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

distance to the ground I am not even halfway down yet. I’m gonna

aren’t you?”

at me.

am?” I call down, trying not

want me

get me? And

arms across his chest, a smirk playing on his lips. “Suit yourself then. Don’t say I didn’t

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

him, only for the branch to give way. I fall my hands scrambling for something and I just

Soren calls up to me.

my king. Maybe get a ladder?” I suggest, panic

is strong, he can catch you.” Max

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

climbing towards me. “I think you’re right, he is part monkey,” I say, watching him approach with a mix of

laughs. “Max.” King Soren nods

a ladder!” I shriek when