The Lycan King's Outcast Omega (by Cara Anderson) novel Chapter 138

Alaric

Her fear hits me through our bond like a physical blow – sharp, sudden, then fading as something interferes with her consciousness. My roar of rage silences even the battle around us, warriors freezing at the sound of their Alpha's fury.

"Sage." Her name tears from my throat as I abandon the diversion, racing toward her last known position. Through our bond, I feel her presence growing dimmer, consciousness slipping away.

"My King!" Garrett catches up to me, face grim with understanding. "What happened?"

"They have her." Three words that rip my world apart. "Cassius has her."

My warriors rally instantly, forming an attack formation. But as we approach the water access point where she was working, a wall of corrupted energy erupts from the ground – black lightning crackling between ancient stones, forming an impenetrable barrier.

"They were waiting for us." Garrett tests the barrier, jerking back as corruption burns his skin. "This was a trap."

Through our bond, I reach desperately for Sage, finding only the faintest echo of her presence. Alive, but beyond my immediate reach.

"Full assault," I command, power flooding my voice. "All teams converge on the temple center."

But each approach reveals the same barrier – corruption energy forming walls between the ancient stones, channeled through the very ground itself. Cassius has turned the sacred site into a fortress, using the temple's natural energy convergence against us.

"We can't break through directly," Garrett reports after testing all access points. "The corruption is too concentrated."

Through our bond, I feel Sage's consciousness beginning to stir, her presence strengthening slightly. Whatever they used to sedate her is wearing off. A plan forms in my mind – not just a rescue, but a strategy built on what I know of Cassius. Of his arrogance. His need to gloat over victory.

"We don't need to break through," I decide, eyes fixed on the temple center where ancient pillars rise against the night sky. "We need to go under."

Sage

Consciousness returns slowly, my thoughts struggling through drug-induced fog. Training kicks in before I open my eyes – assess situation, gather information, reveal nothing. The cold surface beneath me is metal, restraints at wrists and ankles. Laboratory smells. Equipment humming nearby.

Through our bond, I feel Alaric's desperate concern, his rage, his determination. I send back confirmation – alive, captured, but thinking clearly.

"I know you're awake." Cassius's voice holds amusement. "Your heart rate changed two minutes ago. Very disciplined, trying to gather intelligence first. I'd expect nothing less from the Lycan King's chosen mate."

I open my eyes to find myself in the heart of the temple ruins, ancient stone pillars supporting modern equipment. The extraction chamber from the research documents surrounds me – mechanical arms holding specialized instruments poised above my restrained body.

"Your plan was quite clever." Cassius circles my table, admiration seeming almost genuine. "Using the water system to access our operation. Attempting to alter the corruption remotely." His smile sharpens. "If I hadn't been expecting something precisely that innovative, it might have worked."

My powers assess my situation automatically – cataloging equipment, exits, the corruption energy surrounding us. The restraints contain traces of the same corruption, designed specifically to suppress healing abilities.

But my powers have evolved beyond what these restraints were designed to contain.

"You won't get away with this." The words sound cliché even to my ears, but I need to keep him talking. Need time for Alaric to find a way through their defenses. Need time for my powers to burn through the remaining sedative.

"Such a predictable response." He adjusts settings on nearby equipment, disappointment coloring his tone. "I expected more originality from someone with your potential."

"Can be manipulated," I finish, true fear finally taking hold.

Through our bond, I send a desperate warning to Alaric – not just my powers at risk, but our connection itself. His response floods back immediately – determination, rage, and something else... triumph?

The extraction equipment whirs louder, mechanical arms lowering toward my skin. Cassius approaches, eyes gleaming with anticipation.

"The process requires proximity," he explains, positioning himself on a platform beside me. "The transfer moves directly from source to recipient."

Through our bond, I push every detail of what's happening to Alaric – the equipment design, Cassius's position, the layout of the chamber. His response pulses back stronger now, determination mixed with something that feels like discovery.

"Your King's attempts are futile," Cassius notes, reading something in my expression. "The barriers are impenetrable. By the time he finds a way through..." He checks the equipment readouts with satisfaction. "You'll no longer be his mate. You'll be part of something greater."

A technician approaches, offering a final status report. "Corruption catalyst at optimal levels. Transfer chamber primed. Awaiting your command."

Cassius's smile holds genuine joy as he gives the order: "Begin Phase Two."

The mechanical arms descend further, corruption energy pulsing through transparent tubes. My powers catalog every detail, analyzing weaknesses, looking for opportunities.

Through our bond, Alaric's presence suddenly sharpens with fierce intent. Whatever he's found, wherever he is – he's coming.

I just need to hold on a little longer.