Lycan's Prey by Jessica Hall

Chapter 21

Aubrey

The following day at work, a persistent unease lingers from the previous day, weighing heavy on my shoulders as I dive into the familiar routine of cleaning tables and taking orders in the quaint, bustling café. My attempts to push aside the lingering anxiety falter when I lay eyes on Max sitting in a booth – my heart leaps into my throat. “Max?” I blurt out, taken aback, frantically scanning for his nanny or guards. “Does your father know you’re here?” Just as I ask the question, and before he can answer, the King rushes into the café, looking panicked.

The King’s tall, muscular frame exudes authority and power as he moves swiftly through the crowded café, his eyes scanning the room with a sense of urgency. Max shrinks down in his seat to try to hide from the man and I want to join him. The murmur of conversations simmers down and all heads turn towards him.

“Max!” he calls out, panic in his voice. His face is contorted with worry and his eyes are scanning the room frantically. The King’s dark hair is slightly disheveled, as if he’s been running his hands through it in worry. His piercing gaze sweeps across the room, eyes narrowing in on me when he spots me. The entire café falls silent, all eyes on the King. I swallow thickly.

Max gazes at me with wide eyes, fully aware that he has been discovered. A nervous squeak escapes him, drawing his father’s focus before he swiftly slides off the table and attempts to hide behind me, using me as a shield. The King

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makes a beeline towards us, but I step forward, blocking his path. He comes to an abrupt stop in front of us.

“He’s just a boy, my King,” I gently remind him, sensing his tumultuous aura swirling around us, fearful that he might lose control in dealing with his son. He pauses to consider my words, and in that moment, I feel his aura shift suddenly as if a veil had been lifted. Like he just realized he was using it.

“You’re right,” he acknowledges softly. “I was merely concerned for him. Thank you for watching over him.”

“He’s a sweet kid. I’m just glad he came here and wasn’t sitting in the park alone again,” I tell him.

In the midst of the tense situation, I can’t help but feel a surge of protectiveness towards Max. His innocent eyes filled with fear, and the way he clings to me like a lifeline, it’s clear that he’s just a vulnerable boy who’s screaming for attention, to be noticed by his father. Well he has his father’s attention now but I doubt this is what he was expecting. As the King’s gaze lingers on us, I can’t help but wonder how he’s going to handle his son, would he punish him?

******

~King Soren~

Gideon from Clary City, discussing a potential alliance between the two alphas who’ve been at war for years when Damian, one of my most trusted guards and half brother, enters my office. “Please excuse me, Alpha Rhett and

at attention, his expression

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motion for him to enter my office and he enters, closing

question. “What is it?” My brother glances out the window before turning

again, Your Highness,” Damian reports, his expression grim. “The nanny left him for a moment to

meeting abruptly, unmuting the

I’ve been working too much, leaving Max to the care of his nanny. I should

way through the palace. My mind races with worry as we search for Max. The last time he ran off, he ended up in the park

time.

the girl from the café when I put him to bed last night, Damian asked around about her apparently she is staying with her grandmother, it’s also how I found out she works at the cafe. A thought crosses my mind and I jog to my car and climb in, the

to town,” I tell him. I instruct my driver to take me to the

no time rushing inside. My heart

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tension,