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.

III O <

Chapter 120

know, being king isn’t just about ruling. It’s… a constant pressure. Always making decisions, always weighing lives against one another. But there are days. when I can’t be bothered, that I don’t want to rule.” His voice is low, almost like he’s

guard down like this. “You carry so

I see the flicker of pain in his eyes. “My last wife… I

werewolf.”

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

have met you otherwise. I loved my wife,

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,

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

<

Chapter 120