. “I need to be better. Faster. Stronger.”“‘Or we need better security so you’re not fighting them alone.”“That too.” He pulled me close, despite being sweaty. “But I

Sage’s POVWednesday morning brought an unexpected visitor, a delegation from the Pacific Northwest Timber pack, requesting an audience with “the prophesied Luna.” Word had spread Fast.“They heard about the prophecy?” I asked Eleanor over breakfast. She’d received the request and was deciding how to handle it.“Everyone’s heard by now. Damien’s trial made headlines, and reporters dug up everything-the original kidnapping, the prophecy, all of it.”Eleanor sipped her tea. “You’re famous, dear. Or infamous, depending on who you ask.”“What do they want?”“To see if you’re real. If the prophecy is legitimate. And possibly to ask for help with their pack troubles” Eleanor set down her cup.“The Timber pack has been feuding with the Cascade pack for fifteen years. Border disputes, resource conflicts, the usual. They’ve heard you can unite divided packs.”“I can barely unite my own thoughts most mornings.”“Nevertheless, they’re coming. This afternoon Two hours.” Eleanor’s expression was

Sage’s POV**The moment the Timber and Cascade delegations left, I collapsed into a chair.“That was exhausting.” I said to no one in particular“That was extraordinary: Lorraine was beaming.You mediated a fifteen-year conflict in under two hours. Do you understand how rare that is?”“I got lucky. They were ready for peace.”“They were ready to listen. There’s a difference. Dak knelt beside my chair. “You made them listen. Made them see past their pride to what actually mattered”“I used my power on them. Projected calm when they argued. Isn’t that manipulation?”“You helped them access emotions they already had-exhaustion, hope, desire for not manipulation. That’s leadership.” Lorraine packed up her notes. “Word of this will spread peace. That’s quickly. Be prepared for more requests.”She was right. By Sunday morning, my phone was flooded with messages from pack representatives across the region.“Twelve packs have requested mediation,” Margaret said over video call. She’d been ha

Sage’s POVMonday morning brought unexpected visitors-a delegation I hadn’t invited.“Five Alphas are here Marcus said, looking concerned. “They’re demanding an audience Now,”“Which packs? Kael asked. He was already moving into protective mode.“Northern Ridge, Silver Lake, Iron Mountain, Blackwood, and Crimson Falls.” Marcus pulled up information on his tablet. ‘All traditional, conservative packs. All opposed to what they’re calling the new Luna movement”My stomach dropped. “They’re here to challenge me.”‘Probably. Eleanor’s stalling them in the main hall, but we can’t delay long.” Marcus looked at me. “You don’t have to see them. We can send them away.”“No. If they’re here to challenge me, avoiding them makes me look weak.” I stood, despite my shaking hands. ‘Let them in. But Kael stays with me“I wasn’t planning on leaving,” Kael said firmly.Ten minutes later, five Alphas filed into Eleanor’s formal receiving room. All male, all older- ranging from their fifties to seventies

All Chapters of Rejected by My Mate, Claimed by the Brooding Alpha CEO: Chapter 31 - Chapter 34

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