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Pain bursts across her cheek as he backhands her, and spittle flies from Lilly’s mouth when her head snaps back. She deliberately licks her weeping lip and glares at him before spitting out the blood, barely missing his well-polished boots.
Vance’s eyes narrow and he reaches into his back pocket, pulling out a syringe. Lilly struggles to avoid the inevitable. She doesn't want to go under again. She needs every precious moment to formulate a plan to save April and get the fuck out of here.
Uncapping the needle, Vance steps closer as Lilly turns to evade him. Both she and her panther are snarling, but the sick fuck has the advantage.
With a menacing grin, he says, “Dream, littlepet.Dream of all the things I’m going to do to you and your kind to make you pay.”
The cold sting of the fluid courses through her veins before she succumbs to the darkness.
Chapter two
Nestledattheedgeof the upper Pacific of Old British Columbia, colourful cottages line the coast, giving each home a view of stunning sunsets over the ocean. The main harbour is always a hub of activity, with various traders bartering their wares or preparing to catch a bite to eat.
This evening, the boardwalk of Crescent Harbour is alive with celebration. The soft glow from the lights strung on weathered wooden posts cast shadows along the path. The cool breeze from the ocean, with its hint of salt, fills the air. Earthy beats of drums and string instruments echo in the night as the people of the town dance.
Every year, a small, but growing group of clones, and the kind-hearted humans who had earned their confidence, come together in clandestine gatherings. Given the world’s reaction to the Homani before the bombs dropped, the clones were more than happy to keep their existence a continued secret. As such, the locations of their meetings change from year to year. These ceremonies became a beacon of hope and unity, a testament to their shared humanity.
Gage stands before the assembly, his gaze fixed on the flickering candles illuminating the beach. As has become tradition from the first mating, he prepares to recite the rite of passage speech passed down to the newly mated. As the leader, it is his duty to do so. A nod to the band and the music stops, halting the dancing as all eyes turn to him. Gage steps up on a bench, and the hushed murmurs of the crowd gradually subside, replaced by a pregnant silence.
He clears his throat. “Friends and fellow inhabitants of Crescent Harbour, I am honoured to address you on this joyous occasion to celebrate a tradition that defines our community. We gather here under the evening sky, united by the bonds of friendship and acceptance to celebrate our annual mating ceremony.”
He pauses with a small smile on his lips as he scans the familiar faces before him. A slight breeze ruffles his midnight hair.
“As the waves continue their timeless rhythm, we take a moment to reflect on the path that has led us here—one that has reaffirmed our belief in love, community, and the infinite possibilities that lie ahead. Our story begins in a place far removed from the gentle lapping waves of this seaside village. Born from a tumultuous past, our journey was one of struggle, fear, and discovery. A tale of resilience and unity that ultimately led us here.”
A grumble sweeps through the audience. No one liked to be reminded of the darker days.
Gage glances at the waves crashing on the shore, waiting for the murmurs to die down before he continues. “Not long after we settled here, fate revealed its intriguing hand. The threads of destiny intertwined in ways we could scarcely have imagined. Love, that universal force, had found us even in our unique circumstances. At the tender age of eighteen, one of our own discovered the concept of a fated mate.
"Our gracious human hosts, the kind souls of Crescent Harbour, faced an unexpected dilemma. The mayor’s daughter declared her unwavering devotion for one of our own. The mayor, Bobby, while well-intentioned, was concerned about such a bond formed so young.”
A few snickers filter from the crowd. Gage scans the sea of faces until he spots the middle-aged couple whom this story is about. Their arms are wrapped around each other in a loving embrace, and his heart swells. Their eyes meet his, and he inclines his head.
“And yet…” He shifts his bare feet on the wooden bench, the slats still warm even this late in the evening. “Life has its own wisdom. As they tried to keep apart our young lovers, an unfortunate consequence unfolded. Their health failed, proving that separation was detrimental to their well-being. Bobby recognized that their love knew no boundaries and offered his blessing to the union. In doing so, he exemplified the spirit of empathy and understanding that defines our community.
“We started a tradition from that moment forward. Today, we celebrate the love between two individuals and the enduring power of acceptance. Let us remember that our paths are not always laid out before us. Instead, we forge our own destinies, guided by love, trust, and the unbreakable bonds that unite us.
“In that spirit, let us raise our voices in honour of the mates we have found and the connections we cherish. Let this day remind us that in Crescent Harbour, love knows no bounds, and unity is our strength.”
Boisterous cheers erupt from the crowd. Raising his hands once again, the group settles.
Gage's gaze sweeps the area, and he shifts forward. "So, my friends, next time you think the world's got it all figured out, remember Crescent and its tale of unexpected love. 'Cause sometimes, the best stories are the ones that break all the rules and show us that love, well, love's got a mind of its own,” he ad-libs, warmth brimming inside him. He clears his throat and motions to the band. “Thank you, one and all, for joining in this celebration of love and life.”
As the night wears on, Gage leans against a lamppost as he observes yet another successful mating ceremony.
“No luck for you either, huh?”
Gage turns to his right hand and best friend, Lennon. Running his hand through his thick dark curls, he replies, “Nah, I gave up on finding my mate a long time ago.”
The stocky redhead playfully punches his shoulder. “Not me. I know my other half is out there. She’ll be everything I’ve ever dreamed of in a woman. Soft-spoken, demure, motherly, and a great cook with a rockin’ bod.” He laughs.
Gage grasps Lennon's upper arm. “Dude, if you can find a woman to put up with your shit, consider yourself lucky. That laundry list you just spewed will bite you in the ass.”
“Fair point.” He winks, then juts his chin toward the happy newly-mated couples. “But I can dream.”
They fall into a comfortable silence as the festivities go on around them. Gage shifts against the post. It’s not that he doesn’t want a mate. Over time, his excitement for these gatherings has dwindled. He no longer feels the adrenaline rush at the possibility of finding hisone. Disappointment after disappointment hasn’t quite jaded him, but he has lost hope. Now that he is the leader of this colony, his priorities have shifted, and any romantic notions of finding a mate have fallen by the wayside.
His thoughts are interrupted as a large shadow falls over him. Gage and Lennon both straighten. The enormous man, JD, should be out amongst the crowd, celebrating his newly-mated status. Not standing here with a frown on his face.
