Lycan's Prey by Jessica Hall

Chapter 78

For a moment, he’s motionless, then he nods once, an almost imperceptible movement. Without a word, he sets his book aside and flicks the lamp off. He then rolls over, turning his back to me again. I nod, knowing that it is the end of the conversation, and wiggle back down under the covers, trying to get comfortable.

My heart hammers in my chest, a sickening echo to the painful knots twisting in my gut. The room sinks into gloomy darkness, the only light a lone sliver from the ensuite seeping through the minute gap under the door. Shadows flicker and dance on the walls as the wind outside sways the leafless branches of an old maple tree. Its long branches scratch against the window, producing a soft, eerie music that adds to the chill creeping into my bones.

Absently, I run my fingers on the cold silk sheets beneath me, their silky coldness in stark contrast with the warmth that Soren’s body emanates behind me. I let my eyes flutter closed, surrendering to the insistent tug of exhaustion.

As we both drift off to sleep, I am restless.

It creeps up slowly at first, then intensifies when I am suddenly awoken by pains in my stomach, feeling the infidelity and knowing that Rhett is with Bianca once again. I just want a night off from this torture. The weight of his infidelity grows heavier within me, causing me to groan in despair and agony.

Carefully, I attempt to climb out of bed without waking Soren,

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Chapter 711

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1! Wors

my movements slow and deliberate as I try to reach the bathroom. Just as I feel the cool air on my legs as I swing my legs out of the bed, an arm wraps tightly around my waist, pulling me back into the warmth of the bed.

end this,” Soren whispers softly, tugging me

holding me to him. At that moment, his Calling slips out, and

voice heavy with the unwanted knowledge that his words are rooted in truth. He will eventually figure it out. His arm tightens around me,

lips touch my shoulder gently. “I just need his name. If he won’t reject you, I will end him and break the bond for you,” he

fear that day,” I confess softly, my voice barely above a whisper.

doesn’t care for

moment, wrestling with my fears and desires. “It’s complicated,” I start, hesitant. “I’m… afraid

quiet, considering my words. “Why would knowing his name make you

Chapter 78

not ready

my stomach. “You might see me differently,” I

how do you want me to see you?” he asks, a

sounds stupid, but… my bond is all I have. I gave up everything for him,” I confess, the admission feeling both freeing and terrifying. Mostly, I feel naive;

presence enveloping me as he pulls

all you have?” he murmurs against my

can have Max, have a life

Bree? What has you so scared?”

learn the truth,

me even closer, his breath warming the back of my neck. My heart hammers in my chest,

drop it. I… I can’t say,” I confess, my voice barely above a