Beyond the Veil (Shadow Company Book 1)

By Catherine Wolffe

Aubrie Sinclair, a seer from a long line of empaths, considers her talent a gift and a burden. She’s a loner until she meets Logan Latimar, an ex-Navy SEAL and warlock. Sparks fly as they discover each other’s hidden talents as well as personal challenges. They find common ground in their battle with the demons known as shadow walkers who live between worlds and steal memories for their pleasure. Danger and treachery lurk behind every breeze as Aubrie and Logan face a threat that will test their strength as well as their sanity.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Catherine Wolffe
• Release date: Dec 18, 2016
• ISBN: 9781370278275

Catherine Wolffe

Author and Louisiana resident Catherine Wolffe is a romance reader now addicted to the dark, steamy call of the paranormal. She is the author of bestselling vampire/werewolf romance series The Western Werewolf Legend and the novel Desire's Embrace as well as the brand new series - Shadow Company.Catherine has been writing all her life but only recently discovered her love for paranormal romance after being introduced to the Underworld movies by her husband. After that, she decided to delve deeper and create tales hot enough with twists and action aplenty to satisfy her emerging dark hunger.Visit www.catherinewolffe.com/ to get free steamy sneak peeks at upcoming books and more!

Book preview

Beyond the Veil

(Shadow Company – Book 1)

By Catherine Wolffe

Copyright 2016 Catherine Wolffe

All Rights Reserved

Discover other titles by Catherine Wolffe at www.catherinewolffe.com.

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Adult Content

In order to protect minors from viewing inappropriate material, please know that this book may contain language, situations or images inappropriate for children under 18 years of age.

Other Books by Catherine Wolffe

Salvation’s Secrets (The Loflin Legacy Prequel)

Comanche Haven (The Loflin Legacy Book 1)

Casey’s Gunslinger (The Loflin Legacy Book 2)

The Lady in the Mist (The Western Werewolf Legend #1)

Waking Up Dead (The Western Werewolf Legend #2)

Wolfen Secrets (The Western Werewolf Legend #3)

A Dance in Time (J.T. Leighton, Time Traveler #1)

Beyond the Veil (Shadow Company Book 1)

Table of Contents

Preface

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Epilogue

Books by Catherine Wolffe

Acknowledgments

To my sons.

Beyond the Veil

(Shadow Company – Book 1)

By Catherine Wolffe

What’s past is prologue. ~Shakespeare

Preface

Nothing in four deployments could prepare Logan Latimar for the assault SEAL team six faced. An armored tank lumbered by as enemy ground-to-air missile launchers shot at the black hawk helicopter headed for team six’s coordinates. If the chopper landed in one piece, they would leave the sandbox known as Afghanistan. His team had a less than a fifty-fifty chance of success. The slow, steady swoosh of the missile launcher firing a rocket sent dread all the way to the tips of Logan’s toes. Team six was in deep shit. They had taken heavy fire as they entered the target – an old burned out house. Now, their target had become their extraction point under heavy enemy attack.

Their leader, Lieutenant Luke Calder was down. His injuries were serious. He lay in a pool of blood, which had soaked through the makeshift gurney. The hole in the middle of his chest came from a sniper. Even his Kevlar hadn’t stopped a direct hit from the sniper’s bullet. The SEALS picked the rooftop Rambo off with efficiency. Too late for Luke. Logan realized he was watching his buddy die right in front of him. We aren’t leaving without you, Logan shouted over the rapid fire of an ak47. Dirt and plaster showered them as the medic worked on Luke. Everything was botched. Luke understood.

Get your asses in gear. Get the hell out of here. That’s an order. Grimacing in pain, his head dropped back to the gurney.

Logan knew the score. He could see Luke understood as well. The truth lay in his friend’s eyes. Luke wasn’t going to make it out alive. His last action as leader of team six was going to be saving his team. Rolling his head to the side, he wheezed out another order. Get that chopper on the ground, now!

Bullets whizzed over their heads.

Communications officer, Duke Taylor nodded as he called out the coordinates one more time. Still trying to keep a signal, sir. Duke had removed his helmet. The blond stubble of a military buzz cut shimmered in the meager light like a beacon surrounded by smoke and ash. Listening for a response, he nodded. ETA is five minutes, sir.

Luke’s eyes closed over the pain as the medic stuffed the wound with more gauze. Some superhuman strength had him reaching out, gripping the medic’s arm. Giving him a good glare from glazed eyes, he growled. That’s enough. Get ready to move. Do you hear me?

The scene was like something out of a movie. Logan’s chest constricted. Laying a hand on the medic’s shoulder, he said in a murmur, Get him ready to move. Over the gunfire, he got Luke’s attention. Gripping his friend’s hand tight, he yelled. We aren’t leaving without you. Understand? Besides, it’s gonna be all right. The doctors at HQ, are going to fix you up good as new.

Luke’s response took what little strength he had left. No, he said as he clutched Logan’s arm tighter. This is it for me. You gotta get out of here. Understand?

Something akin to sympathy flitted across Luke’s face. I order you to leave. You’re in command now, Latimar.

His meaning was clear. The raw edge of death filled Luke’s eyes.

Give me a grenade, Luke wheezed as he yanked on his dog tags. We weren’t here. Copy? A coughing fit ensued. Blood gurgled up in Luke throat.

Logan gathered a kerchief to his friend’s mouth as Luke dropped his tags in Logan’s free hand. The moment Logan drew the cloth away, he realized Luke was right. The cloth, soaked in blood was useless. Running on automatic, Logan detached the grenade at his belt before placing it in Luke’s hand.

A weak smile creased his friend’s blood-stained mouth. Take my ring.

Looking down at Luke’s hand, Logan had a flashback of the wedding only months before when he’d stood as best man for Luke. He took Connie Hightower as his wife. A fresh wave of despair registered as he slid the ring from Luke’s left hand. I’ll make sure she gets it. Don’t you worry.

Swallowing hard, Luke nodded. Good.

Logan sensed the passing of the baton as Luke’s pain filled features relaxed. His grip loosened on Logan’s.

A surreal wash of despair took Logan’s breath. Glancing over at Duke, he blinked.

The communications officer’s mouth moved. Nothing came out.

Logan couldn’t hear him over the roar in his ears. He tightened the grip Luke had on the grenade. Something caught his eye at the door above Luke’s head. A figure emerged from behind a wall.

Within the blink of an eye, Duke yanked him up, before propelling him out into the sunshine. Gunfire dusted their trail to the chopper. Putting one foot in front of the other, he managed to follow the rest of team six to the waiting chopper.

As the grenade went off, his heart sank. A numb sense of futility made him look back. Who was the man, he wondered? Friend or foe? Had the angel of death arrived? Staring out at nothing, Logan feared his life was over as well. Watching from the floor of the black hawk as debris rained down in a shower of cement and dust on the location he had stood just minutes before, Logan realized nothing was left of Luke Calder.

Duke’s voice broke him out of the daze. Latimar. Headquarters wants to talk to you.

Glancing down at the head mike in the communications officer’s hand, Logan nodded. Take point.

As he turned away from the gunfire the SEALS were using against the enemy’s retaliatory shots, Logan spoke into the mike. This is Ensign Latimar, sir.

What’s your status? Where’s Calder?

Sir, Logan broke off as the crack of rapid machine gun fire ripped the rest of the answer from his mouth. An electric static replaced mortar fire as headquarters barked into the mike.

Repeat, operator. Say again.

Sir, the target is still hot. The enemy pinned us down on top of the location. We retaliated. Calder’s down.

That’s bull shit. Where’s Calder?

Calder? Logan’s chest tightened. He was… was picked off by a sniper, Sir. He’s gone.

Where is his body?

He’s… Logan swallowed hard over his next words. The explanation played out in slow motion as fire erupted once more. His mind struggled with the obliteration of the target. Mission completed. The dark smoke on the ground reminded his shell-shocked brain where they had left Luke. He’s gone with the target, Sir.

Did you get his ID?

Logan glanced out at the blue sky as the black hawk sped to safety. He choked back tears. Yes, Sir.

Good, we were never there. Copy that?

Yes, Sir. Nausea swelled up his throat. Glancing down, he realized his hands in front of him were numb. The line went dead. Something inside Logan shriveled as well. The headset in his hand twisted into a serpent of useless plastic and wires. Talking to HQ was like talking to a drone. They’d lost a team member, a friend, a brother in arms. Still, the primary thing the brass wanted to know was if the team had gotten his identification because the SEALSs ‘had not been there.’ He choked back bile at the notion of a man’s life meaning so little.

Chapter 1

Aubrie opened to the warmth of the sunshine on such a brilliant fall day. The warm zephyr wrapped around her like a lover’s tender arms. Reaching down, she patted Traveler, the horse she rode. He nibbled at the drying grasses while she reveled in the moment. Glad, she wore her barn coat, Aubrie smiled at the crispness in the air. Autumn was defiantly on the way. Glancing up, she watched a hawk circle overhead. The trees were beginning to turn with the cooler nights. Soon, they would paint the countryside with vibrant colors.

Her mind floated with her horse’s movements. Each time she gazed out at the place she now called home, she relished in the sheer beauty. Here was safety. Here was peace. The world outside her property remained detached. It was the way she wanted things. Aubrie had lived on this land, her land going on thirteen years. Thirteen years, she sighed as she closed her eyes, leaning back to soak in the rays. Some days I feel as though it were yesterday.

The bark of her dog, Copper broke her trance. Grinning at the Mountain Cur along with his companion, Gracie, an energetic Catahoula Cur, she reined Traveler in as the wind kicked up.

Her overactive mind stole the moment’s pleasure with a reminder of her recent nightmares. Aubrie frowned down at the dogs. Such dreams were usually the precursor to trouble. Here, in the sun of an early autumn day, she decided not to think about such things. Forcing her mind to center on positive vibes, she reminded her weary brain no one suspected her as a seer. The people of the small hamlet known as Cheniere Station had no inkling of her abilities. So, she would continue to live a life of tranquility in this haven from danger, and the nightmares be damned. A smile crept across her mouth as she marveled at how she managed to settle on a farm outside the quaint little village. It was surely one of life’s little mysteries.

Aubrie’s nearest neighbor lived half a mile away. For this, she was grateful. She enjoyed the solitude. If her mother could see her now, she would point out Aubrie was more content with the horse and her dogs than she had ever been with people. A notion she resented sometimes. As things were, she hoped her choice of home would please her mother. More than not, Aubrie’s talent as a seer grieved her mother. Since Abigale Sinclair was a seer as well, she understood what trials awaited her oldest daughter. I love my life, mom. I hope you understand. Smiling with pleasure, Aubrie glanced down at the palomino she rode. Traveler was a gentle horse. So were Copper and Gracie, the Curs she invited to join her on her trail rides. Satisfaction reigned among the friends on their land with a bright blue sky to greet them almost every day. Her smile widened as she considered she found sanctuary with the trove of good tidings they shared.

The group approached a small stream nestled near the back boundary of her property line. The trees grew thick along the bank with their heavy branches leaning over the water. Sliding down from Traveler’s back, Aubrie tugged off her bandana. Here the humidity grew thick. She took off her coat, as well, before squatting to soak the bandana in water. Wringing the red cotton out, she secured the bandana once more around her neck. Don’t go far, Copper. We have to get going soon. It’s almost time to feed the goats. Reaching out, she gave each dog a scratch behind the ear. I’ve got a surprise for you two for supper.

The two Curs glanced up as if they understood her words. Gracie gave her a low woof, before nudging Copper to move forward. It sounded more like a yip, instead of a bark. Gracie raised her head, sniffing the air. Her glistening blue eyes nearly twinkled with a smile in Aubrie’s direction. With Aubrie’s words, Copper was already leading the way back. In a sudden burst of energy, Gracie leaped forward, bounding after Copper.

Aubrie couldn’t help laughing. Must be something in my inflection, Aubrie mused. Easing down on the bank, she glanced up and down the gentle flowing stream. Grateful the water ran through her place, Aubrie smiled as a gentle breeze kicked up ruffling the strands of her dark hair she had tied off with a leather thong. Lifting her head, she closed her eyes while simply soaking in the feeling of contentment. The call of a hawk rose over the stillness in her tranquil scene. She opened her eyes to catch a glimpse of him as he spread his sweeping wings to land in a nearby tree. Dragonflies hovered over the water. Their dance was one she appreciated. The hawk dropped from a branch in a predatory dive. Aubrie watched as his strong eyes zeroed in on a small movement in the grass. Aubrie’s talent as a seer kicked in automatically. He tracked a field mouse, one who had ventured out alone.

You’ll wish for a partner if you live, she whispered.

The mouse’s cry of alarm echoed in the trees. Aubrie’s lips formed a thin line as she closed her eyes once more. This time, the mouse raced under weeds draped over a decaying stump. Though the mouse was near his hole, Aubrie already knew his fate. See, a partner’s what you needed.

What will you do when you find your partner, Little Mouse?

Aubrie gasped. Jumping up, she reached for the reins dangling from Traveler’s bridle.

Instinctively, the horse stepped back.

Who’s there?

A friend, the voice said. I’ve come a long way and yet not so far. His singsong voice floated on the breeze.

A quick glance up and down the bank revealed nothing. There wasn’t a soul nearby. All of a sudden, Aubrie felt like Alice in Wonderland at the reflecting pool. If you’re a friend, show yourself. No one appeared. Aubrie clinched her teeth. Wagging a finger at the thin air, Aubrie stepped close to Traveler, putting her foot in the stirrup. This is my land. You are trespassing.

Leaves rustled.

Copper must have sensed a presence because he appeared at his mistress’s side, growling with his warning tone.

Easy, boy. Aubrie gathered the reins tight. Giving Traveler a tug, she wheeled.

Traveler stiffened as he reached out pawing the ground.

A dim shadow passed across the sunlit path.

Aubrie's heart lurched in her chest, yet, she stood her ground. You’re trespassing. I want you to leave now.

I’ve come so far and not that far, the singsong voice trilled.

More irritation than fear spurred her to repeat the demand. I told you to leave! Aubrie gave Traveler a nudge, deciding it was time to start back the way they’d come. I’m going to call the sheriff. You speak in riddles which make no sense. Probably high as a kite, she mused. The police will take care of you.

The voice chuckled, a warm, deep tone. A pity.

The sound of a sigh floated on the breeze. Aubrie’s frown deepened.

You could use a partner, Little Mouse.

The voice had referred to the mouse she had seen running away. How did the intruder know what she had whispered? Surprise followed shock rippled through her. It was time to get back up the hill to safety.

I gotta give it to you. You got balls. Aubrie nudged Traveler to take a step in retreat.

Truth is its own foundation. Come, and I’ll tell you of what I know as truth. The leaves rustled again, causing a whirlwind to ensue.

You’re loco. I’m not going with anyone I can’t see, Aubrie announced to the thin air.

The sensation of breath on her neck had her jerking around in the saddle. Normally a calm horse, Traveler sidestepped without warning. Aubrie tightened her grip on the reins seconds before sliding off. Show yourself, you bastard!

Don’t be alarmed. I mean you no harm. Share a moment in time with me.

On the trail up ahead, Aubrie spotted something. Sun shards pierced the shade. In that instance, stood a man.

Copper growled.

As quickly as the man had appeared, he was gone.

Sucking in air, Aubrie bolted forward. Wait!

I’m never far and yet a long way from here. Look for me in the shadows. I’ll see you soon, Little Mouse.

With those words, the leaves whirled again before dying away.

Reaching the spot he had appeared, Aubrie examined the ground. There were no footprints. Perhaps he was a ghost. Hard to believe he appeared in the daylight. Or, maybe it was simply the wind. There had been voices in the wind before. Glancing around, she realized the air was still. Perplexed, she tugged on Traveler’s reigns. Let’s go. There’s nothing here.

Still, as they made their way back up the steep hill, Aubrie kept a close watch on her surroundings. She trained her ear to catch the tiniest noise on the breeze. No sound came to her. By the time, she worked her way up the grass-covered hill, Aubrie decided the voice resided in her imagination. She had most probably dozed. I hope the voice resided in my dreams.

A stiff breeze kicked up, yet on the wind’s dying crest, there was the sound of deep laughter.

***

Copper flanked by Gracie made it back ahead of her. Both dogs loved their daily races through the trees in her pasture. Like their ancestors, the wolves, the Curs thrived with regular romps in the woods. Coming back when the hunt brought nothing more of interest, they lounged on the deck, patiently waiting for their mistress’ return.

I suppose you want your usual treat, Aubrie said as she dusted hay from her shirt. Traveler’s almost as happy as you guys. I left him munching on alpha cubes. Aubrie shoved out of her boots before opening the door. Come on, then. Without having to coax anymore, Aubrie now followed the Curs inside. One for each of my stalwart companions. Patting their heads, in turn, she laughed when Gracie wagged her tail in a windmill motion. You’re happy with yourself, I can tell. Copper stood by her giving her hand a nudge with his black velvet nose. Sorry, fella. One treat a piece is plenty.

Checking their water, Aubrie went to the door to retrieve her boots. Looks like rain. Standing in the opened doorway, she glanced down when Copper growled low in his throat - his warning growl. What’s wrong, fella? He slipped past her heading for the rail. That’s when the figure of a man materialized near the property line. Wonder who that could be? she murmured. He was tall and lean. A wide-brimmed black hat obscured his face. His dark coat was long with a liberal coating of dust. In the waning light and from such a distance, she couldn’t tell much more. As she stared, he reached up, tipping his hat at her.

Aubrie stilled. Her breath came quick. The man had seen her staring. Easing back as casually as she could manage, Aubrie considered where he might have come from. Had he followed them? Was he the voice she had heard on the trail? Come on, Copper. The strain in her voice sent a shiver down her back. The only thing she could think of was, get inside. With the dogs on her heels, Aubrie closed the door behind them. The click of the lock brought a slow sigh of relief. Nothing to be concerned about. Trying to reassure herself, she straightened. The nightstand held a handgun. She wasted no time in retrieving the Glock. The cool metal of the gun in her hand gave her some comfort. The light, at this time of day, can play tricks with your eyes, she told Copper. He was probably a hunter coming out of his stand. Yes, that’s what he was. Nodding, Aubrie wondered why she hadn’t seen the glint of a gun in the man’s hand or on his shoulder. Well, he’s probably gone by now. Easing over to the window, Aubrie slid the drape back a fraction. The man was gone. Good.

Reaching for her notebook, Aubrie plopped down on the couch. Copper and Gracie mimicked her move lying down on either side of their master. See, you two. Nothing to worry about. Giving each dog’s head an affectionate rub, she clicked on her window to the world as she called her iPad. Time to give a shout out to the Fantastic Falcons. I should contact my book publisher, although I really don’t want to hear what she has to say. Instead, I’m going to visit the street team. She enjoyed seeing what they were up to. Glancing at her couch potato pups, Aubrie grinned. Maybe, you two can sit for a picture, hum? Both dogs slept. Gracie’s snores were loud enough to wake the dead. Aubrie decided they weren’t up for the photo shoot. Okay, but you’ll miss seeing the girls.

Reaching for the remote, she clicked on the television. Had to keep up with what happened in the world. Most of the time she came away from the evening news report satisfied she’d made the right choice in living such a distance from the hustle and bustle of civilization as she liked to refer to the small town located ten miles away.

Finding the channel for the local station, Aubrie settled back prepared to write a post on Facebook to her street team. The African American newscaster smiled, her teeth gleaming pearl white.

In tonight’s news, a strange light was spotted in the western sky last evening by a local astronomer. Jake Hightower stated, to our on-the-street reporter, the glow occurred around 10:00 p.m. last evening. Mr. Hightower said the light was brilliant with a gleam resembling a car light lasting several minutes before disappearing on the western horizon. Here’s Suzy Cantrell with the latest.

Last night was the first time Jake Hightower had ever seen a meteor at such close range. That’s what our eye-witness said when he witnessed a large sphere traveling across the sky. Mr. Hightower, explain to our views what you saw.

The ball of energy was larger than anything I have seen before. It registered on my Giger counter. Radiation at rates higher than I’ve seen before proved powerful.

Aubrie sat up. I know that guy. Glancing at Copper, she pointed at the television. He owns the diner in town. Didn’t know he was an amateur astronomer.

Jake Hightower wiped an arm across his mouth before continuing. "The thing had to measure fifty feet