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.

I’m leaving, Marianne asks, “Have you registered your intent to stay with the council?” she asks and I cringe, damn this council must be strict because I am beginning to notice no one wants to be caught in breach by them and I certainly don’t want to learn the consequences if I am breached.

a moment realize that she too, is a werewolf by her scent, she has a woodsy scent like most wolves that I hadn’t noticed at first over the strong scent of coffee beans, but also by her mention of the council, its obvious humans populate this area mostly, but more werewolves than I thought too. I lie and say, “Yes, I

kingdom is nearby. Most of the werewolves here are rogue, but we

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he needs to ensure everyone’s safety.” I nod, wondering how he ensures their safety, and what happens on full moons here, does he force everyone into

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

****

of cars pulling up outside. My heart skips a beat as I recognize the

I’m taking my lunch break,” I say, trying to sound casual.

she smiles, “just be back by two.”

slip out the back door, clutching my handbag, 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 some trash cans.

sit on a

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close call. Suddenly, I hear crying. I glance around, searching

and cautiously approach the large slide.

comes from the slide’s tunnel. I move closer and peer inside, finding a little boy about five years old, at least I think it’s a boy, he has a spiderman mask on

okay?” I ask

shakes his head and says, “I’m lost.”

on out, and I’ll help you

eyes. “I don’t have

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

he chuckles. I raise an eyebrow at

him.

I ask him.

he tells me and

telling me about his favorite toys and his adventures at school but refuses to give me his name, instead I am stuck referring to him as Spider Boy. As