The Lycan King's Outcast Omega (by Cara Anderson) novel Chapter 13

Chapter 13

Sage

The woman in the driver’s seat glares at me like I’m the dirt on her fancy shoes. I don’t know her but I can’t help but sulk over her judgmental sneer. I’d actually hoped things could be different in Alaric’s pack, that people wouldn’t treat me like an outcast. Apparently that was too much to wish for.

“Eris, what are you doing here? I thought Garrett was meeting me.” Alaric’s tone is borderline frosty, showing no particular emotion toward the woman.

Which oddly makes me feel a bit better. I’m not sure why I care. Between her snooty attitude and his bossy personality, they probably deserve each other.

“I volunteered,” She beams at him, batting her eyelashes. “There’s been more reports of attacks and disappearances while you were gone. Garrett was busy training a new group of warriors and was happy to let me come instead.”

I could swear I hear him mumble something along the lines of “going to murder him” as he climbs into the backseat but I can’t be sure. He reaches over to buckle me in and I feel myself blush at the caring act. He’s about to fasten his own seatbelt when Eris interrupts him.

“Oh, Ric! Don’t you want to ride up here with me? I know how much you hate riding in the back. I’m sure,

“She trails off, at a loss for my name.

um,

“Eris, this is Sage. She’s my guest and I expect her to be treated as such. Sage this is Eris. Her father’s pack territory border’s mine which leads me to wonder why she isn’t there instead of here.” I stifle a laugh at the way he grinds out the last part.

“Nice to meet you, Eris.” I smile goodnaturedly despite the urge to scowl.

“Of course it is,” she flashes me a fake smile in return then quickly dismisses me. “Anyway, Ric, I’m sure she wouldn’t want you to be uncomfortable riding back there just for her sake, would you, Sage?”

“Um, no, of course not.” I say softly, still trying to decipher the dynamic between them and again, wondering why

I care.

“I’m good where I am, Eris. Just drive, please.” It’s not a bark, but it’s close.

She huffs unhappily but does as she’s told. His refusal to join her in the front seat doesn’t stop her from talking his ear off, though. I couldn’t get a word in edgewise if I wanted to, which I don’t, so I tune her out.

The drive is long which leaves me plenty of time to contemplate all the changes life has thrown at me lately. I didn’t think I could hurt any worse than I did every day with the way I was treated in Blackthorn pack. But I couldn’t have been more wrong. I have to brush the tears from my cheek when I think about what Cassius did to

1. me.

And don’t get me wrong, I’m grateful to Alaric for saving me. But he hurt me too. His refusal to confide in me makes me feel betrayed and taken advantage of.

So why do I hate Eris blatantly flirting with him in front of me? I swear if she calls him Ric in that sickly sweet tone one more time, I might vomit on this high–end upholstery. It reminds me of the way Daphne panted after… him. That must be why.

Just like Daphne, this woman is too inconsiderate and self–absorbed to ever be in a position of power over anyone, let alone a Queen. But if he can’t see that for himself, that’s not my problem.

Chapter 13

+25 BONUS

It’s not like I had much of a choice at the time, but once again, my fate was decided for me. Alaric didn’t even ask me if I wanted to live in his pack. I wish I could just start over somewhere no one knows me and no one has ever

hurt me.

I guess a girl like me doesn’t have a lot of options. So I’ll try to give it some time. But I’m not sure the royal pack is a place I can stay. I try not to examine too closely the pang in my chest at the thought of leaving my handsome stranger behind.

I’m staring out the window, watching the scenery pass by and trying not to feel sorry for myself, when Alaric leans over me with his massive body, stealing all my attention. “Do you see those turrets peeking over the trees in the distance?” He tilts my chin up slightly and my eyes follow his pointed finger, nodding when I spot them.” That’s my house.” He announces proudly.

“Alaric, that’s not a house. That’s a castle!” I gape at him.

www

“Well. I am a king.” He grins broadly. “But it’s just home to me.”

“That’s right, he is a king. So don’t you think you should address him as such. ‘Your Majesty‘ would be more appropriate.” Eris offers ever so helpfully.

“You don’t.” I blurt out without thinking.

Ech, what is wrong with me? I shouldn’t be letting this woman get under my skin. She’s just another mean girl and challenging them has never brought me anything but trouble.

“Alaric and I are… close. Aren’t we, Alaric?” she exudes confidence when she says it and I feel an absurd stab of jealousy.

Other than the fact that he saved my life twice, for which I’m grateful, we’re nothing to each other. Not even friends really. What does it matter how “close” they are? It’s not like I want him for myself. Do I?

“Enough, Eris! Sage can address me however she likes.” He rolls his eyes at her.

Eris opens her mouth, presumably to argue her point. But she doesn’t get the chance as we pull up to his house/ castle where a beautiful girl with a heart–shaped face and large honey–brown eyes, stands practically bouncing on her toes, an infectious smile stretching from cheek to cheek.

She has long chestnut colored hair that falls over her shoulders in waves and she’s tall and slender. She’s gorgeous but she doesn’t make my jealousy spike like Eris does. Which maybe has something to do with the way she’s leaning into the muscular blond man standing next to her and he’s looking at her like she hung the moon. They’re definitely together.

“Great. The fucking welcoming committee.” Alaric mutters while helping me from the car. “I’m sorry for what’s about to happen, Sage.”

“Wh-, what?” I ask as he leads me up the steps where the couple is waiting.

But I’ve barely got the question past my lips when the waiting girl launches herself at me and nearly tackles me to the ground.