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!
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
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,
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 f
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
SageBy 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 dese
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
Alaric My footsteps were heavy as I’d left Blackthorn territory earlier. With every step I’d taken I’d felt a tug in my navel, like a hook drawing me back . . . to her. I’d refused to give in, staying focused on my mission, protecting my identity. But then I felt something snap, a powerful force unfurling within me that even I couldn’t deny. And I knew what it meant, knew I had to go back for her. I turned back, sprinting, hoping I wouldn’t be too late. I could feel her distress, her agony and terror, as if it were my own. I’d almost been too late, but I can’t allow myself to consider what could have happened. I’m here now, and ready to rain down hell on every wolf bold enough to think they could touch what’s mine! I unleash the full strength of my aura, so powerful, it brings the entire crowd to their knees. Even the Alpha cannot stand against me, though I see the fury that knowledge brings flaring in his eyes. But even more satisfying, is the fear etched on the face of his pompo
Alaric “No! She’s a Blackthorn Omega. She stays in Blackthorn!” Cassius protests. “But he-, he hurt me.” Sage whispers, a shiver wracking her tiny form as she clings to me tighter. A growl rumbles in my chest and the Alpha shudders. “Please, Sire, let us discuss this in private.” He pleads. My instinct is to deny his request, to refuse him anything he desires. But as I glance down at Sage, her face buried in my chest, I realize she’s suffered enough embarrassment in the eyes of this pack. “You may dismiss the pack. But your son and the beta female stay.” I enjoy the flash of fear in her eyes when she realizes she’s not escaping me so easily. I shift Sage in my arms, careful not to touch the weeping wounds on her back as I make her more comfortable. An impatient snarl slips out as I wait for the Blackthorn Alpha to disperse his pack. I need to get this nonsense over with so I can take my sweetling home, ensure she gets proper medical attention. “You have no claim to this wo
Lyra The palace looks different this time—less intimidating, more like a potential sanctuary than a gilded prison. Maybe it's because I'm not arriving as a captive or a curiosity, but as someone making a conscious choice to return. Or maybe I'm just too exhausted to be intimidated anymore."You okay?" Kieran asks, pulling his horse alongside mine as we approach the eastern gate."Just tired," I assure him, though that's only part of the truth. The bond with Alexander strengthens with every hoofbeat closer to the palace, the familiar silver warmth spreading through my chest after days of uncomfortable stretching.The guards at the gate snap to attention when they recognize me, their expressions a mixture of relief and curiosity. They wave us through with minimal questions, though I notice how their eyes linger on Kieran and the other healers with suspicion.Some things haven't changed, then.The eastern courtyard bustles with activity—servants carrying supplies, guards changing shifts
Alexander "Your Highness, the eastern patrol has returned."I look up from the maps spread across my desk to see Captain Merrick standing at attention in the doorway. The grim set of his mouth tells me he's not bringing good news."Report," I command, straightening to my full height."We've confirmed the presence of at least eight individuals matching Northern territory descriptions moving through the eastern forests." He points to the area on my map where Lyra's healing community had relocated. "They're using search patterns consistent with tracking specific targets, not random patrols."My stomach knots. "How close to the healer settlement?""Too close," he admits. "Less than five miles from their last known location."A surge of power—part Alpha, part healing—runs through me at the news, making the maps glow faintly beneath my hands. I've been fighting these manifestations all day, each one stronger than the last as the bond between Lyra and me stretches with our separation."Shit
Lyra "What existed between us was real," I acknowledge quietly. "Friendship, respect, potential for more. I never denied that.""And now?" His question carries no accusation, only sincere desire to understand where my boundaries are now."Now complexity exists where once things seemed so simple between us, so easy." I reply, honesty demanded by years of trust between us. "The bond with Alexander doesn't erase what came before, but it changes the context irrevocably."He reaches out slowly, giving me time to withdraw if I choose, and gently brushes a strand of hair from my face. The casual intimacy of the gesture—one he's performed countless times before—suddenly carries a different weight, awareness crackling between us like the static before a storm."If fate hadn't intervened," he murmurs, "if you'd never met him...""We can't know that path because we're not walking it," I interrupt gently, though I don't pull away from his touch. "Speculating about what might have been only makes
LyraThe familiar scents of wild herbs and wood smoke welcome me as we crest the final ridge overlooking our community's temporary settlement. After the palace's overwhelming grandeur, the simple cluster of hide tents and wooden shelters feels like drawing a deep breath after being underwater too long. My shoulders relax instinctively, the tight knot of tension court life created beginning to loosen."You look happier already," Kieran observes, pulling his horse alongside mine. His green eyes study me with the perception that comes from years of friendship. "The palace weighs on you.""It's... different," I acknowledge, remaining deliberately neutral despite the relief coursing through me. "Complex in ways I never imagined.""And the prince?" he asks carefully. "Is he worth the complexity?"The question carries layers beneath its simplicity. Through our temporarily stabilized bond, I feel Alexander's presence like a silver thread stretched thin but unbroken between us. Even discussing
Alexander Throughout the day, power surges continue with increasing frequency and intensity. During an afternoon security briefing, my Alpha energy flares so strongly that decorative weapons mounted on the walls rattle in their holdings. Later, while reviewing border reports, healing power manifests as visible glow surrounding my hands, making parchment maps luminescent where I touch them.By evening, controlling these manifestations requires constant focus, draining energy needed for royal duties that cannot be postponed despite my discomfort. The council reconvenes to discuss increased activity along the eastern border—reports of strangers matching Northern territory descriptions moving through regions where healing communities traditionally hide."Vega's agents, most likely," Dominic assesses, pointing to locations marked on the tactical map. "Their movement patterns suggest searching rather than random patrol.""Searching for what?" Lord Harrison questions."Not what—who," I corre
Alexander The council chamber feels like a trap this morning—a gilded cage of obligation, duty, and politics that keeps me from what I truly want to be doing. My attention drifts repeatedly toward the window, toward the eastern gate where I know Lyra will soon depart with Kieran. Every instinct rebels against letting her leave the palace, letting her travel with another man who clearly harbors feelings for her."Your Highness?" Lord Harrison's voice cuts through my distraction. "Your thoughts on the Northern territories' proposal?"I refocus on the documents before me, forcing composure over agitation. "Their offer of partial reparations is insufficient," I state, scanning the diplomatic language that disguises the Northern delegation's attempt to minimize consequences for their actions. "They participated in an unprovoked attack on our throne. I won’t accept anything less than full accountability."The council members exchange glances, some approving, others concerned."The Northern
LyraThe council chambers occupy an imposing section of the palace, all dark wood and serious faces. When I enter, conversation halts abruptly. Alexander stands at the head of a long table scattered with maps and documents, looking exhausted but commanding. Relief crosses his features when he sees me."Lyra, thank you for coming," he says, gesturing me forward. "The council requires information about Vega's capabilities and possible locations."I step further into the room, acutely aware of the scrutiny from a dozen pairs of eyes. Most expressions range from skeptical to overtly hostile, with only Dominic and Elara offering friendly faces among the assembled advisors."Surely there are more reliable sources of intelligence than a... healer," one councilor objects, the pause before "healer" making the word sound like an insult."You’d do well to remember my mother, your queen, is a healer. As am I.” Alexander snaps, a hint of Alpha authority edging his tone. “Lyra has firsthand experien
Lyra Dinner progresses with excruciating formality. I struggle with the bewildering array of utensils, the unfamiliar dishes, the careful dance of court conversation where nothing is directly stated and everything carries double meaning. Kieran fares no better, his discomfort evident in his tense posture and minimal responses.Alexander tries to include us in conversations, explaining context and introducing friendly nobles, but his attention is constantly divided. Royal matters continuously draw him away—urgent whispers from advisors, formal greetings required by protocol, political discussions that cannot wait despite the occasion.Each time he's pulled away, our fragile bond stretches thinner, fluctuating uncomfortably. Across the table, I notice Elara watching with concern, clearly perceiving the strain through her growing abilities."The court will always demand his attention," Kieran murmurs during one such absence. "This is his life, Lyra. Endless politics, endless obligations.
Lyra The palace rises before us, gleaming white against the afternoon sky. After days in forests and mountains, its manicured perfection seems almost unnatural—too orderly, too controlled. Guards snap to attention as our small party approaches, their expressions shifting from alert wariness to shock when they recognize Alexander."Your Highness!" The captain of the guard rushes forward. "We've had search parties combing the kingdom for days."Alexander straightens in his saddle, exhaustion visibly pushed aside as he assumes royal bearing. "Inform my parents of our return. We'll speak with them immediately.""And the others, sire?" The captain's gaze slides over me, lingering longer on Kieran with undisguised suspicion."They are under my personal protection," Alexander states firmly. "Escort us to the royal chambers."As we enter the palace grounds, I feel eyes tracking our every move. Servants pause in their duties to stare, courtiers whisper behind hands, guards assess Kieran and me