Haunted General ePub

by Shirleen Davies

  “You know I will.”

  Sliding the phone into a pocket, he headed to the open kitchen. Resting his hip against the large island, he crossed his arms, watching as she made a cup of coffee. She held up a cup.

  “Do you want some?”

  “Sure.” Straightening, he moved toward her, stopping a couple feet away. “Long sleep?”

  Adding water to the coffee maker, Dani nodded. “I was into a book and didn’t want to stop. Turned off the light about four.”

  Yeah, he already knew that. It was his job to keep track of her. He checked the time. “If you’re hungry, I can make you eggs or a sandwich.”

  Glancing at the clock on the stove, she smiled at the low growl coming from her stomach. “A sandwich would be great.” Handing him a cup of coffee devoid of cream or sugar, she picked up her own, taking a sip.

  “Thanks. Gunner will be here in about an hour.” Setting his cup on the counter, he pulled out sandwich makings from the refrigerator and bread from the cupboard. “Turkey, ham, or beef?”

  An impish grin appeared as she considered the options. “All three?”

  “Whatever you want, babe.” Wincing at the endearment, he hoped she would let it slide and not tear into him. In truth, she was his. Had been since the first time they’d met at Robbie’s.

  “Do you have banana peppers?”

  “The jar you bought months ago is still in the refrigerator.” Ghost didn’t care for them but hadn’t been able to toss them out. Each time he saw the yellow rings, he thought of Dani and her love of the mild peppers.

  Opening the jar, she lifted a few out. “Here you are.”

  When their fingers touched, a familiar tingle raced up her arm. Lifting her gaze to his, she studied the face she’d grown to love. The man she’d always love. Her chest tightened, knowing he’d never return her feelings.

  Ghost would protect and take care of her, offer glorious sex and lots of good times, but he’d never get over Kylie. They’d never be able to make love because he’d always be in love with a spirit, not the woman in his bed.

  “All right. One sandwich with everything.” Sliding a plate toward her, Ghost finished his coffee. Studying her face, he didn’t miss the lines of tension, which hadn’t been there when she’d left her room. “Do you want to go for a run today?”

  “Sure.” She took another bite of her sandwich, not meeting his gaze.

  Ghost wondered what had changed in the last twenty minutes. She’d sent him a genuine smile when spotting him in the living room.

  “Talk to me, Dani.”

  Stilling with her sandwich partway to her mouth, she set it down, the tremble in her hands the first sign of her discomfort. “What do you want me to say?”

  Scrubbing a hand down his face, he slowly shook his head. “Hell, I don’t know, Dani. Before you took off, I thought things between us were pretty good. Better than good in some ways.”

  Throat constricting, she couldn’t form a response, unable to voice her true feelings. The knowledge he’d never love another woman tore at her. How could she talk about Kylie, her horrible death, and his inability to get over her without causing him more pain?

  “If I could change anything, it would be not fighting harder when Wrath and Grayson made the decision to move you to Gunner’s. Instead, I said my piece, accepted the order, and went along with you leaving my place.” Shifting toward her, he reached out, gripping her jaw, forcing her to look at him. “It wasn’t what I wanted, Dani.” Letting go, his gaze moved to the large picture window in the living room.

  “It wasn’t?”

  “Hell no. I’m a SEAL before anything else. Wrath and Grayson are good about letting us voice our concerns, but in the end, the orders come from them. If I ignore them, I might as well leave the Navy.”

  “And be miserable.”

  A grim smile twisted his lips. “I’ll have to leave sometime. When I do, I want it to be my decision, not because of a discharge for disobeying orders.”

  Reaching out, she touched his arm. “You’re a good man, Ghost. An excellent SEAL. You’ve got an exceptional future ahead of you, whether you stay in the Navy or not.”

  The knowledge she wouldn’t be sharing it with him hurt, but she refused to voice the thought. A stab of pain sliced through her when Ghost took her hand, threading his fingers through hers. Such a simple move, yet it meant so much more to her than to him.

  “Are you certain you’re completely over Alan?”

  Her head whipped toward him, the question coming out of nowhere. “I’ve been over Alan for a long time. What about you?”

  He looked at her as if she’d grown a second head. “Me?”

  Biting her lip, Dani forged ahead, knowing she might never get a second chance. “Are you over Kylie?”

  Dropping her hand, Ghost stepped away. Resting his hands on the counter, he lowered his head, trying to control his ragged breathing. The remorse always came when he thought of Kylie. His defense had been to force her from his mind. A tactic which never worked. Her memory stuck with him, no matter what he did to forget her.

  Since meeting Dani, it had been easier to live with the past. With each passing day, the image of the burning wreckage grew more elusive. No longer the gut-wrenching memory he’d carried with him for years.

  It was the reason he’d kicked Dani out of his life months ago. Her presence interfered with the memories he’d refused to set free. To his disbelief, letting her go hadn’t provided the relief he sought. Sleep became elusive. His normally strong appetite disappeared. The pain in his chest worsened with each beat of his heart.

  “Am I over Kylie?”

  “It’s a reasonable question, Ghost. I would understand if you still love her. It will make going back to Pine Glen easier.”

  Whirling around, his haunted gaze locked on hers. “Going back?”

  “There’ll be no reason for me to stay once Rex is captured.”

  “Of course there’s a reason.”

  Cocking her head, she bit her lip. “Tell me what it is?”

  Minutes passed without a response until Dani realized he had no intention of answering. Shoulders slumping, she clasped her hands in front of her.

  “We both know you’ll never be able to give your heart to me. Maybe not to any woman. Your love for Kylie will prevent you from ever moving on with someone else.” Looking away, she closed her eyes, searching for the right words. “I understand it’s the way you make it through your days. Her memory and your allegiance to Eternal Brethren keep you sane. I can’t compete with either. I don’t even want to, Ghost. When Rex is found, I’ll go back home.”

  When he didn’t respond, she forced herself to walk out of the kitchen.

  “I love you, Dani.”

  Steps faltering, her heart clenched, not believing she’d heard him correctly. Unable to turn around, she waited, sensing him come up behind her.

  “I’ve loved you for a long time. It’s the reason I sent you away, Dani. You interfered with the wall I’d built around my heart. When you agreed to stay with me, I thought after a couple weeks we’d both be ready to call it quits. Instead, you burrowed your way into my heart, displacing the love I still held for Kylie. I couldn’t deal with the guilt of replacing her with another woman. Not even one who meant a great deal to me. A woman I loved.”

  Resting his hands on her shoulders, he let out a reassuring breath. “I’d already made the decision to find you after completing my training at WETC. I never imagined you’d be one of the instructors. The instant you walked into the room in your slim skirt, prim blouse, and high heels, I swore I’d get you back. Even if it took a lifetime.”

  Leaning down, he kissed the soft spot below her ear. “I love you, Dani. I’ll do everything in my power to make you happy.”

  Slowly turning to face him, she licked her lips, not daring to hope what he said was true. “What are you saying?”

  “I’m asking you to stay here with me. If that’s not possible, I’ll leave the Navy and
get a job in Pine Glen. Whatever it takes to keep you in my life.”

  No matter how she tried, Dani couldn’t stop a single tear from escaping. “You love me?”

  A nervous chuckle preceded a hopeful grin. “I do. Very much. I hope you still feel the same.”

  Unable to stop herself, Dani wrapped her arms around his neck, burying her face against his throat. “I love you so much, Tucker. I’ll always love you.”

  Pulling back, he stared into the soft brown eyes which had haunted his dreams since letting her go. “Marry me, Dani. Whatever you need, I’m all in.”

  Allowing the tears to fall, she nodded, her broad smile giving him the answer without words.

  Chapter Twenty-Six

  Stroking Dani’s arm, Ghost leaned down, brushing a kiss across the smooth skin of her shoulder. Feeling her stir, he reached a hand down, cupping a bare breast, stroking a thumb over her already taut nipple. They’d made love three times already and he had no doubt they’d add to the number before the sun rose.

  A few minutes after agreeing to marry, Gunner had walked inside, ready for his shift protecting Dani. Ghost’s plans to scoop her into his arms and take her to bed vanished when the front door shut.

  It had taken all their willpower to hold themselves in check until after supper. Frustrated, knowing he couldn’t ask Gunner to leave, he’d taken his friend aside to explain. Instead of the hard time he expected, Gunner had slapped him on the back, congratulated both, then shooed them to the bedroom.

  Before he’d closed the bedroom door, Ghost heard Gunner on the phone, recruiting Fargo’s help for the night. His teammate’s quick thinking had freed them to spend the night in each other’s arms, making up for their time apart.

  “Tucker…” Dani’s low moan sent a burst of desire through him.

  Thrusting aside the sheet, he lowered his mouth to her peaked nipple, sucking until she moaned again. Switching to the other breast, he continued his slow ministrations as she writhed next to him.

  Capturing her mouth, his hand moved lower to brush the soft curls at the apex of her thighs before delving into her damp folds. Pushing two fingers inside her center, thrusting in and out, her hot moisture caused his body to tighten, begging for relief.

  But this wasn’t about him. It was all about Dani. What she needed. What she deserved from a man who’d broken her heart. The man she’d graciously forgiven.

  “Tucker, please…”

  “I’ve got you, sweetheart.” Thrumming her already hardened clit with his thumb, his tongue tangled with hers, the rhythm increasing as her hips surged upward.

  Her release came in a swift and intense explosion, body quaking on a guttural groan of pleasure. Continuing to hold and stroke her while she came down, he wrapped his arms around her when she buried her face against his throat.

  Whatever else Ghost planned disappeared at the loud pounding on the bedroom door. Brushing a kiss over her swollen lips, he swept the blankets away before tucking the sheet around her heated body.

  Grabbing sleep pants, he thrust his legs inside, stumbling toward the door.

  “Sorry, Ghost, but we’ve got a problem.” Gunner stepped aside to let Ghost brush past him.

  Heading into the living room, he spotted Fargo in the corner, his body vibrating as he spoke on the phone. Ghost glanced at Gunner.

  “Rex was spotted in Liberty Lake. Wrath tried to call you, but it went to voicemail.” He winced at the scowl on Ghost’s face. “Fargo’s on the phone with him.”

  Unable to stop the rising agitation of not knowing what was happening, Ghost stepped next to Fargo, holding out his hand.

  “Wrath, it’s Ghost. Bring me up to speed.”

  “About time you presented yourself.”

  This wasn’t the time, but it might be the best time. “Dani agreed to marry me.”

  “What the fuck, man. You aren’t messing with me, are you?”

  “Nope. We were, well…celebrating privately. That’s why Gunner and Fargo are here.”

  “And you’re just now telling me?” Wrath asked.

  “Sorry, man. You and Rock were going to be my first calls in the morning.”

  “Well, it’s morning and we’ve got bad news to discuss.”

  “Gunner told me Rex has been seen in town.”

  “Two of our newer Brethren saw him fueling up about an hour ago. Recognized Rex from the pictures. They followed until he spotted them, blew a red light, and raced away.”

  “Fucking Rex,” Ghost blew out on a harsh growl.

  “They got the make and model of his car, plus the license plate. Ethan is running it, and I’ve got men searching hotels and motels, a couple more distributing images to liquor shops, grocery stores, and restaurants. It’ll piss off Chief Abernathy that we’re encroaching on his territory, but I don’t give a damn.”

  “He’s a worthless piece of shit, Wrath. What’s your call?” Ghost’s protective nature kicked into high gear.

  “We’re going on lockdown. Besides the Brethren, Cara, Tessa, and Rock’s son are being brought inside. This absolutely includes Dani. You, Gunner, and Fargo will escort her to the clubhouse. Once inside, she’s your responsibility. You’ll be picking up Raider and Ali on the way. Don’t let him give you an argument. The guy’s been a real pain since coming back to town.”

  “You got it. Estimate our arrival by 0500 hours, Wrath.”

  “We’ll be ready for you.”

  Ending the call, Ghost handed the phone back to Fargo. “We’re on lockdown. We’ll be leaving in thirty minutes, grabbing Raider and Ali on our way in. We’ll be in the lead. You two take up the rear. Wrath’s expecting us at 0500 hours.”

  “We’ll be ready. I’m going to check the perimeter while Dani packs.” Gunner headed outside, Fargo right behind.

  Rushing down the hall, he shoved the door open, stalking to the bed. Staring down at a sleeping Dani, warmth wrapped around him, peace settling in his chest.

  “No one’s going to hurt you, sweetheart. Not as long as I draw a breath.”

  The sheets rustled as she stretched her arms, arching with a contented sigh, eyes opening to slits. “Tucker?” A sleepy grin tipped the corners of her mouth. “Is everything all right?”

  Settling on the edge of the bed, he stroked a hand over her hair. “Something’s come up. We have to get to the clubhouse.”

  Sitting up, Dani rubbed the sleep from her eyes before rolling so her feet touched the floor. Without questioning him, Dani bent to grab her jeans, squeaking when Ghost’s arm snaked around her. Tugging her in front of him, he cupped Dani’s face in both hands, drawing her down for a kiss.

  It didn’t last long, but the intensity flared through them, an affirmation of how they both felt. Pulling back, he rested his forehead against hers for a brief moment before standing. Walking to the closest, he grabbed a duffel, tossing it on the bed.

  “Pack whatever you need for several days. I’ll get your backpack and anything of yours still in the guest bedroom.” Moving to the dresser, he lifted a few t-shirts and a pair of jeans from a drawer, placing them into the duffel.

  “Shower?” Her hopeful gaze punched him in the gut.

  “Sorry, sweetheart. You’ll have to wait until we get to the clubhouse.”

  Biting her lower lip, she stepped into the jeans. “Are you going to tell me why the quick move?”

  Resting fisted hands on his hips, Ghost stared at the floor, letting out a breath. He didn’t want to scare her. Didn’t want the fear to reappear in her eyes. Moving to her, he placed his hands on her shoulders.

  “Rex is in Liberty Lake.”

  Getting Raider to go with the plan hadn’t been easy, slicing their deadline for reaching the clubhouse to an uncomfortable amount. They didn’t need Wrath sending men to look for them.

  Ali had been the one to break through Raider’s obstinance. He’d argued they weren’t a target. She’d set him straight, insisting anyone associated with Dani and WETC was a target and his bullheadedness was wastin
g time.

  Raider had shot back a few choice words, getting no reaction from his nurse, while Ghost and Dani looked on, amused at the exchange. By then, Ali had started stuffing his clothes into a duffel she’d found in his closet. Leaving him with Ghost, Dani followed Ali to the guest room to pack her own belongings.

  Tossing the bags into the bed of the truck, Ghost helped a grousing Raider into the passenger seat while Dani and Ali piled into the back seat. A wave at Gunner and Fargo had them moving.

  The sun had begun to peek over the eastern slopes as Ghost navigated the winding road to the highway. Darkness made it easier to keep track of traffic, headlights providing advanced warning of an approaching vehicle. Sunrise decreased the advantage.

  Ghost and Raider had placed their SIGs on their laps, certain Gunner and Fargo had done the same. If Rex was stupid enough to show his face, they’d be ready.

  Heading east, the rising sun blinded them for a few seconds. A few quick seconds. The impact of the speeding dually t-boning Ghost’s truck spun them around. The airbag slowed his attempt to turn the wheel to correct the spin, but didn’t stop him from controlling his large truck.

  Glancing in the rearview mirror, he swore at the sight of blood running down Ali’s forehead. From his position, he couldn’t see Dani. Forcing aside the panic clawing at him, he shot a look at Raider, who sliced the airbag before reaching down to recover his SIG on the truck’s floor.

  Before they could regain their bearings, the ear-piercing sound of metal smashing into metal had them whirling to look behind them. Gunner’s truck rolled over and into a ditch. A second dually had crashed into them, hitting the bed of his truck, the same as the first dually had done to Ghost’s. This time, the attacker’s truck teetered on the edge of the highway, rocking from side-to-side, before sliding down the embankment.

  “Everyone. Stay down!”

  “To hell with that.” Raider palmed the 9mm, muttering to himself as he rolled down the window.

  Leaning outside, he took aim, firing two bullets into their attacker’s windshield. The impact shattered the glass. The driver and passenger doors opened, two men sliding to the ground.