The Lycan King's Outcast Omega (by Cara Anderson) novel Chapter 17

Chapter 17

Sage

“Hey, want some company?” Iris pokes her head in just as I’m slipping into some pajamas I found tucked into a drawer, a cami and short set she must have purchased for me.

“Of course. Please come in.” Everyone was so prim and proper at dinner and I felt so out of place. I’m not sure how to address her after that. I guess she is technically a princess.

Iris giggles. “You don’t have to speak so formally to me. No one does. Well, no one except Eris and I hate it. Come to think of it, I really kind of hate her.”

A snort slips out before I can stop it and Iris laughs with me. “Sorry, it’s just, well dinner was a bit overwhelming.” I confess.

(

“It’s not usually like that unless we have guests. Even with Eris, my brother usually doesn’t play along with her Queen of the Castle‘ attitude. I’m not sure what’s going on with him tonight. Seems like he has a giant stick up his ass about something.”

“He did look kind of constipated.” I comment, and we both break down into full–belly laughs.

It feels good to have someone I can joke and laugh with. I never had that in my old pack. And I’m pretty sure I’m going to need a friend if I’m going to survive living here.

Dinner at the royal table was an experience I’m not sure I want to repeat. The food was more delicious than anything I’ve ever tasted but I couldn’t enjoy it, too busy worrying if I was using the right utensil and waiting for everyone to laugh at me if I did something wrong.

Eris certainly didn’t miss any opportunity to remind me how beneath everyone I am. I’d hoped Alaric would defend me but he was too deep in conversation with his Beta to notice. But then again, maybe he agrees with her. The memory of the way Eris watched me during the meal, like she was planning my demise, gives me shivers and I wrap my arms around myself, rubbing at the goosebumps on my arms.

“Where’d you go?” Iris rubs my back to get my attention.

“Sorry.” I apologize again, shaking my head to clear it. “I guess I just don’t really feel like I belong here.

“Don’t get me wrong, I can never thank Alaric enough for what he’s done for me. But I don’t fit in. I don’t want to repay his kindness by being an embarrassment to him.”

She takes my hand and pulls me to the bed to sit beside her. “Look, Sage, I realize I don’t know you that well. But from what I’ve seen so far, I can already tell you’re a good person, kind–hearted and caring. Don’t let stupid people like Eris tell you you’re less than just because you don’t have money or a pedigreed lineage.

“I don’t know what you’ve been through, but I hope someday you’ll feel comfortable telling me about it. I’d really like us to be friends, Sage.‘

“I’d like that too.” A genuine smile crosses my face for the first time in, maybe ever.

Having a friend sounds nice and Iris seems genuine. Maybe spending time with her will help take my mind off of this heartache that feels like it’s going to claw through my chest.

“Good! Because there is entirely too much testosterone around here. I mean, I love Garrett and all. But sometimes a girl just needs someone to have a conversation with that consists of more than one syllable words.” She grins at me with that infectious smile she has. “Wanna watch a movie?”

Chapter 17

+25 BONUS

“Um,” I look down at my pajama clad body. I’m not sure where the TV is but I’m not really dressed for roaming the halls. “Sure. Just give me a sec to change.”

“Oh, we aren’t going anywhere.” She smirks mischievously, grabbing a remote from my nightstand. My jaw drops when she presses a button and the giant picture over the fireplace becomes a television screen. “This is the Luna suite, girl. It’s got all the bells and whistles. You’d never have to leave the room if you didn’t want to.”

The what now? Why would they put me in the Luna suite? Did Alaric ask her to? Even though I know she can’t hear my thoughts, my cheeks flush at the fluttery feeling in my belly at the idea of Alaric wanting me to have this room. Thankfully, Iris seems oblivious to my inner dialogue, chattering on about the movie selection.

“Wait! We need snacks!” She grabs my wrist and starts pulling me toward the door. Then she rolls her eyes at me when I resist, pointing out that I’m half–dressed again. “First off, I picked out that set because it’s cute AF. You look super hot but no one is going to see you anyway.

“Alaric and Garrett are holed up in the office where they’ll be for hours and the staff have gone home for the night.” She hands me the fluffiest, most adorable pair of kitten slippers, “Put these on and let’s go.”

I follow obediently, feeling naked and exposed the whole way. But when we set foot in the kitchen, any lingering self–consciousness is replaced with awe. The room is massive, with gleaming appliances and sleek countertops. I thought the packhouse kitchen at Blackthorn was my dream kitchen. This one puts it to shame.

Iris ushers me into the hugest walk–in pantry I’ve ever seen and instructs me to pick out whatever snacks I like while she pops us some popcorn. I’m busy scanning the shelves and loading my arms full of yummy–looking options, when I realize I’m not alone.

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