The Lycan King's Outcast Omega (by Cara Anderson) novel Chapter 159

Sage

"I'll accompany you personally," Alaric decides finally, the words clipped with restrained emotion.

When I fail to wilt under his kingly glare as the strongest of men often do, he determines this to be the compromise to end our stand-off. I’d be lying if I said the thought of spending my day in his company was unappealing. But I’d be an unworthy queen if I allowed him to shirk his duties for such an unnecessary cause.

He’ll just have to find it within himself to behave rationally, however unlikely that may be.

"You have border negotiations this afternoon," I remind him, victory within reach though I keep satisfaction from my tone. "Negotiations you've postponed twice already."

The trapped expression that crosses his face would be almost comical in different circumstances – duty to kingdom versus protection of mate creating an impossible choice. Through our bond, I feel his beast's snarling rejection of any separation battling with the king's responsibility to handle threats that cannot be delegated.

"Full guard escort," he counters, voice low but carrying clear authority. "Complete security sweep before entry. Limited duration visit with guards positioned at all access points."

It;s a last and final offer. One I dare not refuse, lest I find myself locked in our room with an armed guard at our door.

I nod agreement to what are actually reasonable terms, relief flowing through me at this small victory. Not just for Elder Karus's grandson, but for my own need to continue serving as more than just a vessel for the royal heir – as healer, as queen who earns her place through action rather than simply bearing the king's child.

But despite my easy capitulation to his terms, his unease still flows freely through our bond. Aura whimpers in my head, the need to comfort her mate almost overriding our shared desire to prove ourselves strong and capable in our own right. I settle for reassuring Alaric I won’t be gone long.

"I'll return before the negotiations conclude," I promise, my hand finding his in a brief gesture of unity. Through our bond, I send reassurance alongside gratitude for his understanding, no matter how begrudgingly given.

What I carefully shield is my awareness of another note discovered moments before council session began – one specifically mentioning village visits as ideal opportunity for those who wish me harm. One suggesting my healers might be watched, their requests monitored for a chance to catch the queen beyond secured walls.

But hiding these specific threats feels necessary now. Alaric would lock me within the packhouse permanently if he knew the full extent of danger. Would assign surrogate healers regardless of their lesser abilities. Would prioritize security over service in ways that would diminish what I've fought to establish as healing queen.

The visit to Elder Karus's home proceeds with military precision – guards sweeping the modest dwelling before I'm permitted to enter, positioned at every window and door while I tend the feverish child within. My evolved abilities identify environmental triggers ordinary healers would miss – subtle corruption in building materials interacting with the boy's latent healing bloodline, creating fever traditional remedies couldn't address.

"He carries healer heritage," I explain to the astonished grandfather. "Diluted through generations, but present. Certain substances trigger response in such bloodlines."

The old wolf's eyes widen with understanding. "His mother showed unusual talents before she passed. We thought it was a coincidence..."

This most blatant message I'd burned immediately, heart racing as I considered its implications. Not just threats against me, but against those I heal. Against innocents who might become collateral damage in their vendetta against a prophesied child.

As Alaric's breathing deepens into sleep beside me that night, I make a silent decision that settles like stone in my heart. I will continue healing work, continue serving those who need abilities only I can provide. But I will also be vigilant, be cautious, be strategic in ways my enemies might not anticipate.

They believe my compassion makes me vulnerable. They will learn compassion also makes me dangerous – a queen who protects what's hers, a mother who safeguards future beyond herself, a healer who understands precisely where to direct power for maximum effect.

Let them watch. Let them wait.

I may carry life, but I am far from defenseless.

My hand rests over our growing child, determination hardening into unbreakable resolve. No ancient fear, no shadowed threat, no hidden enemy will prevent this life from emerging into the world we're building together.

I’m no longer the weak, wolfless girl I once was. No longer the outcast omega, a threat to no one. I’m the Lycan Queen, more powerful than the king himself. I dare them to come for me!