The Lycan King's Outcast Omega (by Cara Anderson) novel Chapter 155

Sage

Two weeks pass in a whirlwind of preparation. Though my body shows no outward signs of the life growing within, everything around me transforms in anticipation of the announcement. Security tightens to levels that would seem excessive if not for the fierce determination I feel through our bond each time Alaric issues another protective measure.

"The eastern balcony provides the best security profile," Garrett explains, reviewing the announcement plans one final time. "Clear sight lines, controlled access points, multiple escape routes if needed."

"It's a pregnancy announcement, not a military operation," I point out, though I've long since stopped fighting the increased protection. Through our bond, Alaric's approval flows as Garrett continues outlining security measures that would befit a declaration of war rather than new life.

While they finalize logistics, my own preparations have taken a different direction. Since Iris's casual mention of the prophecy, I've devoted every spare moment to researching ancient texts about children born of royal and healing bloodlines.

The royal archives yield little – most references to healing packs purged during the same persecution that nearly eliminated my kind. But my new status as queen grants access to collections previously beyond reach, including sealed council records dating back generations.

"I found something," Iris announces, entering our private study with ancient scrolls carefully cradled in protective sleeves. Since learning of my pregnancy, she's thrown herself into research with enthusiasm that matches my own. "Council records from the final purge of the healing territories."

Through our bond, I feel Alaric's attention shift instantly from security plans to our discovery. He joins us as Iris carefully unfolds brittle parchment protected by preservation spells.

"Here," she indicates faded text in language so ancient I can barely decipher it. "The High Council's justification for eliminating the remaining healing packs."

I lean closer, my evolved abilities helping translate script no ordinary wolf could read. "They feared a prophecy," I murmur, pieces falling into place as I continue reading. "One that spoke of balance restored through joined bloodlines."

Alaric's hand finds my shoulder, his touch grounding as the implications settle between us. "What exactly does it say?"

"'When royal blood and healing power join as one, their offspring shall bridge divided worlds,'" I translate slowly, careful with each ancient word. "'Neither Alpha might nor healing gift shall rule alone, but balanced power born of both shall restore what was sundered.'"

The moment the door closes behind her, Alaric's control slips further. His eyes bleed amber as he pulls me against him, his breathing ragged against my hair.

"I won't let them—" he begins, his voice rough with suppressed fury.

"I know," I whisper, my hands running soothingly along his arms. Through our bond, I send calm to counter his rising beast.

But instead of calming him, my touch ignites something primal. In one swift movement, he lifts me into his arms, striding purposefully toward our private chambers. Through our bond, his intent radiates with crystal clarity – need to claim, to mark, to reinforce what's his in the most fundamental way.

Guards scramble to attention as we pass, their gazes dropping instinctively at the sight of their Alpha in such a state. Through our bond, I feel Alaric barely registering their presence, his focus narrowed entirely to me, to our child, to the threats now made tangible by ancient prophecy.