The Lycan King's Outcast Omega (by Cara Anderson) novel Chapter 180

Sage

"Now," Alaric says the moment Daphne’s footsteps fade beyond hearing range.

His movement to the doorway carries predatory silence born of centuries of hunting heritage. The corridor outside remains momentarily clear, guard rotations creating a brief opportunity we take full advantage of.

"Three minutes until the doctor reaches the communication point with Garrett and our men, if he isn’t stopped," Alaric whispers, helping me from bed with careful movements balancing speed against my still-recovering strength and my ungainly belly. "Seven minutes until the guards return."

The understanding of the critical timing required crackles like electricity between us – so many moving parts, narrow windows within windows, our success depending on precise execution without room for error. My legs wobble slightly as I stand, my body still recovering from the bond rejection crisis that nearly killed me days earlier and my power still muted by the steady diet of drugs Cassius has kept me on.

"I can do this," I assure him, determination overriding my physical weakness. "The baby and I are stronger than we seem."

His arm supports my waist as we move into the corridor, our pace measured to maintain silence while still covering the necessary distance before the guards complete their circuit. I shove down the anxiety threatening to bubble over as I consider all the variables that could still blow our plan to shreds – the doctor's ability to reach Garrett in time, Daphne's movement that could catch us off guard, any change in the routines of the multitude of staff Cassius employs.

The corridor branches, requiring an immediate decision without time to think. Alaric guides us left without hesitation and I trust his instincts implicitly. My palm presses against the cool wall for additional support as we navigate the dimly lit passage leading deeper into the complex. Alaric pulls me in tight to his side, allowing no space between us.

"Wait," Alaric whispers, halting our progress as footsteps approach from a connecting corridor.

We press into a shadowed alcove, our bodies molded together in a space barely large enough to conceal us. Tension builds as a single guard passes the junction, his attention engrossed in the tablet in his hands rather than his surroundings.

Once clear, we continue with increased urgency – our window narrowing with each passing moment. The eastern sector approaches, its architectural style shifting subtly as we enter an area dedicated to observation and research rather than containment. A shudder runs through me as I think of the vile plans Cassius had for me here.

"There," Alaric indicates an unmarked door matching the description from the doctor's concealed message. "Maintenance access point."

The keypad glows softly in the dimmed corridor lighting. I enter the code with trembling fingers, relief flowing when the panel flashes green and the door slides open with a barely audible hydraulic sigh.

Beyond lies a narrow maintenance tunnel designed for equipment transfer rather than personnel movement. My pregnant form makes the passage challenging but not impossible, determination overriding discomfort as we enter the access route potentially leading to freedom.

"According to the doctor’s information, we have seventeen minutes until security protocols suspend," Alaric whispers, helping me navigate the confined space while maintaining an ever-vigilant awareness of our surroundings. "Nineteen minutes until Garrett's team can breach the outer barriers."

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