Resolute: Eternal Brethren, #9

By Shirleen Davies

Two enemies. A woman with a guarded past. One man determined to protect her.

 

Lucas "Gunner" Henson is ready for a change. Not with his role as an undercover Navy SEAL. Eternal Brethren Motorcycle Club and his brothers are his extended family, men he'd give his life to protect. As part of the Posse, an original member of the Brethren, he's watched as one after the other tied the knot. He's ready for that life. One woman, children, a home. All that's missing is the one person who wants nothing to do with a member of what most believe is an outlaw MC.

 

Katrina Snowden is searching for peace. After six years of running, she, her mother, and brother have found their safe haven in Liberty Lake. Kat loves everything about her work at Maas Nursery, including her boss, Janie. And the scenery isn't bad either, not with visits by one particular customer. Gunner ignites all her senses, but he also represents her past. As a member of a local MC, he's way off limits.

The problem is, she can't stop thinking about him. To make it worse, he's hired her to design the landscape for his home.

 

As their friendship grows, so does the danger from not one foe, but two. The first they believe they know. The second is a mystery, until a man hooked on antacids provides a clue.

 

Relying on each other, they fight not only the unknown threats, but their developing attraction.

 

As the danger increases, can Gunner and the Brethren identify and eradicate the threats to Katrina and her family? And once accomplished, will she see past his MC cut and into the true heart of the man who's come to love her?

 

Resolute is book nine in the Eternal Brethren Military Romantic Suspense Series by best seller Shirleen Davies. It is a stand-alone, full-length novel with no cliffhanger and a guaranteed HEA.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Shirleen Davies
• Release date: Jul 30, 2020
• ISBN: 9781947680272

Book preview

Prologue

Las Vegas, Nevada

Katrina hurriedly packed the last few clothes into a backpack, her hand hovering over a small journal. It represented all that had happened since she was old enough to write. Reaching inside, she unzipped a pocket the perfect size to hold the leather-bound book that embodied her past.

Casting a nervous glance at the door, tentacles of fear clinging to her, she prayed her mother and younger brother were waiting downstairs. Their escape depended on the next couple hours.

Secure in another zippered pocket were three sets of fake IDs. It had taken over two months to obtain them through a friend of Kat’s. A friend with an uncle who lived a life decidedly outside the law. She prayed they were good enough to pass the scrutiny of airport security.

Kat’s father would never allow them to go, even though he’d taken up with another woman and no longer spared time for his daughter or son. Younger and already well-used, no one understood him giving up his still beautiful wife, a bright woman everyone loved, for a person nobody respected.

Quick to laugh and slow to judge, Teri had been the light of their father’s life since meeting her twenty-eight years earlier. Six months ago, and without explanation, he’d thrown clothes into a duffel and walked out, refusing to defend his actions or discuss a divorce.

In fact, he hadn’t spoken to his family at all since leaving. Phone, email, text, letters. His lack of communication shattered her mother’s heart. If it hadn’t been for friends, Teri wouldn’t have learned of his infidelity.

His behavior would’ve broken a lesser woman, but not her mother. Teri had cried the first three days before embracing the anger blooming within her. She’d loved her husband, been a devoted wife, taking care of all the details, which made his work easier. Teri trusted him implicitly, not once worrying about him coming home to her.

His answer to her devotion had been to take up with another woman. After two months, Teri’s anger had changed to rigid determination. Not to reconcile, but to leave. Over the last four months, she and Katrina had planned their escape.

Even though they hadn’t heard from her husband, it didn’t mean there weren’t men watching them. In fact, all three had seen the guards patrolling the property, making certain they couldn’t leave except for school, medical, and occasional shopping. They’d become prisoners in what had once been a wonderful, loving home on the outskirts of Las Vegas. Today, the prisoners were going to revolt.

Slinging the backpack over a shoulder, Katrina took one more look around her bedroom. The only pictures remaining included her father, a man she planned to forget and never speak to or see again.

Hurrying down the stairs, she let out a relieved sigh seeing her mother and brother, Brady, waiting in the kitchen. In five minutes, the van would arrive to unload the groceries they’d ordered the day before. This time, the van would be driven by Teri’s closest friend, with another friend riding shotgun.

Hearing the telltale sound of an approaching vehicle, the three waited, Katrina bouncing on the balls of her feet as the van backed up to the kitchen door. Tugging down caps to conceal their faces, the friends jumped out, opening the doors to retrieve several bags. While they set the groceries inside, Kat, Teri, and Brady slid into the van, hunkering down behind the front seats.

Kat’s heart thundered in her chest, breath coming in rapid gasps. Next to her, Teri appeared calm, showing no concern over what they were about to do. Brady glanced around, rocking back and forth in anticipation. To his eight-year-old mind, this was an adventure, not an escape from a life without freedom or a future.

Katrina jumped at the sound of the doors slamming shut, wrapping her arms about her. This was it.

In two hours, they’d board a plane taking them far away from Vegas. There’d be people waiting for them. Relatives Kat’s father knew nothing about.

The driver glanced over her shoulder, features tense. Everyone ready?

More than ready, Teri replied, reaching out to hold her children’s hands, and squeezing. "It’s all going to be all right. We’re going to be all right."

Katrina leaned her head back, eyes closed as the van rolled along. Not until they boarded the plane would she relax. Once the seat belt clicked, she’d pulled out the new journal and started chronicling their future.

Chapter One

Liberty Lake, Arizona

Six years later…

Janie! Katrina waved a hand in the air, getting her employer’s attention. Where do you want the latest delivery?

Waving back, Janie jogged toward her, stopping to speak with a customer before closing the distance between them. At fifty, the always upbeat owner of Maas Nursery looked and acted as if she were twenty.

What do we have? Janie took the packing slip from Kat’s outstretched hand, scanning the list of perennial flowers in the current shipment. Are we missing anything ordered? She handed the list back to Kat, bending to scrutinize the plants.

One flat of Echinacea and two flats of Campanula. Coneflowers and Bellflowers were two of their most popular plants. They’ll get them to us in the next delivery.

Straightening, Janie glanced at the dozens of new flats. Did you have the cost deleted from today’s shipment?

Always, Katrina smirked. They burned me once. It won’t happen again. The phone in her pocket vibrated, signaling a customer had been sent to her. Shielding her eyes from the afternoon sun, Katrina tensed, spotting a man walking toward them.

Following her gaze, Janie put a hand on her shoulder. Relax. It’s that nice boy you introduced me to at Robbie’s. She mentioned the bar and restaurant owned by the Eternal Brethren.

At least once a month, Janie, her niece, Val, plus Teri, Kat, and other friends met there for dinner…and to enjoy the male eye candy. The men showed up around six, not long after the group of women arrived.

Katrina knew the nice boy she referred to was Gunner, a member of Eternal Brethren. A virile, sexy man she’d crushed on since meeting him not long after arriving in town with her mother and brother.

They’d thought living with family in Omaha would keep them safe from her father. After almost four years, they’d begun to relax. The letter arrived on the fifth anniversary of escaping Vegas.

Teri knew right away it wasn’t from her ex-husband. Other than allowing the divorce to go through less than a year before, Steve had never corresponded with the family he’d left behind.

She didn’t know who had sent it. No return address and a cancellation stamp from Chicago. Teri guessed it was from one of his associates wanting them to believe they’d been found. The letter had triggered their search for a new place.

A great deal of discussion ensued, this time including Brady, who’d celebrated his twelfth birthday the day the letter arrived. They’d narrowed their choices down to three possible locations, settling on Liberty Lake, where Teri had a friend from high school. A woman who knew what Kat, Brady, and Teri had been through.

Janie walked to meet him. Hi, Gunner. What brings you in here today?

His gaze landed on Kat. Time to do a little outdoor work around my place. He flashed a smile guaranteed to get anything he wanted. I’m thinking bushes that bloom and lots of flowers. Gunner used his hands to illustrate as he spoke, causing Katrina to hide a grin. I don’t know what colors, but bold enough I can see them from the porch.

Katrina had heard he’d built a beautiful home not far from Ghost and Rock, moving in a year ago.

You’ve come to the right place. Janie motioned toward Kat. She’s great with preparing layouts and selecting the perfect plants for our customers. If you’d like to get started, I believe she has some time right now. She raised a brow at Kat.

Uh…yes. If this works for you, Gunner.

Now would be great. He looked around. Where should we go?

There’s a small office on the other side of this greenhouse. Katrina began walking, nervous energy eating up the distance between the unloading area and what she and Janie generously called their working office.

Opening the door, she stepped in ahead of him, feeling the space shrink when Gunner joined her. I usually start by visiting your property and taking pictures.

A slow smile curved his mouth. That can be arranged.

Whenever it’s convenient for you. Daylight is the best. I mean, well…of course daylight is best. She winced, feeling her face flush. Gunner chuckled, eyes glistening with humor.

How about late afternoon? I’ll show you around, let you take all the pictures you want, then you can stay for dinner. Nothing fancy, but I can grill up something.

Dinner isn’t necessary.

Reaching out his hand, he tucked a strand of wavy auburn hair behind her ear. Something he’d wanted to do for a long time. Maybe not necessary. He shrugged, his grin widening. I’d like time to get to know you, Kat. Unless you’re seeing someone. Tilting his head to the side, he lifted her chin with a finger. Pictures and dinner. Nothing nefarious. What do you say?

Biting her lower lip, she gave a slow nod. Only if I can bring dessert.

Great. How about Saturday?

She bent down, lifting a thick book onto the desk and opening it. I can be there about three o’clock.

Crossing his arms, Gunner’s face sobered, brows drawing together. With dessert? Not just those store bought cookies or cakes, right?

Her gaze shot to his. Seeing the mischief in his eyes, she laughed. If that’s the ticket to dinner, then absolutely. I’ll bring a fruit pie.

Glad we’re on the same page. Dropping his arms, he looked down at the open pages.

She sucked in a breath, excited about Saturday, while needing to move on to business. Gunner had been making noises about asking her out for months, until Katrina had decided he’d lost interest. Today surprised her. Forcing herself to concentrate on the reason for his trip, she flipped through pages, pointing out native plants he might want to consider.

The selections depend on your goals, the soil, final layout, plus the bushes and plants you like.

Whatever you select will be fine, Kat.

Squaring her shoulders, she tapped on a page. You don’t get off that easy, mister. This is your house, and from what I’ve heard, you spent a good deal of time and money building it. The same applies to the landscape. You want to smile when you pull into your drive.

Leaning against the edge of the desk, he quirked a brow. Smile, huh?

Well, you know what I mean. Her mouth twisted into a grimace. You do know what I’m talking about, right?

Maybe. Probably. He rubbed the back of his neck. Honestly, if you like it, I know I will.

Closing the book, she set it under the desk. You’re putting a lot of pressure on me.

No more than you can handle.

She barked out a self-deprecating laugh. You have a lot of faith in me, Gunner. What if I’m not any good?

Shaking his head, he laughed. Janie doesn’t hire anyone who isn’t much better than good, Kat. I— The ringing of his phone cutoff what he was about to say. Hey, Fuse.

Wrath is calling a meeting. Thirty minutes.

I’ll be there. Sliding the phone into a pocket, he headed to the door. Gotta go. I’ll see you Saturday at three.

Wouldn’t miss it. Katrina watched through the window as he made his way around racks of plantings and potted trees, thinking the same as she did each time Gunner was around. He is one fine-looking man. If only… She didn’t have to vocalize the rest.

Since running from their home six years before, she hadn’t allowed herself more than a few evenings out with a man. She’d wanted more, a real chance to get to know someone, but never took the chance. Not with women friends, and definitely not with men. Katrina wanted to believe Liberty Lake would be different.

How’d it go with that stud, Gunner? Janie stepped into the office, following Kat’s gaze out the window.

Katrina couldn’t help chuckling at her boss’s description. He invited me to his place Saturday to look around, make suggestions, and stay for dinner. I’m to meet him at three.

Finally. I thought that boy would never notch up his courage to make a move.

Janie!

Well, it’s true. He’s been hovering around you for months. Buying you a drink at Robbie’s, staying to talk a while. It was time to get on with it.

Grabbing a wood chair, she sat down, stretching out her short legs. At just over five feet, and not an ounce more than a hundred and five pounds, the woman was a dynamo, never bothering to curb her tongue. It made for some memorable discussions.

It’s just dinner.

At his house.

Nothing will happen, Janie. It’s a few hours with a friend.

She crossed her arms. Uh huh.

Katrina gave her a stern look. I’m certainly not falling into bed with him the first time we’re together.

Alone.

You’re incorrigible. Which reminds me, how are things going with Kent?

Janie waved a hand in the air. We put up with each other.

Katrina lifted a brow. Right.

We’ve both been through rough divorces. Left us both cautious. We’re comfortable and having a good time. Nothing more. Pushing up, Janie took the few steps to the door. I’d best get back to work. She checked the time. Your shift’s up. Are you heading straight home?

Grocery store, gas station, pick up Brady at his job. Mom won’t be home until late, which means I’ll be fixing dinner. Why? Do you need me to do something?

Do you have time to make the bank deposit?

Plenty of time. Katrina couldn’t count how often she’d swung by the bank for Janie. Over the months, she’d made friends with the manager, met her for dinner a few times. A widow of thirty, she had no interest in remarrying. At least that was her story.

Thanks. It’s in the front office.

Following Janie outside, Katrina wound her way around carts filled with flats of herbs, flowers, and vegetables. The scents and abundance of colors triggered a memory. A time years ago, before her father had dumped his family.

They’d just moved into their house, a large two story structure with a huge yard. All it was lacking were lots and lots of flowers. Her mother had loved it, swore she’d never leave. At the time, her father had agreed.

One Saturday morning, a flatbed arrived loaded with more flowers than the young Katrina had ever seen. Several men, who knew her father, arrived in trucks. By late afternoon, Teri had her garden.

Instead of the memory bringing warmth, it chilled her blood. After six years, Katrina wanted to forget all the memories before her father left. Most of all, she wanted to fix the pain he’d caused her mother. No matter what Teri said, her mother would never get over Steve leaving. Never get over the heartbreak his betrayal had caused.

One day, Father, you’ll suffer from what you did to Mother. Someone will crush you the way you deserve. I just hope I’m there to see it.

Chapter Two

Eternal Brethren Clubhouse

Everyone we contacted has arrived, Wrath. Let me know when you want them to join us. Rock dropped into a chair, scrubbing both hands over his face.

Long day? Wrath was the president of Eternal Brethren and commander of the undercover SEAL team. After several years, they’d distinguished themselves with a hundred percent record of success. Much of this due to the men Wrath handpicked out of DEVGRU, or SEAL Team 6, as most people knew it.

The longest. Trevor stayed home from school. He had a temperature of a hundred and two last night. I’ve got to keep him away from his mother. As the club’s sergeant-at-arms and a lieutenant commander, he shouldered a good deal of responsibility in the club.

How’s Tessa doing? Wrath asked, mentioning Rock’s wife.

She’s still getting morning sickness. Rock looked up. All day long. She swears it wasn’t near this bad when she was pregnant with Trevor. Tess won’t say it, but I know she blames me.

Tessa had her son from a previous relationship. When they married, Rock had adopted him. A pediatrician with a busy practice, she wanted to wait to have a second child. At barely three months pregnant, Rock’s wife had missed almost two weeks of work due to morning sickness.

I feel for you, brother. Cara went through morning sickness with the twins. Forget our missions. I thought that action would kill me.

Several of the Brethren had married, a few having children since transferring from their previous base in Virginia. All except Wrangler were part of the Posse, the original members of the Brethren.

A knock on the door preceded Ghost shoving it open. You ready for us, Wrath?

As vice president and a lieutenant commander, he’d already turned down a transfer and promotion to command his own team. The same as Rock, Ghost figured he’d retire in Liberty Lake. Several team members were already talking about starting their own company as each retired out, including Wrath and Wrangler.

Bring them in.

The table in the conference room filled with men Wrath knew well, trusted with his life. After some initial chatter, they settled down when Rock lowered the lights.

You all know the national leadership and local chapter of the Night Devils were eliminated in a war with another MC. No one contradicted him. The fact the Devils were brought down by the Brethren would be buried deep in government archives, only available to those with the highest clearance and approval of the president.

Most of you also know there’s been chatter for several months about another MC entering our territory. Wrath clicked the controller, bringing up a collage of images. You are looking at the national leadership of the Dark Disciples.

He nodded at Ghost, who handed out dossiers on one of the most ruthless MCs in America. "Upper left is Zeus Treager, the national president. He