The Lycan King's Outcast Omega (by Cara Anderson) novel Chapter 121

Dawn mist curls around our feet as Alaric and I kneel facing each other in the sacred grove. The ancient texts were specific about this part – the ritual preparation requires perfectly synchronized power at sunrise.

“Ready?” he asks softly.

I nod, pushing aside a slight wave of dizziness. Probably just the fasting required for cleansing. Through our bond, I feel his momentary concern, but I send back reassurance.

Our hands join as power builds between us. The texts described this as “weaving two souls into one tapestry,” but nothing prepared me for how it actually feels – like our very essences are intertwining, strengthening with each shared heartbeat.

A sudden chill runs through me, breaking my concentration. The power wavers.

“Sweetling?” Alaric’s thumb strokes my palm. “What’s wrong?”

“Nothing.” I force a smile. “Just lost focus for a moment.”

Through our bond, I feel his skepticism, but he doesn’t push. Instead, his power wraps around me like a warm blanket, steadying me as we try again.

This time we maintain the connection longer. Our breathing synchronizes naturally, hearts beating in perfect rhythm. For a moment, I can’t tell where my power ends and his begins.

“That was incredible,” I breathe when we finally separate. Though my hands shake slightly as I gather our supplies.

“You’re sure you’re alright?” He steadies me as another wave of dizziness hits. “We can pause the preparations

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“No.” I lean into him, letting his warmth chase away the strange chills. “The texts were clear about timing. We have to complete each step in sequence.”

His kiss tastes of worry and love. “Then let’s gather what we need for the next phase.”

Back in the packhouse gardens, I help Alaric gather the herbs required for the ritual’s next phase. The ancient texts listed specific plants needed to strengthen the mate bond – moonflower for spiritual connection, wolfsbane for power sharing, silvermist for-

My vision blurs suddenly. The herbs slip from my trembling fingers.

“The texts mentioned these symptoms,” I say quickly, steadying myself against a tree. “As the ritual cleansing progresses, we’re supposed to experience physical challenges that test our bond.”

Alaric’s hands on my waist keep me upright as another wave of dizziness hits. Through our bond, I feel his growing alarm warring with his desire to trust my judgment.

“Show me where it says that.” His voice holds quiet command.

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Chapter 121

+25 BONUS

“… it was in one of the older texts.” The lie feels wrong between us, but I can’t bear the thought of delaying our preparations. Not when we’re so close. “Something about purifying body and spirit simultaneously.”

He pulls me against his chest, and I sink gratefully into his warmth. These strange chills have been getting worse, but his touch seems to help.

“Maybe we should test our connection again,” I suggest, desperate to distract him. “The texts said repeated practice strengthens-”

“Rest first.” His lips brush my forehead, and I feel him note my fever through the bond. “You’re burning up, sweetling.”

“I’m fine.” But even as I say it, my legs buckle.

He catches me easily, lifting me into his arms. Through our bond, real fear bleeds through his calm exterior.” That’s enough for today.”

“But the herbs-”

“Will still be here tomorrow.” He starts toward the packhouse, ignoring my weak protests. “The ritual isn’t going anywhere.”

I rest my head against his shoulder, too dizzy now to argue. Through our bond, I feel him cataloging my symptoms – the fever, the chills, the weakness that seems to be spreading through my limbs.

“Tell me about the next phase,” he says as he carries me, clearly trying to keep me talking. “What happens after the power synchronization?”

“The texts describe a kind of… merged consciousness.” My voice sounds distant even to my own ears. “Like what we have through the mate bond, but deeper. They say true mates should be able to share not just emotions but thoughts, memories…”

“Like how I can feel you lying to me right now?” His tone stays gentle but his words hit hard. “About how bad you really feel?”

Guilt floods our bond. “I just… we’re so close, Alaric. The council is looking for any excuse to stop us. If they think I’m too weak for the ritual…”

“Look at me.” He sets me down carefully, cupping my face in his hands. “Nothing is more important than your wellbeing. Not the ritual, not the council, not anything. Do you understand?”

Tears blur my already unsteady vision. “But what if they try to separate us? What if—”

His kiss silences my protests. Through our bond, his love wraps around me like a shield against all threats. “Let them try. But first, you’re going to rest. That’s not a request.

I manage a weak smile. “Pulling rank, my King?”

“If I have to.” He lifts me again, and this time I don’t resist. “Though I’d rather persuade you another way…‘

But even his suggestive tone can’t distract from the darkness creeping at the edges of my vision. Something is very wrong, no matter how much I try to deny it. I just pray we figure out what before it’s too late.

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2/3

Chapter 121

+25 BONUS

Despite my fatigue and his order to rest, I sneak back to the library once he leaves for evening patrol. There has to be something in the ancient records about these symptoms. Something to explain why I feel like ice spreads through my veins even as fever burns my skin.

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