Exposed: Eternal Brethren, #7

By Shirleen Davies

An unlikely attraction. An indisputable desire. Can their battle of wills lead to love?

 

Jace "Raider" DeWitt loves everything about his life as a Navy SEAL. The action, danger, comradery, and his undercover work in the MC. Most of all, he embraces the unknown, not knowing what each day will bring. After years of serving his country, his relationships consist of his team brothers, and he sees no need to expand the circle. Until he discovers the only woman who's ever held his interest has moved to Liberty Lake.

 

Alvena Kasey had been ready for a change ever since her good friend, Dani Robertson, left Pine Glen to marry Ghost, a Navy SEAL and VP of the undercover MC. Finding work as a nurse in the town across the state was easy, as was settling into her cozy rental home. She hadn't planned on running into the most ornery patient she'd ever treated. Obnoxious, insufferable, and much too handsome for his own good. The one man who still dominated her dreams.One positive outcome came from their strained reunion—the discovery each has a heart for abused and abandoned children.

 

Thrown together to protect a young boy being stalked by an abusive mother and her boyfriend, Jace and Ali work side-by-side to keep him safe while guarding themselves from an intense, mutual attraction. But physical abuse isn't the only threat.

 

A small group of soulless men wants the boy, and anyone who protects him, dead.

 

Can their mutual love of a young boy hold them together? Or will deep-seated independence make a shared future impossible?

 

Exposed is book seven 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: Mar 24, 2020
• ISBN: 9781947680180

Book preview

Prologue

Cheyenne, Wyoming

Jace DeWitt huddled in the back corner of his closet, arms wrapped around his bent knees, heart pounding in his twelve-year-old chest.

Don’t find me. Don’t find me. Don’t find me. The prayer rolled through his mind even as he kept his mouth shut. He didn’t understand any of it. Why his mother chose to live this way. Why he continued to be a target of all the lowlifes she brought home.

The men had come here for her, hadn’t they?

When he was younger, Jace could hide in the tall, wicker laundry basket in his room. Sliding inside, he’d shut the top, drawing the dirty clothes over him. Not once had he been discovered. At twelve, he could no longer fit into the slender white container with a black plastic lid.

Jace! Where are you? his mother slurred, evidence of the alcohol she’d already consumed. At ten o’clock on a Saturday morning. He’d hoped she’d put off her drinking for several more hours.

I mean it, Jace! David wants to see you before he goes to work.

The knowledge produced a hot ball of vile in his throat. Her latest boyfriend enjoyed hurting him, chuckled at the fear on Jace’s face. This time, David would be in for a surprise.

Beside him lay a butcher knife he’d found at the junkyard down the street. If held correctly, plunged into the right spot, the rusted seven-inch blade would bring an end to Jace’s humiliation and pain.

Over the months, Jace had amassed a sizable amount of money doing odd jobs his mother knew nothing about. Enough to buy a bus ticket out of Cheyenne to his grandparents’ ranch near Casper. The ranch his father grew up on before he entered the Navy. Before he died in a shipboard accident on the other side of the world.

The DeWitts made him feel special, wanted, loved. At fifty, they were young enough to try for legal custody. With the photos of his mother and her men friends Jace had accumulated over the last year, he prayed a judge would agree she was unfit to keep him.

Although they were as anxious to get their grandson away from his drunken, prostitute mother as him, his grandparents told Jace the timing was up to him. Well, the time had come.

Whether David came after him or not, tomorrow at first light, Jace would be on the bus to Casper.

Jace! If you don’t come out now, I’m going to smash your game box to pieces and won’t buy another.

Instead of leaving the closet, he shoved himself farther back, hiding behind a box of old clothes. He’d hoped to take the game box with him, stuff it into his backpack along with a few clothes and the dilapidated laptop the janitor at school had given him.

The day the elderly man had slipped it to him, Jace had thought himself a king. Best present ever, he’d told himself. He didn’t care if it needed a battery and a lot of repairs. Once he got to Casper, he’d have plenty of time to take it apart and fix it.

Pounding on the closet door made him flinch, but not enough to move from his hidey-hole. Reaching out, he clenched the handle of the knife. This time, if David came after him again, he’d be ready.

Then he’d run.

Chapter One

Liberty Lake, Arizona

Twenty-two years later…

Dammit, Gunner. Get the hell away from me. You’re ruining any chance I have to score with that lovely redhead at the bar.

Jace Raider DeWitt had been coming to Robbie’s the last two Thursdays, trying to hook up with the new female police officer. He hoped getting laid after months of celibacy might help him deal with his confusing feelings for Alvena Kasey.

Ali…the woman he’d had a hard-on for since their first meeting over a year ago in Pine Glen.

She isn’t going to go out with an outlaw biker, man. You’d have a better chance with Dani’s friend. Ali, right?

"I’m not interested in her, Gunner. He tilted his beer toward the redhead. That’s the woman I want."

For one night. Then what? You need to get your head straight.

And screwing the beautiful woman a few feet away won’t help do that?

Hell no. Trust me. I’ve tried it. Gunner tilted the bottle of beer to his lips, taking a long swallow. He’d been in love with Lieutenant Commander Sage Montero for close to three years. A helicopter pilot based in San Diego, they’d been having a friends with benefits relationship for too long.

You talk to Sage lately?

Same ol’ thing, except now there’s a twist. Gunner finished his beer, holding his hand in the air for another.

What’s the twist?

She requested a transfer to Virginia Beach a few months ago. She heads out next week.

The jovial banter left Raider’s lungs. Geez, man. I’m sorry.

It’s my own fault. Sage always said we were just fun and games. It never felt that way to me, but I didn’t think she’d transfer across country to make me see reality.

He grasped Gunner’s shoulder. That, my man, is why love sucks.

Raider took another look down the bar at the redhead, knowing he wouldn’t make a move. Gunner was right. A night with a woman he cared nothing about wouldn’t ease the ache he’d tried to ignore for months. All because he couldn’t get Alvena Kasey out of his head.

Wish I’d figured it out sooner. What the hell do I know about women and love? I’m a simple cowboy.

Raider took another sip of beer, chuckling. There’s nothing simple about you, my friend. You definitely are a cowboy.

Raider turned at the sound of laughter coming through the front door. Four women entered. Well, hell.

Tessa, her assistant Valerie, along with a woman Raider didn’t recognize, and Ali strolled to a table.

It’s not Friday or Saturday. Why are they here?

It was Gunner’s turn to laugh. Is this going to be one of your infamous long whines? If so, I’m heading home.

I don’t whine.

The hell you don’t. Turning around to face the dining area, Gunner rested his elbows on the bar. Do you recognize the girl with them?

Shifting, he studied the woman again. Never seen her. Might be worth your while to find out who she is. Maybe she’ll take your mind off Sage.

Gunner didn’t respond. What could he say? He’d envisioned a future with Sage for so long the thought of not having her in his life seemed foreign, as if he’d stepped into another world. A place not of his choosing, but one he had to accept.

Let’s head over and introduce ourselves, buy them a round. Then I’m all for heading out. I need to catch up on bills and stuff.

Gunner snorted. "I call bullshit on that, man. You want to get home to play Call of Duty."

Raider shrugged. What can I say? Seems you’ve outed me.

Anyone who knew Raider understood his passion for video games. Any platform and almost any game requiring a higher level of skill.

A story had circulated about Ali cutting him off of all games during his recovery from the explosion at White Eagle Training Center. Raider would spend hours at it instead of resting. Neither had confirmed or denied it. Gunner had long ago decided it was true.

He grinned at the reminder of the time she’d spent as Raider’s twenty-four seven nurse. Explosive, volatile, fiery. Those words described both of them. Ali couldn’t wait for the assignment to end so she could return to Pine Glen. Now she was back after accepting a position with the local hospital. Bets were already being placed on how soon the fireworks would fly. Gunner had his money on sooner rather than later.

All right. Let’s get this over with. Gunner couldn’t remember a time he had no interest in meeting a woman.

Tessa saw them first, offering a warm smile in greeting. Hey, guys. How are you doing?

Raider kissed her cheek, followed by Gunner. Rock’s wife and a well-respected pediatrician in town, everyone loved her, enjoyed her company. She came into the bar every few weeks. Most times, the other wives joined her.

Couldn’t be better. Raider turned his attention on the new girl. Who do we have here? He thought he saw a brief flash of disgust on Ali’s face before it was gone.

This is Katrina. Her family moved here from Nebraska. She decided to tag along.

Gunner stepped forward, holding out his hand. Welcome to Liberty Lake, Katrina. I’m Gunner.

Her face flushed as she took his hand. It’s nice to meet you.

This miscreant is Raider.

Good to meet you, Katrina.

She shook his hand, too. Same here.

Kat works with Val’s aunt at the nursery. She took it part-time for the rest of the summer and fall, but we’re hoping she’ll stay. Tessa’s words were filled with encouragement.

Gunner watched Katrina’s anxious expression relax at what Tessa said. Did you work at a nursery in Nebraska? Reaching behind him, he grabbed a chair, sliding it between Val and Katrina, and sat down.

No. I was a teacher. Lifting her glass, Katrina sipped her wine.

What age?

High school. Shrugging, a soft chuckle crossed her lips. I taught for three years before deciding it wasn’t for me.

Raider pulled a chair next to Ali, who didn’t hesitate before scooting away. An instant later, she stiffened at the feel of Raider’s hand on her knee. Shoving it away, Ali sent him a withering scowl.

"Do not try that again, Jace."

Jace, huh? You must already be pissed at me, sweetheart, if you’re using my real name.

"You aren’t real in any sense, and I am not your sweetheart, your nurse, or anything else." Ali twisted so her back was to him, his deep chuckle increasing her irritation.

Hey, darlin’. How about a dance?

Raider’s gaze narrowed on one of the men in Robbie’s. Average height, average weight, with light brown hair, his hand on Ali’s shoulder.

Her head swiveled up enough to see him, offering a disingenuous half-smile. Thank you, but not tonight. As you can see, I’m celebrating with a group of friends.

He didn’t seem to accept her excuse. One dance. What’s it going to hurt?

I’m sorry, but I don’t want to leave my friends. She turned away, focusing on an ongoing conversation between Val and Tessa.

Raider saw the man’s hand clamp harder on Ali’s shoulder, noticed her stiffen. He stood, stepping between the man and Ali. Look, buddy. The lady said no twice. I think it’s pretty clear she’s made up her mind. Try someone else.

At well over six feet, Raider was quite a bit taller than the poor soul by several inches. Leaning close, he motioned with his thumb to another table of women.

Ask one of the ladies over there. I’m certain you’ll have better luck.

Crossing his arms, the man shook his head, shoving out his chest, alcohol clouding his actions. It’s none of your business. I’m asking the lady right here. He tapped Ali’s shoulder.

Before he knew what was happening, she jumped up, drawing an arm back. If not for Raider’s restraining hand, she would’ve slugged him on the jaw.

Let go of me!

Not a chance, sweetheart. Gripping her shoulders, Raider led her away from the table while Gunner blocked the man from following them.

Raider frog-marched Ali outside. Albeit more gently than normal, his manhandling still angered her. What are you doing? Let me go, Raider.

Not until you promise to stay outside until you’ve cooled off.

Someone needs to teach him a lesson, she hissed.

It’ll happen. Just not by you. Stopping, he turned her to face him, grabbing her arm when she tried to head back inside. Not yet, beautiful.

The compliment had her momentarily stalling before she drew back her foot, meaning to kick his shin. Sensing the move, he swung her around, turning Ali away from him before clamping his arms around her from behind.

That’s enough, Ali. All he did was ask for a dance.

"Three times. What man in his right mind does that?"

I know this may not be the smartest thing to say, but don’t you think you’re overreacting?

The anger began to drain from her, the heat of shame crawling up her face. Raider was right, although she loathed admitting it. Ali didn’t have to ponder her response to know what triggered it. Who, to be more accurate.

Raider. He was the catalyst for so many emotions she didn’t want to feel. The most selfish, arrogant, pigheaded man she’d ever had the misfortune to know. He was also smart, honest, with a robust laugh and warm smile. When he wasn’t grousing about something, which was eighty percent of the time.

Raider also had an almost childlike enjoyment of simple pleasures, which contrasted with the hardened warrior she knew him to be. Ali had figured most of it out while nursing him back to health after the explosion at WETC. Both in the hospital and at his home in Liberty Lake.

His recovery had been a fight of wills, sparring every minute to get him back in shape for active duty. He’d once let the phrase slip while still sluggish from pain meds.

Afterward, he’d refused to take a single pill or answer questions about Eternal Brethren. She’d continued trying to confirm her suspicions about the mysterious MC, finally asking Dani. Although her best friend had confirmed nothing, it was what she didn’t say that brought Ali the most answers.

Raider squeezed her shoulders. Ali?

She blinked a couple times, giving a crisp shake of her head. You’re right, Jace. I don’t know what happened in there. I’m just tired of men treating me like… She bit her bottom lip, realizing what she was about to say.

Treating you like what, Ali? His voice had gone from forceful, in control, to soft and concerned.

Waving her hand in the air, she pursed her lips. Ali had almost slipped, exposing private parts about herself she had no intention of sharing with anyone. Not Dani, and definitely not the arrogant man before her.

It’s nothing. She squared her shoulders, lifting her chin so her eyes met his. I’d like to go back inside now. Calm had returned to her voice, a placid expression on her face.

Knowing he couldn’t keep her outside against her will, he motioned for her to proceed him to Robbie’s entrance. Before they got five feet inside, Raider touched her arm.

She flashed him a wary look, lifting her brow.

You’re sure everything’s all right?

The concern in his voice confused her. Raider had never shown the least bit of concern about her. His entire focus had always been on himself and the club he lived for.

I’m great. Maybe you could grab Gunner and take off, let the women have some time to talk shit about the Brethren.

He stared at her a moment, noticing her lips twitch before throwing his head back and laughing.

Chapter Two

The doctor will be here soon, Timmy. You were so brave to come here by yourself.

Ali’s gaze moved once more over the bruises and scrapes on the little boy’s arms and chest. Crisscross scars on his back indicated he’d been brutalized with a belt. She suspected he had a couple cracked ribs and a broken wrist. Rarely did injuries make her sick at heart. Timmy’s did.

Miss Kasey.

Ali forced a small smile before acknowledging Dr. James Hatcher. Not Jim or Jimmy. James. Of course, no one called him that, either. It was always Doctor Hatcher, whether at the hospital or dinner with friends. At least that was what Ali had heard. The staff considered him the most eligible bachelor in Liberty Lake. Ali saw him as a tall, handsome, arrogant testament to what happened when ego overcame humility.

Doctor. This is Timmy. He came into the hospital by himself. She lifted a brow, giving him a meaningful look. He returned the briefest of nods.

Good afternoon, Timmy. I’m Dr. Hatcher. He held out a hand, which his young patient ignored. How old are you?

Timmy stared down at his legs hanging over the side of the exam table.

Can you tell me your last name?

Again, he ignored the question.

Well, I suppose it’s not necessary. Is it all right if I take a look at your chest and back?

Timmy glanced at Ali, who smiled, nodding for him to go ahead. Okay.

The exam didn’t take long. To the doctor and Ali, the cause of the injuries was obvious, but it would be almost impossible to prove unless Timmy decided to talk about what happened.

Can you tell me how you got these injuries?

Timmy shuddered, not meeting the doctor’s gaze, and shook his head.

Did someone do this to you?

This time, he gave a slow nod.

Can you give me a name?

The response was quick, although his voice was so low they almost missed it. He’ll hurt me again.

Timmy, I need to speak with Nurse Kasey a moment. Please stay right here.

Hatcher motioned for Ali to follow him outside the exam room, moving several feet down the hall so Timmy couldn’t hear.

Do we have any information on the boy?

Only his first name. Registration was going to turn him away, but I was walking past and saw him. One look told me we had to help him.

You know we aren’t a charity hospital.

Stiffening, her jaw tightened. Of course I know. What would you have done?

Sent him to the free community clinic.

It’s across town. Timmy walked here. No money, no identification. The clinic wouldn’t have taken him.

Then you should’ve called Child Protective Services. Next time, that’s what I expect you to do.

He began to turn away, stopping when she grabbed his arm. What about Timmy?

Send him to the free clinic. He needs an X-ray of his wrist and treatment for numerous lesions.

I can do those, doctor.

You could, but you won’t. He has no insurance, and we have other patients to treat. People who can pay.

Ali tapped down the anger about to erupt. She needed this job, couldn’t afford to piss off a doctor who had a great deal of power, little compassion, and no patience.

Shoving aside the bitter taste in her mouth, she headed back to the exam room, sliding the curtain open. The exam table was empty. Timmy’s clothes, laid out on a nearby chair, were gone, as were his well-worn tennis shoes and grimy socks. Rushing out, she stopped the first person she saw.

Did you see a little boy leave that exam room? Ali pointed behind her.

Nope. Check with the nurse up front or registration.

Registration would be a waste of time, but she did try the nurse. Nothing. Her heart squeezed in pain for the little boy. Ali couldn’t remember the last time she’d seen a child so lost, afraid, with no one to help.

Checking the time, seeing the majority of emergency exam areas were empty, she hurried to the shift desk. I’m going to take my lunch break before we get buried in new patients.

Removing her purse from a locker, she headed outside, watching for Timmy as she walked to her Jeep. She was tempted to call his name, but changed her mind. It would probably scare him more. Instead, Ali decided to drive around to look for him.

How far could he go? Ali mumbled, pulling onto the street, making a decision to drive south and work her way north, crisscrossing as she went.

She knew from her work as an emergency room nurse that abusers came in all colors and economic backgrounds. Studying Timmy’s clothes, she guessed they were used before they ever reached him. The soles of the tennis shoes were almost worn through, the plaid shirt threadbare in several areas. The fact he wore a long-sleeved, flannel shirt