The Lycan King's Outcast Omega (by Cara Anderson) novel Chapter 177

The rage building in my chest burns hot enough to melt steel, Phantom threatening to explode through my skin, demanding immediate action. But I push him back, reminding him it’s impossible while Sage's safety remains bound to Cassius. “Soon,” I promise him. “Very soon.”

"So I'm expected to accept your exclusive commitment to her not just through delivery, but indefinitely beyond?" Daphne's control slips further, another object shattering against the wall. "While you pursue your research ambitions with a conveniently fertile subject?"

"Your role remains essential to our plan," Cassius’s feeble attempts at reassurance prove ineffective. "Regardless of where the child is kept, it will still require a motherly influence."

"Spare me the scientific justification," Daphne interrupts, fury fully surfacing, threatening an explosive eruption. "You promised me a partnership in creating a new order, not a position as nanny to your research subject's offspring while you keep her like a concubine, fucking her at your pleasure in the name of research!"

Their argument escalates further, revealing a division deeper than I initially suspected. This is more than just jealousy over a forced bond. Cassius has promised her things he never intended to deliver, and she’s beginning to catch on.

"Your emotional response is a distraction we can’t afford," Cassius finally puts an end to the charade that he ever cared for Daphne’s feelings to begin with, his tone carrying a final warning. "Now, I’m willing to overlook this ittle outburst and continue our arrangement under my terms. You may take them or leave them as you wish. But I highly suggest you find a way to accept my offer. I’m certain you would not like the alternative."

"My 'emotional response' raises valid concerns about your shifting priorities," Daphne counters, undaunted by his lethal insinuation. "I’ve seen where you plan to keep her long-term and that luxury suite is no science lab. You lied to me, Cassius! And I don’t suffer liars!."

Cassius blathers on, seemingly oblivious to the fury pouring off Daphne in waves. Her claws push through her fingertips and she looks seconds away from ripping him to shreds. An act I can’t allow, though I’d love nothing more than a front row seat to Cassius’s mutilation.

"Alaric?" Her voice emerges barely audible, eyes still closed as she fights off the heaviness of sleep.

"I'm here." My hand finds hers immediately, thumb tracing patterns across her palm that communicate what words cannot. There are no words to tell her how sorry I am that I allowed this to happen to her, failed to protect her. No words to describe the ferocity of my promise never to fail her again. "Rest. You're safe."

The promise carries determination if not complete truth – our situation remains dangerous, but maybe now I can find a way to use the new information I’ve gained. I do my best to project my certainty that our ordeal will end soon, even if I don’t know the specific details of how I’ll accomplish that goal. Just that I will.

And as I watch her shoulders relax, I let my mate’s unwaivering faith in me steel my resolve.