The Lycan King's Outcast Omega (by Cara Anderson) novel Chapter 46

Chapter 46

+15 BONUS

Chapter 46

Sage

“Shoulders back, chin up – but not too much, you don’t want to seem arrogant.” Iris circles me like a general inspecting troops. “Yes, like that. Now the greeting.”

I attempt a formal bow, trying to remember all the rules she’s drilled into me since dawn. “My Lord Alpha-”

“Too deep for an Alpha who isn’t Alaric,” she corrects. “That level of bow suggests submission to direct authority. For visiting Alphas, you want to show respect without-”

“Without surrendering power,” I finish, adjusting my posture. “Let me try again.”

We’ve been at this for hours in her private quarters, the sun barely peeking over the horizon. My head spins with protocols and hierarchies, but something in me refuses to give up.

A knock interrupts my fifth attempt at the proper greeting. Garrett enters with a loaded breakfast tray, his stern Beta face softening when he sees Iris.

“Thought you two might need sustenance for…” he waves vaguely at our impromptu training session, whatever this is.”

“My hero.” Iris bounces over to kiss his cheek, making him flush slightly. “Always taking care of me.”

“Someone has to,” he grumbles, but his eyes follow her fondly as she investigates the tray.

“1

“Ooh, he brought those pastries you love,” she tells me. “See? Even our big bad Beta wants you to succeed.”

Garrett coughs awkwardly. “Just don’t want you passing out during morning council. The Alpha’s been… tense enough lately.”

The mention of Alaric sends butterflies through my stomach. I haven’t seen him since overhearing his conversation with Eris last night.

As if reading my thoughts, Iris says, “Speaking of which, time to put theory into practice. Morning gathering in ten minutes.”

My heart races as we enter the great hall. Noble wolves cluster in their usual groups, but now I see what Iris meant about power dynamics. The way they position themselves, subtle signals of rank and alliance.

Lord Marcus approaches, and I straighten my spine. You can do this.

“Good morning, my Lord.” I bow just slightly – enough to show respect for his elder status, not enough to suggest submission. “I trust the moon blessed your rest?”

His eyebrows rise slightly, but his reply is courteous. One small victory.

“Well, well.” Eris’s voice carries perfectly. “Someone’s been practicing. How… quaint.”

She glides past in a dress that probably cost more than everything I own, positioning herself near Alaric as he enters. I maintain my posture, remembering Iris’s lessons about not showing weakness.

1/3

Chapter 46

+15 BONUS

His eyes find me immediately, something unreadable in their steel–gray depths. Then Eris commands his attention with territory reports, her hand resting casually on his arm.

“Notice how she stands,” Iris murmurs. “Power isn’t just about words. It’s about presence.”

We spend the afternoon in the library, my head swimming with noble bloodlines and pack alliances. But I find myself drawing connections, like mapping herb properties – this family connects to that one, these alliances balance those threats.

“You’re getting it,” Iris says proudly. “It’s just like your healing knowledge. Patterns within patterns.”

“Some patterns are harder to master than others.”

Eris’s voice makes us both turn. She stands in the library doorway, elegant as ever.

“The Alpha requires assistance with the Northern territory negotiations,” she announces. “Something that requires… experienced hands.”

The subtle dig hits its mark, but I keep my face neutral. Another small victory.

Later, alone in the garden, I finally let my shoulders drop. It’s exhausting, maintaining this constant awareness. Maybe Eris is right. Maybe some things can’t be learned, only inherited.

“Hey.” Iris finds me among the moonflowers. “Want to know a secret?”

I nod, too tired for words.

“I used to hide in the kitchen before formal gatherings. Throw up from nerves.” She sits beside me. “Everyone expects the Lycan King’s sister to be perfect. To always know exactly what to do, what to say.”

“But you make it look so easy.”

“Now, maybe. After years of practice and plenty of mistakes.” She bumps my shoulder. “The difference is, I had time to learn. You’re doing in days what took me years.”

“And still not doing it well enough.”

“Says who? Eris?” She snorts. “You handled Lord Marcus perfectly this morning. Maintained composure when Eris tried to bait you. Those aren’t small things.”

In the distance, I catch glimpses of Alaric on his balcony, moonlight silvering his dark hair. My heart aches at the distance between us – not just physical, but cultural. Everything he is, everything he needs…

“Stop that.” Iris follows my gaze. “He doesn’t want perfect. He wants real.”

Before I can respond, Victoria approaches with her usual entourage. “Discussing protocol lessons? How… dedicated. Though some things can’t be taught. Bloodline is bloodline, after all.”

I rise slowly, remembering everything Iris taught me about power dynamics. “You’re right, Lady Victoria. Bloodline is bloodline.” I meet her eyes steadily. “Just as actions are actions. And sometimes those speak louder than any ancestry.”

Verify captcha to read the contentVerify