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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You never have time for me,” he pouts. I run my fingers through my

doesn’t mean I

my response. I reach

Blair? She would have been worried about you. What if

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

may be old, but she loves 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.

then his head lifts abruptly when

asses. Kicked one right in his family jewels; she did! Dropped him like a bag of

though I quickly scold him. “Language,

my attention back to Brielle who is still chatting with the customers. She catches my eye and gives me a small nod before excusing herself from

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softly,

Max.

thank you for asking,” I reply gratefully. “I just had a very important call

“I know it must be tough being a

seems to have sensed it or maybe she