Lycan's Prey by Jessica Hall

Chapter 77

Aubrey

I walk behind Soren; his shoulders are tense, and the usual ease of his stride is replaced by a stiffness that makes my stomach churn. As we ascend the staircase to our room, I can’t help but replay Max’s innocent words in my head, words that seemed to hang in the air long after I tucked him into bed and switched off his dinosaur lamp.

The silence between us feels heavy, a heavyweight that presses down on my chest. With every step, I glance at Soren’s profile, searching for a hint of emotion, but he’s a mask of neutrality. Still, something about the way he hasn’t so much as glanced my way since we left Max’s room tells me he heard more than enough.

I follow him, my mind racing with possibilities. Did Max’s words stir some dormant feelings within Soren? Or perhaps it’s the opposite–maybe he’s upset, thinking I’ve overstepped boundaries with his son. The questions gnaw at me, unsettling the comfort I’ve found in this place, in this makeshift family I never asked to be a part of but now find myself smack in the middle.

We enter the bedroom, and the familiar space suddenly feels foreign and too small; I suddenly feel unwelcome. I watch Soren move around, his actions deliberate and precise. There’s a methodical nature to the way he removes his jacket and places it over the back of a chair, a routine that seems to exclude me tonight as he gets ready for bed.

COL

Chapter 77

“Is everything okay?” I ask, my voice a whisper against the thick silence.

but he doesn’t speak. Instead, he resumes his nightly ritual, leaving my question to dissipate into the quiet

twisting together at the uncertainty. Soren’s shoulders are rigid as he pulls back the duvet.

a murmur, “I’m sorry

my intention to-”

bed without acknowledging me, pulling the covers up in a smooth motion that doesn’t betray a single ripple of emotion. I stand there, a figure rooted in place,

on and grabs his book.

my pajamas I move to the bathroom to get changed into my pajamas. As I slip into my soft cotton nightwear, I steal a glance at

hesitantly approach the

111

O

<

Chapter 77

1208 Wouchers

disturb him. The floor creaks under my weight and his eyes flicker towards me for a