The Lycan King's Outcast Omega (by Cara Anderson) novel Chapter 9

Chapter 9

Alaric

“No! She’s a Blackthorn Omega. She stays in Blackthorn!” Cassius protests.

“But he-, he hurt me.” Sage whispers, a shiver wracking her tiny form as she clings to me tighter.

A growl rumbles in my chest and the Alpha shudders. “Please, Sire, let us discuss this in private.” He pleads.

My instinct is to deny his request, to refuse him anything he desires. But as I glance down at Sage, her face buried in my chest, I realize she’s suffered enough embarrassment in the eyes of this pack.

“You may dismiss the pack. But your son and the beta female stay.” I enjoy the flash of fear in her eyes when she realizes she’s not escaping me so easily.

I shift Sage in my arms, careful not to touch the weeping wounds on her back as I make her more comfortable. An impatient snarl slips out as I wait for the Blackthorn Alpha to disperse his pack. I need to get this nonsense over with so I can take my sweetling home, ensure she gets proper medical attention.

“You have no claim to this woman!” Cassius boldly challenges me. “You’ve proven her innocence, stayed her execution. We’ll make amends for her ill–treatment. But this is her home, her pack. She belongs here!”

I snort at his audacity but it’s more menacing than humorous. “After what this pack has done to her, I doubt she’d agree. She’s a person, not property, you spineless twit!” His lip turns back in a snarl at the insult but quickly reigns it in when I let my aura flare. I turn my attention to Sage, tipping her chin up to look at me. “Who hurt you, sweetling.”

“C-, Cassius.” She chokes on his name. “H-, he was my m-, mate. But he-, he wh-, whipped me and rejected me in front of the pack then la-, laughed at me. I-, I didn’t know. I-, I’m sorry.‘

>>

The sound of her strangled sobs, the apology on her lips for something that was never her fault, it makes me murderous. I had a feeling it was something like that. How could he do such a thing to his own mate? I’m going to end his miserable life if it’s the last thing I do.

“Shh, sweetling. You have nothing to be sorry for.” I try to calm her but I’ve never been good at it. I’m a king, battle–hardened and gruff so I turn my glare on Cassius instead. “You’re lucky I have precious cargo in my arms, pup. Otherwise, I wouldn’t hesitate to pay you back in kind for what you’ve done to her. You’re a mockery of an Alpha and you bring shame to your people.”

“Father!” He seethes, teeth clenched and fists balled at his sides. “You are the authority in this pack. An authority this man bestowed on you. Are you going to stand there impotently and do nothing?”

“You forget your place son!” The Alpha barks. “It so happens I agree with our King. You’ve already discarded the girl. She’s wolfless, too weak to be your Luna. Wash your hands of her completely and focus your attention on someone worthy of becoming your Luna, like Daphine.”

“But father” the boy doesn’t know when to quit but the Alpha cuts him off.

“I’ve decided. My word is final!” He snaps.

Despite his bravado in front of his son, I can feel the truth of his fear. His aura is dripping with it. He doesn’t have the balls to defy me, Which brings me to the next command I have for him.

“I’m glad we’re in agreement, Alpha. One last order of business then we’ll be on our way. I want this woman punished for perjury!” I point to Daphne.

Chapter 9

+25 BONUS

“Wh, what? She stammers, her eyes blown wide in horror.

“An innocent woman was almost executed because of your false testimony. A testimony I have no doubt was given with that very outcome in mind.” My voice is gravelly, my lycan joining me in berating the girl.

“I can assure you it will be done, Sire.” The Alpha simpers.

“I don’t need you to assure me, Alpha Sloane. I’ll be here to witness it with my own eyes. As soon as it’s done, Sage and I will be on our way.” I don’t miss the way Cassius fumes at the reminder I’ll be taking his little toy away

from him.

“Well, uh, what punishment do you suggest, Sire?” The Alpha defers.

“I’m glad you asked. I think it’s only fitting she receives the same punishment Sage wrongly received. And since your son is so obviously talented with a whip, I suggest he be the one to wield it.”

Daphne screams in protest when the Alpha calls two guards to take her into custody. The man looks resigned, knowing he has no choice but to do my bidding. Cassius, on the other hand, appears outwardly furious, but I don’t miss the sadistic light flare in his eyes. He’s going to enjoy this and that thought is slightly terrifying.

“Assemble the pack.” I instruct him. “Daphne clearly likes an audience.”

I take a seat in the front row, settling Sage gently on my lap. She doesn’t speak, still traumatized by her ordeal, but her hands are twisted in my shirt so tightly, it would take a crowbar to pry them off. She’s trembling a bit less though, so I’ll call that a win.

Shocked whispers and exclamations rise form the gathering crowd as they see their Beta’s daughter on her knees chained to a post. Cassius unwinds the whip as the guards tear Daphne’s shirt open down the back. Alpha Sloane addresses the pack, announcing her crime, but I tune him out.

“Do you want to watch your tormentor receive her retribution?” I murmur in Sage’s ear.

“No,” She shakes her head without looking up.

I didn’t imagine she would. I don’t relish the inflicting pain on others either, but this pack has gone unchecked and unpunished for too long. It’s a necessary evil and a part of my responsibility I don’t enjoy.

Sage flinches with every snap of the whip. Daphne screams and sobs, pleading with Cassius to stop. But if anything, his lashes become even more brutal. How can anyone not see the psychopath lurking inside that man? As promised, as soon as the punishment is complete, I stand with Sage, preparing to leave. Cassius‘ glare burns into me with every step I take. I have no doubt he and I will meet again, but for now, I have more important things to consider than his petty tantrums.

Because the woman in my arms has been tortured, rejected and nearly killed. She’s heartbroken, sad and filled with self–doubt. So, as much as I want to shout from the rooftops that this angel is mine, maybe now isn’t the best time to tell her I’m her second chance mate.