Denial: The Seer Series, #2

By R.M. Walker

Lily's world changes when she befriends four boys after moving to the small Cornish village of Trenance.
She's able to accept that they are fairies (or fae as Nate will insist) but she refuses to accept what they say she is.
Lily is not a Seer. She isn't magical and she isn't like them. No matter what they think.
But Lily will have to face things that will shake her foundation to the core.
Lies, betrayal, and fear.
But she's not alone: Nate, Matt, Josh and Jake, are beside her now, and they won't let her face this alone.
The only problem with that is that Lily is starting to fall for all them.

Denial is the second book in Lily's story. 
This is a Reverse Harem paranormal romance.
129,500 words. Edited by Jennifer Leigh Jones and Rebecca Stewart of Bookends Editing.

• Language: English
• Publisher: RM Walker
• Release date: Jun 28, 2017
• ISBN: 9781386751915

R.M. Walker

About the Author RM Walker has spent her entire life dreaming up tales of fairies, witchcraft, magic, and romance when she should have been concentrating on other things. Having a head full of fantasy, she decided to turn her dreams into stories for others to read. She hopes that you will enjoy them as much as she loves spinning them. You can find RM Walker online and she promises not to bite. https://www.facebook.com/rm.walker.180 https://twitter.com/AuthorRMWalker https://rmwalkersite.wordpress.com https://www.instagram.com/boshomengro

Book preview

Part One

Burn the witch

The rain bounced up from the muddy ground, splashing her bare legs. She was soaked through to the skin. Her hair plastered to her face, caught in her mouth and in her eyes. She wanted to move the strands to clear her vision, but she was terrified of what she would see.

The roar of the rain was not enough to drown out the braying jeers of a crowd she couldn’t see.

She was shoved hard between her shoulder blades, and she staggered forward, losing her footing in the slick mud. She was dragged to her feet by her hair. It cleared her vision, revealing the horror before her.

Move! The harsh bark behind her was accompanied by another rough shove. The grip on her hair held no mercy as she stumbled.

Please! No! She screamed, but her cries were lost in the mocking taunts of the people around her.

Burn her! Burn the witch!

The chants were loud in her ears as she was thrust against a wooden stake. Her hands were untied, and a chain bit painfully into her skin as it was wrapped around her thighs and over her chest. Her arms were wrenched behind and chained as tightly as her body. She screamed in agony at the pain that radiated from her shoulder joints, but no relief was given.

Unrecognisable faces leered and grinned; men, women, and children all gathered to watch in a raging mob of frenzied excitement. The chanting grew into one voice, a voice given strength by the unholy delight of watching her burn.

Smoke curled up her body from the burning wood around her feet. She was unable to struggle, unable to do anything except proclaim her innocence until her voice broke, her mouth open in a silent scream.

Heat licked at her legs, the smoke thickened, and the first searing agony of flames caressed her skin.

She was going to die.

Lily bolted upright—a strangled yell on her tongue, and the images of flames still in her eyes.

It was a dream. Just a dream. She wasn’t tied to a stake, she wasn’t being burnt alive, she wasn’t a witch.

She switched the lamp on with shaky fingers and sank back, her breathing ragged as her heart continued to beat painfully. It’d seemed so real. She could still feel the pain around her calves from the flames licking at her skin. She pushed the bedding down, half expecting to see charred and burnt skin, but her legs were pale and the skin intact.

It was a nightmare brought on by the day before. A day which had started normally then morphed into something straight from a storybook. Normal became bizarre when the four boys she’d befriended turned out to be fairies. Or fae, as Nate insisted on being called.

She’d thought it was a cruel deception at first, that they were playing a joke on her. But Nate had proved to her that they weren’t.

She reached under her mattress and drew out the tiny blue crystal Nate had turned her tear into. They were fairies, fae.

They’d tried to tell her she was a Seer. And it was there that Lily had drawn the line. She refused point blank to even begin to accept she was some sort of mystic Seer. That was rubbish. She knew what she was, and it wasn’t magical. She was just Lily Adair, a normal girl who happened to be epileptic, like thousands of others around the world. There was nothing unusual or unique about her. Her seizures weren’t visions as Nate had tried to insist. She’d changed the subject by asking questions about what else was real but never strayed into what he wanted to talk about: her.

She’d wanted to know more about their world, and they told her some fairy tales had their roots in truth, like George and the Dragon, Merlin, and King Arthur. It’d caught her imagination and prompted endless questions, which they’d answered. Until Nate tried to tell her that she was a Seer like Morgan Le Fay. She’d changed the subject abruptly, asking about vampires and werewolves. They explained there was some truth to those stories too. Vampires existed but not the blood-sucking kind of fiction. Instead, they took souls from people, which she didn’t think was much of an improvement. There were few vampires left, and none in Britain, or at least none Jonas was aware of. Werewolves had left Britain when the wolves were eradicated.

They’d told her things that made her head spin, but every time they’d tried to talk about her, she’d refused to listen. Nate had got frustrated with her and demanded she listen to them, but she’d been saved by her mother coming home, ending the ability to talk freely.

Everything they’d told her whirled through her mind, all jumbled together. There was so much information and no one else she could

talk to. She couldn’t talk to her mother; she wouldn’t understand, and who could blame her? She’d assume something was wrong with Lily and take her to a doctor first thing Monday morning. And they’d have her sectioned for madness if she said anything to them. Or it could be worse, her mother could panic and decide to move them away quicker than Lily could blink.

Her thoughts had run wild in her head until everything had tangled together into one of the most terrifying nightmares Lily could remember. It’d seemed so painfully real, more like a memory than a dream. Was she what they said she was? Was she a Seer? What the hell did that even mean? She stamped on the niggling doubt; it was too frightening to even consider. They were wrong. They must be. It was only a dream, a product of everything she’d learnt the day before and nothing more.

She stared down at the crystal in her hand. It was beautiful, completely smooth with no angles or edges. Even in the low light of her lamp, it seemed to glow from the inside. It wasn’t natural, and an uneasy feeling slid down her spine. She put it under her mattress and buried her head into the softness of her pillow. Determined not to think of anything fantastical or frightening, she concentrated on her French verb tables; it would be the only way she’d sleep. Hopefully without being burnt alive.

Flowers

In the cold light of day, she knew it was just a terrible dream. None of it had happened outside of her feverish imagination. But when she slid her hand under the mattress, her fingers closed over the crystal, and she knew the truth of what the boys were.

They were coming over later. She wondered if they’d insist on her being this Seer thing again. She didn’t want to argue with them, but she would be firm in telling them that she wasn’t going to talk about it. She wanted time to process what she’d learnt about them. If they didn’t like that, then she’d ask them to leave. She was in control of her own life, not them, and she knew exactly who she was and what she wasn’t.

She picked her way around the art materials that were quickly taking over the kitchen. The table had been moved into the living room to give her mother more room to work. It was something that happened wherever they moved; her mother would choose which room was best and set up her art there.

Did you sleep well? asked her mother, wiping her brush on a cloth before dipping it into a brilliant shade of blue.

Yeah. That’s looking great. They’re going to love it. Lily watched as her mother brought to life the skies above Crowder Manor. Her mother’s incredible talent was the reason Matt’s parents commissioned her to paint their home through the four seasons. The commitment would keep them here for at least the academic year. Lily was hoping for longer, mostly because of her friendship with the boys.

It’s going well, Lynda murmured. But this is the part where they might think I’ve died. It’ll take a while before I surface long enough for them to see this.

I’ll keep reminding Matt you still breathe. She picked up her mother’s cup of coffee and grimaced; a slick of oil paint lay on top of the dregs.

I’ve been meaning to talk to you, Lily. Her tone was serious, always an alarm bell.

Lily was certain her mother hadn’t seen her wrapped around the four boys in the living room, and she didn’t think she’d heard anything. But this was her mother, and in her experience, she possessed a superpower for catching her out when she tried to hide things.

I know we’ve had the talk. Her mother made air quotes around the word talk, and for a few seconds it threw Lily. But if things are going to get serious with Matt, please, please, protect yourself. I know you’re sensible, but things can happen when you fall in love for the first time. Make him wear a condom.

She sagged back against the counter, relief warring with embarrassment. He’s not my boyfriend. He hasn’t asked me to go out with him, let alone sleep with him.

I think he’s working on getting you to fall for him without you realising it, her mother said with a smile. He’s a nice lad, they all are. I’ve seen how Matt looks at you. He thinks you’re special, and he’s right. But he’s staking his claim as well. If you’re not interested in him that way, you need to let him know.

Lily turned away and made some fresh coffee. He wasn’t serious in liking her like that. He might have held her hand, but so had the others, and he knew that. If he was serious with her, wouldn’t he ask her to go out with him? Or at least make it known that he wanted to date her. And wouldn’t he tell the others to back off? In fact, with everything that happened, she was certain it wasn’t anything except friendship. Plus, there was the very real possibility they were only showing interest in her because they thought she was like them. Her shoulders slumped, and her heart sank.

I think he’s just being friendly. I think they’re all being friendly because you’re painting the Manor for them. Lily handed her mother a mug and sipped her own.

If you insist. Her mother shrugged and put her coffee down on the side. But I think you’re short-sighted.

Lily emptied her coffee in the sink, no longer having the stomach for anything. She crossed to the open door and looked out over their garden. She needed a diversion from her thoughts. The grass was on the long side; mowing it would keep her busy. Is there a lawn mower in the shed? she asked.

I think so. I don’t really know. The sound of her brush on the canvas told Lily she was already zoning out.

Ten minutes later, Lily had her earphones in and was singing along to her music as she pushed the mower over the grass. It was harder than expected, but it was a good workout, and it was nice being in the fresh air, not thinking of anything except the lyrics she was murdering.

Her earphones were suddenly plucked from her ears, and her eyes were covered with someone’s hands. She let out a scream of fright. The mower cut off the moment she lifted her hands from the handle.

Lily! A huge crash sounded from inside the cottage, and she was released instantly. She whirled to see Josh and Jake standing there, looking contrite.

We called, but you didn’t hear. Jake shrugged apologetically. Sorry.

Her mother came rushing out, coming to a stop when she saw the twins. Oh, damn! I knocked over my paints. She rushed back in.

Hang on. I’ll be back. Lily headed towards the cottage. Her heart was still racing frantically from the fright. She heard the mower start up again, but she didn’t look back as she went into the kitchen to see the damage.

Did you ruin the picture? she asked, moving forwards to see the tubes of oil on the floor, along with a shattered mug. Coffee spilled out across the stone flagged flooring.

No, fortunately I’d stepped back to drink. I broke the mug, though. What did they do?

They scared me. I didn’t hear them come in. Lily helped to clear the mess up. How’d they get in?

Not through here. I expect they came through the woods. Didn’t you hear them? her mother asked.

My earphones were in. She binned the broken mug.

Silly boys. Her mother crossed to the window. They’re atoning themselves by finishing up the lawn though.

Lily crossed to look out the back door. They’d both stripped off their shirts and tied them around their waists, leaving them bare-chested. One pushed the mower up, then the other would push it down, showing the muscles in their backs and arms nicely. Her breath caught in her throat. They were gorgeous.

They make quite a sight, her mother said. If I could do portraits, I’d love to paint them.

Mum!

What? I’m an artist! I appreciate the perfect symmetry of them.

That’s freaky. Lily laughed.

Give them ten years; when they’re men, they’ll be knockouts, she replied.

They’re gorgeous now. Lily leant against the doorway, watching the play of muscles on the twin who was pushing the mower.

Ah, is that how the wind blows, then? her mother asked softly.

What do you mean?

You prefer them to Matt? Her mother wiped her hands on her cloth. That could get messy. Despite what you think, Matt is smitten with you. And two of them? Identical? How would you know which was which?

I think all four of them are gorgeous. I’m not an artist, but I can also appreciate perfect symmetry. That doesn’t mean I want to date any of them. And wasn’t that the truth. She wouldn’t be able to choose between them if she had to, which she didn’t. They were only friends.

Looks aren’t everything, her mother agreed. There’s some lemonade in the fridge. Give them a drink now that they’ve finished the lawn. She went back to her painting.

Lily watched as they put the mower back then came towards the back door. The slight sheen of sweat over their chests was doing strange things to her stomach.

We emptied the box over the hedge into the forest. It’s where everyone puts the cuttings.

We’re sorry for frightening you both. Did we muck up your painting?

Not at all! Don’t worry! her mother called from behind the canvas. Lily, the lemonade.

Lily blushed, aware she’d been staring at them. She crossed to the fridge.

Thanks for finishing up the lawn for me, she said as she drew out the bottle and fetched some glasses. Mum, you want one?

No, thank you, darling. Take them outside. There’s more room.

Lily turned and nearly dropped everything; they were right behind her, smiling at her. They took the bottle and the glasses from her and went back outside, calling a thank you to her mother. She followed and settled down on the grass with them.

We didn’t mean to frighten you, Lily Pad. Jake poured lemonade into the glasses.

They looked exactly as they had the day before. Same dark hair falling into their eyes, same wicked smirks tugging their lips. It was hard to believe they’d explained to her they were fairies.

Fairies!

She was talking to fairies, and the realisation made a hundred butterflies take up residence inside her.

Did you come through the woods? she asked, sitting cross-legged with them on the grass. She kept her gaze on her fingers as she fiddled with the ties on her tennis shoes, but she was aware of every move they made. It was surreal to think she was sitting with fairies. She wanted to pinch herself to make sure she wasn’t dreaming again.

Jake handed her a glass. Yeah. We tried your front door but got no answer. We heard the mower so figured you were out back.

Thanks. Where’s Matt and Nate? she asked.

Nate’s at Matt’s. Josh drank his lemonade, his gaze still on Lily. They’ll be down after lunch, or we can hike through the woods and meet them there.

I’ve been wanting to go into the woods, she said, looking behind them at the trees. I haven’t had the chance yet.

Finish up your drink, and we’ll show you. There’s still a couple of hours before we’re supposed to meet them. We can explore for a bit.

A ripple of excitement went through her as she gazed towards the trees again. There was no breeze today; the leaves were still and silent. But they called to her, tugged at something deep inside. It was a longing to explore their secrets, to sink into the peace they offered.

She shook her head at her fanciful thoughts and got up to take the empty glasses, but they beat her to it and carried them in for her. They rinsed off the glasses at the sink, moving in perfect synchronisation. She studied their backs, checking for signs of any hidden wings. She knew they’d said they didn’t have any, but even so, she looked. There were no signs of anything remotely wing-like. It was strange to think they were anything but what they appeared to be normal teenage boys.

We’re going to show Lily the woods, Mrs Adair. There’s a path that cuts down through to the beach.

Okay, have fun.

They grinned at Lily and hustled her back outside. The bottom of the garden was lined with hedges that were waist height, but in one corner was a wooden stile, almost overgrown.

I didn’t see this here, she said, following Josh up the stile.

All of the cottages this side of the road have them, Jake told her as he climbed up behind her. Lily started to turn at the top to climb down the other side, but Josh gripped her waist and lifted her down.

Thanks. She saw Jake coming down. Are you going to help Jake? She grinned, beginning to relax with them.

Nah, he can bounce if he falls. Josh sniggered, and Jake flipped him off as he jumped to the ground beside them. Besides, I’m Jacob. He’s Joshua.

She frowned, certain he was Josh. They watched her closely, giving nothing away. No, you’re Josh. He’s Jake, she said.

You’re right. How can you tell? Josh asked. What gave us away this time? In fact, every time! You never get it wrong.

Don’t I? She realised he was right, but she couldn’t say how she did it. She didn’t even think about it. She just knew. She shrugged, pulling a face.

No, you don’t, Jake said. Magic probably, like the others and Jonas.

More like I can just tell now. She snorted. It won’t be magic. I don’t have any.

Lily, we think—

So how deep are these woods? She cut him off abruptly.

It’s not far to reach the shore, but they do stretch for several miles on either side. If you come in here on your own, look out for our markings. Josh spoke quietly, but he was looking at Jake.

Markings?

Yeah, we’ll show you. Josh indicated with his head for her to follow.

She followed him down the narrow path that wound itself between the trees and bushes. As they went deeper, the bushes and grass underfoot became sparse, until only ferns, leaves, and fallen branches draped in emerald moss covered the ground. It was darker now, the sun only occasionally able to filter through the canopy of evergreen and deciduous trees. This was what she’d hoped for; the sheer, perfect mystery of it. She peered around, taking it all in; maybe they’d see some animals if they were quiet.

Springtime it’s great here, Josh said. Bluebells, primroses, snowdrops—all sorts grow in here. There are badgers and foxes. If you come out at night and stay quiet, you can see them. Which reminds us, if you put any rubbish out the back door, make sure it stays in the bin or the foxes will have it all over your garden.

There are deer in here as well, but not as many as there used to be, Jake said from behind her.

First night I was here, I thought I saw something in the trees, but it was too dark, she told them.

Probably a badger or a fox. Josh stopped as they came to a section which divided into different paths. Here, look. We did this years ago. He crouched down at the base of a giant oak tree. She saw three stones, painted with arrows and letters. They looked like they’d been a deep blue, but time had faded them.

B for beach, M for Matt’s, and V for village. Josh pointed at the stones. We don’t use them now, but we left them anyway. Stick to the trails until you’re more familiar with the woods and you won’t get lost.

The stones are set at the base of trees every so often. Don’t stray off the trails if you’re trying to get somewhere specific, Jake said.

Okay. Thanks for showing me. She turned to them, but they were looking at each other.

Josh nodded. We were going to take you to the beach, but we think you’ll like this other place more, he said to her.

She shrugged, happy to be out in the woods. She was feeling more relaxed with them now. Okay, lead on.

Josh smiled and started down the path towards Matt’s, but after a little way, he stepped off the worn trail and started to cut through the trees. She picked her way carefully after him. He hesitated then took the shirt he’d tied around his waist and slipped it over his head. Jake did the same, and a part of her mourned the loss of their bare skin.

What about adders? she asked as she stepped over a fallen branch.

They won’t hurt us. They know it’s us, Josh replied, holding a branch away from her face as she stepped through.

What do you mean they know it’s you?

The animals. They’ll know we’re fae and mean them no harm. Do you want to see? Josh asked, turning back to her as he stopped.

See?

Yeah. Don’t be scared though, okay? We’ll only call rabbits for now.

She saw something move out of the corner of her eye, and she spun to see what it was. Three rabbits were sitting on a log, their noses twitching as they scented the air.

You did that? You called them? she asked in surprise.

Josh chuckled and crouched down. He held out his fingers, and they hopped straight to him to rub against his hand.

Are they wild? Are they really wild? She moved towards them, and they hopped back. Their noses twitched alarmingly.

Slowly, Josh murmured. Come beside us.

She crouched down carefully, watching as they made their way back hesitantly.

Jake crouched down with them and held out his hand to Lily. She reached out to him, and he moved her hand towards them. Slowly. Same as any animal, let them sniff you first; let them smell you mean no harm.

She did as he told her, gasping in delight as they moved forwards and sniffed delicately at her extended fingers.

You can touch them now, Josh whispered.

She stroked her fingers gently over the head of one of the rabbits, loving the soft feel of the warm fur.

Wow! This is... Wow! She was unable to find any better words. More rabbits came out, and as they grew braver, they hopped closer to her and rubbed against her arms. She dropped to her knees, and a baby rabbit struggled to hop onto her thighs. She picked it up and stroked its tiny head. Two rabbits snuffled at Josh’s ears, sitting happily on his shoulders. Several were hopping over his legs as he picked them up, stroking and murmuring to them.

Do you talk to them? Do they talk to you? she asked. Her heart was beating fast in her chest at the obvious magic they had used.

Not like we talk, Josh replied. We just sort of call them in our minds. We can understand what they’re feeling, and they understand us.

And you can do this with other animals?

Yeah, Jake answered her, holding his own armful of snuffling rabbits.

I’m jealous. She laughed, content to stroke their fur.

They can probably sense that you’re like us, Josh replied.

I’m not like you. Her smile dropped, and her mood plummeted.

Well, not animal fae, no. But they will sense your magic, Jake amended.

I don’t have magic, she said sharply. The rabbit she was holding squeaked and jumped from her lap. They scuttled away from her, and she frowned at their sudden departure.

I don’t want to talk about it. Let’s go, she said, getting up and brushing off her legs.

Lily, you need to—

So, you can call any animal you want? She cut him off, refusing to let them carry on.

All the ones we’ve tried, yes. Come on, let’s keep going. Josh sighed, looking at Jake.

Lily followed him as he walked off. She’d seen the disappointment on their faces when she cut them off. But it wasn’t something she was going to talk to them about—there was no point. They were wrong, and that was all there was to it.

WE’RE HERE.

Lily looked up from watching her step over the exposed roots of the surrounding trees. A circular patch of green grass lay just beyond the trees. She moved past Josh and stepped out into the clearing. The warmth of the sun on her skin was welcome after the cool of the woods. Closing her eyes, she lifted her face to the sky, all the earlier tension draining out of her. It was so peaceful—the singing birds, the warmth of the sun, and the whisper of the trees around her. Kicking off her shoes, she sank her toes into the brilliant green of the mossy grass, and tingles shot through her like static electricity. The tingles grew and morphed, winding around her, connecting her to the earth beneath her feet. It was part of her; it was her, and she was it.

She lifted her arms outwards and turned slowly in a circle, letting the warmth of the sun cradle her in its gentle hold. She was free, freer than she’d ever been, lighter than air, connected and entwined with everything around her. Energy sizzled beneath her feet, and she knew she could draw it up and use it. It was in her fingertips, power flowing through her veins. She could paint the sky, calm the sea, she could—

Fucking hell!

The coarse words ripped through her, and she stumbled, falling to her knees. Her hair fell into her face. She pushed it back, her eyes wide with shock. The once grassy circle was awash with flowers of every colour. Poppies, redder than blood, swayed in the breeze. Bluebells and snowdrops vied for space amongst foxgloves. Flowers that should have died months ago turned their faces to the sun. She shot to her feet, frantically looking around the circle. This wasn’t possible. This wasn’t happening. This was terrifying. She couldn’t face it. She stepped backwards and covered her face, crying out her denial.

It’s okay! She heard them call as they moved towards her.

What did you do? she asked, lowering her hands as they came towards her. How did you do this?

We didn’t do it, you—

She pushed her fingers against Josh’s lips, shaking her head in denial over what she knew he was going to say. She didn’t want to hear it. She wouldn’t hear it. She turned and made to move away, but they caught her arms and tugged her back around.

Let me go!

They let her go instantly, lifting their hands in submission. We didn’t know; we’re sorry. We thought you’d get a kick out of it here, like we do, Josh spoke quietly.

I don’t know what you’re talking about, she said, not allowing herself to look down at the flowers she knew were still there.

Bloody hell, could you get any better at denial? Jake snorted. We didn’t do this, Lily, you did!

No, I didn’t! I didn’t do anything!

The sun went behind the clouds, and a chill swept over her as the breeze picked up. Unable to stop herself, she looked down. The flowers were gone, only green grass remained.

Had she done it? Was she responsible? No. Of course she wasn’t.

You did this, she said, hugging her arms around her as she stared at them. You and your freaky powers. You’re playing with my head.

No, Lily, Josh said.

She could see the hurt in his face, but she refused to listen. She stuffed her feet into her shoes and stumbled away from them. She could hear them behind her, following her as she stumbled blindly through the trees.

Let’s forget it, yeah? Josh caught her hand in his. We made a mistake taking you there. We shouldn’t have done it yet. He drew her around to face them, but she avoided their eyes.

It’s not me, she mumbled. It wasn’t me. Misery settled heavily around her.

He lifted her hand in his, tugging her gently towards him. She went into him, unresisting. His arms closed around her as she rested her head on his shoulder, her nose buried in his neck. Jake stepped up behind her and laid his hands on her shoulders. Their touch settled her, calmed her, took her fear and pushed it down.

She glanced at the grassy circle behind him; there was no sign of the flowers. It was easy to think they’d never been there. The bright sunshine in her eyes had played tricks on her mind. That was all it was. In fact, the more she thought about it, standing there in their hold, the more she realised that was all it was. A trick of the light.

It’s going to be okay, Josh whispered into her ear. We can talk it over when you’re ready.

He wasn’t going to let it go; he didn’t realise it was a mistake. She couldn’t face what the others would say either.

There’s nothing to be ready about. I think I should go back home.

Come down to the beach with us. Jake moved closer till she could feel his chest pressing against her back. He traced his finger gently down her cheek. We promise nothing will happen.

His breath ghosted over her skin. Her eyes closed as they held her tightly. She wanted to stay with them, but she also wanted to bury herself in her bedroom and shut it all out.

I don’t know. She stepped sideways away from them, and they let her go, their hands falling to their sides. She closed her eyes, bereft at the loss of their touch.

C’mon, Lil, we can walk along to Porthaven. They do great fish and chips, and we can meet Nate and Matt there. Josh’s voice was low and cajoling.

I’m not sure. Mum will wonder where I am. She wrapped her arms around herself.

Your place isn’t far from here; we’ll drop in and tell her where we’re going. Jake reached out and tugged on her hand gently, making her look at him. C’mon, they do great ice cream too, he bribed, a pleading expression on his face.

Don’t tell Nate or Matt, please, she said, and saw them wince.

We don’t keep secrets from them, Lily. We never have, Jake said.

I’m not asking you to. There’s nothing to keep secret, she said. It was a trick of the light. It was bright; the sun was blinding. There really is nothing to tell them anyway.

Josh sighed then checked with Jake before shrugging. All right, we won’t say anything when we see them.

She didn’t want to put secrets between them, but she knew Nate would never let it go if they told him. While she was certain it wasn’t her, he’d pick and pick, trying to get her to listen to his ludicrous ideas about her. He wanted her to go back to Jonas and that was something she wasn’t going to do. She didn’t know what he’d done to her to make her feel so much pain or to see things, but she never wanted to feel it again. She didn’t want to be anything other than what she was: a regular, normal girl. It was enough to accept what they were; it was enough for her to get her head around things that seemed impossible. Anything else was too much.

Come with us? Jake caught her attention, touching her elbow with his fingers. We won’t say anything, honest.

She didn’t want to leave them yet, and if nothing was said to Matt or Nate, it would be okay.

Do they have bubble-gum flavour? she asked him.

No, but they do have candyfloss flavour, he offered hopefully.

Okay, she said, and they grinned happily at her.

C’mon then, Lily Pad, you won’t regret it, we promise.

We’ll never be your brothers.

H old it flat, and twist your waist slightly, Matt instructed, standing beside her.

She did what he told her, her fingers curling around the edge of the flat stone.

Now, let it fly, he said and stepped back from her.

She brought her arm back and forwards smoothly, the stone flying from her fingers. It hit the water, bounced, then bounced twice more before sinking below the surface.

Yay! I did it! She turned to where the others were watching.

Well done! Matt laughed and threw his own stone.

She watched as it skimmed five times before slipping under the surface. Not as good as you, though. She smiled at him.

This was your first time. We’ve been doing this for years. How come you’ve never done this before? Nate let his own stone fly forward, and it bounced several times before going under.

Lily shrugged. I don’t know. Never had a dad to show me, I guess, or older brothers. She poked Josh in the chest as he passed her on his search for more stones.

You’re older than we are, Nate pointed out. We’ll never be your brothers, either.

His words brought her up short. Lily turned back to the calm waters of the sea. Her attraction to them would never let her see them as brothers, but it was dismissive the way he’d said it, as if they’d never be that close to her. That she’d always be the outsider in their relationship.

She picked up a handful of stones and concentrated on trying to throw them further out. She knew she’d never be as close as they were with each other, but at the same time, she hoped they could be good friends. Maybe he was telling her that she’d never be that either. And maybe she was overthinking the whole thing and he’d merely been pointing out the obvious.

She heard Matt murmur something to Nate, and then they were both throwing stones into the water.

Her name was called, and she turned around. Josh took her picture on his phone. Hungry yet? he asked.

Starved. She checked her watch, surprised to see it was lunchtime already.

If we walk around the headland, Porthaven is just there. It’s got the best chips I’ve ever tasted. Matt pointed back towards where the beach merged into a steep, rock and gorse covered cliff. There was a narrow footpath that zigzagged up to the coastal path high above.

She joined them as they made their way up the beach. Where’s the caves they used for smuggling? she asked as they reached the start of the path.

Further around the headland, Nate called out from in front of her. We’ll show you another time. They’re only accessible at low tide, and it’s on its way in at the moment.

Drew is researching smuggling around here, she panted. It was a tough climb, and the muscles in her calves began to burn with the effort.

Who the fuck is Drew? Nate demanded.

She took the chance to stop for a few moments to get her breath back. She looked back at how far they’d come and was surprised by how high they were.

Lily, who is Drew? Nate repeated.

She carried on towards where he was waiting for her. He wasn’t even out of breath, but her lungs were close to exploding, along with her thumping heart.

He took me home yesterday, she called out breathlessly and wiped at the sweat on her forehead. I used to think I was fairly fit. This is killing me!

You are fit, Josh said, from behind her. You’re not used to hill walking, that’s all. We’re nearly there.

Thank goodness, she huffed, hearing him snigger behind her.

She carried on slowly, and after what seemed like forever, she finally reached the crest of the cliff, sank to her knees, and gazed over the sea far below.

Why did you get into his car? Nate crouched beside her. Have you any idea how stupid that was?

What? She looked at him in surprise.

You got into a total stranger's car and let him drive you off. We followed you all the way home. I didn’t say anything yesterday, but honestly, you should know better.

He’s not a total stranger. He’s my neighbour. I recognised him. But I wasn’t aware you told me what to do, she said, lifting an eyebrow at him.

The twins had a look of apprehension on their faces. Were they so used to doing what Nate told them to that it was surprising when someone didn’t toe the line?

Didn’t you get it when we told you his interest in you wasn’t healthy? Nate asked.

She got to her feet and wiped her hands down her shorts, not making eye contact with him.

That’s not what I meant, she said clearly. "I’m my own person, Nate. I do what I want, not what