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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Chapter 168

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thin shirt. The musty scent of decay fills my nostrils as I struggle

growing closer. My heart hammers against my ribcage, each beat

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

flinch. They‘ re searching methodically, getting nearer with each passing second. I strain

has to be around here somewhere!” Bianca shouts, her tone sharp and commanding.

fresh wave of panic through me. I can’t

my eyes, scanning the dimly lit basement. My gaze darts from corner to corner, desperate

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

my hands on her…” Rhett’s threat trails off, punctuated by the crash of something heavy hitting the floor, the

focus on the small scrap of

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