The Lycan King's Outcast Omega (by Cara Anderson) novel Chapter 259

**TITLE: Never Love 259**

**Chapter 259**

Kieran shakes his head, a gesture filled with gravity. “It requires direct bloodline. Vega herself would be the most fitting choice, but any close relative would suffice,” he adds, his tone serious, as if he understands the weight of the situation.

“I know nothing of Vega’s family,” Alexander admits, frustration lacing his words. His brow furrows, and I can see the tension in his shoulders. The uncertainty gnaws at him, and it does the same to me.

“I might,” Dominic interjects, his voice breaking the silence for the first time since the ritual began. There’s a spark of authority in his tone, as if he’s just uncovered a hidden piece of knowledge. “Royal intelligence has files on all high-ranking members of neighboring territories. If Vega has blood relatives, we can find them.” His eyes glint with a mix of determination and hope.

A flicker of hope ignites within me, cautiously warming my heart. We have the beginnings of a plan—gather the moonflower essence during the celestial alignment, track down a blood relative of Vega’s, and then… my cheeks flush again as I remember the final requirement, a thought that sends a thrill of anxiety through me.

Alexander seems to sense the turmoil within me, his expression softening as he gazes down at me. “We have time,” he assures me quietly, his voice meant solely for my ears. “Two weeks to truly know each other before any decisions about mating need to be made.”

His words resonate deeply, touching a part of me that craves understanding and connection. Despite the Alpha’s possessiveness that I’ve witnessed, and the intensity of our bond, he respects the boundaries that need to exist. He values the natural progression of our relationship rather than forcing it out of necessity.

“What now?” Elara asks, her voice practical, cutting through the moment like a sharp blade.

“We return to the palace,” Alexander states decisively. His tone shifts, hardening slightly as he contemplates the responsibilities awaiting him. “We need resources for the permanent healing ritual, and I have royal duties that cannot be neglected indefinitely.” A shadow crosses his face. “Additionally, Vega remains at large. We must find her before she can inflict more harm.”

“We should join the others,” he murmurs against my mouth, though he lingers for a moment longer, as if savoring the connection between us.

As we prepare to leave the Cave, I catch Kieran’s gaze watching us from a distance. His expression remains carefully neutral, but I know him well enough to sense the pain he conceals beneath the surface. The complexity of our situation strikes me anew—the mate bond tying me irrevocably to Alexander while years of friendship and unspoken expectations tether me to Kieran.

The temporary stabilization of our bond has bought us precious time, yet the challenges that lie ahead loom large and daunting. We need rare magical components, blood from someone who will certainly not provide it willingly, and a level of intimacy that Alexander and I have yet to fully explore. All while navigating the treacherous waters of court politics, hidden enemies, and the personal complications of hearts that are not yet fully resolved.

As we step out of the Cave and into the bright daylight, the path ahead stretches long and uncertain, filled with unseen obstacles. But Alexander’s hand finds mine, our fingers intertwining effortlessly, the stabilized bond between us humming with potential, even in its damaged state.

For the first time since we acknowledged our bond, a flicker of hope ignites within me. Yet, life has taught me that hope can be a double-edged sword, capable of bringing both light and darkness.