The Lycan King's Outcast Omega (by Cara Anderson) novel Chapter 167

Alaric

I race through the mountainous terrain in full Lycan form, needing a speed unachievable as a human, instinct and rage driving me beyond even Phantom’s normal limitations. My elite warriors struggle to keep pace, fear of disappointing their king nipping at their heels.

I follow the weakening thread of our bond like a physical tether pulling me toward my mate and unborn child. Cassius may think he’s found a way to win, muting our bond. But he underestimates the strength of the ties that bind us together. As long a my mark adorns her neck, he’ll never hide her from me.

Underground. Mountain stone. Running water nearby.

Sage's projected thoughts reach me in fragments, her consciousness fighting through whatever compound Cassius used to suppress our connection. Suddenly the bond strengthens, just for a moment, as the drug temporarily releases its grip, her thoughts coming through stronger than before.

North. Medical equipment. Long-term captivity planned.

My answering rage flows through our bond, still resilient despite Cassius's efforts to dampen our connection. Hold on. Almost have your location. Coming for you both. It’s a promise I can’t afford to break. I owe Sage my life, body and soul. I refuse to fail her.

The mountains rise steeper as we approach the coordinates our intelligence identified from the tunnel systems and territorial markers. Through our bond, Sage's presence suddenly dims again – sending a bolt of terror and fury streaking through me.

Don't, her plea reaches me faintly even as her presence fades. Whatever you're planning—

Her consciousness recedes but our bond remains – thin but persistent, still guiding me to her. I clutch at that thread like a lifeline, my very existence tied to hers. My life isn’t worth living without her.

My warriors communicate through hand signals, indicating security systems detected ahead – motion sensors, specialized barriers, traps designed specifically to slow our progress.

I don't slow. Can't slow. Not with my mate and child in increasing danger with each passing moment. It’s a race against time, one I have to win.

My roar echoes across the mountain terrain as his words register – Cassius intends to take our child, to harness whatever abilities the combination of royal and healing bloodlines might manifest. Warriors around me respond to their Alpha's rage with increased focus, every resource deployed toward breaking through his defenses.

As the bond gathers renewed strength, more horrific revelations penetrate – not just one child, but plans for more. A breeding program using Sage to produce additional offspring with varied heritage. Daphne prepared to raise any children born of my mate.

The thought of such a violation of my mate nearly brings me to my knees but I can’t fail her by giving in to my own emotions. Through our bond, Sage's terror and revulsion flow clearly as Cassius outlines his plans with a clinical detachment utterly divorced from reality. He’s delusional. And delusional men are even more dangerous.

"Security systems disabled," my lead warrior reports as a specialized team neutralizes the first line of defense. "Inner perimeter twenty meters ahead."

Too slow. Everything is too slow despite a pace that would kill ordinary wolves. Through our bond, a new horror materializes – a bond-cutting tool, monstrous technology once used for political alliances requiring severance of existing mate connections. Forbidden magic outlawed by every territory for generations.