The Lycan King's Outcast Omega (by Cara Anderson) novel Chapter 40

Chapter 40

+25 BONUS

Pride and fear war in my chest. Pride at her quiet courage, fear at how they’ll make her pay for it.

“Bold words,” Victoria’s smile shows teeth. “For someone who can’t even shift. Tell me, what exactly do you contribute to this pack, beyond… distracting… our King from his duties?”

My growl fills the room before I can stop it. Victoria’s smile widens – she wanted this reaction.

Before the confrontation can escalate, a messenger arrives to request my presence in the warrior wing.

“Go,” Sage says softly. “They need you.”

Always duty. Always choosing pack over mate. The cost of being King.

But as I leave, I hear Victoria’s parting shot: “Yes, run along to your duties. Some of us will make sure your… pet… doesn’t cause any more disruptions.”

My beast roars to defend, to claim, to end these threats to our mate. Instead, I force myself to focus on the next battle.

Hours later, I find her in the library curled in her usual window seat. Moonlight turns her silver–blonde hair ethereal, and for a moment I just watch her, allowing myself this stolen moment of peace.

“You should be resting,” she says without turning.

“So should you.” I approach slowly, not wanting to break whatever fragile calm she’s found here. “Long day. She finally looks at me, violet eyes too knowing. “How are your warriors?”

“Healing. Thanks to a mysterious poultice no one wants to admit helped.”

A ghost of a smile touches her lips. “The pack has excellent healers. I’m sure they would have thought of it eventually.”

“You don’t have to do that.” I move closer, drawn by some force I can’t fight anymore. “Make yourself smaller to fit their expectations.”

“Don’t I?” She turns back to the window, but not before I catch the shimmer of unshed tears. “Victoria’s right about one thing. I’m not… I don’t belong in this world of power and politics.”

My beast snarls at her pain. Before I can stop myself, I’m kneeling beside her seat, close enough to catch her familiar scent of honeysuckle and rain.

“Look at me, sweetling”

She does, and something in my chest cracks at the vulnerability in her eyes.

“You belong exactly where you choose to be,” I tell her softly. “And anyone who says different can answer to me.” “That’s part of the problem, isn’t it?” Her hand lifts, hovers near my face like she wants to touch the scar along my jaw. “Everyone watching, waiting for you to show weakness because of me.”

“You’re not my weakness.” The words come out rougher than intended.

Her fingers finally make contact with my scar, feather–light. “Then what am I?”

The question hangs between us, heavy with all the things I can’t say yet, My beast strains toward her touch,

Chapter 40

+25 BONUS

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wanting to confess everything – mate bond, prophecies, the way she makes me question everything I was taught about strength.

Instead, I catch her hand, pressing it more firmly against my cheek. Her breath catches.

“Alaric…” My name on her lips sounds like a question and a prayer.

I lean closer, drawn by some gravity I can’t resist. Her eyes flutter closed-

“Alpha!” Garrett’s voice carries from the hallway. “Northern border!”

The moment shatters. Sage pulls back, wrapping her arms around herself.

“Go where you’re needed, Alpha,” she whispers.

Always duty. Always interruptions. Always this distance I can’t seem to bridge.

I stand reluctantly, my hand feeling empty without hers. “I know I’ve said it before, but it’s still true. We’re not finished here.”

“Aren’t we?” Her smile holds too much resignation. “Maybe it’s better this way. Safer.”

“Sage-”

“ALPHA!”

I growl in frustration, but she’s already turning away, moonlight casting shadows on her face that look too much like tears.

Later, when the crisis has ended and the border is secure, I stop to remember the feel of her hand on my scar. Remember the way she pulled back, protecting herself from hoping too much. I’m starting to realize I can’t keep fighting this war on all fronts. Something has to give before I lose either my pack or my mate.

Or maybe I’ve already chosen. 1

I just pray the cost of that choice won’t destroy us all.