The Lycan King's Outcast Omega (by Cara Anderson) novel Chapter 27

Chapter 27

Sage

Dawn paints the training field in shades of gold as we gather for morning practice. I’m still sore from yesterday, but a different kind of tension thrums through me as I watch Alaric demonstrate today’s defensive moves. His powerful frame moves with fluid grace, and I force myself to focus on the technique rather than the way his training shirt clings to his shoulders.

“You’re staring,” Iris whispers, appearing at my elbow.

“I’m studying his form,” I protest, heat climbing into my cheeks.

“Oh, I bet you are.” She grins wickedly. “Want to hear about the time he fell into the creek trying to show off for a pretty wolf?”

“Iris-”

“Partner up!” Alaric’s command cuts through the morning air. Before I can move, Iris grabs my arm.

“You’re with me today.” Her smile promises trouble. “Time for some bestie bonding.”

We square off on the training mats. Iris moves into the first defensive stance, and I mirror her, remembering yesterday’s lessons.

“Did you know,” she says conversationally as we circle each other, “that my big bad Alpha brother still sleeps with a stuffed wolf his grandmother gave him?”

I miss a block, earning a light tap on my shoulder. “Pay attention, future sister–in- I mean, training partner.” My face burns. “We’re not- He doesn’t-”

“Really?” She raises an eyebrow, flowing into the next sequence. “Because he’s actually smiling sometimes now. Do you know how rare that was before you came?”

I focus on my footwork, trying to ignore the way my heart skips. “He has plenty to smile about. His pack is strong, he has respect-”

“He has responsibility,” Iris corrects, her moves becoming more challenging. “Duty. Obligation. But joy? That’s

new.”

Before I can respond, she switches direction unexpectedly. I counter instinctively, surprising us both with a perfect defensive throw.

“Well done, sweetling.”

Alaric’s voice behind me makes me jump. He’s close enough that his scent – pine and winter wind around me like an embrace.

– wraps

“The counter was sloppy,” Eris calls from across the field. “An actual attacker would have-” “Would have been flat on their back,” Alaric cuts her off. “Just like that.” His approval warms me more than it

should

“Show us that sequence again,” he says, positioning himself behind me, “Your stance should be-“His hands settle on my waist, adjusting my position slightly. Every point of contact burns through my training clothes. Iris’s innocent whistle isn’t innocent at all.

Chapter 27

+25 BONUS

We run through the sequence again, but this time I’m hyper aware of his proximity. My foot slips on dewy grass, and suddenly I’m falling backward. Strong arms catch me against a solid chest.

Time stops.

I feel his heart thundering against my back. Feel the slight tremor in his hands where they grip my arms. Smell the winter forest scent of him, underlaid with something wild and masculine that makes my head spin.

“Careful, sweetling,” he murmurs, his breath stirring my hair.

I should move. Should thank him politely and step away. Instead, I remain frozen, my focus narrowed to every point of contact between us.

“If you two are done having a moment,” Iris calls cheerfully, “some of us are trying to train here.”

Reality crashes back. I scramble away from Alaric, my face flaming. He clears his throat, suddenly very interested in correcting another wolf’s form across the field.

“Smooth,” Iris whispers as we resume our positions. “Really smooth.”

“That wasn’t- I didn’t-”

“Please,” she scoffs. “I haven’t seen him this flustered since he was a pup trying to howl for the first time. Did I tell you he hit puberty late? His voice would crack mid–howl-”

“Iris!” Alaric’s growl carries across the field. “Less talking, more training.”

She winks at me. “Someone’s ears are burning.”

The rest of the session passes in a blur of movement and instruction. I lose myself in the rhythm of it, in the satisfaction of my body learning new ways to be strong. Even Eris’s occasional barbed comments can’t diminish the pride I feel when I master a particularly difficult sequence.

As we finish, Alaric calls out final corrections. His eyes find mine as he demonstrates a blocking motion, and something in his gaze makes my breath catch.

“He used to practice his Alpha voice in the mirror,” Iris stage–whispers. “For hours. Once, grandmother caught him-

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