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“Who said anything about handouts?” Wren teased. “I’ll work you to the bone.”
“She will too,” Phoenix added. The levity in the room was exactly what my baby needed.
I pulled her into my arms, daring one of them to tease me. She needed support and I planned on giving it to her.
“I’ll think about it,” she managed.
“Why don’t you guys go back to the party?” Phoenix suggested.
“I should stay until the vet gets here,” Lily said.
“I’m staying here as well,” Snake said. “Thank you, Lily. What you did I’ll never forget. If I can repay you in any way, just let me know.”
“I’m just happy I could help.” Lily’s face beamed again.
Chasity headed closer, pulling Lily into her arms. “You’re part of the family now. I knew you were good people as soon as Sam jumped all over you.”
“Careful. She’s really a little witch in disguise,” I teased.
“You’re incorrigible,” Lily huffed. “Remember, he needs rest.” She gave me a look before heading back into the room.
Sighing, I glanced at Gage then Phoenix, both heading in my direction. “I don’t like this,” I told them both.
“I’ll have the ranch searched tomorrow. If it was planted, I will find out who. Right now, I’ll get a few of the guys to check the barns as well as the living facility where the other animals are. I don’t want to shut down the party and scare everyone.”
“Do you have any suspects?” I asked Gage specifically.
He shook his head as he rubbed his jaw. “No. The phone calls weren’t traceable, but I’ll be honest with you, this is typical of fanatic behavior. Don’t jump to any conclusions.”
“Tell that to Snake,” Phoenix snarled.
“I’ll continue digging,” Gage said, clapping Phoenix on the back. “At this point, that’s all I can do. At least Lily was here.”
I glanced at the doorway, noticing both Chasity and Wren were keeping Lily company. Yeah, thank God Lily had known what to do. I only hoped she remembered how vital a role she played in the next few days.
My gut told me time was running out.
* * *
Less than twenty minutes later, another truck pulled in at the clinic, a guy I didn’t recognize climbing out. Five minutes later, Lily appeared, taking a deep breath.
“You didn’t need to wait for me,” she said, although the twinkle in her eyes told me she was glad I had.
“What else do I have to do?”
“Enjoy your friends?”
“Somehow, I’d rather be with you.”
She pressed her hand against my chest. “Apollo will be just fine.”
“You did a great job.”
As she glanced at the perimeter of the area, I sensed she was debating taking the job. Now wasn’t the time to push for anything.
“Are you up for walking back?” I asked.
“Absolutely. It’s a beautiful night.”
