Betrayed by an alpha claimed by a lycan king

Chapter 122

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."

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."

tugging at the corners of his mouth. Anna, on

not asking," Titus interrupted, his voice low

bit back a sigh and nodded, following him as

quieter as we walked, the sounds of the others fading behind us. I kept a few paces between us, unsure

oak, his hands resting at

this about?" I

at me," he said bluntly, his gaze fixed on

away. "I'm not," I

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that close to that hunter. I don't trust him," he said, stepping closer, his voice

69%

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

are you saying? That we treat him like an enemy even though

"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

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

watching our backs?" I said finally, my

nod. "Exactly. Trust is earned, Sage. And until

Scott know about your reservation?"

"He's aware."

swallowed hard, the weight of his words settling over me. For a moment, neither of us

peace, a chance to catch my breath amidst the chaos of our journey. I let the soft rustling of leaves and the steady

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

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

answer right away. He stood completely still, his body taut like a bowstring, ready for