Lycan's Prey by Jessica Hall

Chapter 26

“Fine,” I murmur, my lips pressing into a tight line. It’s a reluctant surrender to Max’s hopeful gaze, one that might buy his father a moment’s peace. The boy’s energy is electric, his tiny feet barely touching the floor as he hops toward the door, a whirlwind of youthful exuberance and I rise giving in to the child.

“Thank you, I know he can sometimes be a handful.” King Soren’s words carry a weight, an acknowledgment that seems to see right through me.

I shake my head, brushing off his gratitude with a flicker of a smile that doesn’t quite reach my eyes. “I find him sweet, he’s a breath of fresh air,” I tell him, and it’s true. Max reminds me of the innocence I once had before life got its hands on me.

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~King Soren~

Throughout the entire drive to Brielle’s house, I can’t stop thinking about my son’s bizarre behavior and how taken he is with her. I find myself questioning her about her grandma, her time in town, and her plans for the future. The road is ribbon- like in the darkness, and the only sound is the soft purr of the car’s engine.

“So, your grandma is sick?” I ask, trying to sound casual.

“Yes, she’s been unwell for some time now,” Brielle replies, her voice heavy with concern.

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in the dim light. She looks tired, lines etched into her forehead and shadows under her eyes. I wonder how

you been in town?”

Your Highness.”

stay here for

before answering, “Yes, for as long

of unease,

did you do

places, mostly in the

from the Lycan community?”

hesitates before answering, “Not exactly.

“How did

“Yes, everyone has

your work at the café? Do you

enthusiastically, “I love it! The people are

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can’t help but notice how nervous she gets when I press her

house, I can’t shake off the feeling that she’s hiding something from me. Her vague answers about her past make me wonder if there’s more

her house, I’m taken aback by its dilapidated state. The peeling paint, broken window panes, and sagging porch speak volumes about the hardships the grandmother must have faced over the years. “You live here?” I couldn’t help but ask, my eyes scanning

house itself, her eyes gazing vacantly into the distance. Her thin frame suggests that she has endured many struggles

use our bathroom,” Brielle offers, quickly hopping out of the car. Before I can say anything, Max is already out of the car and running towards

the frail old woman who struggles

fine,” Brielle reassures her grandma.

was getting up anyway,” the old woman insists, trying to rise from her chair. Brielle rushes to her side and attempts

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Chapter 26