ACTION IN CHRISTMAS
An Alpha Romance
By Lindsay Amber
Copyright © 2020 Lindsay Amber
Published by Armada Books
All rights reserved.
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any similarity to actual events or locales or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.
No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without written permission from the author, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.
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Table Of Contents
1 Jaxon
2 Audrey
3 Jaxon
4 Audrey
5 Jaxon
6 Audrey
Other Books By This Author
About This Author
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1 Jaxon
I loved the feeling of snow shuffling beneath my feet in the morning. I didn’t particularly like cold weather when I was younger. In college, summer holidays were my best, as I couldn’t wait to party in Tijuana or somewhere with a nice beach front. However, after serving two missions in Kandahar and a few others in Beirut, I was pretty much done with the heat and constant sand. Granted, there was something idyllic about extremely hot weather. Perhaps it was the scantily clad ladies strutting their stuff along the many beaches in Miami, or near my uncle’s beachfront in Palm Beach. I was over and done with that life.
“You need a change in environment. America is big and beautiful. Consider North Dakota, or Alaska. The further you are from here, the better you will cope,” my uncle Pickford advised.
That was just after coming back from my stint in Kandahar, with a bravery medal in tow and shrapnel wounds taking time to heal.
“I’ll think about it,” I said.
As an ex-marine, Pickford knew exactly what I needed. He also knew better not to insist on his suggestions. I was as obstinate as he was when he was my age. Now at fifty and enjoying life as a gun merchant, Florida was his little kingdom. He saw plenty of action here and I couldn’t help but think that perhaps the veteran medical benefits weren’t that bad after all. They allowed him an enviable Viagra prescription.
Moving to Alaska wasn’t exactly what I had in mind when I thought I needed some time to adjust to life as a civilian. There were things I was trying to run away from. My therapist thought it was shellshock, or any of the other forms of PTSD veterans go through after their service. It wasn’t either of those. I think I was giving up on the world and on life as it were. After everything I had seen, I believed there wasn’t much that could faze me. It wasn’t loud noises and bangs that unnerved me; it was the naive belief within many people that believed the world was theirs for the taking. Americans tend to get quite geocentric with respect to their worldview. I knew better. There were people and things out there that could make even the most optimistic of us to build a doomsday shelter. I was just happy I had done my part to prevent such scenarios from reaching my beloved America’s ports.
“Talk to Ethan. He found some nice spots to get away from the noise. Now he is doing well in his consultancy gig and a gym, I believe. You’d think he never even served,” Pickford said.
“We talked a few days ago, just before I got here. He had a couple of ideas, all of which started with settling down with a nice girl and getting babies.”
“I presume you don’t like that idea, huh?”
“Not now. I’d rather hug a grenade if you ask me. I haven’t lifted a skirt in ages.”
I was proud of my uncle for his achievements. He was the inspiration that drove Ethan and I to serve. As his son, Ethan chose his father’s path in Special Ops. I chose to serve as a seal. We always competed with my cousin, but once he saw me joining the seal, he finally threw in the towel.
“Ain’t no way, I’m ruining my chances at good posture by joining the seals,” Ethan said, “I’m more comfortable with the networks.”
I remember laughing at his cowardice, but deep down I felt he was the brave one. He would die for his family and close friends. I loved him for that. After my short stay at Pickford’s I finally took Ethan’s advice and decided to check out some reserve in Alaska. It was a small conservancy right within Katmai National Park. I loved hunting and I hoped the environment was exactly what Ethan had promised.
It had been five months since I arrived. Ethan wasn’t lying when he said the place was breathtaking. The conservancy was run by a couple of army vets and though they loved and cared deeply for the endangered species around, they loved to hunt and collect trophies of those that threatened the fine balance within the ecosystem.
“Take out any elks and deers. Leave the foxes and hares. We do big game hunting around here,” Felix, one of the owners said, “Meanwhile we are happy to have you here. You will come to love it.”
I received a few supplies, and with the help of the other members, we built a one-bedroom cabin for me in record time.
“Everyone here has served for this country’s military in one place or the other. We established this sanctuary with my peers who served in Vietnam. Most of them are dead. I’m the only one left to carry the legacy,” Felix said as he handed me the keys.
“Thanks for letting me continue my service.”
“One more thing, we have a newly built wellness centre for all our members. If you need to talk to someone or have any medical issues, feel free to drop by.”
I understood what Felix meant, and Ethan confirmed to me later in a chat, that the wellness centre was meant for vets suffering from PTSD or any other mental issues resulting from their time in service. I was grateful, but what I needed most was to find someone to handle the harsh cold with. The few girls I met and screwed whilst at Pickford’s hadn’t exactly been what I needed. I needed someone who wouldn’t gawk and awe at my scars, someone with a little more shadow in their past.
2 Audrey
The mini Cessna landed in Alaska just barely past midnight. The pilot said that was the only window we had to make a soft landing. The snow would pick up in the morning. I couldn’t believe the turn of events my career had just taken. Barely twenty four hours ago, I was still a senior medical assistant at Fort Carson. I strongly believed the change in administration after the elections would not affect me. The call came as soon after the new president was sworn in.
“I am sorry Audrey, but anyone who worked anywhere near Ukraine gets booted out. This administration is serious on clearing the path. Luckily, we found somewhere you could hide out for a while. Keep things on the down low as they sanitize the department... I don’t think there is any better deal out there. All the others opted to resign.”
My supervisor had a way with breaking bad news that made him the one to sympathize with. I had served diligently for my country in medical research. It was my duty to ensure American soldiers’ bodies ran like clockwork. In my ten year career, I had developed serums that could increase stamina tenfold. I was one of the best, and now I was on my way to some remote outpost to give stress meds and listen to ex-military men talk about their childhood fears. I hated it.
My first week at the Katmai conservancy changed my entire outlook. I met men who could easily have their way in any other American city. They were muscular with engaging conversations. They supported
each other and from the looks of things, they were welcoming and easy to get along with. I couldn’t understand the relationship between the conservancy and these ex-servicemen but I could tell it was beneficial to all involved. The men hunted most of the time, and the rest of the time would be spent helping each other in projects or having drinks.
“So are you like a support group or what exactly am I signing up to?” I asked Felix.
“We are there for each other. As you saw, there are ex-servicewomen too. It’s a small community of friends.”
In my years of working in special ops under the medical research division, I knew when something was off. These men seemed too happy to be residing here in search of peace and tranquillity. I know that sounded defeatist, but I expected to handle extreme cases of stress and PTSD, not cases of priapism and mild substance abuse. It seemed more like a vacation spot than anything else. The surrounding was idyllic, but I craved action, and had a feeling the others were hiding something from me.
The wellness centre had a massage service, and I was surprised to learn that it was unisex. I decided to give it a try. The National Park had fewer visitors now that Christmas was just three days away.
“Most guys prefer to stay here during the holidays, just as we close it off. So nearly everyone you see around will be ex-military. We close it off from the public for just a week. That's a good time to get you acquainted with the team,” Felix had mentioned on my first briefing.
The massage went on well, and I decided to try the sauna as well. The hot steam was relaxing and it took me back to the hot desert during my early years in the service. Visibility was extremely low in the sauna and I thought I was alone until I heard someone stand up, and walk towards the coal.
“I think the steam is a bit too much. I hope you don’t mind if I reduce,” the voice said.
I was startled at first but played it cool. The deep baritone calmed me a bit before he continued.
“Ma’am, I’m asking you.”
“Oh, yeah, I was just thinking the same thing. Go ahead.”
“Alright,” the man said.
The man’s deep southern drawl was the sexiest, most confident voice I had heard in ages. Something about the way he drew out the words sent shivers down my spine; the good kind of shivers.
As thick steam began to subside I could just faintly make out his form. He had broad shoulders on display as he sat with his head tilted back. His towel lay pooled at his feet. I slowly crossed my legs.
“Hello. I’m Audrey, the new resident nurse and therapist.”
“Hi Audrey, I’m Jaxon. Or you can call me Jax. I help out with maintenance.”
I rolled my eyes, knowing full well he couldn’t yet see them. Visibility was now enough just to see the frame. I was sure he could see my perky tits out on display. I tried my best to lean forward and use my arms to block his view.
“So is it a nurse or therapist?” he continued.
“Both.”
“Nice. You look good, compliments to your trainer.”
I didn’t know how to answer that. He could clearly see better than me. That’s probably how he saw me through the thick, foggy steam earlier.
“Thanks. You look great too.”
All I got back was a grunt. A softer grunt as if he was tired or too bored to say, “Thanks.”
Jaxon stood up, stretched and bent down to pick his towel. I could see his entire form, from his feet, to his strong calves and bulging thighs. The thin steam prevented me from seeing the other details my body was craving to see. Jaxon looked entirely sculpted as I could see his pecks, strong biceps and abs from the side. I tried my best to keep my eyes down.
Not bothering to pick his towel, he simply strutted out giving me a good view of his backside. I got moist and the sauna had nothing to do with it. I uncrossed my legs and marvelled at the mess I had made on the wooden bench.
I now had good reason to add more coal as I tried to engrain Jaxon’s glutes to my mind in readiness for a good frigging.
I left the sauna well relaxed and satisfied. I hated the short trek back to my house. There was no need driving around the conservancy because the distance between buildings was quite short. What unnerved me was the lack of enough people to interact with. The park was decorated for the holidays but there were few people to even enjoy it with. The few people who remained behind had things to do with their friends and family, leaving the rest to stand out like a sore thumb. It was easy to know who was single and who wasn’t.
My mind went back to Jaxon and just how unexpected he was. He looked intelligent and was very handsome. There was a rugged appeal that lacked in many men nowadays and that drew me to him. I wasn’t particularly interested in dating anyone at the moment, but I wanted to know Jaxon more.
I had met quite a number of impressive people around the conservancy. Typical of many ex-military , they were all quite polite and referred to me as ‘ma'am.’ Part of me liked that, but another part wanted a more laissez faire approach to friendship. I didn’t want it structured and professional the way they made it sound. I’d go to the store and immediately find someone willing to help me carry a 1pound bag. All that made me feel like a damsel in distress, and I hated that.
That night as I prepared dinner, I thought about what it would be like cooking for someone. Someone as tall, and charming as Jaxon. Granted, I had just met him, and barely 24 hours later, I was thinking about him in a less professional way. If my mother were around she would have offered her most loving smile and laughed her ribs off.
“Audrey, you took after my hard headedness. You don’t know if you want him in your heart or in your pants, right?” She would have probably said. I missed her. For now, spending Christmas all alone was all I was looking forward to.
I decided to do some minor decorations outside the small cabin. I put up the lights and placed some balloons just outside the door. I didn’t decorate inside the house. I did not want to be reminded that I would be alone throughout the holidays. Luckily, Felix had given all the staff a box of decorations to do with as they liked.
I took a slow shower and afterwards made a cup of nutmeg tea to go with the steamy romance novel I had just bought online. My mind keeps veering back to Jaxon. Something about him tagged at my heartstrings. I was curious; to know him and to get close to him. I craved a deep friendship with someone authentic and I cautiously hoped, Jaxon was on the same wavelength in that regard.
“Oh Gawd! When?!” I’d exclaim every time I came across a cheesy romantic scene in the book. Serving in the army taught me to be a go-getter and that attitude didn’t work for me in my love life. I was a tender girl on the inside, waiting for my prince charming. However, as a big girl now, I wanted that prince charming to be strong enough to take me on the wall and anywhere I wanted.
‘That’s the dilemma of womanhood’ I thought as I slowly drifted to sleep. ‘Wanting to be treated as a princess but still hoping for a nasty romp from your prince charming.’
If anything, I was looking forward to meeting and knowing Jaxon more. He looked like the kind that knew how to have fun and I was actually keeping that option open with him as well. Worst case scenario; he has someone. However, I was hoping for a best case scenario; him and me becoming lovers and hopefully, much more.
3 Jaxon
My schedule completely changed after that encounter with Audrey. I helped Felix around the conservancy with setting up a new base for the extra work that usually came in.
“We got a request to retrofit our interrogation rooms. This must be something big” Felix said.
“Do you get paid to do these things?” I asked. “Seems a bit too much for off-chance work.”
“There’s a lot of money flying around. I get to play my part in securing the country, and I also get to assure my men that they will always have a great place as a sanctuary. Sometimes the lines get too blurry and I refuse some requests. This request didn’t seem like the kind I could easily put down. “
I knew be
tter than to ask more questions after that. I didn’t want Felix thinking I was second guessing him. This place gave me a second chance at finding purpose outside the military. I felt at home here. Suddenly, I saw Audrey walking by and talking to one of the other guys. I immediately felt jealous. I knew it was part of her job to meet clients and schedule therapy sessions, but seeing her toss her hair back and fan herself with her left hand made me feel livid.
Audrey turned her head and looked right at me. I smiled and Felix noticed it.
“Don’t fly too close to the sun.” He said and chuckled. “Anyway, who am I to talk, this is not just a sanctuary for animals, there could be something for you too.”
I felt as if that was a go ahead to see how things progressed with Audrey. Felix must’ve noticed that I like her. It was true, I did like her. I had thought about her every day since we last met. Granted I wasn’t in the best mental space then, but now there was nothing preventing me from showing her my good side.
It had been a whole week since I last saw Audrey. I thought of going to her office to ask her out or at least let her know I felt about her. That evening, I passed by the wellness center but didn’t find her in her office. My heart sank. A good session in the sauna would help me think straight.
I didn’t expect company in the sauna at all that day. Every other day, I was the only one who went in. The rest thought the sauna was a bit too much and preferred to stay in the gym. I preferred the heat and sweat after a good run. It reminded me of seal training. After my stint as a navy seal, I still ended up as black ops marine.
I went into the sauna, and stripped down. I was all alone and so I didn’t think much about walking around naked as I prepared the coal and steam stones. I chose a more relaxing flavour for the steam to soothe my aching muscles and settle my mind. I heard footsteps approaching and quickly went by the corner. Luckily, I had put enough liquid for steam to fully cover the sauna. I liked it when visibility was poor. I usually talked to myself and I didn’t want anyone seeing my lips moving and recommending a therapist. The footsteps went away, and I was disappointed.
Action in Christmas: An Alpha Romance Page 1