Appalachian Prey (Lavender Mountain Book 1; Appalachian Magic) by Debbie Herbert

Author:Debbie Herbert [Herbert, Debbie]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Contemporary Romance, Women's Fiction, Law Enforcement, Romantic Suspense, Thrillers & Suspense, Mystery & Intrigue, Violence & Crime Story, Protection & Safety, Action & Adventure, Dangerous & Deadly, Forever Love, Bachelor, Single Mother-To-Be, Hearts Desire, Life-Changes, Second Chance Reunion, Honesty & Trust, Home & Family, Romantic Schemes, Beautiful & Feisty, Love-Family & Forever, Clean & Wholesome, Suspenseful Fiction, Lavender Mountain Series, Appalachian Magic, Family & Domestic Life, Deputy & Secret Father, Old Family Secrets, Expected Mother, Unexpected Pregnancy
Publisher: Harlequin Intrigue; Original Edition
Published: 2018-02-01T05:00:00+00:00

Chapter Eleven

A storm of turbulence thundered through the mountain. Lilah was startled awake, bewildered and fearful. Damp stone, darkness and the metallic tinge of blood in her mouth reminded her of the afternoon’s events. But what was that roaring cacophony? From the cave’s mouth, a monochromic flash of white beams lit the trees. Faraway voices wafted faintly.

She slowly rose and walked on wobbling legs to the entrance, then leaned against the stone aperture. Ahead, a helicopter drew nearer before circling and hovering almost directly above. She blinked, adjusting from the cave’s darkness and silence to the piercing light and noise.

They were looking for her. She’d been part of search-and-rescue missions before, although never at night. And she’d certainly never been the objective of one.

“Here,” she called. But her voice was weak, certainly not audible over the chopper’s engine.

A ray of light from above shone directly on her body and she blinked and waved her arms.

“Lilah!”

She distinctly heard her name and turned her head to the right.

Harlan ran toward her, his eyes frantic. “Are you hurt? You’re bleeding.”

Without waiting for an answer, he picked her up and cradled her against his broad chest, which she buried her face in, shutting out the commotion. She inhaled the scent of clean linen blended with a woodsy note, savoring the comfort and strength of Harlan’s presence.

Now she had the answer she’d been seeking when she’d entered the forest hours ago. No way was she leaving this man or this mountain. He deserved to know the truth. He was the father of her child and she loved and trusted him. She’d never stopped loving him, even when he’d withdrawn his affection after her spring break was over.

“We’ll get you to a hospital right away,” he vowed, stroking her hair. “What happened? Did somebody hurt you or did you just take a tumble?”

Before she could answer, Jasper ran up to them. “LayLay, you okay little girl?”

“I’m fine now.”

The harsh lines of her uncle’s face relaxed. “Had a hunch you’d head out to this cave when they found your car at the trail entrance. You always did love to play in it when you were a kid. You and Jimmy and Darla, too.”

Ah, so that’s how they knew where to search. “Thank you, Uncle Jasper.”

They were quickly surrounded by others. Spontaneous cheers erupted from the volunteers. Lilah recognized Sammy and Alvin as they pushed their way over.

“What happened, Lilah?” Sammy asked.

She shot Harlan an uneasy glance. “I came out for a walk and two men took shots at me. Sounded like a shotgun. I ran to the cave and hid.”

Harlan’s arms and chest tightened, hardening against her body.

Alvin gave a low whistle. “Why would they shoot at you?”

Her eyes slid involuntarily to Jasper and he gave the slightest shake of his head, as if asking her to keep quiet. He always called moonshine the “devil’s brew,” but family was family and they stuck together.

“Who were the bastards?” Harlan’s face was pinched and his question clipped. “That’s what I need to know.

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