The Lycan King's Outcast Omega (by Cara Anderson) novel Chapter 54

Sage

“Really, Elizabeth, my grandmother’s remedy would be much more appropriate,” Victoria’s voice carries across the training field where I’m tending to a sprained ankle.

But before I can retreat, the young wolf I’m treating speaks up. “I prefer Sage’s healing. Her methods work better.” Elizabeth meets Victoria’s cold stare steadily. “And she’s pack now. The King himself said so.”

Warmth blooms in my chest as Victoria stalks away. These small moments of acceptance keep catching me by surprise – wolves defending me, seeking me out, treating me like I belong.

Even now, watching morning training from my spot near the sidelines, I notice the difference. Warriors nod respectfully as they pass. Young wolves wave. Some even join me, curious about the medicines I’m preparing.

“The silver–leaf poultice you showed me saved three warriors last night,” the head healer tells me as I make my rounds. She hands me a set of keys. “You should have access to the private stores. You’re one of us now.”

In the kitchens, the cook who once watched me suspiciously now saves healing herbs from her garden. “These moonflowers sprouted wild,” she says, pressing a bundle into my hands. “Reminded me of yours.”

I’m arranging them in my quarters when a knock makes me jump. Alaric fills the doorway, power wrapped around him like a cloak but his eyes soft when they find mine.

“Sweetling.”

The word in his gruff voice sends shivers down my spine as he closes the door behind him. In moments like these, when it’s just us, he lets his walls drop completely. 1

“I missed you,” he murmurs, drawing me close. His kiss tastes of pine and winter wind and promises we haven’t voiced yet.

But later in the great hall, he maintains careful distance. I understand – he’s the Lycan King, he has appearances to maintain. Still, something in my chest aches when he doesn’t acknowledge our connection.

“He cares for you,” Iris says as we guide our horses toward the forest path. “More than I’ve ever seen him care for anyone.”

“What if he finds his fated mate, Iris?” I blurt out the fear that’s been plaguing me more and more as my feelings for him grow. “Then where does that leave me?”

Iris’s horse stumbles slightly, giving her a moment to compose her expression. “What makes you think…I mean, why worry about that now?”

“Because I’m already falling for him.” I admit it for the first time, the truth terrifying in its intensity. “Every stolen moment, every gentle touch, every time he calls me ‘sweetling‘… I fall a little deeper. And if I let myself really love him, really believe in this, only to watch him find his true mate…”

“Sage-”

“I’ve already been rejected by one mate.” My voice cracks slightly. “I don’t think I could survive watching Alaric

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Chapter 54

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turn away from me too.”

Iris reins her horse closer to mine. “My brother isn’t Cassius. When he gives his heart, it’s forever.”

“But fate-”

“Sometimes fate works in ways we don’t expect.” She gives me an odd look. “Trust him. Trust what you feel between you.”

“I’m trying.” I touch my pendant absently. “But he keeps so many secrets. Maintains such distance in public. Sometimes I wonder if he’s ashamed of-”

“Never.” Iris’s voice turns fierce. “He’s protecting you the only way he knows how. Being the Lycan King’s… chosen… it puts a target on your back. He’s trying to shield you until…”

“Until what?”

“Until the time is right.” She bites her lip like she’s said too much. “Just… have faith in him. In what you share.”

I think of his kisses that taste like belonging, of gentle hands and softer words when we’re alone. Of the way he looks at me when he thinks no one sees.

“I want to believe,” I whisper. “I want to trust this so badly it scares me.”

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“Good things often do.” She grins suddenly. “Now come on, I’ll race you back. Winner gets the last moonberry tart from breakfast!”

When we return through the noble quarter. Eris holds court on her veranda, her voice carrying deliberately:

“The Northern Alliance is pressing for answers about succession. They say a King needs a proper mate, someone who understands royal duties…”

My hands tighten on the reins, but a group of young wolves suddenly surrounds us.

“Sage! Will you show us that healing technique you mentioned?”

Their timing feels deliberate, their support obvious. More and more pack members seem to be choosing sides.

Evening finds me in the library, losing myself in ancient texts. Familiar footsteps approach, and warmth spreads through me even before Alaric’s scent reaches me.

“Learning more about your new pack?” He settles beside me, closer than proper but not quite touching.

“Trying to understand.” I trace the words on the page. “There’s so much I don’t know about pack life, about being…” I trail off, unsure how to finish.

“Being what?” His fingers brush mine, sending electricity up my arm.

“Yours,” I whisper before I can stop myself.

His eyes bleed amber at the word. In one smooth motion, he pulls me into a hidden alcove, his lips finding mine with desperate need.

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Chapter 54

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