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

concern and then at the distance to the ground I am not even halfway down

you?” Soren

at me.

if I am?” I call down, trying not to fall to

you want me to come up and get you?”

And risk

playing on his

then, as I step

for something and I just manage to grab a branch lower

go, I’ll catch you,” Soren calls up to me.

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

strong, he can catch you.” Max calls out and

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Chapter 35

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go force her down,” Soren instructs and my eyes widen in horror when I see the boy

is part monkey,” I

Soren nods his head

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