The Lycan King's Outcast Omega (by Cara Anderson) novel Chapter 178

Alaric

"I heard voices, arguing." Sage murmurs, eyes finally opening to confirm my presence. And even in the midst of the chaos around us, the sparkling amethyst pools take my breath away.

"Cassius and Daphne," I confirm quietly, my position shielding her from the connecting doorway where their conflict continues with decreased volume but undiminished intensity. "Disagreement about current arrangements."

Understanding dawns in her expression – the implications of their conflict registering the same conclusion I already came to. For the first time in days, I see hope flare in her eyes, a wicked smirk pulling at her lips despite everything she;s been through. And I’d do anything to keep that look on her face.

The medical chamber door opens, interrupting our silent communication as an older doctor enters to assess my mate. His professional detachment carries something almost like sympathy as he notes our silent communication, awareness of our situation evident beneath his clinical exterior.

"Your vital signs have stabilized remarkably well," he notes, reviewing monitor readings with practiced efficiency. "The treatment appears to have prevented permanent damage from the rejection episode."

"When can she be moved?" I ask, the question only partially disguised beneath medical concern.

The doctor's measured response suggests I wasn’t as subtle as I’d hoped to be. "The primary threat has passed, but the remaining treatment requires specialized equipment unavailable in standard facilities."

His emphasis on "standard facilities" carries an undercurrent – information offered, intelligence shared with careful precision that avoids direct disloyalty to his employer while acknowledging our imprisonment's unjust nature.

"What specialized equipment?" I press, sensing an opportunity in the doctor's carefully measured disclosure.

"The regenerative chamber in the eastern medical wing," he explains, gaze briefly meeting mine with significance beyond words. "The prescribed treatment protocols will require a temporary suspension of certain... security parameters... to allow the equipment to function properly."

The information registers immediately – though cassius will lead us to believe all security measures are still in place, this man just risked everything to assure us otherwise. But can we trust him, or is this just another trap?

I feel Sage's awareness follow the same strategic assessment, her hand squeezing mine to communicate understanding without words that might find their way to her captor.

"How soon can this treatment begin?" I ask, the question structured to continue gathering information without obvious intent.

"Tomorrow morning," the doctor responds, his professional demeanor maintained while his eyes communicate more than words express. "Assuming no complications arise."

The opportunity crystallizes with perfect clarity – temporary security reduction, a brief window when outside forces might actually be able to penetrate this fortress. If I can find a way to let them know. Shared understanding flows between Sage and me – not certainty of escape, but potential for such a possibility.

"Rest is essential before treatment," the doctor continues, adjusting a medication drip with practiced efficiency. "Complete recovery requires uninterrupted sleep."

"We understand," Sage responds, voice surprisingly stronger. Her hand remains firmly in mine, our physical connection defying the odds. "The treatment is necessary. We’ll do anything to ensure our pups safety."

Cassius studies our united front with a calculated interest. I hold my breath, hoping the truth doesn’t reflect in my eyes. But soon enough, he dismisses us as if we were nothing more than dirt on his shoe. "The treatment commences at 0800 hours. Rest while you can."

As he withdraws without further interaction, my evolving plan solidifies from potential to something much more certain – if circumstances really are what the doctor presented them to be, it’s an opportunity we can’t pass up. A chance we have to take.

"Rest," I murmur once Cassius's withdrawal confirms temporary privacy. "Sleep safe in my arms tonight. I promise you it’s the last you’ll ever spend in this miserable place. Tomorrow, I’ll bring you home or die trying."

“Alaric,” Sage gasps, reaching out to cup my face reverently in her hand. It’s a touch of adoration I don’t deserve. “I can’t live without you. Please don’t ever ask me to.”

As I whisper my plan into the night, Sage’s apprehension settles into the confident resolve, gifting me with a trust I haven’t earned but treasure nonetheless. As She settles into a healing sleep truly needed for recovery, my hand remains protectively over her swollen belly, a promise to shield her and our child from any further pain.

Tomorrow brings a chance to end Cassius and his schemes once and for all.

Tomorrow the hunt resumes with no more delays.