Betrayed by an alpha claimed by a lycan king

SAGE

The sun dipped lower in the sky, its golden light filtering through the dense canopy of trees as we made our way toward the Ironclaw Pack's territory. The air was thick with the earthy scent of pine and damp soil, a stark contrast to the tension riding alongside us. Anna's frustration lingered like a storm cloud, her sharp sighs and occasional glares cutting through the otherwise quiet ride. Even Scott, who usually had a knack for easing tension, seemed to think it best to keep his jokes to himself for once.

As for me, I couldn't decide if I was more irritated by Titus's high-handedness or the way his presence behind me made it nearly impossible to think straight.

The journey stretched on until dusk began to settle, soft shadows dancing along the trail. Just as the forest grew darker, Scott held up a hand, signaling us to stop.

"There's a clearing up ahead," he said, his sharp eyes scanning the surroundings. "We'll make camp here for the night. Pushing forward in the dark isn't a risk we can afford."NôvelDrama.Org owns all © content.

Titus nodded, reining in his horse. "Agreed. Let's set up quickly. We're close to Ironclaw's border, but we'll need to rest before approaching Marcus tomorrow."

As we dismounted, the group quickly fell into a practiced rhythm. Scott and Kieran gathered wood for a fire while Elara and Anna unpacked supplies from the saddlebags. I busied myself with checking the horses, using the task as an excuse to avoid the questions swirling in my mind-and the man who seemed to have no trouble throwing my thoughts into chaos.

But Titus had other plans.

"Sage," he called, his voice breaking through the quiet.

I glanced over my shoulder, finding him standing a few paces away. The fading sunlight cast an orange glow on his features, softening the sharp edges of his face.

"What is it?" I asked, trying to sound neutral.

He stepped closer, his crimson eyes holding mine with that same intensity that made it impossible to look away. "Walk with me."

I blinked, caught off guard. "Now?"

He nodded. "Now."

I hesitated, glancing toward the others. Scott was already watching us with a raised brow, a smirk tugging at the corners of his mouth. Anna, on the other hand, looked as though she might explode. "I don't think-"

"I'm not asking," Titus interrupted, his voice low but firm.

I bit back a sigh and nodded, following him as he turned and strode toward the edge of the clearing.

The forest grew quieter as we walked, the sounds of the others fading behind us. I kept a few paces between us, unsure of what to say-or what he wanted to talk about.

Finally, he stopped beneath a towering oak, his hands resting at his sides as he turned to face me.

"What's this about?" I asked, crossing my arms.

1

"You're mad at me," he said bluntly, his gaze fixed on me.

I scoffed, looking away. "I'm not," I denied.

33

"I know things are quite messy at this moment, but I can't let you be that close to that hunter. I don't trust him," he said, stepping closer, his voice softening.

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I clenched my fists tightly at my sides, the frustration inside me building like a storm. "I think it's too late to worry about that," I said, my voice sharper than I intended. "We already put our lives in his hands the moment we asked for his help. There's no undoing that now." Titus's jaw tensed, the muscle ticking, but his stance didn't waver His crimson eyes bore into mine, steady and unyielding. "I know," he said, his voice low but firm. "Trust me, I haven't forgotten that. But that doesn't mean we can afford to let our guard down. His help doesn't guarantee his loyalty."

I stared at him, the weight of his words sinking in. "So, what are you saying? That we treat him like an enemy even though he's helping us?"

Titus's gaze didn't falter. "I'm saying we stay cautious. We can't be careless just because he's with us now. People's motives can change. One wrong step, and it could cost us everything."

The determination in his voice sent a chill down my spine, and for a moment, I didn't know how to respond. It wasn't like he was wrong-there was truth in his caution. But it didn't make this any easier.

"So, we just... keep watching our backs?" I said finally, my voice quieter.

Titus gave a small nod. "Exactly. Trust is earned, Sage. And until it is, we don't let complacency get the better of us."

"Does Scott know about your reservation?" I asked.

"He's aware."

I swallowed hard, the weight of his words settling over me. For a moment, neither of us spoke, the forest around us silent except for the soft rustle of leaves in the breeze.

The quiet around us felt like a rare moment of peace, a chance to catch my breath amidst the chaos of our journey. I let the soft rustling of leaves and the steady breathing of the horses calm my racing thoughts. But the calm didn't last.

A sharp, unfamiliar sound broke through the stillness. It wasn't the usual noises of the forest or the distant calls of animals. It was something different. Something out of place.

Titus's head snapped up instantly, his crimson eyes narrowing as he scanned the trees around us. My heart jumped into my throat, and my body tensed. My hand moved instinctively to the hilt of my dagger. "What was that?" I whispered, my voice shaky as I tried to keep my fear in check.

Titus didn't answer right away. He stood completely still, his body taut like a bowstring, ready for action. Finally, in a low, steady voice, he said, "Stay close to me."

The sound came again, this time closer. It was faint, but enough to send a chill down my spine. It sounded like... footsteps.

Scott appeared beside us, his sharp green eyes sweeping the areal "Did anyone else hear that?" he asked, his usual playful tone replaced with seriousness.

Kieran already had his bow in hand, an arrow notched and ready He moved with calm precision, his voice steady as he said, "We're not alone. Something's out there, watching us."

**

My grip tightened on my dagger, my nerves on edge. The once peaceful forest now seemed darker, more threatening. Every shadow felt alive, and every flicker of movement made my heart race faster.

Titus stepped forward, his presence commanding as always. "Spread out, but don't lose sight of each other," he ordered. His voice left no room for argument. "Sage, stay behind me."

I wanted to argue, but now wasn't the time. Swallowing my pride I nodded and stayed close.

We moved cautiously, the tension in the air growing heavier with every step. The forest seemed to close in around us, the trees standing like silent sentinels.

Out of the corner of my eye, I caught a glimpse of something-a quick flash of darkness moving between the trees.

"There!" I hissed, pointing toward where I'd seen it.

Titus's sharp gaze followed my hand, and without hesitation, he drew his blade and strode toward the spot. His movements were swift and purposeful, leaving no time for hesitation.

Scott and Kieran followed, their weapons ready, while I stayed close behind Titus, my heart pounding in my chest. The shadows around us seemed to thicken, the forest suddenly feeling far more alive and menacing. Then the sound came again-louder this time. It wasn't trying to hide anymore.

Titus halted abruptly, his hand rising to signal us to stop. His voice was firm, cutting through the tense air like a blade. "Show yourself."

For a moment, nothing happened. The forest was still, the only sounds our shallow breathing and the faint rustle of leaves in the wind. Then, from the shadows, a figure slowly stepped into view.

**