Redemption by Lindsey Gray Read Free Book Online

asked, genuinely curious.
    “She’s one of three on the roster at The Manchester Group. She’s done some great work; pulled us out of more than a few scrapes.”
    “Then why now? Why this way?”
    Peter took a long look into Ryan’s face. He saw the desperation crying out from every pore. “Lily and I have worked together over the years. She’s had a fairly rough time of it. When I realized who you were to her, I put some plans in motion.”
    “Do I even want to know?”
    “I made some arrangements for you to take some time off. I’m not sure how long I can keep everyone off your trail, but I think she really needs you now. I know you need her.”
    “You’re going to let me go back, just like that?” Ryan asked skeptically.
    “Just like that? The man she found you with, he had been like a father to her over the past couple of years. She’s going to begin questioning what she is. You need to be there, if only for a little while, to give her a reason to keep fighting. You deserve to be together again. I just can’t guarantee how long it will be for.”
    “When can I go back?”
    “Soon.”

The darkness of Renee’s apartment was all consuming. Lily’s existence had become so intertwined with the humans around her, that she was subjecting herself to the ultimate torture. She was tormented by the love she felt for those humans, who by all means should only be a source of sustenance. Yet, she couldn’t let go.
    Since her re-birth, she had only been close to two humans in which she had to mourn their passing. Erik had taken her in over the past few years and for some reason loved her like another daughter. His kind eyes and robust smile always reminded her of her own father. She allowed herself to become part of his family, knowing with every part of her, it was a tragedy waiting to happen.
    The other, was a young mother named Anne. Just the thought of Anne’s horrific death and the agonizing years that followed sent a painful wave of raw emotions through her entire being. Now, once again, she would have to deal with the painful loss of a human who got too close.
    The events of the day had left both she and Renee exhausted. Lily had tucked Renee into bed and settled down on the now ruined sofa with a warm brandy. She had taken a few minutes to run home and get a few things. Her laptop was the one thing she was hoping would ease her night of restlessness.
    She had found a new sofa online. Maybe a small token of a new sofa would help ease the pain of the loss of a father… Most likely not.
    She went to check her e-mail and saw that she had updates from Manchester. Her secretary, or more aptly put, her back-up, Tess, made sure she didn’t miss a moment of all the necessary gossip. It was the third such e-mail in a week. Endless stock reports from all over the world stuffed her inbox. Sifting through everything, she finally found one worthy of study – a video file from Becca.
    She opened the file and anxiously waited as it buffered. Becca appeared on the screen, sitting in a familiar chair, in a familiar room.
    “Hey you! I know we just talked this morning, but I wanted you to see my smiling face and wish you a happy birthday. I’d say it’s another twenty-fifth this year, right?”
    Becca knew her so well.
    “I really wanted to send you a present. I found something perfect at that antique market you love so much. Problem is, I don’t know where the hell you are!”
    Becca paused to gather her thoughts.
    “You know, if I try, I will find you. Why don’t you just save us both some time, and me all the heartache and just let me know where you are. I know you are having a rough time right now, but that’s what family is for. I’m here for you. I love you and I miss you terribly, so get off your ass and come home. I will find you, you know I can. I want to hear from you soon.” Becca tilted her head with a pout. “I hope you had a wonderful birthday.”
    The clip ended and Lily let out a huge sigh. She