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.

and to think. one small child escaped

you to get checked out,” he insists gently. I’m about to decline again when he speaks. “Or, at the very least, let me buy you a coffee; there’s a café just around the corner.” I can’t

the time slipping away. I am supposed to meet Rhett for lunch and don’t want to be late. “I really should be going.

to know about my complicated mate bond, and no one wants to admit they are the unwanted mate of an alpha; how embarrassing. He’d probably think there is something

genuine concern. “It‘

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

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Chapter 3

boy only to see his security remain outside. Once again, I try

Max while his father orders drinks. I sit awkwardly, debating if I should just get up 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 cups and takes a seat across from

tinged with a father’s

to myself than. to them. Rhett’s

says, his voice tinged with regret. Shadows play across his face, revealing a torment that

tiny fingers curled around the paper cup, chocolate mustache painting his upper lip. The

shiver runs down my spine at the boy’s probing gaze; he is a child, yet he has an aura? Soren notices, his brow furrowing

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“Are you sure you’re alright?” he asks again, his voice low and laced with an accent that

breath, checking my ribs and hip. Relief floods me, knowing I won’t be a