Chapter 24 Sage The healing wing has become my sanctuary over the past few days . Here , among the herbs and bandages , I can almost forget I'm a wolfless omega in the Lycan King's territory . Almost forget the way my skin tingles whenever he's near . Cain's fever broke this morning , the black lines finally receding from his wound . I'm sorting fresh herbs when a familiar scent of pine and winter wind washes over me , making my hands falter . " How is he ? " Alaric's deep voice sends an unwanted shiver down my spine . " Better . " I keep my eyes on the herbs , pretending to be fascinated by yarrow leaves . " The silver - leaf poultice worked . " " Thanks to you . " Something in his tone makes me look up . Bad idea . His steel - gray eyes capture mine , and for a moment , I forget how to breathe . The scar along his jaw catches the morning light , and my fingers itch with the memory of touching it back in my cottage , when I thought he was just an injured wolf seeking help . The head healer's arrival breaks the moment . As she updates Alaric on Cain's condition , I try to slip away , but his next words freeze me in place . " Double the guards on this wing , " he commands . " And assign someone to shadow Sage at all times . " " What ? " The word bursts from me before I can stop it . Alaric's expression hardens into the Alpha mask I'm learning to hate . " After yesterday's attack , we can't take chances . " " I don't need a babysitter . " Memories of Blackthorn rise like bile in my throat - always watched , always controlled . " This isn't up for discussion , sweetling . " " Stop calling me that . " My voice shakes . " And stop treating me like I'm made of glass . " Something flashes in his eyes - hurt ? anger ? - before his face becomes unreadable again . " My territory , my rules . " Right . " I lift my chin , ignoring the way my heart races . " Just like Blackthorn was Cassius's territory ? " Low blow . His eyes bleed amber , a growl building in his chest . The head healer quietly excuses herself , leaving us alone in the suddenly charged air . " That's different and you know it . " He steps closer , using his height to loom over me . " I'm trying to protect you . " " I never asked for your protection . " Even as I say it , I know it's a lie . He saved me from execution , gave me Sanctuary . But right now , watching another Alpha try to control my life makes me feel like I'm suffocating . " Too bad " His voice drops lower , dangerous . " You've got it anyway . " I storm out of the healing wing , my face burning Behind me , I hear him barking orders about patrol schedules , and moments later , I sense a guard falling into step at a discreet distance . " Men can be so overbearing , can't they ? " Chapter 24 +25 BONUS I spin to find Eris leaning against a pillar , examining her perfect manicured nails . Her smile is sympathetic , but something in her eyes sets off warning bells . " Especially Alphas , " she continues when I don't respond . " First Cassius , now Alaric ... it must feel like trading one cage for another . " " Alaric isn't- " I start , but falter . Isn't what ? The same as Cassius ? Then why does my chest feel so tight ? " Of course not . " Her smile turns knowing . " I'm sure he has your best interests at heart . Just like he did with that pretty redhead from the Northern Pack last moon . " She sighs dramatically . " But that's none of my business . I just hate seeing another she - wolf trapped , you know ? " She saunters away , leaving me with thoughts I don't want to examine . I spend the afternoon wandering the pack grounds , trying to clear my head . My guard shadows me at a distance , a constant reminder of my lack of freedom . As dusk approaches , I realize I've wandered into unfamiliar territory . The trees here are older , their branches creating deep shadows . The first drops of rain begin to fall as I turn back , but nothing looks familiar . " Lost ? " I whirl to find Alaric emerging from the trees . He must have tracked my scent . Of course he did . " No , " I lie , tilting my face up to meet his gaze despite the rain now falling steadily . " Just proving I can take care of myself . " " By getting lost in your own territory ? " His voice is soft , dangerous . " What would you have done if my guard wasn't here to lead you back ? " " It's not my territory . " Water drips from my hair , but I refuse to back down . ' Just another place I'm being kept . " He moves so fast I barely register it , backing me against a tree . His hands plant on either side of my head , caging me in . " Is that what you think ? " His breath fans across my face , smelling of mint and something wild . " That I'm keeping you prisoner ? " " Aren't you ? " I hate how breathless I sound . " Following me , controlling me- " " Protecting you , " he growls . " Why can't you just let me protect you ? " " Why can't you see I need to protect myself ? " My voice cracks on the last word . 1 His eyes drop to my lips , and for one heart - stopping moment , I think he's going to kiss me . I'm not sure if I want to push him away or pull him closer . A howl splits the air a border patrol signal . Alaric jerks back like I've burned him . " This discussion isn't over , " he warns before disappearing into the rain . I find my way back to the packhouse , soaked and shivering . Not just from the cold . Eris watches me cross the entrance hall , her smile like a snake about to strike . In my room , I find a note slipped under my door . The handwriting is unfamiliar , elegant : Not all prisons have visible bars . My fingers find the crescent moon pendant at my throat the only thing I have from my past . The stone feels warm against my skin , like it's trying to tell me something I can't quite hear . Outside my window , a wolf's howl rises above the storm . Something deep inside me aches to answer it , but as always , my wolf remains silent . Chapter 24 +25 BONUS I press my forehead against the cool glass , watching rain track down like tears . Why does being near him feel like drowning and coming up for air at the same time ? 1 More importantly , why can't I make myself walk away ? Cara Anderson author