Lycan's Prey by Jessica Hall

Chapter 246

Soren

The reception is in full swing, laughter and music filling the air. Candle lit chandeliers sway gently overhead, casting a warm golden glow over the festivities. Aubrey is standing across the room, radiant in her wedding gown, surrounded by people. Her smile brightens the entire hall, and for a brief moment, I allow myself to relax and take it all in.

But only for a moment.

Because even as the celebration continues around me, my attention remains locked on King Alaric. He stands near the edge of the room, surrounded by his entourage guards, his every move watched by my own, his eyes sharp as he scans the crowd. He looks the part of a respected king–dressed impeccably in a dark suit, exuding an air of calm authority. But beneath that polished exterior, I can sense the unease simmering beneath his skin. He’s hiding something, and soon, he’s going to find out that his secrets are no longer safe.

I don’t take my eyes off him. This isn’t just a wedding for me- it’s a trap, and Alaric has walked right into it.

Minutes pass, and then I see it–the subtle change in his demeanor. One of his men approaches, leaning in close to whisper something in his ear. Alaric’s smug expression falters, his brows drawing together in a brief flicker of concern before he schools his features back into neutrality.

He knows.

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Nodding to Damian, I see my men usher Aubrey, my mother and Max out of the ballroom and to the tents outside in the courtyard. This is still Aubrey’s day and nothing will ruin it if I can help it.

I watch as he carefully places his glass down on a nearby table and casually starts to edge toward the exit. He moves with the precision of a man who’s used to slipping away unnoticed, but not this time. Not here. Not on my watch.

I step forward, my voice cutting through the noise of the reception like a blade. “Going somewhere, Alaric?”

turning toward us. Aubrey’s gaze snaps to mine as she is ushered toward the door, her smile fading as she senses the shift in the atmosphere.

guard is nervous for

off, my voice cold. “And now, while you’ve

the hall, and whispered conversations break out as people try to make sense of what’s happening. All while the few paparazzi we let attend start snapping shots for the papers, no doubt this will splashed over every single one by morning. And the council is

and for a split

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at his sides. “You’re making a mistake,” he says, his voice low

Bianca’s confession, and the evidence we seized from your shipments. It’s over, Alaric. You’ve lost. The council has everything.” I motion

you can corner me like some common criminal?” he growls before turning his attention back to me. “I built my empire

you’re watching it crumble,”

I can say more, Alaric makes his move. He moves with the speed and strength of an old vampire, his strikes precise. He grabs one of my guards who advances toward him, throwing him across the room

stepping in to direct the guards toward the panicked crowd while the rest of my guard subdue Alaric’s men. This is why we had the tents and ballroom

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Alaric wouldn’t go

fast, but I’m faster. I shift into my lycan form mid–leap, my muscles bulging as my claws extend. I land in front of him as he runs for

at me with supernatural speed, but I’m ready. I dodge his strike, swiping at him with my claws. He hisses in pain as I leave a deep gash across his chest, dark blood seeping

strong, but his arrogance is his weakness. He fights like a man who’s used to winning, but he’s never faced someone like me–someone with everything to lose and even more to

nearby pillar. The stone cracks under the

sinking my claws deep into his chest. He gasps, his eyes widening in shock as I lift him off the ground. For a moment, everything goes still. The sounds of the reception fade into the background, and all I can hear is the pounding of my heart

then, with a swift motion, I rip his heart from his chest.