Undaunted (Eternal Brethren Military Romantic Suspense Book 8) Read online

  Books by Shirleen Davies

  Romantic Suspense

  Eternal Brethren, Military Romantic Suspense

  Steadfast, Book One

  Shattered, Book Two

  Haunted, Book Three

  Untamed, Book Four

  Devoted, Book Five

  Faithful, Book Six

  Exposed, Book Seven

  Undaunted, Book Eight

  Resolute, Book Nine, Coming Next in the Series!

  Peregrine Bay, Romantic Suspense

  Reclaiming Love, Book One

  Our Kind of Love, Book Two

  Edge of Love, Book Three, Coming Next in the Series!

  Contemporary Romance

  MacLarens of Fire Mountain Contemporary

  Second Summer, Book One

  Hard Landing, Book Two

  One More Day, Book Three

  All Your Nights, Book Four

  Always Love You, Book Five

  Hearts Don’t Lie, Book Six

  No Getting Over You, Book Seven

  ‘Til the Sun Comes Up, Book Eight

  Foolish Heart, Book Nine

  Macklin’s of Burnt River

  Thorn’s Journey

  Del’s Choice

  Boone’s Surrender

  Historical Western Romance Series

  MacLarens of Fire Mountain

  Tougher than the Rest, Book One

  Faster than the Rest, Book Two

  Harder than the Rest, Book Three

  Stronger than the Rest, Book Four

  Deadlier than the Rest, Book Five

  Wilder than the Rest, Book Six

  Redemption Mountain

  Redemption’s Edge, Book One

  Wildfire Creek, Book Two

  Sunrise Ridge, Book Three

  Dixie Moon, Book Four

  Survivor Pass, Book Five

  Promise Trail, Book Six

  Deep River, Book Seven

  Courage Canyon, Book Eight

  Forsaken Falls, Book Nine

  Solitude Gorge, Book Ten

  Rogue Rapids, Book Eleven

  Angel Peak, Book Twelve

  Restless Wind, Book Thirteen

  Storm Summit, Book Fourteen

  Mystery Mesa, Book Fifteen

  Thunder Valley, Book Sixteen, Coming Next in the Series!

  MacLarens of Boundary Mountain

  Colin’s Quest, Book One,

  Brodie’s Gamble, Book Two

  Quinn’s Honor, Book Three

  Sam’s Legacy, Book Four

  Heather’s Choice, Book Five

  Nate’s Destiny, Book Six

  Blaine’s Wager, Book Seven

  Fletcher’s Pride, Book Eight

  Bay’s Desire, Book Nine

  Cam’s Hope, Book Ten

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  UNDAUNTED

  Eternal Brethren, Book Eight

  Military Romantic Suspense

  SHIRLEEN DAVIES

  Copyright © 2020 by Shirleen Davies

  All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems or transmitted in any form or by any means without the prior written permission of the publisher, except by a reviewer who may quote brief passages in a review. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

  For permission requests, contact the publisher.

  Avalanche Ranch Press, LLC

  PO Box 12618

  Prescott, AZ 86304

  Undaunted is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are either products of the author’s imagination or used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, or persons, living or dead, is wholly coincidental.

  Book design and conversions by Joseph Murray at 3rdplanetpublishing.com

  Cover design by Sweet ‘n Sassy Designs

  10-Digit ISBN: 1-947680-24-2

  13-Digit ISBN: 978-1-947680-24-1

  Visit my website for a list of characters for each series.

  I care about quality, so if you find something in error, please contact me via email at [email protected]

  Description

  Hearts haunted by past mistakes.

  Two people desperate for a second chance.

  For that miracle to happen, he first must keep her alive.

  Undaunted, Book Eight, Eternal Brethren Military Romantic Suspense Series

  Scott “Fuse” McCall thrives in his role as an undercover Navy SEAL. Eternal Brethren Motorcycle Club provides everything he needs—danger, action, and the opportunity to work with those as dedicated as him in keeping America safe. All that’s missing is the women who shut him out of her life years before. The same woman he’s been assigned to protect.

  Brittany Blackmore is ready for a change. Her job as an analyst in D.C. leaves her bored and unsatisfied. Being tapped as the Chief of Staff for a prominent U.S. Senator is what she needs to get back on course. What she doesn’t need is a direct threat to her senator father, or the protection detail to keep her out of harm’s way. Especially not the man she walked away from years before.

  Forced together, they find themselves fighting not only threats from two dangerous gangs, but their increasing attraction to each other. When pressure from domestic terrorists surges, so does the time they must spend together, forcing them to face the demons from their past.

  As the stakes rise, can Fuse and his men find the source of the terror and eliminate it? Or will the pressure cause Brittany to flee not only the threats to her life, but the man she’s never stopped loving?

  Undaunted is book eight 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.

  Book 1: Steadfast

  Book 2: Shattered

  Book 3: Haunted

  Book 4: Untamed

  Book 5: Devoted

  Book 6: Faithful

  Book 7: Exposed

  Book 8: Undaunted

  Book 9: Resolute, Coming Next in the Series

  https://www.shirleendavies.com/books/character-lists/

  Table of Contents

  Prologue

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Chapter Ten

  Chapter Eleven

  Chapter Twelve

  Chapter Thirteen

  Chapter Fourteen

  Chapter Fifteen

  Chapter Sixteen

  Chapter Seventeen

  Chapter Eighteen

  Chapter Nineteen

  Chapter Twenty

  Chapter Twenty-One

  Chapter Twenty-Two

  Chapter Twenty-Three

  Chapter Twenty-Four

  Chapter Twenty-Five

  Chapter Twenty-Six

  Chapter Twenty-Seven

  Chapter Twenty-Eight
r />   Chapter Twenty-Nine

  Epilogue

  About the Author

  Books by Shirleen Davies

  UNDAUNTED

  Prologue

  Coronado, California

  The surprise rainstorm broke loose five minutes after the admiral secured the one-star Senior Chief Petty Officer pin to Fuse’s lapel. He’d made it off the podium in time to help his teammates herd his family into a nearby building. Even so, the quick downpour had everyone brushing water from their clothes and shaking their heads. Within five minutes, the rain had stopped.

  Scott “Fuse” McCall hugged his parents and brother, broad smiles on all their faces. He still couldn’t believe they’d made the trip from Banderas, Texas, to attend his promotion ceremony. They never left the ranch, not even to celebrate their own anniversaries or birthdays. It humbled him.

  “We’re so proud of you.” His mother, Marion, swiped moisture from her face, her other hand cupping his cheek.

  “Congratulations, bro. This is awesome!” Scott’s seventeen-year-old brother, Marty, shook his hand. “I’m going to enlist right after high school.”

  “College,” their father, Vern, cut in.

  “Dad…”

  “He’s right, Marty. Finish college, then sign-up. You’ll qualify as an officer.” Fuse glanced around, seeing his teammates waiting to congratulate him before heading out to continue their own celebration.

  “You’re not an officer and you’re doing fine.”

  Fuse’s thoughts went back a few years, wondering if he and Brittany would’ve had a chance if he’d been an officer instead of enlisted. Shaking his head, he gripped his brother’s shoulder.

  “Give college a try. You might find you enjoy it. Think of all the girls.”

  Marion lightly slugged his arm. “Scott! He’s only fifteen.”

  “I’m sure Marty’s already considered it, Mom.” By fifteen, he was already well acquainted with those of the opposite sex.

  One of the interior doors opened, drawing his attention. A couple he recognized emerged with the base commander, the men in deep conversation. A moment later, his worst nightmare happened. Brittany appeared, and as expected, fell in line behind her parents—Senator and Mrs. Harold Blackmore.

  Stiffening, Fuse did his best to turn away, hoping to stay invisible. He felt his mother lay her hand on his arm and his heart sank.

  “Scott. Isn’t that Brittany Blackmore?” At least she’d kept her voice low.

  Doing his best to appear disinterested, he covered her hand with his. “Yeah, Mom.” He checked his watch, making a quick decision to head to the restaurant early. “It’s time to leave for our reservation.”

  Before he could get them out the side door, a booming voice halted their progress.

  “Senior Chief Petty Officer McCall.”

  “Shit,” he muttered, ignoring his mother’s raised brows. Turning, he squared his shoulders, his gaze meeting the tall, broad-shouldered man he’d hoped to never see again.

  “Senator Blackmore.” He held out his hand, relieved when the man gripped it.

  “Congratulations on the promotion. I’m sure it was hard-earned.”

  “Thank you, sir.”

  “I wanted to thank you again for both times you came to my family’s rescue. You need to know my wife and I have the greatest respect for you.”

  Fuse’s expression didn’t change, nor did he acknowledge Brittany and her mother, who stood a few feet away. “Just doing my job, sir. My parents are here and we have reservations. Have a safe trip home, sir.” Holding out his hand again, he bore the man’s touch once more before rejoining his family.

  “All right. Ready to eat?” He nodded at the exit doors, ignoring his parents’ confused stares.

  “Uh, Scott.” Marty nodded behind them.

  He didn’t have to look to know who approached. Steeling himself, Fuse turned, coming face-to-face with Brittany.

  “Ms. Blackmore. I trust you’re doing well.”

  Her face fell, lips parting. The butterflies in her stomach were on the warpath and she couldn’t seem to calm them.

  “Hello, Scott.” Licking her lips, she clasped her hands together, lifting her chin. “I’m doing quite well. Congratulations on your promotion.”

  Fuse couldn’t recall Brittany ever acting nervous, fighting to display the poise of a princess. To him, that’s what she’d always been. Untouchable, which had turned out to be true.

  “Thank you.”

  “Will it change anything for you?”

  “If you mean, will I change teams, no. A little more pay, but that’s about it. Are you still in D.C.?”

  “I am. Do you mind if I say hello to your parents?”

  Fuse looked behind him. “I’m sure they’d love seeing you.”

  Passing him, she hugged his mother and father, making a big deal about how much Marty had grown. Fuse watched, his jaw clenching as his chest tightened. After all this time, he still missed her. At least he didn’t love her anymore.

  A few minutes ticked by before she returned, shoving her hands into her coat pockets. “I should get back to my parents. It was great to see you.” She glanced around, meeting his gaze once more. “I…”

  When she didn’t finish, he reached out to touch her hand. “You what?”

  Giving a slow shake of her head, she pursed her lips. “Nothing. Goodbye, Scott.”

  “Have a good life, Brit.”

  The back of her eyes burned as she turned and left.

  Chapter One

  Liberty Lake, Arizona

  Six months later…

  “The range is live, gentlemen.” Rock watched the shooters and any spotters with them. There were strict rules, the same as at every range, and as the designated range safety officer, he meant to enforce them. “You going to fire that weapon or just stare at the target, Fuse?”

  Snorting, he sighted his TAC-338 sniper rifle. Letting out a slow breath, Fuse squeezed the trigger. Beside him, Raider, acting as his spotter, called adjustments.

  He loaded another round, taking direction from Raider before firing again.

  A few feet away, Moses shouldered his MK13. Next to him, Gunner, another sniper, spotted for him. As two designated snipers on their team, they shot at the remote range at least twice a week, always ending the day as two of their best. Today was the same. The men were machines with sniper rifles.

  After Fuse finished, he and Raider watched their teammates before leaving for the Eternal Brethren clubhouse. Entering through the double gates and parking, Raider headed straight to the indoor range while Fuse hit the gym.

  Unless on a mission, he’d upped his workout time from four to seven days a week. As part of an undercover SEAL team located in Liberty Lake, Wrath, their commander and president of the motorcycle club, kept a strict schedule of exercises, skill training, and underwater drills at a nearby lake.

  Fuse attacked each with a dual purpose. First, to increase his expertise in all areas, including his foremost skill as the team’s primary EOD explosives specialist. Second, to keep his mind off Brittany. It had been six months since seeing her at his promotion ceremony and he couldn’t shove her from his thoughts.

  After their breakup and years of no contact, she’d shown up no less than three times in less than two years. Twice as a hostage in terrorist attacks and once in Coronado. With each occurrence, he found it harder to leave her image behind.

  “Hey, man.” Fargo entered the gym, tossing his towel over a bar near the free weights. Another EOD explosives expert, he didn’t talk much, but when he did, people listened. “Heard the prez might have something coming our way real soon.”

  Fuse stopped his pull-ups, dropping to the mat. “What else?”

  “Nothing more. Admiral Grayson’s people are verifying data.”

  “Another terrorist threat?”

  “You’ll know when the rest of us do.” Fargo grabbed a weight, lowering himself onto one of several benches. “What I have heard is it’s
going to include most of the team.”

  Turning back to the pull-up bar, Fuse began again, this time his mind on what might be coming their way. It had been longer than usual since they’d been sent out. At least a month, and most of the men were going stir-crazy.

  Even those not selected for an op were busy with communications and logistics. Everyone had a job during each mission.

  Finishing, he picked up his towel, wiping it down his face. “Thanks for the heads-up, man.”

  Fargo waved him off, returning to his workout.

  Standing under the hot spray, Fuse rested an arm against the wall, closing his eyes. He tried to focus on the potential op and what the orders would be. Instead, he thought of Brittany, wondering what she was doing, if she ever thought of him, if she ever regretted ending their relationship.

  He doubted it. Brittany might feel some guilt at choosing her family’s status and wealth over a man committed to the Navy, but moving on without him hadn’t appeared to be an issue.

  Fuse learned she’d obtained a job as an analyst in the Office of Intelligence and Analysis within the Department of Homeland Security. Bright, motivated, and a perfect fit with those in D.C. who saw themselves as part of the Washington elite, she had goals of becoming one of the nation’s power brokers.

  He guessed by now she’d found a kindred spirit in some ambitious attorney or lobbyist, the kind of man her senator father would accept. The thought had a knot twisting in his gut.

  Seeing her in Coronado brought up all kinds of memories. Good and bad. If possible, she was more beautiful than when they’d been together, a fact he wanted to forget.

  “Fuse.”

  He turned, catching the towel Gunner threw at him. “What’s up?”

  “Wrath wants us in his office.” He checked his watch. “1400 hours. That’s ten minutes from now.”

  Fuse wrapped the towel around his waist, heading to the lockers. “Any clue what it’s about?”

  “Nope. See you in ten.”

  He followed a few minutes later. The table in the conference room adjoining Wrath’s office was almost full. A folder had been placed in front of each chair. No one had touched it, nor would they until the prez ordered it. Wrath stepped into the room five minutes later, his gaze roaming over his men, who’d stood at his entry.