Conquering Fate: The Fate Series

By Screaming Mimi

Henry isn’t the white knight in shining armor; no he’s the highly trained former Army Ranger ready to leap out at his enemies from the cover of darkness. He’s been hurt before but that doesn’t stop him from caring for all those around him like family. 

Elizabeth is headstrong and fiercely independent. She’s leery of any man willing to help her without an ulterior motive.

Can Henry conquer her heart and show her that good men still exist? Will Elizabeth be able to conquer her fears and let Henry in? Could fate be at it again?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Screaming Mimi
• Release date: Feb 28, 2017
• ISBN: 9781386936800

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© Screaming Mimi - 2015

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by means mechanical, electronic, photocopying, recording or otherwise without prior permission from the publisher.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and events are fictitious in every regard. Any similarities to actual events or persons, living or dead are purely coincidental. Any trademarks, service marks, product names or featured names are assumed to be the property of their respective owners and are used only for reference. There is no implied endorsement if any of these terms are used. Except for review purposes, the reproduction of this book in whole or in part, mechanically or electronically, constitutes a copyright violation.

Published in the United States of American in the year 2015

The right of the Authors Name to be identified as the Author of the Work has been asserted by them in accordance with The Copyright, Designs and Patent Act of 1988.

Published by Screaming Mimi

Cover art by: Screaming Mimi

Edited by: Cheryl Keene

Interior formatting and design by Screaming Mimi

Copyright 2015 © Screaming Mimi

Language: English

ISBN-13: 978-1508680178

ISBN-10:1508680175

Dedication

This book is for my girls, so they know that if you have a dream never give up on it. Bumps in the road will happen my loves, drive over them and keep going. Let fate take your hand and guide you to where you are meant to go.

Acknowledgements

This page seems the hardest for me because I have so many people who have helped me get here to book two. First my husband for supporting not just my writing career, but my book addiction, thank you honey. Next goes out to my amazing PA Beth Diaz she may drive me crazy while she pushes me, but it’s all done in love. My Street Team Mimi’s Screamers you girls are my rock to grab onto when the seas of life start to get rough, love you hard. To my model, Emily Grace, thank you for being so incredibly beautiful inside and out, check her out on facebook people you won’t be disappointed she’s amazingly beautiful. Lastly to every author out there who has written a book I’ve fallen in love with, without you paving the way for people like me I couldn’t do what I’m doing.

Chapter one

Calm down sweetheart and breath for me, Henry tried not to laugh and to get her to calm down over the phone.

Henry, get your ass to the hospital and stop laughing at me. I'm on my way and don't forget to pick up Logan on the way. Make sure you keep him calm and I'll worry about me, alright. He really didn't think she was in labor; after all, this was the third time they had all rushed to the hospital, only to be sent home empty handed. Just then, he heard her gasp in pain. Gritting through her teeth she said, Henry I need you at the hospital, please hurry.

He could hear the pain in her voice. His protective instincts kicked into overdrive then. Oh shit, she was really in labor and she needed him. Jumping in the car and pushing the pedal down as far as it would go, he went to get Logan, praying all the way there that she could hold out until they got to her. He'd never been this excited, or as scared of anything in his life. Soon the twins would be here, and he could actually hold them. What if he dropped them? What if he couldn't change diapers properly? He didn't want to disappoint her if he failed at this whole baby thing, but he was going to give it his all. No matter what, he'd protect them with his life.

Arriving at the airport, Henry stopped in front of the jet and Logan jumped in the passenger side door without a backwards glance. She hasn't had them yet has she? Logan huffed out of breath.

No, chill out. We'll get you to the hospital in no time. You won't miss them coming into the world. Breathing a sigh of relief Logan pulled out his phone and dialed her, but it went straight to voice mail. Hurry up, she's not answering, and I just know something is wrong. She was huge when I left and she's not due for another two weeks. Henry tried to ignore Logan’s anxious behavior, but he was feeling like something was wrong too. Bella wasn't a tiny woman, but she had gotten very large with the twins. What if something happened to her, what if something happened to the babies? He knew Logan wouldn't be able to handle it, hell he didn't know if he could handle it. Pressing his foot down further and turning on his four way flashers, Henry tried to rush faster to the hospital. Your sister is with her I'm sure everything will be fine. Henry tried to reassure himself as well as Logan.

My sister doesn't know anything about bringing babies into this world what the hell good she is going to be? Henry knew Logan was just upset and nervous for his wife. Seemed like only yesterday Henry was walking her down the aisle to Logan to seal their lives together, damn had it been almost three months since he'd done that. Shaking himself out of his stupor, he screeched to a halt in the emergency room bay. Logan barely waited for the car to stop before he was out and running towards the building. Henry would take his time parking and then follow him in. He really didn't want to see Bella give birth, but she'd insisted he be there since he was going to be the godfather. Wow, a godfather. It was kind of an important job for him and he knew he'd have to do a good one, or Bella would make him regret it.

Trying to walk calmly into the hospital, even though all he felt was anxiety at knowing Bella was in pain somewhere inside, he knew he couldn't do anything to help. He loved Bella; not like Logan loved her. No, she was his best friend, the sister he never had, and she always set him straight when he was acting like an ass. No one else dared to stand up to him; they were all too intimidated by his size. When he was a kid, his size had come in handy; no one bullied the big kid on the playground. Then when he'd joined the Army and became a Ranger, people started avoiding him. He didn't understand why until one night while out drinking, some twatwaffle at the bar decided to push him around. All Henry did was push him back; he'd flown over a table and into a group of people. He hadn't realized his own strength. After that, he learned how to control it a little better. It came in handy on missions, but not so much when it came to women, or making friends outside of his Army buddies. That was until Bella came along. She had no problem getting in his face when she said he was being a jerk wad, and he loved that about her. She wasn't afraid of his size, neither was Logan to a point, but not like Bella. Logan had really lucked out with that woman; Henry only hoped one day to find someone like her for his own.

He stopped in front of Bella’s room; it was very quiet on the other side of the door. What did that mean? Scared to open it, but knowing he needed to; he opened it slightly and peered in. Lying on the bed holding a tiny little bundle, was Bella. She looked tired but happy, her hair slightly ruffled. Standing next to her to one side, was Logan’s sister Gabriella. She seemed to get irritated at his mere presence. He just shrugged his shoulders and started moving into the room, that’s when he saw Logan leaning over a bassinet staring at something. Coming to a stop beside him, he peered down at the tiny little bundle.

Now do we get to know what they are? Henry asked. Bella hadn't wanted to know the sex of the babies, but Logan couldn't wait, so he'd found out and kept it a secret for the last four months. The babies were wrapped in plain white blankets so nothing gave it away. Logan looked up at Henry, tears shining in his eyes he placed his hand on Henry’s shoulder, replying cheerfully, Welcome Sofia Ann and Vincent Michael, my children. He was beaming with pride, looking down at his child, then over at Bella holding the other one.

Ok, well, which one’s which dude because these blankets aren't helping me? Henry clapped his hand down on Logan’s shoulder gently.

This is Vincent, and Bella is holding my little princess, Sofia. Aren't they the most beautiful things you've ever seen? Logan asked with tears in his voice.

Henry walked over to Bella to take a peek at his new goddaughter. You did it kiddo, you really did it. How are you feeling? You kind of look like you went twelve rounds with Hollyfield, Henry joked.

Gee thanks; remind me to kick your ass for that later. Bella tried to hide the yawn behind her hand. Gabriella was quiet, looking out the window. That was odd; usually she was being obnoxious towards him. She seemed fidgety, like she was waiting for someone to pop out and grab her at any minute. Henry made a mental note to do some digging to make sure nothing was going on with her.

Henry held Vincent first. He had a head full of red hair just like his mom, and crystal blue eyes like his father. Henry was blown away by how instantly he could feel so much love toward another human being.

When he held Sofia, he snuggled her close and whispered to only her, You, I will protect from any boy who thinks he can hurt you. Sofia had just a little bit of dark hair sprouting from her tiny head, and when she opened her eyes and looked at Henry, he was floored by the most beautiful shade of green he’d ever seen. Yep, he was definitely going to keep her away from all boys. These two tiny people were his family, just like Logan and Bella. His heart swelled with how much love he felt for them. They were a miracle, and he was determined to be the best Godfather all over again. He had to remember to buy them noisy toys to drive mom and dad crazy. His chest filled up with pride, knowing they belong to him in some way. He'd always had a protective streak, but now that he had people who cared about him, and that he cared about, it was his mission to keep them out of harm’s way. Getting in his car to head out, Henry got a phone call from his security firm. Over the last four months, Logan had helped Henry set up his own security firm, and with some of the high profile clients he had, he was doing pretty well for himself.

Doug, what’s up man? Doug was his right-hand man; they had served together as Rangers and were forever brothers.

Well, do you remember that issue we kept having of someone breaking into Mr. Jenkins vaults?

Henry remembered alright, it had been driving him crazy because they hadn't caught whoever was able to slip in and out without being seen. Yeah I remember. Please tell me you have good news for me. His client was pissed and so was he that they hadn't been able to find the asshole that kept sneaking in under their noses.

I think they broke into the Jameson place now. Fuck this was not what he needed. If he couldn't keep his client’s shit safe, he soon wouldn't have any fucking clients. Frustrated and beyond pissed, he gritted through his teeth with his reply, I’ll be there shortly Doug. Oh, and Doug, Bella had the twins. They are going to announce their arrival home later this week, but thought you might want to know. Doug and Bella had become fast friends, much to Logan’s distaste.

Well man, what did she have? Come on tell me, I'm dying over here. Henry laughed; two grown men were way too happy about tiny people being born than was wise.

"I was told not to tell anyone. They are going to have a party at the house to celebrate and announce it then. Sorry man. Maybe if you talk really sweetly to Bella, she might give in and tell you.