The Lycan King's Outcast Omega (by Cara Anderson) novel Chapter 57

Chapter 57

Sage

The packhouse has transformed into something from a fairy tale. Everywhere I look, servants hang crystal decorations that catch sunlight like trapped stars. The great hall, usually imposing with its ancient stone walls, now sparkles with silver and gold.

“No, no,” Iris calls to workers arranging flowers. “The moonflowers need to be closer to the head table. They’re Sage’s signature after all.”

My chest warms at her casual inclusion of me in these royal preparations. But anxiety follows close behind – so much grandeur, so many protocols to remember.

“Stop thinking so loud,” Iris scolds, linking her arm through mine. “You’ve got this. Though…” Her grin turns mischievous. “We should probably work on your dancing.”

“My what?”

“You don’t think you’re getting through a royal ball without dancing, do you?” She drags me toward the training hall, now cleared for dance practice. “Garrett! Perfect timing!”

The Beta looks up from his paperwork, immediately suspicious of her tone. “Whatever you’re planning—”

“We need a strong lead to help Sage learn the formal dances.” She bats her eyes at him. “Please?”

“Absolutely not.”

“But you’re so good at it.” She sidles closer to him. “Remember that time you swept me off my feet at the spring gathering?”

“That was private,” he grumbles, but I catch his lips twitching.

“Come on,” she wheedles. “For me?”

He sighs dramatically, but I notice he’s already setting aside his work. “The things I do for you, menace.‘

“You love it.”

The look that passes between them makes me feel like I’m intruding on something private. But then Iris is positioning us for a formal court dance, and all self–consciousness fades into concentration.

“One–two–three, one–two–three,” she counts as Garrett guides me through the steps. “No, your right foot first. There you go!”

“Sorry,” I mutter after stepping on his foot again.

“You should have seen Iris when she was learning,” he says, earning a swat from her. “Broke three of my toes.”

“I did not!” She pauses. “Maybe one toe. But you deserved it.”

“You’re actually getting quite good at this,” Garrett admits after I successfully complete a complex turn.

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Chapter 57

+25 BONUS

“She’s a natural,” another voice adds. Several young wolves have gathered to watch our practice, some even joining in to learn the steps.

What starts as a lesson transforms into an impromptu celebration, with wolves taking turns practicing formal dances. Even some of the noble wolves join in, perhaps caught up in the infectious joy.

“See?” Iris whispers as we watch a young couple attempt the steps. “This is what pack means. Not Eris’s rigid protocols or Victoria’s pure bloodlines. Just wolves coming together, sharing moments.”

I think of how far I’ve come from the scared omega hiding in Blackthorn’s shadows. Here, despite Eris’s schemes and political complications, I’ve found something real. Something worth protecting.

“Though,” Iris adds with a wicked grin, “if you step on my brother’s toes during your first dance together, I’ll never let either of you forget it.”

Her playful teasing helps me relax, and slowly the steps begin to feel natural. Until a cold voice interrupts:

“How… quaint.”

Eris stands in the doorway, perfect as always in a dress that probably cost more than everything I own.

“Teaching common dances to common wolves.” Her smile shows teeth. “Though I suppose everyone needs entertainment at these events.”

“Better common wolves with pure hearts than noble ones with poison souls,” Iris snaps.

Eris’s eyes narrow slightly. “We’ll see what the visiting nobles think of such… progressive attitudes. Especially regarding proper places and positions.”

She glides away, but her words leave ice in my veins. She’s planning something, and if she succeeds, it won’t just be me that’s embarrassed by it.

“Stop stressing!” Iris demands as Garrett growls at Eris‘ retreat. “Eris just likes to hear herself talk. Besides, we’ll all be looking out for you. Now let’s go, you have a dress fitting!”

Later, being fitted for my ball gown, I can’t shake my unease. The seamstress pins deep blue silk that makes my violet eyes seem to glow, but all I see is how different I look from wolves like Eris.

“Perfect.” Queen Helena’s voice makes me jump. She stands in the doorway, studying me with unreadable eyes. “The color suits you.”

“Thank you, my Queen.” I try to remember all Iris’s lessons about proper protocols,

“Helena,” she corrects gently. “We’re family now.” She touches one of the silver embroidered moonflowers on my sleeve. “You’ve brought healing to more than just wounds here.”

Before I can respond, she’s gone, leaving me to puzzle over her words.

I find Alaric in his study, surrounded by seating charts and diplomatic correspondence. His face lights when he sees me, and my heart does that flutter that still catches me by surprise.

“Come look at this,” he says, pulling me close. “I’ve put you here, next to me.”

Chapter 57

+25 BONUS

I study the seating arrangement, anxiety crawling back. “So publicly?”

“You’re pack now.” His arms tighten slightly. “And more.”

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