Lycan's Prey by Jessica Hall

Chapter 17

The boy’s expression is a mix of sadness and frustration. “He promised to take me to the park after his meeting, but he didn’t come. So, I went looking for him.”

“Well, maybe your dad was just busy. You shouldn’t run off like that; he’s probably very worried about you,” I say, hoping to comfort him.

“All he ever does is work,” Spider Boy sighs, kicking a small rock out of his path. I can tell the boy is lonely, and my heart aches for him.

“Who takes care of you while your Dad is at work?” I ask, curious.

“Blair, my nanny,” The boy replies with a little chuckle. “But she’s old and can’t play. She’s boring, and she smells like diapers.”

I can’t help but laugh at the boy’s description of his nanny, even though I feel a pang of sympathy for the poor woman, it’s clear this boy is a handful. We continue walking, the forest becoming denser and darker as we venture further in. The atmosphere grows heavier, the trees towering overhead, and the undergrowth thickens.

I can feel the tension building in the air as we continue to walk through the forest. My instincts are screaming at me to turn back, but I don’t want to worry the boy any more than he already is.

Chapter 17

11 288 Vouchers

As we reach a small clearing, my fears are confirmed when a violent shudder runs through my body. I try to dismiss it as paranoia, but the sickly feeling in my gut tells me otherwise. I recognize it as a warning that I’ve trespassed into another pack’s territory. I glance down at the boy, my heart pounding in my chest, anxiety creeping in.

“Who did you say your father was again?” I ask hesitantly, trying to maintain a calm demeanor for his sake.

The boy shrugs, seemingly unconcerned. However, before he can answer, rustling in the trees can be heard, and I pivot to look at the treeline running alongside us when more sounds come from a different direction.

close to me,” I whisper urgently to Spider Boy, trying not to let him see my fear.

too late. The boy lets out a loud gasp and

it was a bear! But there are too

over me. Before I can

Their eyes are cold and unyielding, making me feel like prey cornered by a pack of wolves. I instinctively move to shield Max, even

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288 Vouchers

voice low and menacing. “You’re trespassing on

us. One of the guards narrows his

he continues, “You… You never registered. We came looking for you today. I warned

around me. “Uncle Damian?”

I wonder, confused.

when I recognize the boy, Max Soren’s son. “Your father has half the castle

the King!” he orders.

plead, “Wait… it’s not like that. I didn’t know he was the King’s son. I wasn’t…”

the enforcers step closer. Determined to protect myself, I launch

him sprawling to the ground. Another

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