The Lycan King's Outcast Omega (by Cara Anderson) novel Chapter 88

Chapter 88

Alaric

My claws leave gouges in my desk as I struggle for control. The beast inside me roars to hunt down Cassius, to tear him apart for daring to touch my mate, to call her his.

But I’m the Lycan King before I’m anything else. And right now, every ranked wolf in my territories watches how I handle this.

“We can’t just remove him,” Garrett says, reading my thoughts. “Not without legitimate cause.”

“Legitimate cause?” I snarl. “He tried to have her executed. And he dares to come here and call her mate? She has a mate and it sure as fuck isn’t him!”

“But no one knows that, do they? And his offense against Sage was months ago, in another territory. Right now, he’s playing the perfect diplomat.”

He’s right. Through the mate bond, I feel Sage’s tension as she works in the healing wing, almost like Cassius is watching her with predatory interest again. But he maintains careful distance, perfect manners. To outside observers, he appears reasonable – even magnanimous about her slapping him.

A knock interrupts my dark thoughts. Several visiting Alphas request an audience.

“This tension concerns us,” their spokesperson begins carefully. “Having both your healer and Blackthorn’s heir here…”

“Lady Sage,” I correct coldly. “And she’s pack now. Mine to protect.”

They exchange glances at my tone. “Of course, my King. But perhaps some… arrangement could be made? To ease relations between packs?”

My beast nearly breaks free at what they’re suggesting. They want me to consider giving Sage to Cassius, to strengthen alliances.

“The only arrangement,” I tell them with deadly calm, “is that Cassius stays away from her. Or he leaves. His choice.”

They leave, grumbling unhappily under their breath, but no one dares to challenge me.

Finally, hours later, I find Sage alone in the library. The moment the door closes, I pull her into my arms, breathing in her scent to calm my beast.

“I’m okay,” she whispers against my chest. “I can handle him.”

“I know you can.” I press my lips to her hair. “Doesn’t mean I have to like it.”

“He’s playing games,” she says quietly. “Being perfectly charming to everyone else while watching me like…”

“Like prey?” The word comes out more growl than speech.

“No.” She meets my eyes firmly. “Like a weapon he wants to acquire.”

1/3

Chapter 88

+25 BONUS

The observation chills me because she’s right. I’ve noticed how he watches her heal calculating, assessing. Not like a spurned mate, but like someone evaluating a tool.

“He’s already gathered supporters,” she continues. “I hear them whisper about ‘reconciliation‘ and ‘pack alliances.‘ As if I’m a prize to be bartered.”

Phantom snarls at the thought, but she presses on:

“We need to be careful. He’s too skilled at manipulation to give us a clear reason to remove him.”

“We?” I can’t help my smile despite the situation.

“Yes, we.” She touches my face. “I’m not that broken omega anymore. Let me help fight this battle.”

Pride wars with protectiveness in my chest. She’s right – she’s stronger now. But watching Cassius circle her like a shark scenting blood…

The mate bond pulses with her determination, her refusal to be a victim again.

“Together then,” I agree. “But sweetling… the moment he gives me legitimate cause…”

“I know.” She rises on tiptoes to kiss me. “Your beast isn’t the only one that wants him gone.”

She turns to go, knowing we can’t be seen leaving together, but I catch her hand and pull back into my chest. I weave my arms around her and let my hands stray to her lush behind, grinding my hard length into her stomach.

“I want you in my bed tonight.” I growl in her ear.

“But, wh-“I cut her argument short.

“No buts. I won’t sleep if I don’t have you close, know you’re safe. And I need to be sharp for tomorrow’s proceedings. So you see, it’s your duty to your king and kingdom to sleep in my bed.” I tease, nibbling the sensitive flesh behind her ear until she’s panting.

“Yes, Alpha.” She moans.

“Good girl. Midnight,” I murmur against her ear. “Come to my quarters then. And sweetling?” I pause until she looks at me with those desire–darkened eyes. “Wear something easy to remove.”

Her scent floods with arousal as she slips away, the mate bond thrumming with anticipation that makes my beast purr with satisfaction.

Dinner becomes an exercise in restraint as I catch hints of Sage’s lingering arousal through the bond. But more concerning is how Cassius has already gathered a court of supporters around him.

“Such a shame,” I overhear one noble wolf tell another. “The way she rejected his peaceful overture. Almost makes one wonder if she’s stable enough for her position.”

My claws dig into my palms, but I maintain my mask. This is his game – making her seem unstable while he plays the perfect diplomat. It’s what makes him so dangerous. He plays his part perfectly – the reformed rake, humbled by seeing his former mate’s growth. Already nobles whisper about second chances, about healing old wounds between packs.

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