Betrayed by an alpha claimed by a lycan king

Chapter 127

SAGE

We all returned to our rooms to pack, the air heavy with unspoken tension. Titus had made it clear-our time in this pack house was over. Without Alpha Marcus's support, we were left scrambling to find another ally strong enough to help us win the looming war. While I was packing all my things, I heard a soft knock at the door that broke my train of thought. Startled, I froze for a moment before walking over to answer. When I opened the door my breath hitched at the sight of Scott standing there. "S-Scott," I stammered, nerves prickling at the seriousness in his expression. "Do you need something?"

His voice was steady, but the weight in his tone sent a chill down my spine. "Can I come in? We need to talk."

I hesitated, glancing over my shoulder at the hall-packed bag on my bed. Taking a deep breath, I stepped aside and gestured for him to enter. "O-Of course," I said, closing the door softly behind him. "What's this about?"

Scott turned to face me, his eyes piercing as he spoke. "We both know why I'm here, Sage."

His words made my stomach twist. I forced a strained smile, trying to deflect. "I'm afraid I don't. You'll have to enlighten

me."

He didn't bite. Instead, he studied me with that sharp gaze of his, cutting through my feigned ignorance. "It's about Alpha Titus's decision," he said plainly.

I swallowed hard, my chest tightening. "What about it?"

"Is it safe to assume we both believe what he did wasn't the best decision for our cause?"

I hesitated, weighing my words carefully. Finally, I exhaled a long breath. "If you're asking for my honest opinion, then yes," I admitted. "I believe rejecting Alpha Marcus's offer was a mistake. We need his support if we're going to win this war."

Scott's expression didn't change, but his eyes narrowed slightly, as though he'd expected my response but was still calculating his next move. "Then you'll help me convince him to reconsider?"

His words caught me off guard, and I shook my head. "Even if I wanted to, it's not my decision to make. I have no influence over him."

Scott's jaw tightened, and his voice dropped to a near growl. "You think you have no influence? Sage, he chose you over his throne. He's willing to jeopardize this war for you. So don't stand there and tell me you can't sway him."

His accusation struck like a blow, and I felt anger bubbling beneath the surface. "Why does everyone believe it was me?" I snapped, my irritation breaking through. "Why does everyone assume I'm the one he was referring to when he said he already had a Luna? Did you all forget that he chose Anna over me? He broke our bond to protect her!"

mix of frustration and pain, the words spilling out before I could stop them. Scott

making decisions with you in mind, whether you see it

push back against the pressure he was putting on me. But

a fool if you think I have anything to do with

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Chapter 127

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eyes locked onto mine, brimming with purpose, though beneath it, I

but steady. "I came here because I believe you're

on my shoulders. "And what exactly do you expect me to do, Scott? Titus has made his decision.

his expression tightening. "That's the problem, Sage. He made a decision based on his feelings, not what's best for the pack. You and I both know rejecting Alpha Marcus wasn't

bitterly, though there was no humor in it. "You think I have any influence

"He doesn't make a single move without thinking of you first, whether you realize it or not.

stomach twist. "Stop," I said sharply. "I have nothing to do

back, his voice growing firmer. "You're in his heart, Sage, and that's clouding his judgment. As much as I hate to say this, but you're the one hindering us from getting the

in my chest growing sharper with every word. "Even if that's true, what am I supposed to do about it? Beg him to

him see past whatever feelings he's tangled up in. This

leaving me reeling as if the air had been sucked out of the room. I closed my eyes, willing myself to steady the chaos rising inside me. The weight of what he was asking pressed down

asked, my voice shaking with

Alpha Titus. But my loyalty lies with my Alpha and the pack above all else. Everything I do, everything I'm asking you to do, is for their survival. I'll protect them with

words hitting deeper than I wanted to admit. "Why does

Titus has already made his sacrifices for you, Sage. More than you realize. He's put his future, his throne, and this pack on the line for you. And now..." He paused, as if searching for the right words. "Now it's your turn. It's your turn to make a sacrifice for the greater good, for the people who are counting on us to lead them out

were like a slap, one I couldn't dodge. I shook my head, trying to clear the whirlwind of emotions clouding my thoughts. "Still," I whispered, my voice trembling, "I have no idea how to do what you're

from the familiar warmth that usually softened his words when he spoke to me. His sharp gaze was relentless, pinning me in place as though daring me to defy him. There was no room for argument in his tone, no trace of

repeated, his voice lower now but every bit as resolute, each word sinking heavily into the charged silence between us. "I don't care how you do it, Sage,

physical force, and I found myself rooted to the spot, unable