Lycan's Prey by Jessica Hall

Chapter 85

“Of course, Soren. I am grateful for your… understanding,” he says, though the gratitude seems to claw at his throat on its way out.

“Good.” My gaze doesn’t falter as I fix him in place with a look that brooks no argument. “Then we are clear. Your debt will be settled, and the alliance can proceed without further hindrance.”

“Thank you,” he mutters, the words barely audible.

With a nod, more to myself than to him, I prepare to disconnect the call, knowing full well that while today’s agreement might pause any pack wars for now, it’s the actions that follow that will decide if these two packs ever come to an alliance again.

*****

~Aubrey-

I stagger out of Damian’s car, wincing with each step as if I’m navigating a minefield in my trousers. The raw aftermath of my waxing session makes every movement feel like I’m rubbing sandpaper between my thighs–or what’s left of them. The castle looms ahead, its ancient stones suddenly mocking my very modern pain.

My pants chafe with every step, a cruel reminder of my now too–smooth situation. It’s like walking with two angry, hairless ts fighting in my underwear. With no protective buffer,

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Chapter 85

every seam feels like it’s plotting against me.

Soren is waiting, his smile quickly turning to a puzzled frown as he watches me waddle up the drive. The confusion on his face morphs into shock as I approach, moving like a penguin.

out, trying to mask his concern with humor as he takes

in his direction. “Feels like I’ve just ridden a

limp past him, my walk turning into a bizarre bow–legged shuffle. “What happened to you?” he asks, trailing behind me, his

Ignoring his question, I beeline for the kitchen, each step a reminder of the day’s atrocities. “Just a brief trip to hell and back.

looking at me with concern.

introduced me to a waxing strip, and it took a liking to me–a lot,” I say through gritted

then winces sympathetically as I make a pained face. “Looks

smuggling, the porcupine violated me!” I correct him with

makes the corners of my mouth twitch upwards. “I’d offer to carry you, but I

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Chapter 85

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for me

for anything cold, my new best friends being

for the freezer, fishing out a bag of frozen peas. I press it against my tortured southern region, sighing in relief as the cold

clearly trying to imagine the scene. “It can’t

been born a witch. “I think

pea bag. Instead, I storm off, walking like a cowboy who’s spent

numb this pain. Soren’s

you will!” I snap at him.

in our room, I take a deep breath and brace myself, pulling the