Page 40 of Lycan Prey
King Soren pulls up out the front. My eyes widen as I take it all in—the walls made entirely of stone. I’ve been here before, yet it still takes my breath away each time I see this place.
Soren pulls up to the entranceway and hops out of the car to open my door. I step out onto the gravel path leading to the castle, feeling like I’m walking into a dream or maybe a nightmare. I’m still up in arms about that, this could be the new beginning I need or the end.
Inside, everything is opulent and beautiful—silk curtains drape from floor-to-ceiling windows, crystal chandeliers hangoverhead in every room. Gorgeous paintings line hallway walls while intricate tile work borders every doorway.
It’s sensory overload, but I’m so appreciative of all King Soren has offered so far. The grandeur of it all makes me a bit nervous. Moving into the castle means leaving my life behind and being at the mercy of King Soren’s whims. But then again, what other choice do I have?
King Soren leads me up a grand staircase until we reach a door at the end of a long hallway. He pushes it open, revealing an elegant suite complete with its own living area and access to a balcony overlooking the surrounding forest.
“This will be your home now,” he says softly. “You’ll have access to anything you need. We have a gym, a pool, even a private theater.”
King Soren must sense something is wrong because he peers down at me.
“What’s wrong? You don’t like the room, we have plenty of others, maybe—”
I shake my head, cutting him off. “No, it’s not that, My King.”
“Soren, you can use my name, Bree,” he chuckles. I glance around the elegant room.
“Whatever you need I can organize,” he assures me, and I sigh, feeling a sense of comfort from his words.
“It’s just that I’m a werewolf.”
Soren nods, his expression patient.
“During full moons, I lose control, and I’m afraid I might hurt Max or any of your people,” I finish, my voice barely above a whisper.
“I understand that,” Soren says, concern crossing his face. “I’ll make sure you have a safe space to shift during those times. We’ll set up a room in the basement that’s soundproof andequipped with everything you need. Or I have the dungeons too if needed. We will take precautions.”
“Thank you,” I whisper, feeling like I might cry from the weight of all the emotions from today. “I don’t know how to repay you for all of this.”
He smiles kindly. “Well, you’re helping me with Max, so you are repaying me.”
His assurance washes over me like a cool breeze, easing my worries. I nod, grateful for his understanding.
A soft knock on the door sounds and Soren’s face brightens immediately.
“I bet that’s Max,” he says, excitement coloring his tone. He strides to the door and opens it.
“Bree!” Max greets me with a squeal that turns into a heart-melting grin before rushing into the room and launching himself at me. His tiny arms wrap around my legs in a tight hug. Laughter bubbles up from deep within me.
“Hello, Max.” I crouch down to his level, brushing stray curls away from his forehead.
“You convinced her?” he looks at his father before looking at me. “Are you going to be my nanny?” he asks excitedly.
I smile. “Yes, Max, I’m your new nanny.” His squeal of joy echoes throughout the room as he hugs me tighter. I peer up at King Soren who stands at the doorway, a soft smile playing on his lips.
Just maybe, this could work out after all. Maybe here, in this new place with these new people, life could finally start making sense. I could escape from the betrayal and pain of the past and build something new for myself.
“Yes! Yes, yes, yes!” Max jumps up and down excitedly before rushing off to grab some game he wants to play.
“He’s been looking forward to having you here,” Soren admits, his eyes meeting mine.
“You knew I would say yes?” I ask with a raised brow.
“I can be persuasive.”
“I suppose I better go find Max, then.” I tell him, moving to find where Max darted off to.
