Lycan's Prey by Jessica Hall

Chapter 185

Aubrey

I hear the click of Bianca’s heels against the concrete floor, drawing closer with each sharp step, rage on her face. My fingers work frantically at the rough ropes, trying to unravel the rope. Now, one hand is free, tugging and unwinding them as quickly as I can. She stalks toward me, a predatory gleam in her dark eyes.

Just a few more seconds. I need to time this perfectly.

An abrupt ringing cuts through the tense silence. Bianca pauses mid–step, annoyance flashing across her features as she yanks her phone from her pocket. I freeze, hands still poised on the half–unraveled rope, maintaining the illusion of being restrained.

This is my chance. If I can just keep up this helpless charade a little longer…

phone to her ear, half–turning away from me. “What?” she

the other end of the line. I instantly recognize the voice as Rhett’s. And hope surges through me at his words. “They raided the packhouse and killed Kyle. You need to get

face contorts with shock and disbelief, her eyes widening as she processes the gravity of the situation. Her grip on the phone tightens, and for a moment, she seems

Chapter 185

can sense her mind racing to adjust to this unexpected turn of

her ear. My heart pounds with a mix of fear and exhilaration as I process Rhett’s words. This is it–the break I’ve been waiting for. I can’t afford to waste this opportunity; with Bianca’s attention diverted, now is my moment to act. Help is coming, and if I can just free myself before she regains

ready to spring into

“Fine,” she spits into

there now. I will call you when I am on

at escape. I have to make it count. A whirlwind of emotions surges through me–fear, desperation, and a flicker of hope blending into a chaotic symphony. My breath hitches, the stakes of this moment amplifying all my senses. Every second

my peripheral