Breathing In the Freedom of Protection

By Andie Renee

Brianna McDonald has drastically changed since her miraculous journey of healing. Even she has no idea what step she will be taking next as she only looks to her Savior for direction. She is led moment by moment, all by the Holy Spirit who has literally become the very breath she breathes. But when an obstacle in the form of an overwhelming man appears on her narrow path that Jesus is lovingly keeping her on, she finds out the hard way that there is still an inward struggle that takes place trying to keep her more attuned to having a need to know why or how before she can obediently move forward in faith. He is a man that instantly shatters her commonsense and rational mind the moment her eyes come into contact with his, and instead of accepting the blessing for what it could be, she questions it and finds herself eagerly wanting to run as fast as she can back to what she is more familiar with. This unfamiliarity can’t be from God, can it?

Crown Prince Dorian Megalos is disheartened, exhausted, and boldly speaking...doesn’t need anything! And he is in no mood, nor at all prepared for Brianna McDonald to enter his country, let alone his palace. But his security men are beside themselves with the knowledge of her inadvertent ties to his family and so at the earliest opportunity they shove her over to him. The alluring light beaming from her eyes causes his heart to fiercely pound in his chest robbing him of logic...maybe there is something he needs after all.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Andie Renee
• Release date: Jul 21, 2014
• ISBN: 9781311745101

Andie Renee

Under King Jesus’ reign, our physical blood is fortified with His blood, our heart beats within His commanding Hands, and our ears are attuned only to His Truth, while our mouth is under our Savior’s authority, and our eyes ache to only see Him.As one of Abba’s daughters passionately declaring His Love, His Guidance, and His Protection, I’m only able to write as the Holy Spirit guides my fingers. May our novels give you a few hours of enjoyment as well as inspire you to have a deeper fellowship with King Jesus as you actively live in His presence, and He intimately Shepherds you.

Book preview

Protection Series:

#5 ~ Breathing In the Freedom of Protection

(each Novel in this series does stand-alone, but they also relate to each other)

By Andie Renee

Copyright 2014 Andie Renee

Smashwords Edition

In regards to my Protection Series:

I have more than surpassed the required waiting years, in regards to writing, which I had agreed upon at the time of my resignation from the United States Secret Service. I have not divulged any top secret, classified, or sensitive information regarding the government, nor any government agency, nor have my books revealed any specific names. They are not meant to disrespect any particular person, agency, or representatives. They are fictional characters involved in fictional and imaginary, life-changing events. I am hoping that you enjoy the unique family bond that this agency actually has amongst its agents. This set of books may be really different from what you normally read, but I am hoping that you can enjoy the uniqueness and interesting situations that they all find themselves in and how Jesus heals their ways and works in each of their lives.

Smashwords Edition, License Notes

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to your favorite retailer and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

eBook Cover Designer~Andie Renee

Candle photo: CanStockPhotoInc./ dankalilly (csp 8079697)

Beach Cave photo: CanStockPhotoInc./ Pipop (csp 19211071)

Star Image Designer~Andie Renee: Panther: CanStockPhotoInc./ dagadu (csp7909419); White House: CanStockPhotoInc./ Alperium (csp1845848)

When you read this book you will be experiencing...

Breathing In the Freedom of Protection, a novel about Brianna McDonald who has drastically changed since her miraculous journey of healing. Even she has no idea what step she will be taking next as she only looks to her Savior for direction. She is led moment by moment, all by the Holy Spirit who has literally become the very breath she breathes. But when an obstacle, in the form of an overwhelming man, appears on her narrow path that Jesus is lovingly keeping her on, she finds out the hard way that there is still an inward struggle that takes place trying to keep her more attuned to having a need to know why or how before she can obediently move forward in faith. He is a man that instantly shatters her commonsense and rational mind the moment her eyes come into contact with his, and instead of accepting the blessing for what it could be, she questions it and finds herself eagerly wanting to run as fast as she can back to what she is more familiar with. This unfamiliarity can’t be from God, can it?

Crown Prince Dorian Megalos is disheartened, exhausted, and boldly speaking...doesn’t need anything! And he is in no mood, nor at all prepared for Brianna McDonald to enter his country, let alone his palace. But his security men are beside themselves with the knowledge of her inadvertent ties to his family and so at the earliest opportunity they shove her over to him. The alluring light beaming from her eyes causes his heart to fiercely pound in his chest robbing him of logic...maybe there is something he needs after all.

Chapter 1

Can you say...Chicken, with a capital C? Sarcasm screamed through Brianna’s mind as she leaned back in her airplane seat trying to still her rapidly beating heart while taking a few more deep breaths.

Laughing to herself, she put her phone back into her purse, looked out her window to the dark night, and sighed.

There was no other way to describe it, she certainly was a chicken. The short, and simple text to her brother telling him that she was on the aircraft had been super short and sweet, giving nothing away.

Smirking, Brianna could not believe what she had just purposefully done in order to be able to procure this trip that was finally only minutes from getting underway. After spending over an hour at a gate that had a flight going west, she had run to her secret, originally assigned gate, with only a few minutes to spare. The measures she had to go through were ridiculous, but with an overly protective brother, you do what you have to do for your independence.

Again for the thousandth time, must I remind myself that I am a grown woman?

What she needed to do is remind Roger of that, but over the last few days of being in D.C. for her sister’s wedding, she had been unable to gather enough courage to tell him that she was flying to a royal wedding being held by the ruling family of a small country in South America. And with the growing number of terroristic activities, she could only imagine what his rebuttals would have been. The only strong positive argument that she could make was that she was going away from the rapidly approaching flu season.

Brianna unconsciously bit her lip while nervously looking, again, to the already shut door of the aircraft. She was still half expecting to see some of those funny, always popping up, CAT guys to enter.

Man, this paranoia is not at all for her.

However, from the past few days’ experiences, those CAT guys could show up anywhere. They sure were a secretive, sneaky group of men. The only time she had been alone with her sister, and new sister-in-law, had been at Roger’s house.

He may think he was sly and smooth, and both Lacey and Bianca may enjoy it, but Brianna was completely different. She relished her freedom, and she was definitely aware of his sneaky ways. Just as she had been aware of them during their high school years. She hadn’t said anything back then because she knew that nothing would have changed his mind, and during her sick years he hadn’t had to tighten his reigns because she had stayed put. But now, with her miraculous healing from the Lord, Brianna finally planned to fully enjoy what God has blessed her with in extending her physical life on earth. She was not going to allow Roger to dictate what she did, when she did it, nor how she did it.

She grimaced, if only I could just firmly tell him that in person!

And that wasn’t all...

She briefly closed her eyes. What would Roger say if he knew that she had a deeply held desire to actually move out of America, to a region where she had always longed to live? And that desire was getting louder as the days ticked by and the flu season rapidly approached. She knew that she would have to move real soon if she was going to move this year, but she still had no idea where she would move to. Brianna was just waiting on the Lord to reveal that to her.

But what am I going to do about Roger? She rolled her eyes.

She could just imagine his angry response, and she really didn’t want to even experience that. She loved her brother so much, and he already had too much to deal with, she didn’t want to be an added burden to him. She just wanted him to relinquish his protective reigns on her, as he had with Bianca. However, unlike Bianca who had just married his sharp-shooting CAT guy, Brianna didn’t have a significant other, nor even a boyfriend, nor anyone that even came close to that. And until then it was probably just wishful thinking.

No matter how many times she told him that Jesus was Lord of her life and He was who solely led her, Roger wouldn’t listen. And her failed attempts at proving to him that she could physically protect herself was pretty laughable, especially since he had made her immobile with the flick of his wrist. But Roger was huge compared to her, and had an unfair advantage. And her ranting and raving about how unfair of an advantage he had over her had only served to make his men and him laugh.

Jesus, I really don’t want to hurt him, I love my brother and am so very thankful for him, but something has definitely got to change here. I like that he is a major part of my life, but...

Brianna couldn’t help but think of all the times he had sent her private messages of encouragement during her sick years, and his encouraging scriptures had always come right when she had needed them. She regretfully looked out her window, please prepare him Jesus to openly receive the news of me moving.

A black uniform caught her eye, and her heart dropped. No.

Relief rushed through her when she saw that it was simply a male flight attendant moving up front. This really is crazy. Closing her eyes, she firmly focused on Jesus until she felt the plane finally begin to back up.

Joyfulness filled her, praise you Jesus! Thank you, I love you! It really is happening.

She looked to the front and all around the first-class cabin of the aircraft, and found herself bursting forth with a joy that went beyond her first experience in riding in first-class. It was a joy deeply embedded within her while the Holy Spirit reminded her of the victory she was currently dwelling in just by sitting in this aircraft, and taxiing to the runway. Just a few short years ago, something like this wasn’t even possible, at least not without having to wear oxygen. She deeply inhaled and enjoyed every last volume of air filling her lungs.

And there was no coughing.

Unshed tears teased her eyes, thank you Jesus.

If the change in air pressure, or the pressurized cabin hadn’t thrown her into an asthma attack, then the smells that were within the aircraft definitely would have. What beauty and freedom there is when you breathe for me, Holy Spirit! What beauty there is in your victory, my Lord! The plane picked up speed, sharply tilted back and her heart raced with excitement as she quickly saw and felt them leave the ground. Woo-hoo, I’m flying again!

Brianna could hardly contain her joy while still more joy deeply penetrated her patiently waiting soul. Within hours she would finally be deeply inhaling the blessed, wonderful, much anticipated warm, fresh tropical air. The lush, bright tropical colors, and greenness of the foliage rose in her mind, and her heart rapidly beat while her lungs longed to finally smell that amazingly warm, tropical air. Something she had always longed to smell, especially during her sick years when a deep breath was impossible to indulge in without coughing.

She couldn’t wait to get there, and had even read an exciting book on the history and culture of Chazak. It had been filled with countless information on the beautiful tropical environment that was home to waterfalls, a multitude of fruit, as well as a healthy variety of wildlife, and from the beaches to the hill country it was gorgeous and breathtaking. Each time she had even looked at the closed book laying on her table, excitement would fill her. A beautiful country that was based on God’s principles, and whose country was actually located slightly north of Sao Paolo, resting northeast of Brazil.

It was established by the ruling Megalos family many hundreds of years ago under the assurance that they were prompted to do so by the Holy Spirit. They then documented scripture, Psalm 147:11, ‘The Lord taketh pleasure in them that fear him, in those that hope in His mercy,’ as their country’s foundational principle.

A scripture that her brother had once sent her on a day that had been emotionally painful for her, in her battle and struggles against doubts. She will never forget that day.

She had firmly clung to Psalm 147:11, and was satisfied in knowing that the Lord was pleased with her simply because she reverenced Him, and looked to Him while the Holy Spirit had kept a vision of herself lying with her face down, arms and legs spread out, completely prostrate at the Lord’s feet.

That verse was so special to her, and to be able to go to a country that used that as their very foundation was beyond anything she could ever imagine.

Is Brianna safely on her plane?

Yes, sir. But she isn’t on the one you thought she would be on.

Roger momentarily frowned, Which one is she on then?

She is headed to the beautiful Isles of Chazak, South America.

An uneasiness rapidly spread through Roger at the mere mention of that name and his hand tightened on the phone. He immediately opened his mouth to order Tiger to get her off that aircraft, but suddenly Roger stared before him.

The Lord firmly and authoritatively looked to him while he felt the Holy Spirit cover his mouth.

‘Let her go. She is mine.’

Clearing his throat, Roger rubbed his tired eyes, and took a deep breath, while words that were so foreign to him flowed through his mouth, Okay, she’ll be fine. She needs to enjoy herself and take a vacation. Thanks, Tiger.

Tears rolled down his face and he looked out his office window to the pitch black night the moment he ended the call. Give me strength Lord to trust you, and to trust in your protection of her. You have beautifully, and thankfully, healed her.

He pictured himself falling to the Lord’s feet at the cross. I love her so much, but I finally recognize that she is first yours.

Tiger looked again to his phone making sure that it was in fact Roger that he had called. Shaking his head, he began to walk through the airport. He thought for sure he would currently be sweet talking his way into that aircraft, and then battling another stubborn woman, whom he never did have patience for.

Unlike his bosses and most of the other men around him, he gladly washed his hands of helping a woman when she firmly asked to be left alone, or boldly told him to lay off because she didn’t need him, nor his help. Tiger had no desire, nor time, to be involved with a woman that had issues. Let them work out what they needed to work out, and then let them come back to you when they were ready, if they wanted to, and if you wanted them to.

He would never help a woman that said she didn’t want, nor need his help.

If they didn’t want it and said they didn’t need it, then don’t do it! He relished the ‘like them’ or ‘leave them’ approach, no games, and definitely no wooing. Just the straight forward ‘I am here,’ ‘Do you want me?’ ‘Oh, you don’t?’ ‘Okay, enjoy watching my back leave because I’ll never turn, nor look back.’

His gaze traveled to the bar coming up on his right and he unconsciously tensed as he prepared himself for the all-too familiar battle he would encounter, as he did every time he went by one, or saw people drinking and partying.

His feet stopped and shock slammed against him.

There were no urges, no cravings, no excited taste buds ready for the cold, refreshing drink to slide through his mouth and down his throat, and no looking forward to the feel of the buzz, nor the feeling he could conquer it all, nor the aching desire to live in the moment where all that mattered at those drinking times was how he currently felt, or what he currently wanted to experience. His chest tightened, and he could barely breathe while for the first time ever, he victoriously walked away without having to exhaustingly fight his way past it. His mind chaotically tried to sort through the facts and decipher the reasoning, but he got no closer to figuring out what had just happened.

Leaning against his black sports car, Tiger took a deep breath then knelt down. His eyes looked to the night sky while the airport parking lot’s lights shone down on him, I don’t know what has happened, or changed within me, or how you’ve done it, but I couldn’t ask for any other proof. What a confirmation you have given me that I am on the right path by actively acknowledging you, and living in your presence. Praise you, Lord, you surely are greater than all things we struggle with. I loved to drink, I loved everything about it, but yet through you, he swallowed with difficulty, I no longer do. I can finally, and so easily see that now. Teach me to continue loving you more than anything else in my life.

Tiger hung his head down, Give me strength to continue to actively acknowledge you every day so that you may lead me. Nourish my love for you so that it may become stronger than anything I would desire or want, and may it be the very root of all things in my life. I now will finally give everything of myself completely over to you. I had tried for years to battle my love of drinking, and my cravings, but you wiped all of that out so fully, quickly, and amazingly. And all I did was focus more on you, I focused on getting to know you, and turning to you first in all things as I have seen my bosses, and friends do. Thank you, Jesus, and please forgive me for waiting so long.

Chapter 2

Blaire, where are you?

She had really hoped that her friend would have been here to welcome her. Wheeling her small suitcase around the baggage claim area, Brianna gave up looking for her and decided to go through customs.

Standing in the long line, Brianna continued to look all around the open room with the huge, high vaulted ceilings and immaculate glass windows of the airport, and was still completely shocked by the beautiful expanse of their country’s international airport. It was a lot bigger than she had expected it to be since it was a relatively small country.

She moved forward. Wow, it sure was a busy place.

An uneasiness tried to creep in, but she immediately visualized the Lord’s blood being poured over it. Thank you Jesus so much for your divine protection against all sicknesses that may be currently floating around here, and for your thorough healing of all of my fears. I will not be concerned because of the rapidly approaching flu season in America, nor of the possibilities of it still lingering here. I look only to you because you, alone, are my protection and I choose to dwell in you, and not the fear, nor doubt. You truly are Lord of my life.

Brianna stepped forward into a different line as a security guard motioned her to. Bending to pick up a dropped piece of paper, her eyes brightened as she looked right into the gorgeous brown eyes of a little boy staring straight at her. They were already big eyes, and with his long thick eyelashes he looked so cute with his very predictable, and easily read facial expression. She knew her eyes really stood out, and not just because they were so unusually light, but combined with her black hair most people didn’t expect that striking combination so they were always giving her odd, amazed looks.

A twinkle of mischief lit her eyes as she secretly smiled and waved to him.

In shock, the little boy aggressively tugged on his mom’s dress and continued to openly stare at Brianna with a big grin. His chocolate brown eyes were so gorgeous, and her heart melted just looking at the handsome little guy with his olive toned skin.

Remembering that she still had a candy bar in her purse, Brianna took it out and touched his mom.

Excuse me? Do you speak English?

The woman turned around and her eyes briefly drew together in uncertainty. Visibly shaking her head, as if to clear it, she responded with a slight accent in her voice, Yes, I do.

Brianna held up the small package, Could I give this candy bar to your son?

Sure. He would love that.

Smiling, she knelt down holding out the candy bar and waited for him to take it, but out of nowhere his little body came charging into her arms. Falling back onto the floor, Brianna’s arms came around him laughing, He is so adorable, and his brown eyes are so gorgeous.

His mother’s mouth dropped open and she quickly tried to help her up, I-I’m so sorry, he has never done this before, especially with a stranger.

Brianna continued to hold the little guy tightly as she stood, That’s alright. He is so cute.

Thinking that all he had wanted was a hug, Brianna, too, was shocked when she tried to give him back to his mom, but he refused to let go of her. His mom and she both tried to pry him apart, but he wouldn’t budge and instead, clung on even tighter. Brianna leaned forward a little trying to dislodge his little nails that were biting through her t-shirt.

As the lines moved up, Brianna shrugged, I’ll just carry him for you. Go ahead, I’ll follow you through the lines.

The mom giggled, I can’t believe this. Here let me take your suitcase. Is this the only one you have?

Yes, thank you. Your son is so cute. She received a kiss on her cheek from him before he laid his head on her shoulder and closed his eyes. His jet-black, silky hair glided across her chin. How old is he?

About 17 months. She turned and smiled as she moved up a few more spaces. He has never acted like this before. Normally he clings to me and won’t even acknowledge anyone else. It must be your eyes. They are very beautiful and really stand out. She patted her little boy’s back, Is it your first time visiting our country?

Yes.

Oh, I hope you enjoy your stay. It is such a beautiful country, but then I would say that.

Smiling, Brianna lightly rocked him, Well, these pictures displayed in the airport are a testament to that alone. The seacoast and private alcoves are simply breathtaking.

Yes, God has blessed our country so much. I have lived away for a few years now, and have greatly missed it. Praise Jesus, I’m so excited to be finally returning home after so long. Such miraculous healing has taken place. She paused and wiped a tear then smiled, Sorry, I’m just still so amazed by all that has happened in my life.

No, don’t ever apologize for that. I, too, get very teary eyed when I even begin to think of all that He has brought me through. Jesus is so amazing, and so very thorough when we turn completely to Him.

Amen. She smiled, and moved up another step, I live farther inland, and our rolling hills are gorgeous, especially during this time of year, which is our spring. It is fall in America, correct?

Yes.

His mom leaned in, He is asleep. Should I take him now?

No. Go ahead and move forward, he’s fine.

Okay. Do you have any family or friends here?

A good friend of mine is getting married here.

Oh, we have so many romantic spots for that. Not to mention the fact that our country is beside itself right now because our king is getting married this weekend, too.

Inwardly laughing, Brianna could just imagine the woman’s response if she were to tell her that her friend was the one marrying him. But, although this woman seemed trustworthy, she would not take any chances by disclosing that information. Brianna smiled, and looked to the little boy, unable to help herself from sneaking in a little kiss on his warm chubby cheek.

So, when is your friend’s wedding? I understand that out of respect to the king there are no other marriages scheduled on the same day. Is it the one before or after theirs?

Relief washed over her. Praise Jesus the woman had added that extra information in because Brianna had no idea that was the case, and it would have been really awkward had she said that day.

A no nonsense voice interrupted her thoughts, Move forward.

Brianna smiled while the security guard just stoically stared at her. As they very thoroughly searched her bag and purse, she continued to softly snuggle with the little guy.

Is he yours?

Uh, no. He is hers.

The security guard frowned, Please give him back to her then.

Oh, okay. Brianna stepped towards his mother, Here you go. The gentleman won’t let me take him through.

Oh, I hadn’t even thought about that. Our security is always really tight, but add something in regards to the royal family, and it tightens even more.

After she gave him back to his mom, along with the unopened candy bar, she turned back to follow her bags through the line. She looked up to a new man currently inspecting her clothes.

She couldn’t believe the overwhelming tightness in security. A few K-9 units were walking through and sniffing peoples’ bags while they were waiting in line, and being searched. And if that wasn’t enough, her bag was already on the third person checking it, and it still had to go through the x-ray machines.

If it was this bad here, how was Blaire handling all of this? She was a person that did not like being fussed over.

A soft smile lifted her mouth, but then again, Blaire did love her king and she had secretly told Brianna that she was willing to sacrifice all of her uncertainties just to be near him. Her mind blissfully thought on how exciting it would be to have a love like Blaire had with her fiancée.

She heavily sighed, maybe someday she would know.

A huge palm tree swayed in the breeze catching her eye. She could just about smell the deliciously warm tropical breeze. Oh...I’m so close! Her heart accelerated, thank you so much Jesus for this amazing vacation I am about to have.

Brianna jerked around when a strong finger tapped her on the shoulder. Yes?

Please take the boy back so that his mother may go through the line.

What? Brianna looked back in front of her and the adorable little boy had woken up, and was screaming with his arms opened wide for her.

"Awwww..." Stepping up towards his mom she giggled while she grabbed him, and her heart immediately melted all over again as he tenderly leaned his head against the top of her shoulder and grasped onto her t-shirt. She began to croon to him while his chest gasped for air.

His mother’s face was flushed with embarrassment, I cannot believe this. I’m so sorry.

No, please don’t apologize. He is so precious and is making me feel so very special right now. She held him more securely to her while they stepped forward to another search. His cuddling was really her undoing. This is so precious Jesus, how would it be to have one of my own? She smiled at his mom, Thank you for allowing me to hold him, I really needed this today.

Then I’m glad that we were able to be in front of you in line. Are you married, or do you have any children?

No, but I would like to marry someday and have children if the Lord wills it.

Ma’am, are you Brianna McDonald?

Brianna looked over to the deep voice next to her, and was only mildly surprised to see yet another security guard standing there. Y-yes, I’m Brianna.

Please follow me then.

But I’m still holding him to help his mom out.

Give him back to his mother please, and follow me.

Brianna looked to his mom, He says I have to go with him. What is your name by the way?

Smiling, she immediately cuddled her baby boy, I am Maria. And he is Michel.

Oh, it’s nice to meet you. I’m Brianna. She snuck a kiss to the little boy, Thank you so much for sharing him with me.

Maria giggled, You’re welcome. Enjoy your stay and it was nice meeting you.

You, too. Grabbing the handle to her bag that had been quickly let down from the searching table, Brianna turned, but frowned when she found herself completely surrounded by four security men.

She tried to suppress her groan while accepting her purse back.

I really do not know what I have done wrong, but I certainly hope I do not embarrass Blaire and King Megalos.

Brianna wasn’t any more relieved when she found herself being escorted into a high-tech security office, and she immediately prayed against the uneasiness that tried to settle inside of her when she saw over ten people very obviously being detained in the far right corner of the office.

What am I doing in here?

A no-nonsense man purposefully walked up to her, his stern expression and pronounced accent left her speechless, Ma’am, follow me.

The moment the door of the private office firmly shut behind her, Brianna nervously stood in front of four more security men dressed in sharp business suits.

Their expressions and body language said it all...they were not happy with her.

Ma’am, please have a seat.

Rapidly, her mind went into overload as images of her brother and his men flew through her mind, surely her brother couldn’t have orchestrated this?

She shook her head at the ridiculousness of her thoughts.

What am I thinking? He doesn’t have that much power!

"Ma’am, forgive me if I sound really bold right