Lycan's Prey by Jessica Hall

Chapter 35

I glare down at him, noticing Max’s giggling on a lower branch.

“You could have said you were afraid of heights,” Soren laughs. I look at the ground, a wave of fear washing over me.

“It’s not the height I’m afraid of, it’s the fall,” I reply, watching as King Soren tips his head back, his eyes shining with laughter. He’s enjoying this too much.

“Don’t worry, Bree. I’ll catch you if you fall.” His words are light and teasing, but I feel a pang of warmth at his sentiment.

Determined not to let myself get carried away with all these strange emotions swirling inside me, I begin to make my descent.

“You’re taking forever,” Max whines from a lower branch waiting for me. I glare at the boy who sticks his tongue out at me when Max leaps from the tree, and Soren catches him effortlessly. “Are you sure you’re not part monkey?” he asks Max, tickling him while I try to unlodge my heart that leapt into my throat at his actions.

Max laughs and wriggles free and peers up at me.

“I think she is stuck,” Max snickers.

“I’m not, I am calculating where to place my feet.” I tell him though right now I have become one with the tree, my hands not wanting to let go of my current branch, the ground seemingly getting further away.

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careful,” King Soren calls up. “And remember, if you fall… try to land on your

funny,” I retort, but my heart flutters at his concern and then at the distance to the ground I am not even halfway down yet. I’m gonna die, I’m gonna fall and break my damn neck all because Max thinks

it, you’re stuck, aren’t you?”

at me.

down, trying not to fall to

moves closer to the tree. “Do you want me

come and get me? And risk hurting your

playing on

my expense. But then, as I step onto a branch, Soren suddenly yells, “Bree, not

branch to give way. I fall my hands scrambling for something and

Soren calls

you. I’m not a small child, my king. Maybe get a ladder?” I suggest, panic now setting in.

he can catch you.” Max

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instructs and my eyes widen in horror when I see the boy start climbing the damn tree with a mischievous grin on his

he is part monkey,” I say, watching him approach with a mix

laughs. “Max.” King Soren nods his head

right there Max while your father gets a ladder!” I shriek when he