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.

that he has this many security guards following him, and to think. one small child escaped

just around the corner.” I can’t help but feel torn. On one hand, I don’t want to impose on him

hesitate, keenly aware of the time slipping away. I am supposed to meet Rhett for lunch and don’t want to be late. “I really

no one wants to admit they are the unwanted mate of an alpha; how embarrassing. He’d probably think there is something with me.

voice filled with genuine concern. “It‘ s the least I can do.”

I often feel unwanted. As we make

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Chapter 3

outside. Once again, I try to recall where I have

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 me instead of the other side of his son. For a few moments, Max clutches. a cup of hot chocolate like a lifeline, his earlier panic subdued

tinged with a father’s guilt as he ruffled his son’s hair. “But work called, and plans

theme today,” I murmur, more to myself than. to them. Rhett’s accusations, his insinuations that I

play across his face, revealing a torment that resonates with my own inner turmoil. “I’m trying to make

at Max, his tiny fingers curled around the paper cup, chocolate mustache painting his upper lip. The fear from earlier in his eyes has

spine at the boy’s probing gaze; he is a child,

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worry. “Are you sure you’re alright?” he asks again, his voice low and

out a breath, checking my ribs and hip. Relief floods me, knowing I won’t be a limping mess. walking into Rhett’s office and embarrassing him.