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.”

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have time for me,” he

important my work is,” I say firmly. “But that doesn’t mean I don’t have time for you. You’re my son and you will always come

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

have been worried about you. What if

complains. “And I didn’t want to go training

do,” I add. Max looks down

mumbles, but then his head lifts abruptly when he

kicked your guards‘ asses. Kicked one right in his family jewels; she did! Dropped him like a bag of potatoes.”

though I quickly

attention back to Brielle who is still chatting with the customers. She catches my

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she asks softly, her gaze lingering

Max.

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

tough being

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