Lycan's Prey by Jessica Hall

Chapter 79

-Aubrey-

~The next morning~

The clink of cutlery against China is loud in the morning stillness as I nibble on a slice of toast, my mind replaying the conversation with Soren last night. The tension from our exchange lingers when Maribel’s voice punctures the quiet.

“Damian will be joining us for shopping after breakfast,” she says, her eyes bright with plans and excitement. I had completely forgotten about going shopping. She doesn’t notice how my hand pauses, toast halfway to my lips, or the way my stomach tightens at the mention of Damian’s name.

I force a smile, one that doesn’t quite reach my eyes. Damian’s cool, appraising gaze has always made me feel like an intruder in this family’s life. His distrust is a shadow that follows me, even here at the breakfast table, while his mother buzzes about colors and fabrics for the upcoming wedding.

As we clear the table, my fingers fumble with the dishes, the nervous energy making me clumsy. I glance over at Soren, his brow furrowed with thoughts of the meeting that will keep him away from us today. Part of me wants him to join us, to act as a buffer between Damian’s scrutiny and my own.

unease.

But his absence is unavoidable, his kingdom demanding his attention. I understand, and yet, my heart sinks at the thought of being around Damian, it is obvious he doesn’t like me or

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Chapter 79

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isn’t unwarranted, they have no clue who I am.

me out of my thoughts. She’s looking at me with eyes full of genuine concern and I realize I was staring off vacantly at Damian who folds his arms across his chest. Maribel glances at him

on a smile that feels forced even to me. “Just a little lost in thought,” I manage to

placing her hand over mine. “Don’t fret about Damian,” she says as if reading my mind. “He can be a bit intimidating, but he means well. He is just protective of his brother.”

at her

she

you know I don’t like rogues,” he answers. She sighs, rolling

marrying your brother!” she retorts quickly when Soren punches his brother’s arm hard enough I

her; only I do!” Soren states, giving him a pointed look. Damian looks like he wants to say something more but stops when Soren grips his arm, dragging him

he being like that?” she murmurs in confusion. “I thought he was starting to warm up

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himself you needed help with the

gets about rogues. He doesn’t trust any of them,” Alaric states. “No offense, dear, we’ve had run–ins before, as

I nod.

says he loves you, that is good enough for me,” he adds, and I chew my lip nervously. If only they knew their son doesn’t

come on, maybe he’ll warm up to you after spending the day with us.” Maribel chirps, and I nod, following her out of the dining hall.