Lycan's Prey by Jessica Hall

Chapter 22

I stiffen at the mention of the girl’s name.

“She’s really nice, Daddy,” he says dreamily.

“I’m glad you think so,” I reply carefully. “But you can’t just run off without telling anyone.”

He looks down guiltily and nods his head.

I set him down, my mind is still reeling from the fact that Max had come here looking for this girl he barely knows.

“Why did you run off?” I ask gently, trying not to sound accusatory.

Max fidgets with his fingers and I nudge him into the booth. I sit down with Max, preparing to talk to him about the dangers of running off when Brielle offers to make me a coffee and Max a hot chocolate. I nod, waving her off and turning to look at my son who still hasn’t answered. Brielle brings both drinks and a muffin for each of us, and I can’t help but appreciate the kindness in her actions.

I sip my coffee watching my son. Max sets down his cup, his small hands gripping it tightly as he looks around the café, his eyes scanning the room until they land on Brielle, who is now chatting with a group of customers.

I can feel my patience wearing thin. I take a deep breath and try to remain calm, knowing that getting angry will only make the situation worse. “Max, why do you keep running off? You Can’t keep doing this. I was on a very important call.”

Chapter 22

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for me,” he pouts.

that doesn’t mean I don’t have time for you. You’re my son and you will always come

wide eyes, seemingly surprised by my response. I reach over and ruffle his hair

have been worried about you. What if someone took

“And I didn’t want to go training with Mr. Kitcher either.” He turns to look at Brielle,

you just as much as I do,” I add. Max looks down guiltily once again. I can tell he understands the severity of his actions.

he mumbles, but then his head lifts abruptly when he speaks again.

she kicked your guards‘ asses. Kicked one right

though I quickly scold

with the customers. She catches my eye and gives me a small nod before excusing herself from the group

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Chapter 22

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everything okay?” she asks softly, her gaze lingering

Max.

reply gratefully. “I just had a very important call that was interrupted by Max’s little adventure.”

know it must be tough being a single parent,” she says sympathetically.

clenches at her words, somehow Brielle seems to have sensed it or maybe she asked around, it is technically public