Lycan's Prey by Jessica Hall

Chapter 46

“Bree!” Max greets me with a squeal that turns into a heart- melting grin before rushing into the room and launching himself at me. His tiny arms wrap around my legs in a tight hug. Laughter bubbles up from deep within me.

“Hello Max.” I crouch down to his level, brushing stray curls away from his forehead.

“You convinced her?” he looks at his father before looking at me. “Are you going to be my Nanny?” he asks excitedly. I

smile.

“Yes, Max,” I say. “I am your new nanny.” His squeal of joy echoes throughout the room as he hugs me tighter. I look up at King Soren who stands at the doorway, a soft smile playing on his lips.

Just maybe, this could work out after all. Maybe here, in this new place with these new people, life could finally start making sense. I could escape from the betrayal and pain of the past and build something new for myself.

“Yes! Yes yes yes!” Max jumps up and down excitedly before rushing off to grab some game he wants to play.

Soren watches him with a soft smile. “He’s been looking forward to having you here,” he admits, his eyes meeting mine.

“You knew I would say yes?” I ask with a raised brow.

“I can be persuasive,” he smiles wickedly and I roll my eyes at

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I better go find Max then.” I tell

keeps his promise and provides everything I need. I hardly see King Soren except at dinner with Max, so it isn’t

me tense up whenever there is an unexpected knock on the door, it has me on edge constantly waiting for the other shoe to drop, I worry that the king will one day send for me and that will be the end, that I will find myself in some cell for something I

passes and we cremate Granny. The day is hard, and I am overwhelmed with guilt at how little time I was able to spend with her. Despite the heaviness of the day, I feel a glimmer of happiness that I was able to make her

am grateful for some time alone. But as I lay in bed, I feel even more on edge. Perhaps it was the funeral or knowing the full moon is only two weeks away. The last few days, I’d also been hit with another series of debilitating stomach cramps, which I know are from

amped it up, like he is hoping the agony of it will have me crawling back begging him

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of all nights did it have to be tonight when I

it’s slow at first but then has me tossing and turning, sobbing,

me groaning, knowing I have to answer the door. But I can barely walk from the pain that lingers my muscle taut and I am drenched in sweat. My heart

handsome he looks. His hair falls over his forehead in soft waves, and the dim light from the hallway highlights the

with Max?” I ask him, slightly breathlessly.

wanted to check on you,” he says, his eyes scanning the room before settling on me again. “Max reminded me when I tucked him in bed, that your grandmother’s cremation was today. I’m sorry I couldn’t be there.”