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.

will give me his name so I can end this,” Soren whispers softly, tugging me back against him until his body lines my entire

slips under my 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

his words are rooted in truth. He

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 promises. His tone is steady, a controlled anger

I confess

clearly doesn’t care for your bond,” Soren presses, his frustration clear.

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

words. “Why would knowing his name

Chapter 78

I’m not ready

my lip, struggling to articulate the fear that knots my stomach. “You might see me differently,” I admit, my voice a whisper of vulnerability.

me to see you?” he asks, a softness edging his voice that makes

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

his presence enveloping me as

not all you have?” he murmurs against

can have Max, have a

are you hiding, Bree? What has you so scared?”

the truth, you won’t want me

me even closer, his breath

just drop it. I… I can’t say,” I confess, my