Page 2 of Lycan Prey (Little Secrets Duet #1)

“It’s alright, sorry I didn’t mean to,” he says; his voice deep and rich, a perfect counterpoint to the fearsome aura that had just moments before left me trembling.

He steps closer so his aura doesn’t affect me as much as those around us, like I’m suddenly shielded by it.

It’s a weird sensation as it ripples over me, and the overwhelming urge to submit to him fades.

He must be a powerful Alpha to be capable of controlling his aura like this. Perhaps an Alpha of Alphas?

A hint of cologne, strong and manly, lingers in the air around the man as his aura radiates dominance and danger. I catch the scent of sweat and adrenaline from the crowd as they scatter away from him.

“Sorry,” he murmurs, his large hands still clutching his son tightly. I nod, trying to catch my breath. He pulls back, taking in his son’s face.

“Max! Oh, Max, you scared me to death,” his voice deep, each word laced with an intoxicating blend of fear and overwhelming relief. His arms, strong and sure, crush the trembling boy against his chest, holding on to him like he’s afraid the boy will vanish if he doesn’t.

My knees wobble beneath me, protesting the sudden shift from adrenaline-fueled action to stillness.

“He’s okay, just a scraped knee,” I manage, my voice sounding foreign to my ears—roughened by strain. I attempt a smile, only it falters, morphing instead into a grimace as pain radiates through my bruised body.

Shakily, I straighten my jacket, attempting to compose myself, though the fabric now bears the asphalt’s unforgiving kiss. My racing heart refuses to settle as it thumps erratically.

“Thank you!” the man says, and I nod. I don’t need his thanks; the intensity in his gaze, the way he holds his son like a lifeline, it tells me everything.

The man’s eyes, a stormy blue that mirrors the sea, hold mine with an intensity that threatens to unravel the last threads of my control.

“You saved him. Thank you, truly,” he repeats earnestly, his voice a low rumble that seems to vibrate through the chaos.

“I can’t thank you enough. Are you alright? ”

The concern etched in his features is a balm to the sting of asphalt against my skin.

“I’ll be fine,” I assure him, even as pain lances through my leg, sharp and unwelcome.

I wince a mere flicker of discomfort but quickly mask it with a tight-lipped smile.

“Just a few scrapes.” He doesn’t seem convinced, his hand reaching toward my face.

A shudder runs through me when he grabs my chin, his thumb brushing over my jaw gently.

“Please, let someone look at that,” he presses, and I wince, feeling the gravel burn where his thumb touches. Despite the pain, warmth floods my cheeks. Rhett is never gentle like this. Instinctively, I lean into his scent, which is just as enticing as his touch.

“Boss,” someone says behind him, and he clears his throat, stepping back.

The man before me exudes a more powerful presence than any alpha I’ve ever encountered.

Despite his apparent concern for his son, he radiates an aura of authority.

His guard motions toward the paramedics, and he sighs, a sound carrying a weight of responsibility I can’t comprehend.

“Really, it’s nothing,” I lie, my voice steadier than I feel. I need to go meet my mate, and I’m already late. Rhett hates having to wait for anyone.

“Thank you,” he repeats. The gentle expression carves itself into the space between us.

I brush away the discomfort nagging at my limbs, trying to mask the pain as he reaches out a steadying hand. I pick up my discarded handbag. His touch is light but firm as he grips my arm, waiting for me to steady myself as I sway slightly.

“Soren,” he says, his name rolling off his tongue with a slight accent I can’t place.

Why does that name sound familiar, like I’ve heard it before?

The men who had been in pursuit now stand back, making me glance around nervously.

The crowd is now gone, and only men in suits stand in a circle around us.

My skin prickles with unease, wondering who this man is, that he has this many security guards following him, and to think one small child escaped the lot of them; I try not to snicker at the thought.

Soren turns to tell the paramedics they aren’t needed before returning to me.

Soren’s gaze holds mine with an intensity that makes me pause.

“Let me take you to get checked out,” he insists gently.

I’m about to decline again when he adds, “Or, at the very least, let me buy you a coffee; there’s a café just around the corner.

” I’m torn. On one hand, I don’t want to impose on him or make him feel obligated to help me.

And on the other hand, I’m curious about who he is, and I can’t deny a cup of coffee sounds good right now.

I hesitate, keenly aware of the time slipping away.

I’m supposed to meet Rhett for lunch and don’t want to be late.

“I really should be going. I’m meeting a friend,” I say, the lie feeling awkward as it tumbles out.

This man doesn’t need to know about my complicated mate bond, and no one wants to admit they are the unwanted mate of an Alpha; how embarrassing.

He’d probably think there is something wrong with me.

“Please,” Soren urges, his voice filled with genuine concern. “It’s the least I can do.”

Despite knowing I should decline, I find myself agreeing.

His concern is rare in a pack where I often feel unwanted.

As we make our way through the crowd, Soren places his hand gently on the small of my back, guiding me.

He smiles, pushes the door open, and sets Max down.

He rushes off toward a nearby booth. I follow the boy only to see his security remain outside.

Once again, I try to recall where I’ve heard the name Soren before, my heart fluttering with a mix of curiosity and unease.