A Military Holiday Duet

By Emily Mims and M Tasia

Two teams sent on dangerous missions that'll probably ruin their holiday plans.

 

Countdown (Fire Lake #6.5) - M. Tasia

A last minute mission sends the team away from their loved ones, and there's no guarantee they'll make it out alive, never mind making it home for the holidays.

 

Mission: Undercover (Bear's Brigade #2.5) - Emily Mims 

A motorcycle rally from Texas to Mexico is not what it seems, and things get even more complicated for Josh, who's undercover on a holiday-ruining babysitting mission that's turned dangerous.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Boroughs Publishing Group
• Release date: Nov 16, 2023
• ISBN: 9781957295596

Emily Mims

The author of over thirty romance novels, Emily Mims combined her writing career with a career in public education until leaving the classroom to write full time. The mother of two sons, she and her husband split their time between central Texas, eastern Tennessee, and Georgia visiting their kids and grandchildren. For relaxation Emily plays the piano, organ, dulcimer, and ukulele for two different performing groups, and even sings a little. She says, “I love to write romances because I believe in them. Romance happened to me and it can happen to any woman—if she’ll just let it.”

Book preview

MILITARY HOLIDAY DUET

M. TASIA

EMILY MIMS

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www.BOROUGHSPUBLISHINGGROUP.com

PUBLISHER’S NOTE: This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, business establishments or persons, living or dead, is coincidental. Boroughs Publishing Group does not have any control over and does not assume responsibility for author or third-party websites, blogs or critiques or their content.

MILITARY HOLIDAY DUET

Copyright © 2023 Emily Mims and M. Tasia

All rights reserved. Unless specifically noted, no part of this publication may be reproduced, scanned, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, known or hereinafter invented, without the express written permission of Boroughs Publishing Group. The scanning, uploading and distribution of this book via the Internet or by any other means without the permission of Boroughs Publishing Group is illegal and punishable by law. Participation in the piracy of copyrighted materials violates the author’s rights.

ISBN: 978-1-957295-59-6

Contents

Title Page

Copyright

Countdown by M. Tasia

Acknowledgments

Author’s Note

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

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Mission: Undercover by Emily Mims

Dedication

Acknowledgments

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

About the Authors

About the Publisher

COUNTDOWN

Fire Lake – Book 6.5

M. Tasia

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

To all my readers: Thank you. There’s no escaping the truth: without all of you, there wouldn’t be me, the author. Your support and kind words have taken me from being an untried new author to one with over twenty books under her belt.

I love sharing my stories with you and hearing how my characters have touched you and how you’ve cheered them on, cried with them, and even wanted to knock some sense into a few.

Your encouragement has inspired me to continue on my writing journey. All the late nights, missed events, and looming deadlines have been worth it knowing these stories have entertained and stayed with you long after the book is finished.

AUTHOR NOTE

Happy Holidays. XO

My wish for each of you is to find a moment of peace. A moment to reflect on the good you have in your life. It need only be a single thing. Quantity makes no difference. I’m thankful to all of you for taking the time to spend a part of your lives with me and my stories. If I was able to touch your emotions in any way, make you smile, make you think, that’s what truly makes me happy.

Happy Holidays from my family to you and yours.

M. Tasia

CHAPTER ONE

Brick

Seriously, you have to go now? Roman asked for the third time as he paced their bedroom.

Yes, babe, Brick answered, securing his gun in its travel case, and locking it tight. I have no choice.

But it’s less than a month until Christmas.

Brick turned to face his lover—the man who’d saved him from his demons after years spent serving as the leader of an elite Navy SEALs unit. He wrapped his arms around Roman and pulled him close.

I’ll do everything in my power to make it back before Christmas, I swear it. But considering when I was on active duty, I was out of the country over three-hundred days a year, and I’m now down to under ninety, I’d say I’m on the right side of this equation.

Roman hung his head. I know you will, and you’re right, but there’s no guarantee this case will wrap up in time.

No, there isn’t, Brick agreed. He’d never lie to Roman. Their relationship was built on respect and trust. All I can do is try.

I understand. It’s the timing that sucks.

Brick leaned in and kissed Roman, partly to distract him, and partly because a kiss seemed like the best thing to do.

If it weren’t urgent for us to leave for Mexico, I wouldn’t have agreed to take the case, but we need to get the flash drive back before our military members and operatives are compromised.

I know, there’s a lot on the line. I’m being selfish. The people serving our country need to feel safe on foreign soil, and if the team doesn’t stop what’s happening, many of them may never see their families again.

I’ll make this up to you, Brick promised.

There’s nothing to make up. All I want is for you to return to me safely. Roman cupped

Brick’s jaw and ran his thumb over a small scar he’d gotten on one mission or another.

That’s my plan. Brick grinned, hoping to lighten the mood.

So, Stryker’s already in Mexico? Roman asked.

Yep. Already set up a command post.

Stryker had shown up at Fire Lake after their return from the California mission. He’d been part of their SEAL team as well as being a distant cousin of Brick’s. Second or third somewhere down the line, or some shit like that.

You sure about him? Roman asked, not for the first time.

Brick understood Roman’s concern. Hell, Brick and Stryker had gone a few rounds out in the forest before they went inside and Brick introduced his cousin to Roman. It wasn’t as bad as it sounded, more like getting reacquainted, but Roman had seen blood on Brick’s lip and drawn his own conclusions.

Family history was a bitch.

Yes. He’s as solid as they come. They’d fought in battles all over the globe together, and Brick knew Stryker was on the up and up.

He’s not particularly friendly. And he barely speaks.

Neither was I when you and I first met, Brick pointed out.

True, Roman laughed. "I guess if you trust him, I should trust him.

Thanks, Brick said as he ran his palm down Roman’s handsome face. You’ll see, he’s a decent guy.

Take care, Brick, Roman said as he laid his hand over the top of Brick’s. I’ll be pissed if you come back with a new scar.

Brick laughed deeply and pulled his partner close. Don’t worry.

***

Fletcher

Are you sure you have everything you need? Elias asked for what had to be the fifth time as he stared out their bedroom window at the cottages beside the lake house.

Yeah, I’m sure, Fletcher said. It’s Mexico, not the moon.

This man was his everything. The six-foot-five lawman owned Fletcher’s heart, and the thought of being away from him, especially at this time of year, was anything but joyous and triumphant.

You need to be prepared, Elias continued. Besides, Mexico isn’t so friendly either. At least not in certain parts.

Fletcher knew Elias’s need to care for him, and everyone else, made him an outstanding ex-Marine and now sheriff, but it didn’t help when Fletcher was headed out on another dangerous mission.

I will be, don’t worry. He knew his lover would anyway, no matter what he said.

How can I not worry?, Elias asked.

Awww. Nag, nag, nag. I can’t understand why I put up with your bossy ass? Fletcher teased.

Elias took two large strides and pulled Fletcher into his arms. Because you can’t say no to me.

Yeah, right. Whatever makes you sleep better at night. Fletcher chuckled while wrapping his arms around Elias’s thick neck.

You lying beside me makes me sleep better at night. So get that gorgeous ass back here before I come looking for you.

I know my way home, Fletcher said as he ran his thumb along Elias’s stubbled jaw. It’s wherever you are.

Elias’s chestnut brown eyes zeroed in on Fletcher’s lips moments before he took them in a punishing, all-consuming kiss. He was leaving his mark in more than the promise band on Fletcher’s finger.

I swear, I’ll come to find you if you don’t return.

I’m counting on it. Fletcher grinned.

***

Shaw

As Shaw packed his bag, Gracie, Kyle’s golden lab, ran between the bathroom and bedroom in their home on the ranch. She knew something was up.

You only taking one duffle to Mexico? Kyle asked as he walked into their bedroom. Kyle had come a long way since his kidnapping and subsequent injuries, the wheelchair he’d once used was now discarded and he only required a cane.

It’s a mission, not a fashion show, Shaw teased. No one’s going to give a shit what I’m wearing. My gear is all I need.

I know, but you’re not forgetting anything, right? Kyle still looked nervous.

Shaw knew his lover was worried. He always worried when Shaw left on a mission.

Come here, he said, holding out his hand.Kyle didn’t waste a moment and walked into Shaw’s waiting arms.

Everything will be fine. I promise.

You can’t promise that, Kyle said. You can’t tell the future.

True, but I’m trained to make that likelihood happen. So the odds are on my side.

Do you think the team will be back for Christmas?

I can’t say. Bryan knows where I’ve hidden your presents in case I don’t make it back in time, he told him.

Shaw had resorted to hiding the gifts because his inquisitive lover had a habit of ferreting out what he was getting, and he wanted to make sure they stayed a surprise.

No fair you and Bryan ganging up on me, Kyle pouted, then his smile broke free. I’d rather you be here than any damn presents.

So do I, Shaw agreed before kissing Kyle softly.

I’m not too late to get in on this, am I? Bryan asked as he entered the bedroom.

Their lover came over and wrapped his strong arms around both of them. Working the ranch all his life had given Bryan the strength of the bulls he rode in rodeos.

You’re never too late. Shaw laughed as he wrapped his arm around the third member in their relationship.

It may be unconventional, but it worked beautifully. Bryan kissed Shaw possessively, followed by Kyle. They were as committed to each other as were people in a more traditional relationship. Their circle just happened to be bigger.

I was worried I wouldn’t make it back in time to see you off, Bryan said. The rugged cowboy was still wearing his dusty Stetson.

He’d left early that morning to drive part of the herd closer to the ranch as the December weather began to move into the Texas Hill Country. Typically, the temperature could range from seventy to fifty-five degrees, and snow happened only every few years.

I knew you’d make it, Shaw said. Bryan was as dependable as they came. Gracie tucked her furry head between the three of them as she typically did, looking for her share of the affection going around.

When they were done petting her, Shaw reluctantly released his men and grabbed his duffle and gun case. He had to hit the road to make it over to the lake house to catch a ride to the airstrip. Even though Jason was flying them in, they had a certain window of time to take off, and they couldn’t miss it.

Kyle and Bryan walked beside him as they left their bedroom. This was always the hardest part, leaving his family. Strange for a man who used to be afraid of commitment.

I see you’re all ready, Isaiah, Bryan’s grandfather, said, as the three entered the kitchen. Don’t worry, I’ll keep an eye on the rest of the family. He smiled gently and Shaw knew he’d defend them with his life if necessary. Their friend, Harris, grinned at him from a spot by the large range stove.

’Morning. There’s coffee in the pot if you need some before you go.

Harris, Jennifer, his sister, and Freddie, a twelve-year-old boy, had moved into the ranch shortly after the SEAL team had returned from a mission in California after taking down a group called The Noah Project. It was a government funded now defunct project using genetic experiments in an effort to create the perfect weapon.

All three of them had been subjects of genetic experiments before they were born, leaving them with varying degrees of mutations or gifts, as they’d been called by the project team. The team had only scratched the surface by chance on unrelated missions, but now found themselves pulled into the continuing drama.

Yes, sir. I need to be heading out to catch the flight.

Well, it goes without saying I expect you back here, son, in one piece, the elder Murray said with authority.

Shaw couldn’t help but smile. Yes, sir. I’ll see that I do.

With a nod, Isaiah turned his wheelchair around and continued preparing breakfast on the cooktop. The smell of bacon was intoxicating.

Good luck, Harris said. Shaw respected the man’s decision to stay home this time. He’d just gotten his sister back and wasn’t in a hurry to leave her again.

Jennifer entered the kitchen, Freddie close behind her. The little boy immediately headed for Gloria, who rolled over to have her