The Lycan King's Outcast Omega (by Cara Anderson) novel Chapter 66

Chapter 66

+25 BONUS

Chapter 66

Sage

My first steps beyond my room feel like walking into enemy territory. I considered hiding out despite Alaric’s declaration of freedom, But that would make me a coward, unworthy of Alaric’s faith in me. So I lift my chin, refusing to skulk like a guilty thing. Alaric’s marks still tingle on my neck, reminding me that I’m not alone

anymore.

“Well, well.” Iris’s gleeful voice makes me jump. “What are those on your neck?”

My hand flies up to cover Alaric’s marks, face flaming. “I… that is… we were training and…”

“Training?” She circles me like a predator. “Is that what they’re calling it now? Must have been quite the… defensive maneuver.”

“Iris!” I try to sound stern but my voice comes out squeaky.

“I mean, some of these look pretty high up for combat holds.” She grins wickedly. “Unless you were practicing very specific escape techniques?”

“We were… I mean he was… oh moon, stop looking at me like that!”

Her laughter echoes through the hall. “Wait till Garrett hears about this. He owes me twenty silver pieces – he said it would take at least another week for you two to-”

“You were betting on us?”

“Half the pack was betting on you two.” She links her arm through mine. “Though I think Victoria just lost quite

a sum.”

Speaking of Victoria… I spot her and Eris down the hall, their faces darkening as they notice Alaric’s marks. Eris’s perfect composure cracks just slightly, rage flashing in her eyes before she masks it.

“Seems our King has been quite… thorough in his protection,” she says loudly enough to carry. “Though some might question his judgment, given recent accusations.”

Victoria’s eyes fix on my neck, her hands clenching. “Indeed. One wonders what kind of spell she’s cast over him.”

“The only spell here,” Iris calls back sweetly, “is watching you two turn green with envy. It clashes horribly with your complexions.”

Once we enter the main hall, the whispers start immediately: “-can’t believe they released her-” “what if she poisons someone else- Alpha must have his reasons:

11

That last one carries knowing undertones that make me blush, remembering exactly what happened in the training room last night. But I keep walking, back straight, head high.

But not everyone avoids me, I realize as we walk away from the confrontation. The warrior James trained with most often nods respectfully as he passes. A young wolf pup darts up to hug my legs before his mother can stop

him.

1/2

Chapter 66

+25 BONUS

“You made my brother’s burns stop hurting,” he declares. “Before they said you couldn’t heal anymore.”

“Toby!” His mother looks mortified, but I catch something like gratitude in her eyes before she hurries him

away.

“See?” Iris squeezes my arm. “Not everyone believes their lies. The ones you’ve helped, the ones who’ve seen your heart… they know the truth.”

Her words warm something cold inside me. Maybe I can’t work in the healing wing right now, but the evidence of my care for this pack still shows in a hundred small ways. In healed wounds and grateful smiles, in pups who remember kindness.

Iris pulls me into a warm hug before she peels away, no doubt off to collect her winnings from her mate. I roll my eyes at the reminder of their bet and flush a little at the idea they were speculating about my love life. I’m so caught up in my thoughts, I don’t realize I’ve wandered to the garden.

The young healers I trained huddle together near the herb garden. They look torn when they see me – part wanting to approach, part afraid to be associated with me. I pretend not to notice when they edge away.

“Don’t let them see you flinch.” Queen Helena’s voice makes me jump. She stands in the garden doorway, elegant as always. “The ones who whisper loudest usually have the most to hide.”

“My Queen-‘

“Helena,” she corrects gently. “Walk with me.”

2/2