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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Soren calls up. “And remember, if you fall… try to land

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

stuck, aren’t you?” Soren chuckles,

at me.

trying not

the tree. “Do you want

me? And risk

his arms across his chest, a smirk playing on his lips. “Suit

descend, Max and Soren laugh at my expense. But then,

way. I fall my hands scrambling for something and I just manage to grab a branch lower

Soren

not a small child, my king. Maybe get

can catch you.” Max calls out

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Soren instructs and my eyes widen in horror when I see

think you’re right, he is part monkey,” I say, watching him

“Max.” King Soren nods his head

while your father gets a ladder!” I shriek when he starts walking along the branch.