Lycan's Prey by Jessica Hall

Chapter 16

A mixture of anxiety and anticipation fills my mind the next morning when I wake up early, unable to sleep once again. But I am happy for the early wake up for once because I want to speak with the café owner about the job I saw listed in the window. After getting ready and making sure my grandmother is settled in her favorite chair, I head out, hoping to catch the café owner before the morning rush begins.

As I enter the café, I approach the counter, where a friendly- looking woman with a kind smile and shoulder–length chestnut hair stands. Her eyes are a warm hazel, and she wears a simple apron over her floral dress.

“Hi, I’m Bree,” I say, opting for my nickname instead of saying Brielle, trying to sound confident though stealing my sister’s name was bad enough. Using it makes me feel like I am violating her memory. “I saw the sign in the window about a job opening?”

The woman introduces herself, “Nice to meet you, Bree. I’m Marianne. So, you’re interested in the job?” she asks, looking me up and down.

I nod. “Yes, I am.”

Marianne raises an eyebrow, curious. “Did you just move to town?”

I explain that I’m here to take care of my grandmother, Leila. Marianne’s eyes light up with recognition, and she smiles warmly.

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“Leila? I’ve known her for years! She used to be a regular here until she got sick. How is she?”

I sigh, struggling to find the right words. “She’s not doing well. Her health is deteriorating.” I tell her sadly.

Marianne’s expression turns sympathetic. “I’m so sorry to hear that, Bree. Well, I am short staffed and since I trust Leila and know she needs the help, if you want the job it’s yours. Can you start work tomorrow?”

Feeling a mix of relief and gratitude, I nod. “Yes, I can.” I smile. Well, I guess that is another good thing then about small towns everyone knows everyone and Grandma seems to be known by most here. I’m beginning to wonder if she used to cut their hair when she had her old hairdresser’s shop.

and I cringe, damn this council must be strict because I am beginning to notice

the strong scent of coffee beans,

of the werewolves here are rogue, but we all need to register. Rules are: I can’t hire

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and what happens on full moons here, does he force everyone into lockdown, the memory of Granny mentioning the chains Grandpa used to use makes

everything is and introduce you to a few of the staff here?” she asks, drawing my attention away from tumultuous thoughts. I

****

bustling with customers when I notice a group of cars pulling up outside. My heart skips a beat

break,” I say, trying

“just be

and exhale with relief at how close I came to running into them again. As I walk toward the park, I spot a few more of their cars parked out back. My breath catches, and I duck down behind

park, I sit on a swing, taking out

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process the close call. Suddenly, I hear crying. I glance around, searching for the source of the noise, but see no one. The crying

so I stand up and cautiously approach the large slide.

comes from the slide’s tunnel. I move closer and peer inside, finding a little boy about

I ask him gently.

head and

out, and I’ll help you find your mom,” I offer.

up at me with tear–filled eyes. “I don’t have a mom. She

for the boy, and I decide to sit inside the tunnel with him while we wait for his caregiver. “Are you hungry?” I ask, and he nods. I hand him my sandwich, but he doesn’t remove his mask to eat which I find odd, his wide eyes peering out at me. “I like your hair,”

he chuckles.

him.

name?” I ask him.

me and I snort a laugh.

telling me about his favorite toys and his adventures at school but refuses to give me his