Page 10 of Lycan Prey (Little Secrets Duet #1)

His face is contorted into an angry sneer as he snaps at the woman from the small food truck, snatching his bagel off her, and his coffee. The old woman frowns, then serves the next person in line.

My heart sinks as I see his piercing blue eyes glowing in the distance, his wolf clearly below the surface and pressing against his skin, the same eyes that used to make me feel safe and loved. Panic ripples through me; my time may be running out.

Rhett’s reach is longer than I could have ever imagined if it keeps leading him back here, or maybe he is visiting the King?

Is that possible, surely they aren’t that close?

No, they couldn’t be, why would a king hang out with the likes of him?

I never thought he would actually come looking for me himself when he could send his warriors.

Though here he is, in this small town where I thought I would be safe.

The sound of cars buzzing by on the nearby road fades into the background.

There’s only the faint ringing in my ears, signaling the fight or flight response that is kicking in.

My legs feel like lead as I glance around for somewhere to hide, my muscles tense and trembling with dread.

The cold wind brushes against my skin, a shiver coursing through me as my gaze darts around nervously, knowing standing here behind a sign, I might as well be a sitting duck.

Desperate to avoid him, I quickly move to a nearby convenience store. My fingers tremble as I reach for the doorknob, my whole body on high alert. I can almost feel Rhett’s presence behind me, his touch lingering on my skin like a ghost from the past.

Rushing inside, I watch him through the window from behind the glasses and hat stand.

He looks angry and determined as he approaches the pharmacy door, his eyes scanning the area frantically almost like he can feel my gaze on him.

I’m glad we hadn’t finished the mating ceremony or he’d feel my presence through the bond.

I can’t let him find me here. The thought of facing him again fills me with dread and fear. I hold my breath, praying he doesn’t spot me. After what feels like an eternity, he shakes his head and stalks back to his car, leaving me to exhale a shaky breath.

His car drives out of the town, speeding up the road, the engine roaring.

I spend a few extra moments in the store worried he may turn around and come back, I don’t want to get caught on the street.

With newfound urgency, I slip out of the store, pull my hood up over my head, and make my way to the pharmacy, all while peering over my shoulder.

The fear of encountering Rhett again is almost suffocating.

The streets are lined with quaint little shops, their windows adorned with inviting displays. The townspeople bustle, going about their daily routines, some casting curious glances in my direction.

It’s clear to me they’re not used to seeing new faces in their tight-knit community.

I pass a cozy café with a ‘Position Vacant’ sign hanging in the window.

The warm, inviting aroma of freshly brewed coffee and baked goods wafts out, making my stomach rumble.

Noting the café is hiring, I consider applying for the job once I’ve taken care of my grandmother’s immediate needs.

I briefly picture myself working in the coffee shop, taking care of Granny, and starting a new life here.

I continue down the street, passing by a few more shops and restaurants until I reach the pharmacy. The bell above the door jingles as I enter, and immediately, the sweet scent of flowers and medicinal herbs overwhelms my senses.

The pharmacist behind the counter peeks up at me and I quickly make my way to the counter, where he greets me with a warm smile.

He’s a middle-aged man, with glasses perched on the tip of his nose.

I explain my situation with Granny and give him the scripts I have for her.

He nods sympathetically and begins gathering everything she needs.

As he brings up her scripts, typing them into the register, I mentally tally up how much money we have left. With bills, and groceries to worry about now, things are going to be tight financially. I realize getting a job may not be just a desire but a necessity at this point.

I’m grateful to find the money I have is just enough to cover the cost of a new oxygen tank and a couple of inhalers. I catch a familiar scent and realize he, too, is a werewolf.

“Is it just these scripts?” he asks, his eyes studying me with a mix of curiosity and concern.

“Yes, thank you,” I reply, trying to hide my unease.

“You’ll have to tell your grandmother she is due for a new script, since you just filled the last one,” he tells me.

I’m about to turn and look around when he begins asking me questions as he fills the last script, his tone warm and friendly but bordering on intrusive.

“Are you new in town? I don’t think I’ve seen you around before. ”

I nod, my cheeks flushing with embarrassment. “Yes, I’m staying with my grandmother. She’s not been doing too well lately.”

The pharmacist’s eyes soften with sympathy. “I’m glad she has someone to help her now. She’s been on her own for far too long. What brings you to our little town, just your grandmother?”

I hesitate, not wanting to reveal too much about my situation. “I just needed a change of scenery,” I offer vaguely, hoping he won’t pry further.

He nods, his expression thoughtful. “Sometimes, a fresh start is just what we need. It’s a lovely community here.

I’m sure you’ll fit right in.” As he hands me the last filled prescription, his eyes linger on me a moment longer.

“If you ever need anything, don’t hesitate to reach out. My name is Sam, by the way.”

“Thank you, Sam,” I reply, clutching the oxygen tank and inhalers close to my chest, he slides a small bottle of pills which must be what he was talking about her needing more of. “I appreciate your help.”

As I leave the pharmacy, I notice a few people in the streets watching me with guarded expressions, their eyes narrowing as if I’m intruding on their territory. It makes me wonder if Rhett interrogated those who are glaring.

However, as I leave to turn down the end of the small street and back onto the main street, I contemplate returning to inquire about the job at the café.

Before I can even turn, a rough hand suddenly grabs my arm.

My mind instantly goes to thinking Rhett has caught me for half a second.

I tense as I’m forcefully pulled into a nearby alleyway.

I let out a shaky breath when I realize it’s not him, but someone else.

However, that relief is short-lived when I see the angry look on his face.