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."

already watching us with a raised brow, a smirk tugging at

not asking," Titus interrupted, his voice low

nodded, following him as he turned and strode toward the edge of the

I kept a few paces between us, unsure of what to say-or what he wanted to talk

a towering oak, his hands resting at his sides as he

I asked,

he said bluntly, his gaze

away. "I'm not," I

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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,

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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

the weight of his words sinking in. "So, what are you saying? That we treat him like an enemy even though

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

how to respond. It wasn't like he was wrong-there was truth in his caution. But it didn't make this any

watching our backs?" I said finally,

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

Scott know about your reservation?"

"He's aware."

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

of peace, a chance to catch my breath amidst the chaos of our journey.

usual noises of the forest or the distant calls of animals. It was something different. Something out

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

right away. He stood completely still, his body taut like a bowstring, ready for action. Finally, in a low, steady voice, he