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 fan myself.
“There you are, sweetling.” He murmurs, deep and rumbly, and I feel it in my core. But his next words douse the building fire. “I think we might have a problem.
“I heard a noise outside so I looked out the window. I only saw her back but someone with long black hair was running into the woods. I think she may have heard us talking or even seen me. I could be wrong, but the woman's clothes were nicer than anything the wolves in this area are wearing. I can’t think of a reason anyone from the inner circle would come this far out if they weren’t looking for something specific.”
“Oh no! If she tells someone, they’ll come for us. No one can find you here!” I pace the room, my voice rising as I speak. “What do we do?”
“Hurry back to the packhouse and pretend like nothing happened. Just go back to work as you normally would” He suggests. “Don’t worry about me, I can take care of myself.”
“Okay! I’ll go now!” I say, already heading for the door.
But he grabs my wrist and pulls me back so hard I smack into him, bouncing off his chest. “Stay safe, sweetling.” He cautions, looking in my eyes as he kisses the back of my hand.
He seems to come back to himself, dropping my hand like it burned him. I don’t have time to think about why that might be, dashing out the door to begin my mission.
I’m almost to the packhouse when sirens blare all around me. Uniformed warriors storm into the yard and fan out everywhere. I duck behind a tree, listening to their general barking orders.
“Rogues have breached the border! I want everyone on alert. Try to bring them in alive!”
I whirl around in a panic, heading back the way I came while dodging the guards who seem to be everywhere. People are pouring from their homes with their weapons poised, the whole pack on high-alert. My body aches and I’m out of breath, but I don’t stop.
I can’t let them catch my new friend. For both our sakes.
Alaric
“What’s going on?” I jump to my feet when my little savior bursts through the door.
Some of her wounds are bleeding, the scabs torn open. She’s only just starting to heal and obviously pushed herself beyond the limits her wounded body could handle.
“Rogues!” She spits out between ragged breaths. “They’ve breached the border. The guards are combing every inch of Blackthorn land, hunting the intruders. You have to go before they find you here!
“Please! If they find you here, you’ll be killed. I would die if anything happened to you. You’re my first real friend and I can’t lose you!”
She flings herself into my arms and I rub her back awkwardly, doing my best to soothe her. I’m not the least bit scared of what this pack’s Alpha or his guards might try to do to me. But I’m also not ready to reveal who I am or why I’m here, so it’s best I go before that becomes a necessity.
But for some reason, the idea of leaving her behind doesn’t sit right with me. An Alpha is meant to care for his pack, no matter who they are. And this Alpha is clearly doing a shit job of that.
She clings to me so I hug her tighter, careful not to crush her broken ribs, hoping it’s comforting enough that she’ll be willing to let go. Instead, her little fists twist into my shirt and she sobs into my chest. It melts the ice around my stone-cold heart the tiniest bit.
I don't understand why I’m so drawn to her, so reluctant to leave, but I know I have to. “You’ll be alright, sweetling.” I reassure her. “Be careful. Keep yourself safe, okay?”
“I’ll try.” She agrees, leaning away to give me a shy smile. Then her nostrils flare and her smile fades, “Do you smell that? What is that? It almost smells . . . electric, like the electricity in the air before a thunderstorm.”
Shit! I don’t even realize I’ve let my aura slip out until her eyes glaze over, her expression a little dazed. It would be overpowering for a young omega like her, especially one without a wolf. I reel it back in before she gets too overwhelmed.
I let her go and step away. I don't know why I lost control, but I can’t risk it happening again. “I don’t smell anything.” I lie, then send her away. “You better go now, back to the packhouse where it’s safe. If there are rogues wandering these woods, you shouldn’t be out here alone.”
She hesitates for a minute, then finally agrees with a reluctant nod. I stand there watching as she walks away, wondering what it is about the tiny girl with the delicate features and strange, violet eyes that calls to me the way she does. My emotions are locked down tight. I never lose control, but I did today, with her.
Shaking off the concern those thoughts bring, I head back inside. In the end, it doesn’t matter. I’ll probably never see her again. Grabbing what remains of my tattered jacket, I head back across the Blackthorn border, towards home.
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
Cassius He fucking took her! Sage is my mate! Mine! She belongs to me! I may not want her but I get to decide what happens to my property. Nobody else! Not even the fucking Lycan King! I’ve known she was mine since the day my wolf was born. Viper mooned over her for ages before I finally convinced him she’d never be ours. But for the longest time, he fought me on it, refused to let me show her the contempt I felt for her. How dare the Goddess saddle me with a wolfless omega! Eventually, he’d accepted that she’d never have a wolf, that he’d never have his other half, and allowed me to reject her. But not before I had a little fun with her first. When I finally revealed she was my mate, I wanted her to feel how much I despised her, how much her own fated mate loathed her pathetic existence. I left a masterpiece of torn flesh on her back, carved my disgust for her into her skin. My rejection was to be the last thing she heard before she died. It was perfect! Until he came along and f
Sage I’m not sure why I feel more homesick with every step we take away from Blackthorn. My life has been nothing but abuse and misery in that pack. But that's all I’ve ever known. At least there, I knew what to expect. I should be thrilled about the new adventure ahead of me. I’m moving to a new pack. And not just any pack, I’m going to be living in the Royal pack! Surely I’ll be safe there, at least. But no matter how exciting that prospect may be, it doesn’t erase this gnawing pain in my heart. I had a mate! But he didn’t want me, loathed me so much he was willing to watch me die after stripping the flesh from my back with his belt. How could someone do that to the one person the Goddess created especially for them? If that’s what it’s like to have a mate, then I don’t want one! Not that it matters, no one would ever choose a wolfless girl like me anyway.I thought Cassius was my friend. Now I realize I can’t trust anyone. Even my handsome stranger lied to me, let me think he wa
Alaric I’m pretty sure the fragile creature in my arms is going to be the death of me. And not just because we have rogues chasing us. She weighs next to nothing, not impacting my speed at all. It’s not her weight that’s the problem. It’s her proximity. She may be tiny but she’s naturally curvy and the way she’s clinging to me, her full tits pressed into my chest and her thick thighs wrapped around my waist, the warmth of her pussy against my abs, if I wasn’t turned on before by her sassy mouth, I certainly am now. My cock is like solid steel. Running is painful, my hard-on squeezed uncomfortably with every stride. But I keep going, knowing I’m all that stands between Sage and certain death. I see the river up ahead and making a split-second decision, I jump in. I dunk us completely, Sage coughing and spluttering when we come up for air. “W-, w-, why, w-, would y-, you d-, do that?” She struggles to talk, her teeth chattering from the cold. The water is freezing, and though I b
Sage The woman in the driver’s seat glares at me like I’m the dirt on her fancy shoes. I don’t know her but I can’t help but sulk over her judgmental sneer. I’d actually hoped things could be different in Alaric’s pack, that people wouldn’t treat me like an outcast. Apparently that was too much to wish for. “Eris, what are you doing here? I thought Garrett was meeting me.” Alaric’s tone is borderline frosty, showing no particular emotion toward the woman. Which oddly makes me feel a bit better. I’m not sure why I care. Between her snooty attitude and his bossy personality, they probably deserve each other. “I volunteered,” She beams at him, batting her eyelashes. “There’s been more reports of attacks and disappearances while you were gone. Garrett was busy training a new group of warriors and was happy to let me come instead.”I could swear I hear him mumble something along the lines of “going to murder him” as he climbs into the backseat but I can’t be sure. He reaches over to b
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