Lycan's Prey by Jessica Hall

Chapter 9

I continue the long drive to my grandmother’s with a full tank. After hours on the road, I finally arrive in the sleepy town. where my grandmother lives. As I pull up in front of the rundown house, I wonder if my grandmother will even remember me. It has been years since we last saw each other, back when I was just a child. What if she doesn’t want to see

me?

Taking a deep breath to steady my nerves, I climb out of my car and walk toward the house. The paint is peeling, and the once–green lawn is overgrown with weeds. As I approach the front door, I feel a mixture of sadness and nostalgia. I know that seeking refuge with my grandmother is a long shot, but it’s the only chance I have to escape the nightmare I’ve been living in. With each step, I hope that my grandmother will recognize me and take me in, offering a safe haven from the betrayal that has left my world in tatters.

I quickly cover the car, placing hay bales in front of it and covering it over with a tarp. Once done, I take a deep breath. before stepping out of the gate and onto the street. My heart races with nerves as I walk up to her front door and knock.

I wait anxiously for what feels like an eternity, listening for any sounds of movement inside. Finally, I hear shuffling, and the door creaks open. My grandmother’s frail figure appears in the doorway, her once–sparkling eyes now clouded with age. She squints at me, and for a moment, I fear she won’t recognize me.

“Aubrey?” she whispers, her voice cracking with emotion. “Ist

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Chapter 9

that you?”

11 299 Wouthen

A wave of relief washes over me as I nod, tears pricking my eyes. “Yes, Grandma, it’s me,” I reply, my voice shaking.

Tears spill down my

I sob out as she

every corner, from the peeling wallpaper to the worn floorboards that groan beneath my feet. The scent of dampness and mildew fills the air, a constant reminder of the poverty and neglect that my grandmother has endured for far too

weight, and I can’t help but notice how everything in the room speaks of years gone by. My eyes, however, are fixed on the woman across from me. Granny’s slender fingers wrap around her inhaler with an intimate familiarity that tugs at my heart. She draws in a slow breath, and the soft hiss of the device is the only sound for a brief

the wind gets fierce. “I’m sorry you have to see me like this, dear,” she says, a smile playing weakly on her lips, not quite reaching the worry etched in the crow’s feet at the corners

between us, and I feel a pang of something–guilt, maybe, or regret–that

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for her, not for myself. Granny’s always had a steel backbone, event now as age

no need to apologize, Grandma. I’m just glad I am here now so I can help you; it’s me who should be apologizing for not noticing you needed help here,” I

with a tenderness that is both comforting and heartbreaking. “You’ve got your own life, child,” she murmurs, but there’s no censure in her voice, just the quiet resignation of someone who has learned to rely on themself

me to get you anything?” I ask, eager to be of use, to do something–anything–that might ease the lines of fatigue etched into her face. She pauses, considering, then shakes her head

slips out, laced with a hint of desperation. I hold my breath, waiting for her answer,

course, dear,” she replies, her voice firm despite the weariness I hear behind it. “This is your home too.” Her words. wrap around me,

All rogues have to,” Granny’s

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help but worry that it would lead Rhett right to this doorstep. My pulse quickens at the thought. I bite my lip, casting at glance around the small, cozy living room, taking in the faded wallpaper and the comforting scent of Granny’s lavender sachets. How can I leave her

heavy with concern. “Are you sure you’re alright? You seem anxious,”