Lycan's Prey by Jessica Hall

Chapter 3

“Boss,” someone says behind him, and he clears his throat, stepping back. The man before me exudes a more powerful presence than any alpha I’ve ever encountered. Despite his apparent concern for his son, he radiates an aura of authority that I can’t help but be drawn to, and yet, it also fills me with a deep–rooted fear.

His guard motions toward the paramedics, and he sighs, a sound that carries a weight of responsibility I can’t

comprehend.

“Really, it’s nothing,” I lie, my voice more steady than I feel. I need to go meet my mate, and I am already late, and Rhett hates having to wait for anyone.

“Thank you,” he repeats, the words carving themselves into the space between us.

I brush away the discomfort nagging at my limbs, trying to mask the pain as he reaches out a steadying hand when I pick up my discarded handbag. His touch is light but firm as he grips my arm, waiting for me to steady myself as I sway slightly.

“Soren,” he says, his name rolling off his tongue with a slight accent I can’t place. Why does that name sound familiar, like I‘ ve heard it before?

The men who had been in pursuit now stood back, making me glance around nervously when I realized the crowd we had

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gathered was now gone, and only men in suits stood in a circle around us.

man is, that he has this many security guards following him, and to think. one small child escaped the lot of them; I try not to snicker at the thought. Soren turns

he speaks. “Or, at the very least, let me buy you a coffee; there’s a café just around the corner.” I can’t help but feel torn. On

don’t want to be late. “I really should be going. I’m meeting a friend,” I say, the words. feeling awkward

complicated mate bond, and no one wants to admit they are the unwanted mate of an

urges, his voice filled with genuine concern. “It‘

rare in a pack where I often feel unwanted. As we make our way through the crowd, Soren places his hand

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Chapter 3

outside.

and leave while the man isn’t looking, but I quickly toss. the idea away when I find Soren approaching us. He holds a tray with three

fun day at the park,” Soren said, his voice tinged with a father’s guilt as he ruffled his son’s hair. “But work called, and plans changed.”

to them. Rhett’s accusations, his

him again,” he says, his voice tinged with regret. Shadows play across his face, revealing a torment that resonates with my

the paper cup, chocolate mustache painting his upper lip. The fear from earlier in his eyes

the boy’s probing gaze; he is a child, yet he has an aura? Soren notices,

288 (ouchers

he asks again, his voice low and laced with an accent

my leg, which was grazed and bleeding, to find it is healed now. I let out a breath, checking my ribs and hip. Relief