Lycan's Prey by Jessica Hall

Chapter 113

I step closer, resting my hands on the wooden frame of the swingset. The earthy scent of freshly cut grass envelops me as Bree looks over to smile at me. “I was wondering when you would come looking for us. He’s been asking for you.” Bree tells me.

“Look at me, Dad! I’m flying!” Max beams, kicking his legs wildly in mid–air, his blue eyes sparkling with pure glee.

“Just don’t fly too high, or you might take off!” I tease.

But then, out of the corner of my eye, I see him–Damian. He strides across the grass, papers clutched tightly in his hand, his expression taut and his pace quick. My heart drops.

“Great,” I mutter under my breath. The last thing I want is another confrontation with my brother while Max and Bree are here. I straighten, forcing myself to remain calm, even as Damian approaches with purpose. The tension in his posture tells me he isn’t here for casual conversation.

“Max, why don’t you show Bree how high you can swing?” | suggest, hoping to divert his attention.

Max nods eagerly, oblivious to the sudden shift in atmosphere. Bree flashes me a questioning look but says. nothing. I step aside, moving toward Damian, who stands at the edge of the garden like an unwelcome storm cloud.

“What is it?” I ask, my voice steady, though a hint of

impatience creeps in.

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thrusts the papers forward, and I catch a glimpse of official seals and printed text. “The council couldn’t find any record of Brielle,”

back at Bree and Max,

sure you’re not making a mistake?” he presses, and

my chest. I scan the document, my eyes darting over the bureaucratic language, the cold reality sinking in. My

face grim. “She could be hiding something. You

past, the secrets that cloud

“but

within me, hot and quick. I want to defend Bree, the warmth she brings to our lives.

crossing his arms. “But we can’t ignore the facts. If the records don’t show her… what does that mean? She’s hiding

in my chest like a stone. “You need to

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the worry etched on his face, the same protective instinct that drives me.

the gnawing question of her past. What secrets does she hold? I glance at the documents again, feeling