Page 15 of Homani True

Gage looks down and gently strokes her fur. “Yeah.” He glances at the other man. “Let’s keep it between us for now. Lilly needs to heal.”

Finn nods and gets in the driver’s seat as Doc climbs in the passenger side. He turns the vehicle on and heads toward Smith’s Farm.

Chapter nine

HushedvoicesrouseLillyfrom sleep. Her heart begins to pound, and she sucks in a breath. Her body jerks, bracing for a blow that doesn’t come.

“Lilly. Lilly,” someone croons. A scream unfurls from her core when strong hands grasp her arms. “It’s okay. You’re okay. You’re home. Safe.” The voice is deep, familiar, and soothing as she is gently shaken awake.

She opens her eyes. Maverick’s handsome face is inches from hers, deep lines etching his mouth.

No, no, no, no, no. I’m hallucinating or dead.She struggles with Maverick, who grips her wrists gently, his face blank but his green eyes searching.Wait. Green eyes?

She blinks a few times before she lifts her hand to his face. “Mav?”

Her fingers lightly trace the contours of his jaw. He leans into her hand and closes his eyes, before brushing his warm lips against her palm and pulling back. His hair is a little shorter than she remembers, the loose dark curls framing his face.

Wide-eyed, she slides herself into a sitting position against the headboard. She raises her hand to her throat as she glances around the room. Sunlight filters through the sheer white curtains that cover the large bay windows to her left. Its rays highlight the comforting champagne-coloured walls and white trim.

Her gaze travels to the unlit fireplace surrounded by various plants, their bright green leaves and fragrant flowers of pink and white filling the room with their sweet fragrance. Lilly’s hand tightens on the blush-coloured chenille throw that covers her on the bed. The familiarity of the room, her bedroom, has her heart rate slowing.

I’m home. Safe.

Matt walks into the room with a glass of water. He frowns at Maverick. With her mind now clear, she stares at Maverick once more and realizes that, no, this isn't her old friend. Mav is gone. But it’s uncanny, like looking at a near-perfect replica. Her eyes snap to Matt. “Who the hell is this?” she demands, her voice raw and scratchy.

The man stands as Matt places the water on her nightstand. “This is Gage. His group arrived just after the attack. He and a few of his crew helped rescue you.”

He’s aclone. And he helped save her. Why would…? Because she and April were taken. She sucks in a breath hoping her memory is wrong. Everything feels foggy and surreal.

“April?” Lilly asks, her heart pounding. Echos of her friend’s screams whisper in her ears.

Matt rakes his hand through his dark hair, his eyes glassy with unshed tears. He clears his throat. “She… she didn’t make it. She was dead when we arrived.”

Right. She knew that, didn’t she? An image of Vance tossing a bloody paw in her lap rushes up to meet her. Lilly covers her mouth with the back of her hand to hold back a sob. “Oh, April,” she whispers.

Gage covers her other one with his. “We’ll get justice for your friend,” he says, his voice firm.

Lilly wrenches her hand from beneath his and glares at him. “Thanks for the rescue, but you and your people werea day late and a dollar shortshowing up to help with the attack,” she says, lacing her voice with venom.

Rage burns inside of her. Rage at seeing the face of her best friend on a stranger, rage at these people who were too late to help them, rage at herself for not being able to save April—for not being able to protect those she loves.

Gage flinches before he takes a step back.

“That’s not fair, Lilly,” Matt chastises her, shaking his head.

Gage straightens his shoulders and then clears his throat. “I need to go check on my people,” he says to Matt. Turning back to Lilly, a hint of sadness is in his eyes and frown lines appear between his dark brow. He purses his full lips before speaking. “I’m glad you’re okay,” he says quietly, then leaves.

Chapter ten

Lillystaresattheclosing door, composing herself before she turns her head toward Matt. Unable to meet his eyes, she plays with the fringe on her blanket and whispers, “I’m sorry I couldn’t save her.”

“Hey.” Matt sits beside her on the bed. He covers her hand with his and gives it a gentle squeeze.

She raises tear-filled eyes to his. “A-April’s screams. Her… her begging.” She looks away, her heart pounding as the drug-riddled memories rush through her. She can’t catch her breath. It’s like she’s trying to breathe through a straw as her chest tightens painfully.

“Lilly!” Matt’s commanding voice snaps her back to the present, and her chest expands easier with each inhalation. She reaches for the glass of water on her nightstand and takes a sip before replacing it.

“There was absolutely nothing you could have done,” he says as he rakes his hand through his hair, his teal blue eyes narrowing. “Do you understand?Nothing. The fact that you survived is a miracle.” He lets out a slow breath, stands, and begins to pace.

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