The Lycan King's Outcast Omega (by Cara Anderson) novel Chapter 179

Sage

The old doctor's hands move efficiently as he completes his final assessment, eyes darting toward the surveillance camera before leaning closer to check my pulse. His fingers press a small scrap of paper into my palm.

"Your vitals are strong enough for transfer," he announces loudly. "Your new accommodations are being prepared as we speak."

I slip the paper beneath my blanket while Alaric positions himself between us and the camera. Shared anticipation pulses between us– the first real chance since our capture.

"When exactly will security protocols be suspended?" Alaric breathes, the question audible only to us.

"0800 to 0835," the doctor murmurs, adjusting my IV with practiced movements. "Standard procedure to allow the necessary medical equipment to be moved without damaging the security system’s radio frequencies.."

Thirty-five minutes. A narrow window that might be our only opportunity. I can practically feel Alaric’s mind working, calculating timing, variables, potential obstacles.

I unfold the paper when the doctor turns away, reading quickly before destroying the evidence. "Eastern sector connects to maintenance tunnels. Security code 4479."

Hope flares at obtaining that vital piece of information. Alaric's hand finds mine, squeezing gently to confirm our shared understanding without words that might bring unwanted attention to our plan.

"I'll need to recalibrate some equipment before the transfer," the doctor says, gathering his instruments with deliberate slowness. "Shouldn't take more than an hour."

An hour to contact Garrett. An hour to position rescue forces. An hour to prepare for our one chance at freedom.

The door slides open without warning. Daphne enters with a cold composure that does nothing to mask the predatory intent beneath her elegant exterior.

"Don't let me interrupt," she says, taking up a position by the wall with a casual posture that puts her between the exit and my bed. "I simply thought our patient might appreciate female company for a change."

The doctor's eyes flash a warning before his professional mask returns. "I was just leaving to prepare the equipment. The patient needs rest before her transfer."

"I'll ensure she rests." Daphne's chilling smile promises the exact opposite.

Alaric shifts on his feet, his restlessness betraying his discomfort with this new development only to me. But Daphne’s unwelcome presence could potentially become an unexpected asset in our rapidly forming plan.

The doctor nods once, sharp and precise, before departing. The message is clear – the hour countdown has begun.

"How kind of you to visit," I manage, voice stronger than my still-recovering body might suggest possible. "Though I'm surprised Cassius permits it."

"Cassius doesn't control my movements." Daphne studies her perfectly manicured nails with calculated disinterest. "Despite his recent... complications."

"Complications that must be frustrating for his chosen partner," Alaric observes, shifting subtly to maintain a defensive stance between us while appearing casual. "Especially given his extensive plans for ‘continued research.’"

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify