Page 101 of Firefly Effect

“You mean the species that trick males, signaling to lure them in just to kill them and eat them?”

Lilith’s amused smirk transitions into an expression of mock innocence. “Only to acquire defensive steroids to ward off their enemies.”

Anger blasts through me. “Except you’ve got one thing wrong in your attempt at symbolism.”

Her eyes narrow, challenging me. “And that is?”

“In order to lure a mate, the male needs to show interest in you first. Did Billy reject you too?”

She breathes in and out deeply while keeping her slitted eyes laser-focused on me. “As a matter of fact, Billy had a girlfriend back home that he didn’t mind cheating on. I did her a favor.”

“Ah, so you’re a mission-oriented killer now? And here Dylan and I thought this entire time that you were just plain hedonistic. Thrill-seeking. Possibly just into the power and control of it all.”

Lilith steps forward again, this time placing one foot between my legs and the other to my side so she’s towering over me. “I kill because I want to. Call it a charitable contribution to the world by ridding it of men like you.”

“Oh, you mean men with high standards?”

Her foot kicks me hard, hitting square in the balls with so much force that I wish I could keel over to attempt to ward off the pain that’s about to wash over me. Instantly, everything goes numb and my stomach clenches, and I just know the pain will be more intense than anything I’ve ever experienced before.

“Don’t worry,” she jeers before stepping to the side to reach for her pet rock—the one she tried to smash Jenkins with earlier. “When I’m done with you, you’re not going to need any of that to work anyway.” She picks up the rock, looking at it like she’s in some dreamlike trance as she rotates it in her hand. “I’m going to squish you like a little bug.”

I can’t even focus on her words as I groan through the swelling pain that only seems to be getting worse. I’m nauseous and in agony, knowing I don’t have much time to figure my way out of these ropes but physically incapable of doing a damn thing.

Sucking in a strangled breath, I reopen my eyes to find Lilith still there, admiring her rock. In the distance, I see Jenkins stir against the tree, and hope blooms in my chest. He doesn’t seem to be tied down.

It’s like I’m watching a movie in slow motion as Jenkins slowly, stealthily pulls himself away from the tree and takes several unsteady steps to reach his cane. He continues toward Lilith from behind, maintaining his slow pace while raising the cane above his head.

The sound of crunching leaves nearby steals all our attention. Lilith, Jenkins, and I look in the direction of the noise. I panic, not wanting anything to distract Jenkins from his intended mission.

“Now!” I yell.

Lilith whips her head back toward me just as Jenkins sends his cane down on her head. But this time, Lilith is too fast. She turns and drops the rock, shooting her hand up to grip the cane before it strikes her.

A laugh booms from her chest as she yanks the cane from him. “Nice try, old man.”

My heart sinks, but it only lasts a moment before a figure bursts into view, coming from the direction of the earlier noises.

“Everybody freeze!” Gabe yells.

Just like that, Lilith’s evil laughter transitions into a cry of fright so real, I almost believe her.

“Thank god!” She points the cane at Jenkins. “He’s trying to kill us!”

Gabe glares back at Lilith. “Cut the shit and put your hands up, Lilith. We already heard everything.”

We?

Two more figures come out from the same section of woods Gabe just stepped out from.

First is Dylan, who raises his gun and aims it for her head. “Hands up, Lilith. You’re under arrest for the attempted murder of Billy McDouglas, for starters.”

Attempted murder?

I’m not sure what to make of all that yet, but I’m too shocked by the sight of the third figure walking toward me. Evie looks just as shocked, confused, and scared as me.

She darts immediately over to me. “Are you okay?” she asks, tears brimming in her eyes. “I was so scared, Lincoln.” She yanks away the rope at my feet then moves to my hands. “Lucy’s okay,” she tells me in a rush as she unknots my hands. “I’m so glad we got to you in time.”

As much as I want to kiss Evie senseless, I’m not letting Gabe and Dylan take over this arrest without me. I leap to my feet, ignoring my body’s screams of pain. Then I reach for my back pocket and pull out my gun.

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