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

1

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.

this,” Soren whispers softly,

top to my stomach, his warm hand holding me to him. At that moment, his Calling slips out, and as the pain intensifies, his Calling becomes even more powerful, his purr vibrating through my entire

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

end him and break the bond for you,” he promises. His tone is steady, a controlled anger

yet, I fear that day,” I confess softly,

He clearly doesn’t care for

with my fears and desires. “It’s complicated,” I start, hesitant. “I’m… afraid of losing what I have

words. “Why would knowing his name make you lose everything here?” His

Chapter 78

truths I’m not

to articulate the fear that knots my stomach. “You might

you?” he asks, a softness edging

everything for him,” I confess, the admission feeling both freeing and terrifying. Mostly, I feel

shifts, his presence enveloping me as he pulls

it’s not all you have?” he murmurs

have Max, have a life here?”

are you hiding, Bree? What has you

scared that once you learn the truth, you won’t want me

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

say,” I confess, my voice barely