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?”

as she is ushered

face me with a carefully neutral expression. “Soren, it’s late. My guard is

exactly what Clyde and Rhett were doing,” I cut him off, my voice cold. “And now, while you’ve been here enjoying my

crowd. Gasps echo around 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

and for a split second, his composure

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clenches his jaw, his hands curling into fists at his sides. “You’re making a mistake,” he says, his voice low and dangerous.

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

corner me like some common criminal?” he growls before turning his attention back to

now you’re watching it crumble,” I

across the room like he weighs nothing. Tables are upended, glasses shattering on the marble floor as guests scatter, some screaming, others frozen in shock as his men start trying to take out my

mean risking their lives. He nods, immediately 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 set up for the reception. We knew one would

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go down

I focus on Alaric. He’s 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 the

claws. He hisses in pain as I leave a deep gash across his chest, dark blood seeping through

who’s used to winning,

dodge another strike, countering with a powerful kick that sends him crashing into a nearby pillar. The stone cracks under the impact, dust and debris raining

at me with pure hatred. With one final surge of power, I leap forward, 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

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