Lycan's Prey by Jessica Hall

Chapter 201

The more I move, the clumsier I become, and the stranger I feel as I scoop up the container. The side is cracked but the glass didn’t shatter, so I try peeling off the lid. It’s like I’m a stranger in my own body, and I hate it as I fumble with the lid off, my claws in the way. Wait, claws?

Maribel approaches me slowly, her voice soft and soothing. “Aubrey, sweetheart, take a deep breath. It’s okay, this is all normal-”

“Normal?” I snarl, whirling to face her. The word tastes bitter on my tongue. “How is any of this normal? I feel like I’m going insane!”

I immediately regret snapping at her, but I can’t seem to control the words spilling from my mouth. Maribel, however, doesn’t even flinch. She maintains her calm demeanor, which only serves to irritate me further.

Suddenly, Soren bursts into the kitchen, his hair still damp from the shower. His eyes are wide with panic as they lock. onto me. “Aubrey,” he breathes, relief and worry warring in his voice.

The moment I see him, something primal stirs within me. A low growl escapes my throat, and I find myself moving towards him, drawn by an irresistible urge. My eyes roam over his body, drinking in every detail. I want him. No, I need him.

Soren’s expression shifts, understanding dawning in his eyes. He holds out a hand, his voice low and steady. “Easy, Aubrey. I

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get you out of here, you’re reacting to the bond, and I

urge to pounce on him, my mind a whirlwind of conflicting desires. “What’s happening to me?” I manage

in soothing tones. “Your senses are haywire right now because you need your first shift. You’re jittery, everything feels intense–it’s all

You mean…?”

will settle down. But right now,

room, his face lit up with excitement. Before

stop! Don’t run!” he shouts, panic lacing his

My eyes lock onto Max, tracking his every movement. Something primal stirs within me, a need to chase, to play, too… Max skids to a halt, his

Aubrey?” he asks, worry creeping into his voice. “She

Chapter 201

feeling a bit more… animalistic right now,” he

a moment before he shrugs, apparently satisfied with the explanation. Before Soren can stop him, he grabs my hand. “Come on, Aubrey! Let’s play!”