Cadence of Love (18 page)

Alaina woke at the peak of dawn alone in the bed. She patted and stretched, hoping they had somehow gotten a magical bigger bed during the night and were lost somewhere.
Damn. Where are they?
The faint sound of music was coming through her window from outside. Deciding to check it out, she reluctantly slid out of bed and threw on her robe, stumbling out the door and down the hall. As soon as she stepped on the porch the source came into view. Running down the dirt drive was the team, chanting a cadence to keep time. It wasn’t long until they were in front of her, marching in place. Brody sounded off, leading the next song.

Runni
ng down the road just as fast as I
can
,

Go
tta get back in shape to kill the bad
man
.

Don’t wanna leave
again
but I gotta go
,

Time to put an end to the
freak
show.

Oh no.
Gotta go.

Shoot ‘em high. Shoot ‘em low.

Kill ‘em fast. Kill ‘em slow.

Momma
,
momma can’t you see?

I got a pretty little girl waiting on me.

Her hair is shiny and her lip
s are sweet
,

Alaina will you marry a beret like me
?”

The team repeated each line after it was called. After the last line, the others remained back while Brody and Leland marched forward and dropped to their knee. Each held out a little box to her. Unable to sustain her excitement, she squealed and jumped up and down, finally yelling, “Yes!”

Each man took a turn placing the rings on each of her ring fingers before standing up and sealing their proposal and fate with a heart pounding, stomach dropping, breath taking kiss.

There was still so much left to do ahead of them, but for this moment in time, things were perfect. Alaina would be by their side for all that was to come, and keep the home fires burning while they were gone. Her life was turning out to be awesome.

One week later…

General Ashburn called the team together for a meeting at the ranch. After sharing a lovely supper of brisket, veggies, and potato salad, they all congregated into the living area with a Scotch in hand. “We have a long road ahead of us. There are going to be a lot of changes now that we are able to work on our own without politicians and ass kissers in the way to stop us.” He continued, going over details in length.

Now that they are formally back into the Army, it was time to shed light on a few subjects, which include information for upcoming missions and targets. With the chain of command out of their way, it was evident the team was about to go down in history for actually doing the world some good.

“I also plan on bringing on the extraction team you have worked with in the past. They are a great group men and I think they will work flawlessly with each of you. They will become part of the family on a permanent basis. We need larger numbers. This group is my top choice, and I want your insight before any decisions are made. All of you know 2LT Mitchel Gram, SSG Jared Shaver, SFC Paul Fredericks, and SGT Robert Weiser. So, what are your opinions on this? Remember, you may officially be back in the Army, but we work as a team. All decisions that will affect the group will be made together. If you have reasons why, or have someone else in mind, let me know now.” He went silent, giving the guys a chance to look around and gather their thoughts.

Joker stepped up and spoke first. He had been close to the quarto over the years, and had always loved being able to work side by side with them. He and Jared had become best buds, they had been inseparable when both were stationed at home and not deployed.

“Hell yeah! There is no one else in the world that would fit with our little crazy family. The ‘E’ team has been like the cousins we only get to visit on holidays! They are all badasses, and I can’t wait to sign them up. I say break out the duct tape, let’s get them initiated!”

General Ashburn snickered. “I knew you would be on board, Joker. Okay, what do the rest of you say?”

The team went through one by one, all giving eager ‘yes’ answers. It was no secret they had all grown to care about the newcomers and liked the idea of working with them.

“It is decided then. I will give them a call tomorrow and get their papers drawn up. In the meantime, start making room. After the next mission, I want to have everyone living out here. Do you have enough living quarters, or do you need materials for more lodgings?”

“No, we should have plenty of cabins for everyone. If we need to build on, I will give you a call later. We need to get organized, but can have them all moved within the next six months or so.”

“Great. I am excited to lead you all on the path we are setting out on. In the eighteen years I have been in, I never would have thought we could be where we are today. We have a chance to make a difference.” He looked at each of them proudly. “I am honored to have you all working with me. You are all the best of the best. Together, we are unstoppable.”

The group exploded in conversation and drinks, allowing their anticipation to fill the house. Michael and Alaina joined them in the small little celebration of sorts the good news brought. After the General made his leave and the house settled down some, Jared stepped out on the porch, unable to hold his excitement any longer. He couldn’t believe his best friend was going to be working with them permanently. Despite the fact that it was well after eleven p.m., he flipped open his cell and dialed.

He waited as the phone began to ring and when the click sounded a familiar voice came across the line. "Hey, Drake. How's it going? Haven't heard from you in a few months."

“Hey, Jared! Sorry it’s late, but I couldn’t wait until tomorrow. So, I hear you are joining the team!”

Twisted Fate Series

Twisted Time

Coming Soon: Book Two

Breaking Protocol

Cadence of Love

Coming Soon: Book Two

I would love to hear from you!

Website: http://willowbrooke.weebly.com/

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Twisted Fates Series Book One

by Willow Brooke

Jessa Meadows shifted her weight between each foot unable to stand still. Today had proven to be even worse than the previous with no end in sight. The past few months had been a hurricane of agonizing disastrous events. With a huff, she slung her silky golden hair over her shoulder and handed the huge cup of coffee across the counter to the disgruntled and obviously caffeine deprived woman. When she turned around to grab the glass blender pitcher, she knocked it off onto the tile floor and it exploded into shards.

Jessa cursed under her breath at the broken glass that lay scattered around her feet. The past six months she had been slammed straight into her first heat with a vengeance. The more she fought it, the longer it dragged on and the more intense it grew. What was supposed to be a milestone in growing up as a shifter had become a living nightmare. It was similar to human puberty, only jacked up on steroids. A shifter could not scent their mate or be scented by their mate until after losing their virginity, or receiving a kiss from them. It was expected of all shifters to experiment sexually during this time, where in the human world it was socially and morally wrong to scratch every hormonal itch. Like wild animals, they would bang every single wolf who so much as gave them a wink and a smile. It was an animalistic fuck fest, and Jessa wanted no part of it. Her wolf fought for control, lunging at every weak spot in an attempt to take over. She was mentally drained, and physically restless. Obviously clumsy could be added to the growing list now, too.
Yippie freakin’ skippy
. Frustration pooled in the rims of her eyes and threatened to spill as she cleaned up the shards.

Every man within sniffing distance was all up in her personal space, eagerly offering his services in every humorous and pathetic way possible. The problem was, she refused to give her virginity to the first mutt that came along. It might be unheard of in shifter society, but Jessa wanted her first time to be meaningful. The idea of falling on her back for the first horn dog that came along at the right time made her stomach turn.

Lost deep in the recess of her thoughts while robotically preparing the next order at Mocha Express, her wolf growled and pranced in a challenging dance at the scents that wafted in her direction. The sudden yelp from the group of girls at the counter was a reality mental slap. The animalistic noise must have slipped out, because they now looked at her as if she had grown a tail. She had to resist the urge to peek behind her and make sure she hadn’t.
Super.
Jessa offered up a sweet smile, hoping it would dissipate their sudden shock. Mocha Express was one of the few chains that catered to both humans and otherworldly creatures, offering treats and beverages for shifters, vampires, and many other magical creatures that humans were oblivious to. Plus, it provided cover for the group that occupied the attached mansion.

Vampires and shifters took up residency at Gates Manor, a huge mansion that dated back into the eighteenth century. The eclectic group of paranormal prodigies worked together to keep the balance of the world in order. To prevent the devil from spreading evil through demon possessions and taking over the magical community, angels banded together with this elite group and gave direct orders for them to follow. Not many knew of the group’s existence, and great measures were taken to keep it that way. They were known as the Guardians by the select few who helped and fought with them on each mission.

Michael Stone was the head vampire in the agency, who was in charge of all of the vampires on the continent. He had a huge army of vampires at his ready who fought without question and at a moment’s notice. His wife, Christina, was
the
most powerful witch who originated from the first bloodline. Her aunt Autumn had been until Christina accepted her powers in the moon ritual. Together, the duo was unbeatable. Most witches needed three to harness magic to their full abilities. Autumn and Christina didn’t.

Next was Alan Black, one of Autumn’s two mates. He was the alpha of the wolf shifters in Northern America and represented them in the Guardians. Her other mate, Braden Wilder, was the alpha of the jaguar shifters in North America and also member of the Guardians. Together, they all made up one big, happy—odd family.

Working the day shift at Mocha Express meant more humans and the need to contain her wolf better, but it also meant less shifters that her mangy mutt would try to jump on. It was a catch-22.

Unfortunately, word must have gotten out of her schedule change. The door chimed announcing the arrival of the mob of six shifter men, all sporting huge grins and hungry looks. The intensity shooting from their eyes confirmed the hunger they had wouldn’t be sated with Danish rolls or pastries. Anger immediately boiled through her veins.
Tough luck, boys. You aren’t getting your hands on my cookies. Make a move
.
I dare you.

Quickly drawing her attention back to the task-at-hand, she hurriedly finished the order and braced herself for the scene that was about to unfold. With her wolf chomping at the bit, she gritted her teeth and shoved the animal back into its restraints.
Time for some fun. Let’s see if you boys can keep up!
She plastered the biggest smile she could muster, and turned to her overeager customers. “Good afternoon, gentlemen! What can I get for you today?”

The Otherkin Series Book Two

By Kiera Kendrik

She came out of her musings as they pulled up to the hotel Cade had booked them. It was settled on the back row of downtown New Orleans. A valet approached them as they exited the car, signaling to a porter who was pulling a cart for their luggage. They entered the lobby and Sophie looked around at the beauty before her. It was one of the older hotels in New Orleans with the old city charm built literally right in. The vaulted ceiling sported carved angels in the corners and had a large, glass, teardrop chandelier. There were paintings depicting the history of New Orleans on every wall and her heels clacked on the beautiful marble flooring.

"Welcome to the Angelique Hotel," a young woman said as she greeted them behind the checkin counter.

Cade began speaking to her as Sophie wondered how much this cost per night and knew this wasn't in her budget. As she opened her mouth to say something to Jackson, Cade turned to them waving card keys and gesturing toward the elevators. She sighed and followed them, knowing they wouldn't allow them to split up so she could stay somewhere more affordable. She didn't say a word as they rode the elevator in silence to the third floor. When they stepped off, she followed, hating that she felt like a sheep going to slaughter.

They stopped at a door and Cade put the card in to open it then gestured for her to proceed inside. As she thought this was her room, she turned to take the card from Cade.

"No, darlin', we are all staying here," Cade said, chuckling at her and strolled past her and into the room.

She turned to argue with him and saw the room for the first time. She had stepped into a suite. It was vast with a large living room, complete with a kitchen. As she stepped further into the living room, Cade, who had begun opening doors, started giving her a tour.

"To the right is your room, it has its own bathroom. We are across from you. Come see the view from the balcony," he said as he gestured to the French doors he was opening.

She smiled at him and stepped out onto the balcony as Jackson came up silently behind them. She gasped at the view from their hotel. The hotel sat in the historic French Quarter, one block over from Bourbon Street, which was one of the most famous streets in New Orleans. The buildings on their street were old and gave off an old world charm. She felt like she had stepped back in time.

While she was standing there, it wasn’t hard to notice the two hunks standing on either side of her. Jackson and Cade were about the same height and both men had bodies that romance novels were based on.

As she absorbed the view and distractions beside her, Jackson said with humor in his voice, "Does this meet with your satisfaction?"

Sophie laughed. "It's very nice." She turned to Cade. "Let me know what my half is so I can reimburse you."

She turned to go back inside and Jackson stopped her. "Your half? No, this trip is on us. You are our responsibility and we will take care of you."

She faced him fully and said, "I don't think so. I am not your responsibility. I take care of myself."

She went back inside and saw her suitcase sitting by the front door. She grabbed her case and went into her room, shutting the door behind her. One minute they had her body flooding with desire and the next, they set her teeth on edge. She sat down on the end of the king-sized bed and frowned. She had to find a way to deal with these feelings before they got out of control. She decided distraction was one way to go and so she stood up to begin unpacking.

Jackson banged his hand against the railing on the balcony. "Why does she have to be like that?"

Cade chuckled. "What, you expected her to bow down to both of us and be a good little mate?"

Jackson growled, "Well a little bending would be nice."

"We need to give her some time. It wasn't that long ago she was held against her will and then I'm sure it was more than a shock to find out she was staying on a ranch with Otherkin and all that that entailed," Cade drawled.

"I know, I know." This wasn't the first time Cade had said these things to Jackson, but he was getting more frustrated. Sophie was his mate, his and Cade's, and they needed to claim her. The mating heat was riding both of them.

"Look, we should use this time in this romantic city to woo her," Cade said matter-of-factly.

"Woo her?" Jackson asked. "Did you just really say that?" He began to laugh.

Cade punched him in the arm. "Shut up. I'm going to order us a late lunch." He walked into the main room and picked up the phone.