The Lycan King's Outcast Omega

“The next time you try to run from me, I will chase you. And make no mistake, I will catch you. Do you Understand?” “Y-, yes, sir.” I stutter, suddenly feeling hot all over. “Alpha!” He corrects me. “I may be a Lycan and a King, but I’m still your Alpha, sweetling.” Sage is nothing more than an outcast omega, living as a slave in the Blackthorn Pack. Cassius Sloane, the Alpha heir, is the only one there she can trust. Or so she thought. When a handsome stranger stumbles into her path, bloody and dying, Sage’s kind heart won’t allow her to turn her back on him, despite the consequences for harboring a rogue. But as soon as he’s well, he leaves her too. Sage has all but given up when her handsome stranger returns, saving her in her darkest hour. But in the midst of her salvation, truths come to light that leave her feeling even more distrustful and betrayed. She may have been given a second chance at life and a new home, but she quickly finds the Royal pack is no place for an lowly omega. And the ever-growing pull she feels to a certain king she can never have is the last thing she needs. In a kingdom plagued by mutant rogues and political perils, will she rise above her station and find true happiness, or will she forever remain the outcast omega? Other works: Fate Trilogy An Unwanted Fate A Tangled Fate: Bound By Her Betas A Cruel Fate: Her Gammas Regret Legend Of Glass Lake Series The Alpha’s Abandoned Luna And The twin Flames Tryst Of Fate Not Their Luna: A Female Alpha Story-Coming Soon Stand Alone Resisting The Alpha Triplets Chapter 1 Sage “Sage! Sage! Where is that wolfless little urchin?” I hear Daphne, the Beta’s daughter and so-called future Luna, at least that’s how she regards herself, calling out to me as I rush inside the packhouse. “I’m here!” I answer, a little too breathlessly. “You’re late!” She chides, the promise of swift and severe punishment lurking in her eyes. Daphne grabs my wrists, twisting them painfully as she drags me closer. “You lazy little gutterpup! How dare you take advantage of your Alpha’s kindness!” I feel the sting on my cheek before I even register her hand flying out to slap me. My eyes prick with tears that I refuse to let fall. I rub at the tender flesh while ignoring the snickers from the other omegas who’ve gathered to enjoy the show. They wouldn’t find it so funny if it was happening to them. But of course it never will. Not when they have a poor wolfless outcast like me to abuse instead. “You will climb up that ladder and polish the crystal chandelier until it shines so bright it hurts your eyes! We have important guests coming to dinner and I will not have our Alpha entertaining in anything less than a spotless home!” She orders. “B-, but I-, I c-, can’t.” My voice trembles, my fear spilling into my tone. “I’m sc-, scared of heights.” “You can and you will!” She demands unsympathetically. “Now, get up that ladder before I give you something to really be scared of!” I stuff the polish and a few rags in my apron pockets, the worn thread stretching at the seams from the heavy load. Just do it, Sage. You’ll be fine. Lots of people climb ladders and live to tell about it. I scramble up the ladder without looking down before I can chicken out. I’m almost to the top when my foot slips. Suddenly, I’m falling backwards, my arms flailing and my eyes shut tight. I expect to feel the crack of my skull against the hardwood floor at any second, killed by my own lack of coordination. But the crushing pain I’m bracing for never comes. Instead, a pair of strong arms catches me, pulling me against a warm chest and cradling me there. It feels so nice, I want to snuggle up there and never leave. “Whoa there, little bird.” His voice is deep and soothing, and slightly amused. “I don’t think you’re quite ready to fly yet.” “Cassius.” I breathe out, looking up into the handsome face and striking emerald eyes of the Alpha’s son. “I-, I’m so sorry! I don’t know why I’m so clumsy. Thank you for catching me!” I scramble to get out of his arms and he sets me gently on my feet but doesn’t let me go. My hands feel so small in his, his large palms enveloping mine, his thumbs rubbing softly over my wrists. He’s grinning at me but not exactly in a friendly way, more like the big bad wolf showing his big shiny teeth. “No need to thank me, little bird. I’m just glad I was here. I’m sure we can find something for you to do that keeps both your feet planted safely on the floor.” He chucks me under the chin and tucks a strand of hair behind my ear. “Yes, Alpha.” I agree, gasping when his smile turns feral, like he wants to eat me. I pull out of his grasp, a shiver running down my spine. “Good girl!” The words rumble up from deep in his chest. He flashes me a sexy smirk and then he’s gone. “How dare you inconvenience Cassius!” Daphne pops up out of nowhere, startling me out of my dreamy thoughts. “He has far more important things to worry about than rescuing pathetic wolfless omegas!” She grabs my upper arm, digging her nails into my skin and drags me into the kitchen. Once we’re out of sight, she tosses me onto the ground and stands over me with a glower. “Since you can’t manage the one simple task I gave you, now you can get down on your hands and knees and scrub the entire floor. Make sure it’s pristine, so clean our guests can see their reflection in it!” She shoots me an evil smirk then tosses her long black hair over shoulder and leaves. A few hours later, I stand back and look at my handiwork, proud of what I’ve accomplished. The floor is polished to a high shine and the whole room smells like pine. I hope Cassius will be proud of me when he sees it. Exhausted, I head down the hall for a much needed bathroom break. Daphne and some of her friends are huddled together, whispering conspiratorially but they all go quiet when I pass by. I wonder what the she-devil is up to now. When I exit the bathroom, they’re all waiting for me. One of them grabs me by my hair and throws me to the ground in the center of their circle. They each take turns kicking and punching me until I can barely breathe. I curl into a ball and try to protect myself from their blows as much as possible. I used to fight back, but that only made it worse so I learned to lie still and take it, doing my best not to cry. When they’ve all had a turn, Daphne spits on me, a murderous look on her face. “Stay away from Cassius, you little slut! You think I didn’t notice the little stunt you pulled today? Try and seduce him again and I’ll slit your throat, you piece of scum!” They leave me lying there on the floor, bleeding and bruised. I take a few minutes to catch my breath then slowly pull myself up to my feet. When I make it back to the dining room, the beautiful floor I worked so hard on is completely destroyed. Dirty, greasy footprints are tracked across the room and it looks like someone dumped the kitchen trash right in the middle. I sigh, swallowing back the urge to hunt Daphne down and murder her. But I’d only end up in jail for the crime. I work late into the evening to repair the damage, managing to make it sparkle again just before the guests arrive. It’s not as nice as my previous work, but it will have to do. Starving, I head to the kitchen to wrap up some scraps of food, my pay for all my hard work. Then I start the long trek back to my little shack out by the pack border. I’m bone-weary and everything hurts from the beating I took. Any other day, I’d take my time walking home. But tonight, I push through the pain, in a hurry to get back. Because tonight, I have someone waiting on me, counting on me to take care of him, and I can’t let him down! Chapter 2 Sage My anxiety grows with every step I take as I rush home. I have an important guest, well important to me anyway, and he’s injured. He was still unconscious when I left him this morning and I’ve worried about him all day. I hope he’s okay. I don’t know his name or where he’s from. All I really know is that he needs me. I was working in the fields yesterday when he stumbled into our pack, covered head to toe in blood from several nasty looking wounds. It was a gruesome sight and I was terrified, but before the shriek could tear from my lungs, he collapsed at my feet. I’m ashamed to admit I hesitated to help him, concerned he might be a rogue. Harboring a rogue is punishable by death in my pack and I wasn’t sure I should risk it. But on closer inspection, he was wearing expensive clothes and even the blood smearing his face couldn’t hide his handsome features. He smelled amazing too, like fresh, crisp winter air, not putrid like a rogue. Everything in me screamed to help him. If I did nothing, he’d die of his wounds and I couldn’t live with myself if I left him to that fate. So, with all the strength I could muster, I managed to drag him home and laid him on my little cot. I cleaned and dressed his wounds and watched him through the night, bathing him with cool rags whenever his fever spiked. I hated to leave him this morning, but if I didn’t show up for work, Daphne would have sent someone looking for me. Then we’d be caught for sure and we’d both be dead. I just hope he survived the day. When I finally make it home with my little bundle of food, I rush inside, eager to check on my patient. He’s still on the cot but he’s sitting up now and his face has a little more color. I take that as a good sign. “How are you feeling?” I ask, hoping he’s a tiny bit more talkative now that he’s feeling a little better. He doesn’t answer me, glaring at me as he scans me from head to toe like he’s just seeing me for the first time. Then I swear I see his gray eyes flash amber as he lets out a ferocious growl. “Who hurt you?” He roars. “I’m fine.” I brush off his concern, too embarrassed to tell him about the abuse I endure. “You’re not fine! Now answer me!” He grinds out, his jaw clenched in anger. “Why does it matter?” I snap back. “You’re still too injured to help and nothing can be done about it anyway. But if you really want to know, I’ll tell you all about it when I’m done changing your dressings. How, how are you?” He stares at me a moment longer, clearly unhappy with the bargain. But finally nods and answers, “Still weak, but alive, thanks to you.” His full lips turn up in a half smile and I feel myself blushing at his gratitude. “I appreciate the risk you took, bringing me to your home. Are you sure it’s safe for me to be here? I can go if you want me to.” “Trust me, if you don’t want to be found, there is no safer place to hide than in my home. No one ever comes looking for me.” I say a little too bitterly. But if he notices my tone, he doesn’t comment, just nods and winces from the pain the movement caused. I can see from here that some of his dressings need to be changed, already bleeding through the fabric of his clothes. I start to remove his clothes but his hand darts out, grabbing mine with surprising strength for someone so weak. “What are you doing?” “I’m undressing you.” I answer matter-of-factly. “You can’t expect me to treat you with your clothes on. Besides, It’s not like I haven’t seen you naked before. How do you think I took care of you last night? Those dressings didn’t get there by themselves.” He says something that comes out as a grunt but releases my hand. I take that as permission and help him remove the rest of his clothes, all but his underwear. It takes every ounce of willpower I have not to stare. It’s clear this man takes care of his body. Every inch of him screams power and strength, muscles rippling under his gorgeously tanned skin. Aside from his current wounds, only a few scattered scars mar its perfection. “Uh, I’ll just go get the first aid kit. I’ll be right back.” I stand, forcing my eyes away. I hurry into the bathroom, my chest heaving and my heart pounding. “What is wrong with you, Sage? So what if he’s devastatingly handsome! The man is injured!” I scold myself. “Besides, you’re a wolfless nobody. He won't look twice at you once he’s well. Don’t forget that!” Lecture complete, I grab the kit and rush back to his side. I make quick work of cleaning his wounds and redressing them. He watches me the entire time, his intense steel-gray eyes never leaving me and his firm, square jaw never shifting from its neutral expression. “You’re good at that.” He deadpans, an observation not a compliment. “I’ve had a lot of practice.” I shrug. “ I tend to get hurt a lot. And no one is around to treat my wounds.” I leave out the part about them not being willing to help even if they were nearby. “Huh.” He grunts and I clench my jaw. He could at least say thank you. “So, would you mind telling me how you ended up inside our pack border?” “I was attacked by rogues. I managed to get away and was looking for a place to hide.” He states flatly, again no emotion in his tone. “I’ll go as soon as I’m healed. I know you’re taking a risk by having me here.” “Some of these injuries are serious. You’ll need to be monitored for infection. I don’t think you’ll be going anywhere anytime soon.” He stares at me for a moment but doesn’t argue as I expect him to. For reasons I can’t explain, the thought of this stranger I just met not being here makes me sad. Maybe it’s because I sense a kindred spirit in him. I can’t even sense his aura like other wolves. His wolf must be really weak, or maybe he doesn’t have one just like me. I’m lost in my musing as I work but as soon as I apply the last bandage, I look up to find him watching me intently. “Are you done?” He asks. “Yes, for now.” I reply. “Good. Now tell me who hurt you!” He demands. Chapter 3 Alaric She’s covered in cuts and bruises! Who the fuck would do that to her and why do I have this overwhelming need to find them and end them slowly and painfully? She’s a tiny waif of a thing, thin and frail. Only the worst kind of bully would do that to someone like her. “Tell me who hurt you, sweetling.” I don’t mean to growl but I can’t help it. I’m not a soft man. I’m used to commanding respect, not coddling little omegas. But she doesn’t seem put off by it, in fact, she appears to ignore it completely. “Who didn’t?” She shrugs like it’s no big deal. “Here, I brought you some food. It’s not much, but you need to keep your strength up.” She chatters away, unwrapping her little bundle and presenting it to me like a sacrificial offering. She doesn’t seem affected at all by her injuries though I can tell by looking at them that they must be painful. It’s almost like she’s accustomed to this kind of abuse and I don’t like it. I don’t like it at all. “I asked you a question, sweetling. I expect an answer.” My tone is firm, brooking no argument, but I manage to keep my aura in check. I’m not used to being defied or ignored. She sighs, exasperated but resigned. “The Beta’s daughter hates me. Well everyone hates me, but she detests me more than the others. She makes it her mission in life to hurt me when no one is looking.” “And her friends are all too willing to join in on the fun. Today was just worse than usual. Now, let me check the nasty bump on your head.” “That can wait. Tell me why you say everyone hates you.” It’s clear by her run down little shanty and the lack of food in her pantry that she’s not well cared for by the pack. It’s inexcusable and I want to know why. “I don’t have a wolf.” She looks away when she answers, her face coloring with shame. “I’m an embarrassment to them.” “I see.” I keep my expression neutral, but inside, I’m enraged. I knew the moment I met her she didn’t have a wolf. Being wolfless is an anomaly but it happens sometimes. There is nothing shameful about it. Any good Alpha would care for all members of his pack equally. My wolf rumbles unhappily, pushing me to comfort her but I don’t want her to get attached. We haven’t even exchanged names yet and it’s better that way. I can’t stay here long. “And the Beta’s daughter? What is her problem?” I press for more information. Not out of concern for her but because anything she reveals could be beneficial to my mission. At least that’s what I tell myself. “She doesn’t like that the Alpha’s son, Cassius, is nice to me. She’s decided he belongs to her and wants me to stay away from him. She thinks I’m trying to seduce him or something. “Which is ridiculous.” She wrinkles her nose adorably. “I can barely speak around him. I get all tongue-tied when he’s around, hardly seductive behavior. And it’s not like he’d seriously consider someone like me anyway.” “Hmm.” I mumble. “You don’t seem to have a problem talking to me.” “You’re easy to talk to and a good listener.” She rattles on, not missing a beat. “Anyway, Daphne is as psychotic as they come and unfortunately, I’m in her line of fire.” “Maybe it would be prudent to steer clear of the Alpha’s son if that's a trigger for her.” I suggest the obvious but this little spitfire isn’t having it. “Absolutely not! He’s the only person in this pack that’s ever been kind to me and I won’t repay him by avoiding him to save my own skin.” She snaps. “Besides, spending time with him, however short it may be, is the highlight of my day. And he’s very nice to look at.” I have to hold back the snarl threatening to escape at her words. Why should it bother me if she has no sense of self-preservation, wasting her time on a man like Cassius Sloane. From what I know of the man, he’s no good for her but it’s not my place to tell her so. “Oh! Guess what!” She exclaims without waiting for an actual guess. “Tomorrow is the big contest to determine who the new Chief Omega for the packhouse will be! “I’m going to compete! If I’m chosen, I’d get to work inside everyday instead of out in the fields in the sweltering heat. But the best part is, I would be working closely with Cassius everyday to make sure everything is to his liking. “We’d be spending lots of time together, choosing menus for pack dinners and going over his schedule, making sure he has everything he needs for meetings and such. It would be a dream come true for me!” This time a growl does slip free. For some reason, the thought of her spending time with that man annoys the shit out of me! I really need these wounds to heal soon so I can be on my way before this little omega really gets under my skin. She flinches slightly at the sound and I feel guilty for scaring her. “I’m sorry. I won’t hurt you little one.” “I know. I’m not scared of you. You’re my friend.” She says confidently, offering me a radiant smile. She helps me lean forward and cleans the wounds on my back, her touch patient and gentle. I’ve noticed she hums while she works and the sound soothes me as I breathe through the pain. But something about what she said is nagging at me. “I’m happy to be your friend, sweetling. But you shouldn’t trust so easily. You don’t know me that well. If I were someone else, you could’ve been in real danger. I would think your pack has taught you that lesson well.” “And if I’d let them break me, if I closed myself off, suspicious of everyone instead of choosing to look for the best in people, you wouldn’t be alive today.” She pushes back, her lips turning up in a challenging smirk. As much as I love a good challenge, I let the comment go. I have a job to do and bantering with a pint-sized omega is not part of the plan. I need to focus my energy on healing so I can move on. But a tiny ounce of guilt pricks at me when I see her face fall at my obvious dismissal. Why do I get the feeling this tiny little wolfless omega is going to be the death of me? Chapter 4 Sage There’s a spring in my step as I stride toward the packhouse. It’s selection day for Chief Omega and I plan to slide my name onto the list before sign-ups close this morning. I know I can win! Cassius will see my worth, I’m sure of it! I hustle into the kitchen, dropping my bag and strapping my apron on. The room is empty, but I peek over my shoulder, toward the door just to be sure no one’s watching. After scribbling my name on the list of contestants quickly, I’m just shoving the pen back in my pocket when Daphne’s shrill screech has me jumping out of my skin. “What do you think you’re doing?” She demands. “N-, nothing. Just getting ready for work.” I glance toward the clock to double check the time, verifying I’m still early. “Well you’re not needed here. Find something to do out back where you won’t be in the way!” I practically skip out of the kitchen on my way to the backyard. I like working in the garden. It’s beautiful and peaceful out there. But it doesn't take long for me to realize I’ve been set up..Trouble is waiting for me right outside the back door. “Where are you going, you filthy wolfless whore?” One of Daphne’s friends pokes me in the chest.while her gaggle of accomplices snigger behind her. I try to side step her but she mirrors me, blocking my path. “Did you actually think we’d let a waste of space like you participate in the Chief Omega contest? What a joke! As if a worthless piece of shit like you could be Chief of anything!” She shoves my shoulder hard, making me stumble. Before I can catch my balance, she cocks her arm back and punches me in the nose. I hear a sickening crunch and my head spins from the impact, blood pouring from my nostrils and running down my chin. I fall backward, losing my balance and smacking my head on the concrete. Before my vision clears, another blow lands in my gut, knocking the air from my lungs. They take turns kicking me over and over again. One of their feet connects with my ribs and I hear it crack at the same moment a white-hot stabbing pain sears through me. Dark spots dance before my eyes, consciousness quickly slipping away as I struggle to suck in enough oxygen. Their voices become muffled as my hearing tunnels out until there’s nothing but blissfully silent darkness. “Don’t touch me!” I scream, coming to with a start and scooting away from the cool hands touching me. “Shh! It’s okay, sweetling. It’s just me.” The deep tenor of my handsome stranger’s voice instantly soothes me. “Hold still so I can finish cleaning your wounds.” As the fear-induced adrenaline dwindles away, the pain of my injuries comes roaring back. I suck in a sharp breath as my broken rib sends a fiery jolt up my side. It's quickly followed by the sting of whatever he’s dabbing on the cut above my brow. “How did I get here?” I look around, noticing I’m on the cot he’s claimed as his own all week. “I was out for a walk when I saw a group of she-wolves tossing your unconscious body across the border. Don’t worry!” He holds up his hand to silence me when I open my mouth to scold him. “They didn’t see me. But lucky for you, I saw them.” He lifts my shirt to reveal an already blackening bruise over my rib cage. He tears a strip from my sheet and wraps it tightly around my ribs. It's excruciating but after the initial pain subsides, I can actually breathe a bit easier. “Oh no! The Chief Omega selection! What time is it?” I blurt out, remembering suddenly. “You’re in no shape to participate in some demeaning contest for that idiot Alpha’s entertainment.” He growls. “If the Alpha’s pup needs some showy contest to make a decision instead of taking into account how hard you work everyday, he deserves whatever useless bimbo he gets stuck with!” “This is important to me. It could change my life.” I pout. “I would be respected, not just the pack outcast.” His eyes soften as he listens and understanding colors his features. “You’d better hurry then.” I flash him a brilliant smile and slide off the cot, wincing at the ache that rockets through. Pulling myself together. I head back to the packhouse as quickly as my injured body will tolerate. I’m late of course, but the look on Daphne’s face when she sees me walk in is worth it. “Sage! What on earth happened to you?” Cassius demands. Daphne narrows her eyes at me, promising a world of hurt if I dare tell the truth but there is no room in my head for her when Cassius is waiting for an answer. “I’m sorry I’m late.” I lock eyes with him, ignoring the whispers around me. “I wanted to participate in the contest but I-, I had an accident.” He crosses the room to me and examines the damage to my face and limbs, clucking his tongue and shaking his head. “There’s not enough time to let you complete all the tasks and it wouldn't be fair to choose you over those who did. Besides, you seem too accident prone for someone in such an important position.” My face falls at his pronouncement. “But . . .” He tips my chin so I’m looking up at him. “I’ve noticed your talent in the kitchen, your desserts are delicious. How would you like to be our new head pastry chef?” “Really? Thank you!” I stretch up on my tiptoes and press a kiss to his cheek before I can think better of it. I hear someone snarl and my cheeks burn with embarrassment but Cassius’ wolfish grin is back. “You’re welcome, little bird.” As soon as I can, I head home, anxious to tell my new friend the amazing news. I burst through the door and the words come spilling out, my excitement bubbling over. I thought he would be happy for me but he levels me with a frown instead. “Doesn’t that seem odd to you? Why would the Alpha’s son do something so nice for the pack outcast?” I flinch at the demeaning tone in his words but ignore the hurt and decide for once to stand up for myself. “I have worth! Just because you and the rest of this pack can’t see it, doesn’t mean he can’t!” I snap haughtily. A frustrated growl rumbles in his chest. “I’m just warning you to be careful. Alpha’s are known to use omegas then toss them away. Don’t let him flatter you right into his bed.” If my cheeks were red before, they’re flaming now! But I’m as furious as I am humiliated. “Maybe you’re the one who should be careful! I told you not to walk around outside. You’ll get us both killed!” I turn on my heel and storm away with all the indignation I feel, heading for the only room in this house with a door, the bathroom, and slamming it in his stupid face! Chapter 5 Sage “Sage! Please come out, sweetling. It’s important!” I hear my guest call to me through the door. “Leave me alone!” I bite back. I’m still mad at him for the disrespectful comments he made earlier. Even if I do go weak in the knees at hearing him call me “sweetling.” Suggesting I’d let Cassius or any Alpha use me as a sex toy was a step too far. I may be inexperienced, but I read romance novels. I know what a “fuckboy” is, and it’s not Cassius. Implying I’m too stupid to know the difference is just insulting! “Please!” He’s scratching at the door now and his voice is closer, his tone pleading. “I’m sorry I hurt your feelings. It wasn’t my intention. But we really need to talk.” I crack the door, peeking through the thin strip of space to find him just on the other side of it, staring back at me with those slate eyes, unreadable emotions swirling in them. I sip air in short little gasps. Why does being so close to this man make me feel so . . . warm? I have to fight the urge to fan myself. “There you are, sweetling.” He murmurs, deep and rumbly, and I feel it in my core. But his next words douse the building fire. “I think we might have a problem. “I heard a noise outside so I looked out the window. I only saw her back but someone with long black hair was running into the woods. I think she may have heard us talking or even seen me. I could be wrong, but the woman's clothes were nicer than anything the wolves in this area are wearing. I can’t think of a reason anyone from the inner circle would come this far out if they weren’t looking for something specific.” “Oh no! If she tells someone, they’ll come for us. No one can find you here!” I pace the room, my voice rising as I speak. “What do we do?” “Hurry back to the packhouse and pretend like nothing happened. Just go back to work as you normally would” He suggests. “Don’t worry about me, I can take care of myself.” “Okay! I’ll go now!” I say, already heading for the door. But he grabs my wrist and pulls me back so hard I smack into him, bouncing off his chest. “Stay safe, sweetling.” He cautions, looking in my eyes as he kisses the back of my hand. He seems to come back to himself, dropping my hand like it burned him. I don’t have time to think about why that might be, dashing out the door to begin my mission. I’m almost to the packhouse when sirens blare all around me. Uniformed warriors storm into the yard and fan out everywhere. I duck behind a tree, listening to their general barking orders. “Rogues have breached the border! I want everyone on alert. Try to bring them in alive!” I whirl around in a panic, heading back the way I came while dodging the guards who seem to be everywhere. People are pouring from their homes with their weapons poised, the whole pack on high-alert. My body aches and I’m out of breath, but I don’t stop. I can’t let them catch my new friend. For both our sakes. Alaric “What’s going on?” I jump to my feet when my little savior bursts through the door. Some of her wounds are bleeding, the scabs torn open. She’s only just starting to heal and obviously pushed herself beyond the limits her wounded body could handle. “Rogues!” She spits out between ragged breaths. “They’ve breached the border. The guards are combing every inch of Blackthorn land, hunting the intruders. You have to go before they find you here! “Please! If they find you here, you’ll be killed. I would die if anything happened to you. You’re my first real friend and I can’t lose you!” She flings herself into my arms and I rub her back awkwardly, doing my best to soothe her. I’m not the least bit scared of what this pack’s Alpha or his guards might try to do to me. But I’m also not ready to reveal who I am or why I’m here, so it’s best I go before that becomes a necessity. But for some reason, the idea of leaving her behind doesn’t sit right with me. An Alpha is meant to care for his pack, no matter who they are. And this Alpha is clearly doing a shit job of that. She clings to me so I hug her tighter, careful not to crush her broken ribs, hoping it’s comforting enough that she’ll be willing to let go. Instead, her little fists twist into my shirt and she sobs into my chest. It melts the ice around my stone-cold heart the tiniest bit. I don't understand why I’m so drawn to her, so reluctant to leave, but I know I have to. “You’ll be alright, sweetling.” I reassure her. “Be careful. Keep yourself safe, okay?” “I’ll try.” She agrees, leaning away to give me a shy smile. Then her nostrils flare and her smile fades, “Do you smell that? What is that? It almost smells . . . electric, like the electricity in the air before a thunderstorm.” Shit! I don’t even realize I’ve let my aura slip out until her eyes glaze over, her expression a little dazed. It would be overpowering for a young omega like her, especially one without a wolf. I reel it back in before she gets too overwhelmed. I let her go and step away. I don't know why I lost control, but I can’t risk it happening again. “I don’t smell anything.” I lie, then send her away. “You better go now, back to the packhouse where it’s safe. If there are rogues wandering these woods, you shouldn’t be out here alone.” She hesitates for a minute, then finally agrees with a reluctant nod. I stand there watching as she walks away, wondering what it is about the tiny girl with the delicate features and strange, violet eyes that calls to me the way she does. My emotions are locked down tight. I never lose control, but I did today, with her. Shaking off the concern those thoughts bring, I head back inside. In the end, it doesn’t matter. I’ll probably never see her again. Grabbing what remains of my tattered jacket, I head back across the Blackthorn border, towards home. Chapter 6 Sage By the time I reach the packhouse, a crowd has gathered. The Alpha stands outside on the stone steps, the imposing stone façade of his home adding to his aura of power. The dead bodies of three rogues lay on the ground at his feet, an offering from his loyal guards. The pack waits with bated breath to hear him speak, to explain these frequent invasions and his plan to stop them, to keep our people safe. I press up on my tiptoes, trying to see over the throng of people. Cassius stands next to his father. And by his side, a self-important smirk on her face, is Daphne. As far as chosen mates go, Cassius could do so much better. Everyone knows she only wants him for his money and power. I don’t know how he can’t see it. He should be with someone who loves him for who he is on the inside. Someone who would make sure he knew everyday how wonderful he is, not use him for what he can give them. Not that Daphne would ever let anyone get close enough to show him the appreciation he deserves. Daphne scans the crowd as if she’s looking for someone. Her eyes lock with mine and I see the evil lurking just under the surface. Her smirk spreads into a wicked grin before her expression turns grim, full of contempt and feigned horror. “It was her!” She accuses, pointing one manicured nail straight at me. “She let them in!” She can’t mean me, can she? I’m terrified of rogues. I almost let my handsome stranger die because of that fear. I would never conspire with them. But the crowd parts like the Red Sea around me, everyone staring at me suspiciously. I don’t understand what’s happening. I’ve done nothing wrong. Surely they can’t believe her. “Wh-, what?” I stutter, cowering under their scowls and glares. “Daphne, that’s a serious accusation! We cannot convict her on that statement alone. Please tell us exactly what you saw.” Cassius’ voice carries above the crowd. Hope flares that he’ll come to my rescue. Surely he sees through her ridiculous claims. She doesn’t have any proof because there is none. Maybe he’ll even punish her for lying. The crowd is roaring, demanding answers, but Alpha quiets them with one raised hand. A hush falls over the yard as everyone hangs on Daphne’s every word. I want to scream at them to open their eyes, to see her for the evil witch she is, but they’re all under her spell. “I noticed her acting strange lately.” Daphne preens under the pack’s attention, dramatizing every word. “She’s been stealing food from the packhouse kitchen and rushing off like she was meeting someone. So I followed her and discovered she’s been harboring one of them in that little shanty of hers!” The entire pack audibly gasps at that. “What? No! That’s not-” I yell but the Alpha’s command forces me to stop. “Quiet!” He barks. “Bring her to me!” I stand my ground as the guards rush toward me, knowing I have nothing to hide. The pack closes in around me, eager to witness the spectacle. I beg and plead for them to listen to me, but no one does. No one would dare defy their Alpha, not for a wolfless omega like me. I go willingly as the guards drag me forward, helpless to do anything else. They throw me at the Alpha’s feet and not even Cassius bothers to help me up. I’m completely at their mercy. Now that even Cassius has abandoned me, I can see my situation for what it is, hopeless. I’m a wolfless omega, worth less than nothing to the pack. Of course they’ll believe Daphne’s lies over me. “Stand!” Alpha orders and my body complies. He leans in, drawing in deep breaths to scent me then recoils as if he’d been pushed. His face turns crimson and his fists ball in anger. But I don’t understand why? Do I smell that bad? He bends low and speaks in my ear, so low only I can hear him. “You’ve been in the presence of a powerful wolf. I can sense his aura on you and he is no rogue. Who was it?” He demands. “Who is conspiring to take over my pack?” “N-, no, Alpha! I swear. I’ve conspired with no one. I’ve never met anyone powerful.” I plead with him to believe me. “Fine, you ungrateful whore! If you refuse to answer me, maybe a night in the dungeon will loosen your tongue.” “Please! I’m telling the truth!” I sob, but he ignores me, stepping back to address the crowd. “The aura of another wolf surrounds this girl.” He announces. “She smells of him still and he does not carry the Blackthorn scent. She’s guilty of treason! Take her to the cells to await her punishment!” “No!” I scream. “I did nothing wrong! Cassius, please help me!” But when he looks at me, his eyes are cold and he turns away, leaving me to my fate. Daphne loops her arm through his, leaning into him and smiling victoriously as she leads him away. “He wasn’t a rogue! He was my friend!” I continue screaming but no one listens.They all just cheer as I’m dragged away. I finally give up, my voice raspy and my throat raw from screaming. I’m tossed in a tiny cell, nothing but concrete walls and a cold hard floor. Left to wonder how many hours I have left to live. Chapter 7 Sage “C-, C-, Cassius. Th-, Thank G-, G-, Goddess!” My teeth chatter so hard my jaw aches, making speech difficult. But despite the bone-chilling cold, my heart warms at the sight of him. “P-, p-, please, h-, help me!” “Oh, little bird. What have you done?” He tsks as he closes the cell door behind him. His tone is almost giddy and there’s an excited glint in his eye that makes my stomach swoop nervously. The friendly, caring Cassius, the one who always has an easy smile for me, is nowhere to be found. My eyes dart around the small space but there is no place to hide. Just a concrete room, bitterly cold and empty. “N-, nothing.” I stammer as I shrink away, scooting into the farthest corner. “I s-, swear!” “That’s just not true, now is it?” His calm words belie the violence I see simmering just under the surface, waiting to be unleashed. “I don’t want to hurt you, little bird. But I’ll have to if you won’t tell me the truth.” I don’t believe him. He wants to hurt me, is going to hurt me, no matter what I say. But I beg anyway. “Please, Cassius!” I break out into sobs, red-hot terror instantly heating my frozen form. “I don’t know any rogues! “I saved a man who’d been injured by rogues. He stumbled into the pack to hide from his attackers. He was just an omega, so weak his aura was undetectable. I wasn’t involved in any conspiracy, I swear!” “Lies!” Pain explodes across my cheek, so intense I’m sure my eyeball will burst from the socket. He shakes out his hand, knuckles stinging from the brutal strike. Then he snatches my arm in a bruising grasp and yanks me to my feet. “Get up! “If you refuse to cooperate, I’ll just have to make you!” He shoves me face first into the wall, pinning me there with one hand as he rips the back of my dress down with the other. “Don’t fucking move!” He barks and I’m forced to obey. “Wh-, what are you doing?” My voice trembles as I listen to the sound of him removing his belt. “I’m going to show you what happens when you lie to me. I’m going to beat the truth out of you!” He answers, a gleeful edge to his tone. How could I have been so blind to this side of him, never seeing the heartless, cruel demon lurking underneath? It’s the last thought I have before the unforgiving leather of his belt cracks across my back, my knees buckling from the sting. He whips me again and again, unrelenting lashes that rip and tear at my flesh. I scream and sob until my lungs seize from the agony, but still he flogs me. Even though I’m still bound by his command, I’m so weak my body gives out and I collapse on the hard concrete. But he doesn’t relent, kicking me between lashes. Someone pounding at the metal door to my cell grants me a reprieve. He pants from the exertion expended on my punishment as he crosses the room and drags open the door. “Alpha, it’s time. Your father says to bring the prisoner to the square for execution.” I hear a voice say. I know I should be terrified, begging to be spared. But I welcome death if it will end this torture. “Look at her! She can’t walk! You don’t expect me to carry the traitorous bitch do you? Pick her up and take her yourself.” Cassius snarls. “I need to clean up. Don’t kill her until I arrive. I have a special farewell planned for her.” Footsteps echo in the room and then I’m lifted from the floor and flung over a man’s shoulder. Pain flares but I only manage a whimper before I pass out completely. When I wake, it’s to the jeers of the pack, calling for my death. I’ve been placed on my knees, my hands tied behind my back, and my head lolling on my chest, unable to face my accusers. “Let this traitor’s death be a warning to you all. ConspiratorsIf you conspire with rogues, you will be caught and you will pay with your life!” The Alpha bellows out over the crowd. “Father, wait!” Cassius interrupts and a foolish hope surges in my chest. But after the way he just beat me to a bloody pulp, I should have known better. Of course he’d want to gut me one more time before I die. “I have something I’d like to say to the wolfless bitch before you end her pathetic life. “I, Cassius Blackthorn, future alpha of the Blackthorn pack, reject you, Sage Starling, as my mate and future Luna.” I thought the sting of his belt left me in agony. But the pain of his rejection is soul-crushing. The scream that tears from my lips pierces the shocked roar of the crowd, a gut-wrenching, desolate sound. But Cassius just laughs. He knew! All this time he watched the hatred and abuse I suffered every single day. He knew I was his mate and he did nothing! Cassius never wanted me, never believed in me the way he pretended to. He was always waiting for this moment, this chance to reject me when it would hurt the most. I’m glad I’m about to die. This heartache, this emptiness is more than I can bear. There was never much happiness in my world to begin with, but what there was is crumbling around me, in ruins. I want to scream, to rage against the unfairness of it all, but all I can manage is a hollow laugh. A brittle sound, ready to shatter just like I am. As the Alpha extends his claws, ready to rip out my throat, ending my life, I close my eyes and think back to my happiest memory, something to hold onto so I don’t fall apart. I remember my handsome stranger, my only true friend. He was gruff and moody, but also kind, and so gentle with me. I hope he made it home safely, wherever home is. I wish I could have seen him one more time. I wish his beautiful face could be the last thing I see before I die. I expect the blow to come any moment, but instead a deafening roar thunders “Stop!” The force of the command takes my breath away. I crack an eye open to see the Alpha frozen with his claw in the air, about to strike, and the entire pack knocked to their knees with the weight of it. “Who dares kill this woman?” My savior bellows.