Lycan's Prey by Jessica Hall

Chapter 207

My thoughts on Guard perimeters? Tranquilizers? Running in the forest? I have to wonder if going for a run is a good idea if they need to take such precautions.

“Are you okay?” Soren’s voice whispering into my ear has me snapping my head toward him. His eyes full of concern boring. into mine are enough for me to push away all the impending thoughts of the night ahead.

“I’m fine,” I assure him, mustering the most convincing smile l can achieve under the circumstances. One thing about Soren, he sees right through me always. His lips curve up slightly at my words, but I note a hint of worry still lingering in his eyes.

Just as dessert arrives, Maribel brings up the wedding preparations again. She discusses flower arrangements, invitations, and music–any distraction to help us ignore the tension building as dinner draws on. The more she talks about colors and fabric swatches, the more appealing it seems to run around in a forest as something other than human.

Soon dinner is over and staff come in to clear the room. Dread fills me knowing soon I will have to shift. I stroke my fingers through Max’s hair who has fallen asleep halfway through dinner and is curled up in my lap.

“It will be alright,” Soren assures, reaching out his hand to gently caress mine on top of the table. He glances at Max sleeping peacefully against me and lets out a soft sigh.

I comment and I am about to

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Chapter 207

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when Maribel comes over, she holds her arms out.

out tonight,” she says and I sigh, handing Max over to her and Soren pushes his chair back, his hand falling gently on

no reason. Believe me once you’re out there you’ll realize you worried for nothing.”

there, his hand on my back steadying me. I try to match his calm exterior, swallowing back the unease that threatens to overflow.

room, I glance back at Maribel, who‘ s cradling Max in

one more time, a half–smile playing on his lips. It’s meant to be comforting, but it

high in the sky, casting long shadows across the ground that twist and skulk with every rustle of leaves. Cold wind brushes past us suddenly causing me to shudder involuntarily when I catch a whiff

glance. “It’s just a rabbit, you’ll get used to it, I know being outside is overwhelming your senses, but try to focus on me,” he says before leading us farther away from the well–lit castle and into