The Lycan King's Outcast Omega (by Cara Anderson) novel Chapter 136

Sage

The packhouse erupts into controlled chaos when we return, evidence in hand and a plan forming between us. Through our bond, I feel Alaric's strategic mind already adapting to this new information, calculating risks and opportunities.

"Power extraction?" Garrett's expression darkens as we explain what we discovered. "Not just destroying abilities, but stealing them?"

"The technology appears experimental but functional." I spread the research documents we recovered across Alaric's desk. "They've successfully transferred minor abilities between test subjects. The convergence site is where they plan to scale up the process."

Helena studies the ancient temple location marked on our map. "Sacred ground. Protected by ancient treaties. No single pack has jurisdiction there."

"Perfect for their purposes," Alaric notes grimly. "The council can't officially interfere with activities there without unanimous agreement."

Through our bond, I feel his frustration at these political complications. His beast wants direct action – storm the temple, end the threat. But we both know that approach plays into their hands.

"So we wait for the council meeting?" Iris asks. "Use this evidence to expose the conspiracy?"

"Too late." I shake my head. "According to the researcher, whatever they're planning happens before the council convenes. And half the council may be involved anyway."

"A direct assault is exactly what they're preparing for," Alaric adds. "They'll have defenses, contingencies."

The room falls silent as our allies process the impossible situation. Through our bond, I send Alaric reassurance as our shared plan takes clearer shape between us.

"There's a third option." I approach the map, tracing the route to the ancient temple grounds. "Something they won't expect."

All eyes turn to me as I explain the strategy that formed during our journey home – not a frontal assault, not waiting for political solutions, but something uniquely possible because of my evolved abilities.

"You want to corrupt their corruption?" Garrett sounds incredulous. "Use your powers to... what? Sabotage the extraction process from within?"

"Not exactly." I pull forward the research on power transfer. "These protocols require specific catalysts to stabilize the transfer process. Compounds derived from the same corruption used to create the mutant wolves."

The planning continues for hours – identifying access points to these underground water sources, calculating timing, preparing backup strategies. Through our bond, Alaric's concern balances with his recognition that this gives us our best chance.

"I still don't like how close you'll need to get," he admits when we finally have a moment alone. His fingers trace my cheek with infinite tenderness despite the strength I know those hands possess. "If they detect you—"

"They won't." I lean into his touch. "Not if we time this correctly. Your distraction at the eastern approach will draw their security. By the time they realize what's happening to their corruption samples, it will be too late."

Through our bond, his worry wars with pride in the plan we've created together. "When did you become the strategic one?" he asks, a smile finally breaking through his concern.

"When I mated the Lycan King." I kiss him softly. "Some things are contagious."

The moment of lightness fades as reality returns. Through our bond, I feel his determination solidifying, all doubts pushed aside now that the decision is made.

"We move tonight," he confirms. "Small teams, maximum stealth. Garrett and Iris will continue council preparations as backup."