The Lycan King's Outcast Omega (by Cara Anderson) novel Chapter 15

Chapter 15

Sage

“Welcome to the Silver Crown pack!” The girl who’s currently cutting off my air supply with her vice–like hold exclaims in my ear.

“Iris, let her go!” Alaric barks gruffly. “She can’t breathe with you smothering her like that.”

The girl, Iris, releases me and takes a step back, wearing a sheepish expression. “Sorry! It’s just, Ric told Garrett he was bringing a friend and my brother so rarely makes friends, I mean, you’ve met him, right? So you can see why. Anyway, I was excited to meet you. I’m Iris, by the way,”

She talks so fast, I have trouble keeping up. She sticks out her hand to shake mine and I take it, but I’m glancing in Alaric’s direction, gauging his response to her insinuation that he’s difficult to get along with.

He wears an exasperated expression and rolls his eyes at her but I can swear there’s some affection behind it. I can see why. I like Iris already.

“It’s nice to meet you, iris. Thank you for the warm welcome. I’m-”

“Sage!” She finishes for me. “I know. Garrett told me. He’s my mate. He’s Ric’s best friend and Beta too but that’s, whatever.” She waves her hand in the air to emphasize her lack of interest. “Come meet him.”

Iris grabs my wrist and drags me along with her. She introduces us and Garrett offers me a mischievous smile. ” Nice to meet you in person, Sage. Though Ric’s told me so much about you, I feel like I already know you.”

The Lycan King spoke to him about me? Why? I just stare back at him mutely, unsure what to say to that. I can’t help flicking my gaze to Alaric.

But he just grunts in irritation. “Now that we all know each other, do you think we could actually go inside?” He doesn’t wait for an answer, placing his hand on the small of my back and leading me to the door. The massive ironwood doors groan open to reveal a grand entrance hall. Towering stone columns line the hall, each carved with intricate wolf motifs that spiral upward into the shadows of the vaulted ceiling. Wrought iron chandeliers hang overhead, their flames casting dancing shadows across the walls. 1

The stone floor is covered in rich pelts and runners in deep crimsons and midnight blues, adding warmth to the otherwise austere space. Elaborate tapestries depicting great wolf packs and historic battles adorn the walls..Floor -to–ceiling windows allow shafts of natural light to pierce the hall, though they’re partially covered by heavy velvet drapes in royal purple.

I’ve never seen anything this extravagant, not even in my wildest dreams. I curl in on myself, shoulders hunching and my head bowed, immediately feeling out of place. I feel eyes boring into me and risk a glance from the corner of my eye. Eris sports a triumphant smirk as she stares back at me. I don’t belong here and we both know it.

“Welcome to Sterling Hall!” Alaric announces proudly, oblivious to my existential crisis. He angles his body to face me and gently tilts my chin up to look at him.“My home is your home, Sage. I hope you feel comfortable here. “I’m sure you’d like to get cleaned up. Let’s get you settled in a room where you can bathe and rest. I’ll see you again at dinner and afterwards, I’ll give you a tour if you’re up to it.”

“Thank you,” I say, barely above a whisper, suddenly feeling shy with all these people staring at me.

“I have a room all prepared for her.” Iris pipes up. “I’ll take her upstairs.”

She leads me up a grand staircase that splits into two curved wings. I’m breathless by the time we reach the top

Chapter 15

+25 BONUS

floor and make a note to myself to exercise more, or at all since I never have before. 1

She opens a door and ushers me inside and my jaw hits the floor. The room is so opulent, and ginormous, way more space than I need. I start to tell her that but she’s already chatting away as she describes the room’s features.

“I had one of the maids run you a bath. It should still be warm but if you like it hotter, just pull the cord and someone will come right away.” She explains, but I’m too busy staring at the swimming pool sized tub.

My feet move closer on their own accord, my body already yearning to be submerged in the clean, fragrant water. I can’t remember the last time I had a real bath and not just a block of soap to wash in the stream by my house.

“I’ll leave you to it.” Iris‘ voice startles me. I almost forgot she was here. “There’s a robe hanging up for you to put on while you rest. I’ll come back shortly before dinner to help you get ready.”

“I-, uh,” I feel my face flush at what I have to say, “I don’t have any clothes to wear.”

A conspiratorial grin spreads across her face, “Oh sweet girl, I’ve got you covered. I didn’t have much time to prepare, but I managed to pick up enough to ensure you have plenty of options in your closet.”

I stare after her, dumbfounded, until I hear the snick of the door closing behind her. The sound snaps me out of my stupor and I waste no time undressing and sinking into the luxurious bath.

The water stings my wounds but I breathe through the pain while I shampoo and condition my hair and scrub my skin until it’s a bright pink and nearly raw. I didn’t realize until this moment how badly I needed to wash away Cassius‘ touch and everything about my old life.

I dry off with a towel so large and thick it engulfs me, then slip on the comfy robe. I’m about to pull back the covers to the ridiculously massive bed when I hear the door click open and the sharp scent of silver birch hits my nose. Eris.

“Making yourself at home, I see.” She sneers at me. “I’m sure this level of luxury is something you’ve only dreamed of. You must feel like you’ve walked straight into the pages of a fairy tale.

“If that makes me the wicked stepmother to your Cinderella, then so be it. But I’m here to tell you right now, little girl, enjoy it while it lasts. Because you will never be queen of this castle. Stay away from Alaric! He’s mine!”

“And if I don’t?” I’m not sure where I find the courage to challenge her but she has no right. She doesn’t even know me so who is she to talk to me this way. I may not want the Lycan King for myself but I’m done letting women like her bully me.

“Try it and find out.” She leaves the threat hanging between us as she turns and walks away, leaving me gaping