The Lycan King's Outcast Omega (by Cara Anderson) novel Chapter 24

Chapter 24

Sage

The healing wing has become my sanctuary over the past few days. Here, among the herbs and bandages, I can almost forget I’m a wolfless omega in the Lycan King’s territory. Almost forget the way my skin tingles whenever he’s near.

Cain’s fever broke this morning, the black lines finally receding from his wound. I’m sorting fresh herbs when a familiar scent of pine and winter wind washes over me, making my hands falter.

“How is he?” Alaric’s deep voice sends an unwanted shiver down my spine.

“Better.” I keep my eyes on the herbs, pretending to be fascinated by yarrow leaves. “The silver–leaf poultice worked.”

“Thanks to you.”

Something in his tone makes me look up. Bad idea. His steel–gray eyes capture mine, and for a moment, I forget how to breathe. The scar along his jaw catches the morning light, and my fingers itch with the memory of touching it back in my cottage, when I thought he was just an injured wolf seeking help.

The head healer’s arrival breaks the moment. As she updates Alaric on Cain’s condition, I try to slip away, but his next words freeze me in place.

“Double the guards on this wing,” he commands. “And assign someone to shadow Sage at all times.”

“What?” The word bursts from me before I can stop it.

Alaric’s expression hardens into the Alpha mask I’m learning to hate. “After yesterday’s attack, we can’t take chances.”

“I don’t need a babysitter.” Memories of Blackthorn rise like bile in my throat – always watched, always controlled.

“This isn’t up for discussion, sweetling.”

“Stop calling me that.” My voice shakes. “And stop treating me like I’m made of glass.”

Something flashes in his eyes – hurt? anger? – before his face becomes unreadable again. “My territory, my rules.

“Right.“I lift my chin, ignoring the way my heart races. “Just like Blackthorn was Cassius’s territory?”

Low blow. His eyes bleed amber, a growl building in his chest. The head healer quietly excuses herself, leaving us alone in the suddenly charged air.

“That’s different and you know it.” He steps closer, using his height to loom over me. “I’m trying to protect you.” “I never asked for your protection.” Even as I say it, I know it’s a lie. He saved me from execution, gave me Sanctuary. But right now, watching another Alpha try to control my life makes me feel like I’m suffocating.

“Too bad “His voice drops lower, dangerous. “You’ve got it anyway.”

I storm out of the healing wing, my face burning Behind me, I hear him barking orders about patrol schedules, and moments later, I sense a guard falling into step at a discreet distance.

“Men can be so overbearing, can’t they?”

Chapter 24

+25 BONUS

I spin to find Eris leaning against a pillar, examining her perfect manicured nails. Her smile is sympathetic, but something in her eyes sets off warning bells.

“Especially Alphas,” she continues when I don’t respond. “First Cassius, now Alaric… it must feel like trading one cage for another.”

“Alaric isn’t—” I start, but falter. Isn’t what? The same as Cassius? Then why does my chest feel so tight?

“Of course not.” Her smile turns knowing. “I’m sure he has your best interests at heart. Just like he did with that pretty redhead from the Northern Pack last moon.” She sighs dramatically. “But that’s none of my business. I just hate seeing another she–wolf trapped, you know?”

She saunters away, leaving me with thoughts I don’t want to examine. I spend the afternoon wandering the pack grounds, trying to clear my head. My guard shadows me at a distance, a constant reminder of my lack of freedom. As dusk approaches, I realize I’ve wandered into unfamiliar territory. The trees here are older, their branches creating deep shadows. The first drops of rain begin to fall as I turn back, but nothing looks familiar. “Lost?”

I whirl to find Alaric emerging from the trees. He must have tracked my scent. Of course he did.

“No,” I lie, tilting my face up to meet his gaze despite the rain now falling steadily. “Just proving I can take care of myself.”

“By getting lost in your own territory?” His voice is soft, dangerous. “What would you have done if my guard wasn’t here to lead you back?”

“It’s not my territory.” Water drips from my hair, but I refuse to back down. ‘Just another place I’m being kept.”

He moves so fast I barely register it, backing me against a tree. His hands plant on either side of my head, caging me in. “Is that what you think?” His breath fans across my face, smelling of mint and something wild. “That I’m keeping you prisoner?”

“Aren’t you?” I hate how breathless I sound. “Following me, controlling me-”

“Protecting you,” he growls. “Why can’t you just let me protect you?”

“Why can’t you see I need to protect myself?” My voice cracks on the last word. 1

His eyes drop to my lips, and for one heart–stopping moment, I think he’s going to kiss me. I’m not sure if I want to push him away or pull him closer.

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