Page 37 of Lycan Prey
“Bree, I never said you had to leave,” he tells me, reaching for my hand. His thumb brushes over the back of it. I stare at his hand for a second. “Stay, you’re welcome to remain here,” he murmurs. Gazing at him, my stomach twists in knots.
“And what happens when I don’t register before the month is up? Your brother wants me gone, he doesn’t trust me.”
“How about I make you a deal?” he offers. I watch him carefully. “I will pay for the funeral.”
I shake my head quickly. Is he insane? “I can’t accept that. It’s too much.”
Soren’s gaze softens. “Then let me loan you the money. You shouldn’t have to do this alone.”
I hesitate, torn between my pride and the growing pile of bills. “I would never earn enough to pay you back, My King,” I admit. My tips are good, but not that good.
“As Max’s nanny, you could,” he offers, and I huff. He still hasn’t given up on the nanny idea?
“You’re not going to give up, are you?”
He smiles deviously. “Is that a yes?”
I hesitate, staring down at our intertwined hands. His offer is tempting, a chance to start over. But could I trust him? I trusted Rhett once and look where that got me.
“I don’t want your charity,” I mumble, pulling my hand away. Soren looks taken aback by the sudden movement but quickly recovers.
“It’s not charity, Bree,” he insists. “It’s a job offer. And a loan, which you’ll pay back.”
I bite my lip, considering his words. The reality is that grandma’s funeral expenses are piling up and utilities; which Granny was already behind on I just didn’t realize. I know soon I will have nowhere to stay if I don’t figure out some way to come up with the money.
The thought of being near Max again, to watch him grow up, is tempting. But the idea of being indebted to the King scares me.
Finally, I nod, accepting his offer. It feels like I’m surrendering, but the weight of the situation leaves me with little choice. Plus, it would feel great to have one less thing to worry about.
“Okay, I’ll do it,” I agree, though a part of me screams in protest.
“But there’s two conditions,” Soren adds. “You’ll need to move into the castle. That condition is not negotiable. Besides, this place should be condemned,” he murmurs, peering around with slight disgust.
“I worry about Max’s safety if you watch him here,” he tells me, and I stare around at the peeling paint of the walls and the busted furniture.
“Your brother definitely would not like an unregistered werewolf in the castle, and what about full moons?” I ask him.
“Good thing my brother gets no say; he isn’t the King, I am.”
“Can I at least come back here on the full moon, I don’t trust my wolf around Max.” I admit.
“I have dungeons,” he tells me, his voice dropping to a tone that hints he is older than I realize. The way he says it sounds so medieval, and I can’t help but look at him puzzled.
He catches the confusion on my face and chuckles, his eyes twinkling with amusement. “It is a castle, Bree. And I am, admittedly, very old.”
“How old?” I ask, my curiosity piqued, my smile teasing.
“Old enough to be your great-grandfather’s great-grandfather, probably.” His reply makes me grimace playfully.
“You’ve aged like fine wine, then,” I chuckle, the words slipping out before I can stop them. Realizing what I’ve just implied, my face burns with embarrassment.
“I mean, for an old guy,” I stammer, trying to deflect.
Soren’s smile widens, a hint of mischief playing across his features as he leans in slightly, his voice low and teasing. “Very generous of you, Bree,” he murmurs, his gaze holding mine. “Let’s not forget, with age comes not only wisdom but a certain finesse in all things. I’ve learned to appreciate the finer details in life—I have the patience of a saint and the experience to make each moment count.” His chuckle is soft and inviting, filled with a warmth that suggests familiarity and an allure that is both gentlemanly and subtly provocative.
“A saint, huh?” I quirk an eyebrow at him, trying to conceal my blush. “Is that right?”
“Indeed,” he affirms with a confident nod, his fingers brushing against mine. The contact sends shivers up my spine, unexpected, unwanted. “You’ll find I can be very… persuasive when I want something.”
