Page 25 of Lycan Prey (Little Secrets Duet #1)

“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.

Over the next few days, I find myself adjusting surprisingly well to life in the castle. Soren keeps his promise and provides everything I need. I hardly see him except at dinner with Max, so it isn’t too uncomfortable, thankfully.

Except, Rhett’s threat still occupies my mind constantly, making me tense whenever there is an unexpected knock on the door.

It has me on edge constantly waiting for the other shoe to drop.

I worry the King will one day send for me and that will be the end, that I will find myself in some cell for something I never did.

I’m always looking over my shoulder, wondering when he might come after me again, when the King will figure out I’m hiding from not only Rhett but him since Rhett owed him the money.

Another day passes and we cremate Granny.

The day is hard, and I’m overwhelmed with guilt at how little time I was able to spend with her.

Despite the heaviness of the day, I feel a glimmer of happiness that I was able to make her last few months more enjoyable.

Having Max around helps brighten things up.

He always knows how to make me laugh even on a day like today.

However, the last few days, I’ve also been hit with another series of debilitating stomach cramps, which I know are from Rhett’s infidelity.

Lately he has amped it up, like he is hoping the agony of it will have me crawling back begging him to reject me. And I have been tempted. Of all nights, did it have to be tonight, though?

The pain creeps up, it’s slow at first but then has me tossing and turning, sobbing, luckily he never lasts long but the aftershocks of it sometimes last days.

Just as I am about to fall into a restless sleep, there is a knock at my door that has me groaning, knowing I have to answer it.

I can barely walk from the pain that lingers, my muscles taut and I’m drenched in sweat.

My heart races as I get up from bed and pad across the room.

I open it, finding King Soren standing there.

He is dressed in his night robe, and I can’t help but notice how handsome he looks. His hair falls over his forehead in soft waves, and the dim light from the hallway highlights the sharp lines of his jaw.

“Is everything alright? Is something wrong with Max?” I ask him, slightly breathlessly.

“Max is fine.” He nods and steps into my room. “I wanted to check on you,” he says, his eyes scanning the room before settling on me again. “Max reminded me when I tucked him in bed, that your grandmother’s cremation was today. I’m sorry I couldn’t be there.”

I swallow the lump that forms in my throat and I’m about to tell him it’s fine when pain rolls over me. It’s agony, and King Soren watches me carefully while I fight the urge to clutch my stomach or drop at his feet from the pain.

“Brielle?” he murmurs, as sweat slides down the back of my neck.

“I’m alright,” I force out, though my lie is as transparent as glass. The King’s eyes narrow slightly, concern etched in his face.

“I’m not certain you are,” he murmurs, stepping forward and placing a gentle hand on my shoulder. His touch is warm and unexpected. At that moment, pain twists in my gut, sharper than before. I gasp, doubling over as the world tilts dangerously.

I feel Soren catch me before I hit the ground. His arms are strong and steady, his grip firm yet not unkind. He carries me effortlessly back to my bed, laying me down with care.

“Please,” I manage to gasp out between clenched teeth. “It’s okay. It’ll…pass soon.”

He stares at me with those stern King eyes of his, filled with a concern I don’t understand.

“It seems to be more than just a simple stomach ache,” Soren says in a low voice. “Has this happened before?”

I want to tell him no, that it’s just a little pain, except another wave hits me and lying becomes impossible.

“Yes,” I admit through gritted teeth.

Soren stands abruptly and walks toward the door. “I’ll get you some help.”

“Wait!” Panic surges through me at his words, and I reach out to grab his arm even though it hurts to move. “No doctor… please…”

He turns back to me, questioningly.

“I’m fine,” I lie wondering why he is here.

“Monthlies,” I tell him with a wave. It takes him a moment to catch on to what I embarrassingly blurted, when I notice he sniffs the air subtly. Doubt creeps into his features, and he eyes me suspiciously.

“You were saying, My King?” I ask, forcing myself to sit up and get back out of my bed. He sighs, seemingly giving me the benefit of the doubt. I can tell he doesn’t believe me. Lycans have even keener senses than werewolves.

“Max also told me it was just you two? You didn’t tell any family?” he asks curiously.

“No one to tell,” I state, though that is a lie, however my mother couldn’t care less. She didn’t care enough to even visit Granny when she was alive. I rise, trying to lead him back to the door.

Soren’s expression softens as he takes in my words. “I understand how that must feel,” He moves closer until we are only inches apart.

My heart beats faster as Soren reaches out and brushes a strand of hair away from my face. “You don’t look well,” he comments.The touch sends shivers down my spine as I stare up at him.

I clear my throat awkwardly. “I appreciate your concern, Your Highness.” Soren doesn’t move away and instead lifts his hand to cup my cheek gently.

“Brielle, please call me Soren,” he whispers softly. My body feels like it’s on fire at the sound of his voice so close to me.

“S-Soren…” I stutter out before peering down at my feet in embarrassment. He chuckles and moves closer again until our noses are almost touching.

“You’re cute when you’re flustered,” he says with a grin that makes my heart race even faster.

My face warms at his words. Soren seems to notice and he leans in even closer until I can practically feel the heat emanating from his body, feel his breath skate over my skin.

His other hand reaches toward my face when suddenly we hear Max’s voice in the corridor.

“Dad?” King Soren jumps at the sound, and so do I. We both peer at the door.

Max appears carrying his pillow and his blanket. His eyes are sleep heavy yet determined as he takes a few steps forward.

“Why are you out of bed?” the King asks him sternly as we hurry to put some distance between us.

“Can I sleep in your room? The wind is making trees scratch the window,” Max pouts before shooting a glance toward his father, pleading for permission. King Soren sighs and scoops him up.

“I should get him settled,” Soren says, and I nod, giving Max a small wave, and he yawns, making me chuckle. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”