Lycan's Prey by Jessica Hall

Chapter 168

Rhett’s footsteps grow louder, echoing off the walls as he moves deeper into the storage room. I can hear him shifting boxes, the scrape of metal against concrete as he checks behind each row, methodically closing in on my hiding spot. Every sound makes me flinch, every step drawing him closer, and I have to fight the urge to run, to flee without a plan.

Then, suddenly, his shadow stretches across the floor, long and dark, creeping toward the armchair where I’m hiding. I hold my breath, clenching my fists, every muscle taut with terror as his footsteps slow. He’s right there, barely inches away, and I can hear his heavy breathing, feel the malice radiating from him.

He pauses, and I brace myself, heart pounding so hard I’m sure he’ll hear it. My mind races, desperate, searching for anything I can use to defend myself. My claws have barely grown back, weakened by the wolfsbane still lingering in my system, but if it comes to it, I’ll fight with everything I have.

I close my eyes, willing myself to become invisible. Yet as they move through the room, I know I can’t stay here; they’ll spot me, so keeping low, I move through the room using the furniture and pallets to hide behind as I try to find a door or something.

Just as I duck behind some old crates, I hear Rhett’s voice ringing through the basement. “She’s close! Don’t let her escape!”

His words send a jolt of terror through me. I press my back

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rough wood, splinters digging into my skin. through my thin shirt. The musty scent of

closer. My heart hammers against my ribcage, each beat a thunderous roar in my ears.

the air, dripping with false sweetness. “You’re only making this harder on

sound of boxes being overturned makes me flinch. They‘ re searching methodically, getting nearer with each passing second. I strain my ears,

has to be around here somewhere!”

panic through me. I can’t stay here. They’re

I force myself to open my eyes, scanning the dimly lit basement. My gaze darts from corner to

my eye – a torn piece of paper fluttering in a faint breeze. My heart leaps. Where there’s air, there’s a way

Rhett’s threat trails off, punctuated by the crash of something heavy hitting the floor, the sound reverberating through the

my focus on the small scrap

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