Lycan's Prey by Jessica Hall

Chapter 120

“Yeah, it’s just a long day,” he comments, passing me to head into the shower himself. Shaking off his strange mood, I quickly dress and lay down in bed. Yet, Soren climbs in bed; he still says nothing, just flicks the lamp off while I’m staring at the ceiling, unable to shake the feeling of dread tightening in my chest. Soren is next to me, his breathing steady, but I know he’s not asleep. There’s a tension in the air, an unspoken weight hanging between us, and I can feel it pulling us into a conversation neither of us seems ready to start.

I turn my head, watching the rise and fall of his chest, the lines. of his face softened in the dim light. He’s always so composed, so in control, but tonight there’s something different. A vulnerability that feels strange coming from him.

“Soren?” My voice is soft, hesitant, but it’s enough to break the silence.

He shifts slightly, turning to face me, his eyes searching mine. “Yeah?”

I take a deep breath, my fingers fidgeting with the edge of the blanket. “Are you okay? You’ve been… quiet tonight.”

He runs a hand through his hair, sighing softly. “I’m thinking about the council.”

I wait, giving him space to continue. He doesn’t usually open up easily, but tonight feels different. The silence stretches between us, thick with unsaid words.

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Chapter 120

another. But there are days. when I can’t be bothered, that I

Soren never lets his guard down like this. “You carry so much,

it’s caused this mess, I am worried it’s going to come back on me, on Max and you,” His voice falters, and I see the flicker of pain in his eyes. “My last wife… I didn’t mark her. I thought we had time. I kept putting it off, waiting for the right moment. But that moment never came, and she was killed before I could save her. You are at more risk than she

werewolf.”

on his chest, feeling the steady thump of his heartbeat. “I’m sorry,

be, I never would have met you otherwise. I loved my wife, but…”

eyes for a moment, as if gathering himself. “That’s why I can’t wait with you, Bree. I don’t want to risk it again. If anything were to happen to you…” His voice breaks, and I feel the weight of his

like him, is something I’ve tried to avoid thinking about. But now, hearing the pain in his voice, the fear of

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Chapter 120