Which meant that had been your team….
“I swear on my life I will help you take him down, but you can’t hurt her. I love her.”
That one muttered sentence seemed to penetrate Reaper’s haze and he finally glanced up, his black eyes meeting Merc’s with desperation. “I don’t want to hurt her.”
“Then don’t.” Merc knew he couldn’t live without her. No matter what happened, she was his heart and soul.
And even though it would nearly destroy him, he’d kill Reaper to protect her.
“You really think he’ll let them go?” Reaper said in a near whisper.
Merc slowly shook his head. “No, but I know we can save them. Together.”
Reaper lowered his weapon an inch and Merc desperately wished he knew what his brother was thinking. “I know where he is holding our team. And I have an idea of where he has hers.”
“Then help us.”
After what had to be the longest minute of Merc’s life, Reaper lowered his weapon. “Okay.”
A loud gunshot ripped through the night air. A bullet slammed into Reaper’s shoulder and he went to his knees.
“No!” Merc swung around, firing off his last round. His bullet grazed Rainier’s arm. The General dropped his gun and grabbed his arm and then he took off running toward the crowds around the front of the house.
Merc couldn’t go after him. He ran to Marissa and yanked Cotter off of her, snatching her to his chest. “Are you all right? Did he hurt you?”
* * *
Nightshade buried her face into his chest, her sobs muffled by the thick material of his jacket. “No. Cotter…”
She couldn’t say it. She’d found and lost her real father in the space of less than a night. Pain twisted her insides. Mankel had lied to her, her whole life. He’d told her Cotter was the enemy. He’d pretended to be her father. She dug her nails deeper into Merc’s jacket to keep from screaming.
“He’s alive, baby.”
Nightshade shoved back to see Cotter’s eyes were closed and blood covered his torso, but his chest rose and fell in shallow rapid succession.
She dropped to her knees beside her father. “Please, don’t die.”
Not when she’d finally found the truth. The acceptance and love she’d worked so hard for from Mankel had come so easily from the man lying on the grass in front of her.
Cotter’s hand lifted from the ground and covered hers. “Marissa, you have to know the truth.”
Marissa. Her real name. He’d given her a normal real name. “Don’t. Not now. Save your strength,” she said.
Merc placed a hand on her shoulder, his comfort bolstering her strength. Cotter opened his eyes, pain etched into the deepening lines around his mouth. Pain and love. “You need to listen, Marissa.”
As much as she loved hearing his name for her, it wasn’t how she wanted him to know her. Nightshade fit her. It was her. “Nightshade.”
Cotter nodded. “Nightshade. It fits you.” A hard cough racked him. When he was able to speak again, there was blood on his lips. “Mankel took you from us to punish us. But you have to know Sarah and I loved each other. She loved you. I love you.”
“But why?” Why would a man kidnap a baby and spend his entire life living a lie? Surely it couldn’t be only revenge. He’d destroyed all their lives.
“He’s got a mental problem. Sarah suspected it, but his actions have proved it. He’s insane.” Cotter gripped her hand in a surprising show of strength. “I never want you to put yourself in danger, but you’ve got to get Caroline from him.”
She nodded, “I will.” She was strong and she knew Mankel better than anyone on the planet.
And now, she had burning need for revenge.
“Tell Caro I love her, too.” Cotter coughed again and more blood flowed from his lips.
“No. Don’t. Please hold on.” Her pleading tear stained face turned up to Merc. “Call your team. Get help.”
“Baby, I –“
Cotter interrupted him by pulling her hand. “Nightshade, I’m proud of the strong, intelligent woman you’ve become. I love you. I’ve always loved you.” Cotter took a deep, shuddering breath and then his hand went limp.
Nightshade clung to it, holding it pressed against her cheek as her tears flowed freely. “Please don’t leave me. Not now.”
But he was already gone. And Nightshade was alone. Without a father.
Merc wrapped his arms around her, and she clung to him, needing his support more than she’d ever needed anything in her entire life.
Chapter 30
One week later…
Nightshade settled in the leather loveseat in her father’s study, her fingers twined with Merc’s. They’d spent the last week getting to know Merc’s brother, Reaper and learning about his old team. Mankel and Rainier had worked together the whole time, setting up Midnight. They’d recruited Reaper’s team into the program under the guise of helping enhance their skills for their country. Reaper had been paired a few times in simulated training with Nightshade’s team, and from what he could tell, the women weren’t happy to be there.
They’d started digging into Midnight, but had to stop for her father’s funeral yesterday. And now, today, Mr. Holt, her father’s attorney had called this emergency meeting.
He perched on a chair across from Nightshade and Merc, a small round man with an equally round bald head. He opened his briefcase, pulled out a large envelope and pushed his glasses up his nose. “Miss Cotter, first let me say that I'm truly sorry for your loss. I've known your father for a very, very long time. He was a good man who truly cared about all the people around him.”
Harriet stood to the left, sniffling and blowing her nose gently. Francis placed an arm around her, the two women held onto each other.
“Sorry I’m doing this at such a delicate time in your lives, I realize you buried your father only yesterday, but he gave direct instructions that should anything happen to him I would meet with you immediately.”
Nightshade offered him a watery smile, “I think you mean you're supposed to meet with my sister, Caroline.” Who was still missing. They’d started searching for her in the short time they had before the funeral, though that had to be put on pause for their father's burial.
Mr. Holt’s glasses slipped down his nose and peered at her over the rim before shoving them back in place. “No my dear, I mean you: Marissa Sarah Cotter.”
“Me? My father couldn't talk to you about me he didn't know about me until -” Her throat closed off. She couldn't say the words. Merc squeezed her hand and pulled her into his side.
“The day your father died, he called me that morning and had me add you to his estate. Miss Cotter, you are a very wealthy woman. Your father left explicit orders you are to receive half of everything he owns which includes multiple properties, stocks, bonds, cash and this house.”
Nightshade’s mouth dropped, at a complete loss for words. How could he have found out, and seen that it was taken care of in a short space of time?
Merc leaned down and whispered in her ear, “When we finally figured out who you were, your father acted immediately. He didn't care if you’d been sent here to kill him or not.”
The pain was still so sharp and fresh, so much so she still couldn't speak about it so she squeezed Merc's hand in answer.
Mr. Holt turned to Harriet and Francis. “Mrs. Harriet Stonebridge, Mr. Cotter left you a lump sum inheritance of one million dollars.”
Harriet slapped a hand over her mouth, her entire body trembling.
Mr. Holt rushed on, probably sensing the woman's impending break down. “Mrs. Francis O'Keefe, he also left you one million dollars.”
Francis stared mouth open, eyes wide with shock.
Mr. Holt wisely snapped shut his briefcase and stood. “Miss Cotter, I'll have all the proper paperwork over to you by the end of the week. Here's my card. If you have any questions, or if I can be of any assistance any time night or day, please call me.”
Nightshade took the card and rose to her feet on shaking legs. “Thank you, Mr. Holt.”
He dipped his head and quietly left the room.
“Good Lord Almighty, I never thought, never imagined, Francis I don't know what to do with that kind of money. What if I lose it?”
Francis rose to her full bony height. “Harriet, you can't lose that kind of money. It's put up in banks and taken care of.”
Nightshade went to the women who had stayed by her side daily, constantly there for her and offering their unconditional love and support. “I know you don't have to stay here anymore, and I don't expect you to stay and work, but if it's all right with you, do you think - do you think you could live here, with me?”
Tears fell freely down Harriet's ruddy cheeks once more. “This is our home too. We're not going to abandon you girl.”
“That's right, and we’re not going to sit around and do nothing either.” Francis chimed in, “Come on Harriet, this girl needs some time and I need a cup of your special tea.”
Harriet threaded her arm with Francis’s and they walked from the room. “I'm going to make it extra strong today.”
Nightshade turned and Merc enfolded her in his strong embrace. She pressed her cheek to his chest, inhaling her scent, completely surrounded in the safety of his arms.
“Do you have any idea how much I love you?” He dropped his chin to the top of her head.
Nightshade savored the way his chest rumbled against her cheek. “Not as much as I love you.”
“So, how soon do you have to leave?” Most of Merc's team had already cleared out, the only one who stayed behind was Reaper, Merc's team mate.
“I'm not going anywhere. I spent my entire life living for revenge. But I wasn't living, not really. Now that I found you, I'm never letting you go.”
“I guess I could find some room for you here.”
Merc chuckled, “In this little bitty cottage?”
Nightshade leaned back, unable to resist the temptation of his handsome face. “Are you sure you really forgive me? After everything I did…” She’d betrayed him in the worst way.
Merc cupped her cheeks in his palms. “I forgave you the minute I found out the truth. If anyone on this Earth understands the need for vengeance, it's me. I would've done the same thing you did.”
Warmth bloomed in her chest, taking away a little bit of the pain from her father's abrupt death. “Good, because if you tried to leave, I’d just hunt you down and drag you back.”
“Miss Cotter, the only way you're going to get me to leave is if you kick me out yourself.”
“I love you, Merc Grayson.”
“And I love you Nightshade Marissa Sarah Cotter.”
“You know, this is an awfully big house for just the two of us and Harriet and Francis.” Nightshade said. “Especially when we start searching for my team and your brother's team. This place will be practically empty. There's no telling how long we will be gone.”
“That's true, but with the kind of funding that you've got available now, you'll have unlimited resources at your fingertips, you'll be able to find your teammates and your sister thanks to your father.” Merc pulled her tight, squeezing her in his arms.
“I've been thinking, just now, about my team living here. At least until they settle and figure out where they want to go after this.” The more they looked into Operation Midnight, the worse it had gotten. The operatives would need a peaceful and isolated place to re-acclimate to daily life. General Rainier had disappeared, his bank accounts had been wiped clean and his house had been emptied.
“I think you've got one of the biggest hearts of anyone I know and you awe me with your strength and courage. I couldn't think of a better plan.”
“And I mean your team too. They’re all going to need help when we find them.”
“Perfect. Now that part has to wait until tomorrow. Reaper's been breathing down my neck to get back on task, but I told him today is just for you. What do you want to do?”
Nightshade leaned back in his arms. “I want you to take me to bed.”
The light teasing in Merc's gaze darkened with hunger. “My wish is your command.” He scooped her in his arms and carried her up the stairs and into Nightshade's new bedroom. This one had muted walls of gray and a deep plum bedspread which Merc gently laid her on. He stretched out next to her and took a strand of her hair in his fingers. “I love you.”
She curled her fingers around his neck, pulling him down to her, “I love you, too.”
THE END
Ready to see what’s next? Bo And Cheri finally get their story. Click here to get your copy: Relentless River: Men of Mercy
He was Ice.
Sheriff Bo Lawson was everything a retired Marine Special Operations Operator should be. Cold. Calculating. Calm in all situations. He handled terrorists and too drunk locals without blinking, until a couple of dead bodies show up in his small town, throwing his controlled environment into chaos.
She was fire.
Cheri Boudreaux, manager of the local bar, lives her life by one rule – work hard and play harder. The last thing she needs is a repeat of her father: a strict stick-in-the-mud unable to veer from the rules. Then she meets Bo, a walking, talking sex god in uniform and her preconceived notions incinerate.
Ice meets fire.
Bo craves order. He craves control. He craves a red head with a wild streak wider than the Mississippi. She is everything he despises, but can’t get off his mind. So, when Cheri needs help, he wants to be her knight in shining armor.
Threatened by a deadly foe neither of them could predict, Bo and Cheri clash in an uncontrollable inferno. When the truth is revealed, their world falls apart – can they find the strength to fight for each other or will their newfound love fall under a relentless tide of evil?
Mercy and Mayhem
Men of Mercy
Mercy and Mayhem: Men of Mercy
He wanted nothing but revenge…until her.
Mack Grey wants one thing in his life: vengeance for the ex-CIA operative who betrayed his team, Jack Mankel. And he’s finally got the traitor within grasp, all he has to do is catch a hop across the Congo and capture his enemy.
He had no idea the depths to which Mankel’s evil could reach.
She never thought she could love again…until him.
All single-mother air force pilot Marley Mitchell has to do is fly a group of special operators across Africa for a HALO jump and then she can be back home with her baby girl. Then the unexpected happens. Her plane crashes and Marley has to rely on an insanely hot commander to get her out of the jungle alive.
Deep in the jungle, Mack gives her his heart and soul. He’s willing to lay down his life to protect hers.
But Marley has a secret.
A secret that could destroy not only their hope for happiness, but Mack’s entire team.
With Mankel closing in and guerrilla soldiers on the prowl, their sensual attraction is put to the ultimate test in an action-packed thrill ride of passion so hot it threatens to burn them alive.
DOSSIER
TASK FORCE SCORPION (TF-S)
A branch of Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC)
Ft. Grenada, MS
MACK GREY: Detachment Commander, Captain
♣Recruited from the 75th Ranger Regiment, Ft. Benning, GA
♣Specialized Skills: direct action, unconventional warfare, special reconnaissance, interrogations specialist, psychological warfare
♣First in Command. Responsible for ensuring and maintaining operational readiness.
♣Height: 6’
♣Weight: 195lbs
♣Combat Experience: Operation Gothic Serpent, Somalia. Operation Desert Storm, OIF, Operation Crescent Wind, Operation Rhino, Operation Anaconda, Operation Jacana, Operation Mountain Viper, Operation Eagle Fury, Operation Condor, Operation Summit, Operation Volcano, Operation Achilles
HUNTER JAMES: Warrant Officer, Detachment Commander
♣Recruited from the 75th Ranger Regiment, Ft. Benning, GA
♣Specialized Skills: direct action, unconventional warfare, special reconnaissance, psychological warfare
♣Responsible for overseeing all Team ops. Commands in absence of detachment commander.
♣Height: 6’3”
♣Weight: 230lbs
♣Combat Experience: Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Crescent Wind, Operation Anaconda, Operation Jacana, Operation Mountain Viper
RANGER JAMES: Team Daddy/Team Sergeant, Master Sgt.
♣Recruited from the 75th Ranger Regiment, Ft. Benning, GA
♣Specialized Skills: direct action, unconventional warfare, special recon
♣Plans, coordinates & directs Team intelligence, analysis and dissemination.
♣Height: 6’4”
♣Weight: 225lbs
♣Combat Experience: Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Crescent Wind, Operation Anaconda, Operation Jacana, Operation Mountain Viper, Operation Eagle Fury
JARED CROWE: Weapons Sergeant, Sgt. 1st Class
♣Recruited from Delta Force, Ft. Bragg, NC
♣Specialized Skills: direct action, unconventional warfare, special recon, Sniper
♣Weapons expert. Capable of firing and employing all small arm and crew served weapons
♣Height: 6’0”
♣Weight: 220lbs
♣Combat Experience: Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Crescent Wind, Operation Anaconda, Operation Jacana, Operation Condor, Operation Summit, Operation Volcano, Operation Achilles
HOYT CROWE: Asst. Weapons Sergeant, Staff Sgt.
♣Recruited from Delta Force, Ft. Bragg, NC
Men of Mercy: The Complete Story Page 148