The Lycan King's Outcast Omega (by Cara Anderson) novel Chapter 94

My claws leave new gouges in the training room walls, but the destruction does nothing to ease my beast’s rage. Her words echo in my head: “You’re the one who believes Cassius’s lies because it’s easier than admitting you’re terrified…”

How dare she turn this around on me? Make me the villain when she’s the one who-

But did she? a traitorous voice whispers. Did you even give her a chance to explain?

Through the mate bond, I feel her hurt, her anger. But when I catch glimpses of her throughout the day, she’s smiling, laughing with other healers like nothing’s wrong. Like our fight meant nothing.

“The Northern Alliance needs immediate response about defense strategies,” Garrett interrupts my brooding.” And three more territories report attacks.‘

11

Right. I’m the Lycan King before anything else. Personal drama can’t interfere with duty.

But passing the great hall, I freeze at the sound of her laughter. She stands with a group of visiting healers, apparently sharing some joke. Not a trace of our argument shows on her face.

My beast snarls at how easily she seems to dismiss us.

“The mutant wolf situation requires immediate attention,” Garrett continues, but I barely hear him. Through the mate bond, I catch flashes of Sage’s emotions that don’t match her cheerful exterior – pain, betrayal, a bone -deep hurt that makes my beast whine.

But then I see her again, accepting a young healer’s grateful embrace like nothing’s wrong. Like her world hasn’t shattered the way mine has.

“She’s stronger than you gave her credit for,” Phantom grudgingly admits. “Or better at hiding pain.”

“Interesting development with Blackthorn’s heir,” Lord Harrison comments, appearing beside me. “Seemed quite intent on spreading certain… stories about Lady Sage this morning.”

I try to maintain neutral interest, but my claws extend slightly.

“Curious timing,” he continues thoughtfully. “Almost like he waited for the perfect moment to suggest such things. When tensions were already high from the gathering…”

The implication sinks slowly through my anger. Looking back, Cassius’s timing was suspiciously perfect. His words carefully chosen for maximum impact…

But before I can examine that thought, I see her again – this time demonstrating healing techniques to young wolves. Her smile lights up her whole face as she teaches.

See? my wounded pride whispers. She’s fine without us. While we’re torn apart inside…

The mate bond pulses with something deeper than her surface cheer, but I shut it out. Better anger than pain. Better pride than vulnerability.

1/3

Chapter 94

+25 BONUS

“The council awaits your decision about border patrols,” Garrett reminds me.

Yes. Focus on duty. On being King. On anything except-

“Lady Sage’s healing knowledge proves invaluable,” one Alpha tells another as we pass in the hallway on the way to the council meeting. “Such natural grace, such strength…”

My beast roars at other wolves praising what should be ours. But we pushed her away, didn’t we? Believed the worst without proof.

“You’re terrified of really letting me in!”

Her accusation cuts deeper with each remembrance. Because maybe… maybe she wasn’t entirely wrong.

The council chamber feels colder somehow as I take my place at its head. Ranked wolves from every territory await my decisions about border defenses, but all I can focus on is the empty space where Sage usually stands during these meetings.

“Perhaps we should hear the healer’s perspective,” someone suggests.

“Lady Sage is otherwise occupied,” I manage through gritted teeth, remembering her laughing with those visiting healers.

But even as I try to focus on pack business, my mind keeps circling back to Lord Harrison’s words about Cassius’s timing. About stories spread at precisely the right moment to cause maximum damage…

I find myself outside the healing wing, drawn by some instinct I can’t ignore. She works with steady hands despite everything, teaching other healers her techniques with seemingly endless patience.

But I notice something I missed before – the slight tremor in those hands when she thinks no one’s watching. The way her smile slips for just a moment when she turns away.

“Go to her,” my lycan demands. “Listen to her truth.”

Pride stops me. That and the memory of her accusing me of being afraid. Of not trusting her. Of-

A young wolf’s excited voice cuts through my thoughts: “Lady Sage, will you tell us again about healing the Lycan King when you found him injured?”

I freeze, remembering that time in her cottage. How she helped a stranger without question. How she trusted so completely…

How I’m failing to show her that same trust now.

But watching her move through her day with apparent ease while I’m drowning in rage and hurt… some prides are harder to swallow than others.

Movement in a shadowed alcove catches my attention – Cassius watching Sage with that same calculating interest that’s been nagging at my consciousness. His smile when he catches my eye holds something triumphant that makes my beast snarl.

“Difficult, isn’t it?” he murmurs as I pass. “Seeing her move on so easily?”

2/3

Chapter 94

+25 BONUS

But something about his tone… about the way he’s positioned himself exactly where I would have to pass…

“He’s playing us,” my beast growls suddenly. “Has been from the start.”

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