Lycan's Prey by Jessica Hall

Chapter 94

We reach the river, its waters a black mirror reflecting the moon above. The other wolves close in, emboldened by the scent of fear and the promise of a she–wolf. They’re shadows flitting between the trees, circling, hungry for the hunt. As my eyes track them on the other side of the river, my bones snap, and I grit my teeth, forcing them to realign, knowing if I shift completely, Max stands no chance.

“Stay behind me,” I command, my words barely recognizable. My body moves of its own accord, instincts honed by countless moons taking over. Max’s eyes widen in terror, his breaths coming in quick, shallow gasps. He clutches onto my arm, his knuckles white, but he doesn’t move an inch.

“Bree, they can smell us, can’t they?” he stutters, and I don’t bother answering.

Max’s face is pale, his chest heaving with silent terror. He knows, as do I, that we’re no longer alone in these woods. “I’m sorry, I didn’t…” His words are cut off with a shriek as one wolf backs up and charges toward the water. A vicious snarl leaves it as it jumps from rock to rock, trying to cross only to disappear into the treeline further up the river.

The air vibrates with growls, a sinister chorus that chills my already fevered blood.

“Max,” I whisper urgently, my voice a rough echo of my human self. “Stay back.”

I let out an involuntary cry, dropping to my knees in front of a

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Chapter 94

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is no turning back now. My skin feels as if it’s on fire, and I can hear my bones dislocating and snapping as they rearrange themselves. Sweat

too close… he is

away beneath fur and muscle as every bone in my body screams in protest.

hand reaching out

My voice is distorted as my body bends and twists. Terror flashes in his eyes, but it’s too late–he’s seen too much. Two hulking forms emerge from the shadows, their eyes gleaming like molten silver

that makes it past my lips before the change is complete, ripping away

teeth bared, as the first wolf lunges. Its jaws snap inches from my face, but I’m fast–fueled by desperation. Claws meet flesh, mine against it. Vicious and brutal. The second

I can’t afford to lose, not with Max so close, his breath coming in sharp gasps. I feel a rib crack under the force of a massive paw, pain flaring hot and bright. But it

Chapter 94

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