Books by Shirleen Davies
Romantic Suspense
Eternal Brethren, Military Romantic Suspense
Steadfast, Book One
Shattered, Book Two
Haunted, Book Three
Untamed, Book Four, 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 Series
MacLarens of Fire Mountain
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, 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, Coming Next in the Series!
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HAUNTED
Eternal Brethren, Book Three
Military Romantic Suspense
SHIRLEEN DAVIES
Copyright © 2018 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
Haunted 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
ISBN: 978-1-941786-96-3
I care about quality, so if you find something in error, please contact me via email at
shirleen@shirleendavies.com
Description
No regrets. No apologies.
Not that she’d ever accept them.
Haunted, Book Three, Eternal Brethren Military Romantic Suspense Series
Tucker “Ghost” Robertson makes the most of his life as vice president of an undercover motorcycle club. Training hard, achieving mission goals, and spending his nights with whichever woman strikes his fancy isn’t a hardship and he sees no reason to change it. Not even after turning his back on the only woman to breach his defenses since tragedy altered his life many years before.
Daniella Sullivan has worked hard to become a member of her father’s exclusive training center for military and law enforcement. After an unanticipated breakup, then a short, but heart-shattering affair with an outlaw biker, she’s ready to focus on nothing except helping mold another class of elite warriors.
Recuperating from a potential career-ending attack, Ghost has one last chance to get his numbers up or the admiral will relieve him from combat duty. It’s a fate he’s determined to avoid, pushing himself to do whatever it takes to stay with his team.
Nothing prepares him to walk into the training center briefing and see the woman he’d cut from his life with a few brutal words. Nor does the sight of her do anything to stop the desire still burning within him. From the flash in her eyes, Dani hasn’t forgotten or forgiven his cruel words and ruthless behavior.
Now Ghost has two goals. Stay on the team and win Dani back. If only her stubborn pride would crack enough to give him a fighting chance.
As unexpected attacks target her father and the training center, she must shove aside her feelings for the enigmatic warrior. Will working for a common goal force them closer together or further divide the two, fiercely protective fighters?
Haunted is book three 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
Visit my website for a list of characters for each series.
http://www.shirleendavies.com/character-list
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
Epilogue
Books by Shirleen Davies
HAUNTED
Prologue
Robertson Ranch
Georgetown, Texas
Three hundred ten, eleven, twelve…
Tucker “Ghost” Robertson lay on his bed at two in the morning, hands clasped behind his head, staring upward while counting knots in the pine ceiling.
He was facing one of the most important days of his life, yet his body refused the sleep he so desperately needed. Instead, his mind kept wa
ndering back to his fiancée, Kylie Morris. In twelve hours, the woman he’d loved for six years would be his wife. Mrs. Kylie Robertson. Tucker sure did love how that rolled off his tongue.
One of the youngest in his high school graduating class, he’d started his freshman year at Texas A&M at seventeen. A few months later, the most beautiful creature he’d ever seen took a seat next to him in Physics 101. At nineteen, and a sophomore, Tucker had expected her to look down her nose at the lowly freshman.
Instead, three months later, they’d become inseparable. After six years together, the day before their wedding, he still had a hard time believing she’d chosen him over all the men who’d wanted her. Unlike some women, Kylie supported his decision to join the Navy after graduation, waited for him while he’d completed the grueling twenty-four week BUD/S program.
Tucker remembered how thrilled she’d been when he’d achieved his goal of becoming a Navy SEAL, a member of one of the most elite combat teams in the world. On leave after two tours, he’d ratcheted up the courage to ask the love of his life to marry him.
He’d been pretty certain she’d accept. What he hadn’t expected was for her to scream, jump into his arms, and burst out crying. The often vivacious, yet serene Kylie lost all composure before he’d taken control and hauled her to bed. Two hours later, they’d emerged from the covers long enough to swallow a few bites of food before slipping back under the sheets. It had become one of the most memorable days of his life.
After all this time, the elementary school teacher and Navy SEAL would start a new chapter in their lives. When they returned from their honeymoon, they’d surprise their parents with another announcement. He and Kylie would be presenting them with a grandchild in six months.
Giving in to a wide-mouthed yawn, he felt the first surge of exhaustion, a slight smile curving his lips. Twelve hours, and he’d have achieved all his dreams.
Drifting off to sleep, he never imagined what awaited him. Instead of the bright future with Kylie and their child, he’d be facing his worst nightmare.
Chapter One
Eternal Brethren Clubhouse
Liberty Lake, Arizona
Nine years later
Ghost cursed the pain in his chest and left leg. It had been almost three months since being wounded in a mission against a terrorist cell. The cracked rib and bullet wound to his femoral artery hadn’t healed as fast as he’d expected.
Always supportive, Wrath and Rock, his teammates and closest friends, were quick to remind him of his luck. A millimeter difference separated him from those who survived an injury to the artery and those who didn’t. Instead of thanking them, he’d spouted eloquent curses before resuming the grueling exercises to strengthen his abs and lower body.
“Do you suppose you could get over yourself long enough for a meeting with Wrath?” Rock grinned at the venomous look that warned off most. “Prez has some new orders for you.”
Rolling off the mat, Ghost stood, stifling a groan. Over the last few weeks, he’d learned not to let the discomfort and pain show, lest his return to active duty be jeopardized. The thought of hanging up his UMP45 in favor of manning a tech console shot a fierce stab of terror through him. Grabbing a towel, he wiped sweat from his face, the irritation gone by the time he looked at Rock.
“Did he happen to tell you what those orders are?”
Flashing him a get real look, Rock shook his head. “Your eyes only.”
Returning a you’re full of it glance, Ghost tossed the towel into a nearby bin. “Let’s go.”
Shoving open the doors of the well-equipped gym, he walked down the hall to Wrath’s office. Giving a brisk knock, he pushed the door open, glancing at Rock.
“Like I said, brother. Your eyes only.” Slapping him on the back, Rock turned and walked back to the front of the clubhouse.
“Are you just going to stand in the doorway, or sit down and learn your fate?” Wrath’s amused voice hit a nerve, setting off a rush of irritation through Ghost’s already alert body.
Scraping a chair across the fake wood floor, he sat down, crossing his arms over a broad chest. “All right. Give it to me.”
Holding up a scrap of paper, Wrath’s face sobered. “Here’s the deal. You, me, and the entire team know you’re not a hundred percent.”
“Which means Grayson knows.” Anger tinged Ghost’s voice.
Wrath ignored the bitter sound, nodding toward the main clubhouse. “I’ve spoken to every man out there. Not one believes you’re ready for combat duty. That aside, each wants you back with them, but only if you aren’t putting yourself, or the team, at risk.”
Nostrils flaring, Ghost forced himself to show no other reaction. “Understood.”
Ignoring the shot of pain he saw in his friend’s eyes, Wrath passed the paper across the desk. “Your next assignment.”
Grabbing it, Ghost’s brows rose as he read the information. “White Eagle Training Center?”
“It’s a private facility offering military and law enforcement training.”
Setting the paper down, Ghost’s mouth twisted. “How come I’ve never heard of it?”
Wrath shrugged. “Grayson’s always sent those under his direct command to other centers. It doesn’t mean this one isn’t as good. The fact is most of the students who go there are at the elite level of their profession. It’s run by a retired SEAL.”
Ghost’s eyes widened. “Who?”
“Sully Sullivan.” Wrath’s tension eased at the surprised expression on his friend’s face. “You’ve heard of him.”
“Who hasn’t? He’s a legend in our community.”
Nodding, Wrath slid a brochure across the desk. “Now he’s a legend in the world of elite combat training.”
Opening the brochure, Ghost scanned the list of courses, his interest rising. He held it up. “How could they be this close without us hearing about them?”
“Sullivan leases land on one of the reservations. From what Grayson said, it’s a long-term contract between him and the tribe. They’re able to send tribal police for Sully to train at no cost, and he gets the land for four generations.”
“A sweet deal for both.”
Wrath nodded. “Especially since Sully’s put over half a million into building the facility. It’s also the headquarters for White Eagle Security.”
Ghost didn’t suppress his disbelief. “Mercenaries?”
“Private security for the rich and infamous, plus various investigation services. He also offers training for civilians. Usually executives working overseas in high-risk locations.”
Setting the brochure down, he relaxed into the chair. “Am I the only one going?”
Wrath’s mouth slid upward. “Rock and Raider will be tagging along.”
Ghost choked on a smirk. “Great. The newlywed and the surfer dude.”
“Three of the best. Wish I could go with you.”
“Why isn’t Grayson sending you along?” Ghost asked.
“I’m next, along with Wrangler, and either Tracker or Fargo.”
“So, we’re the guinea pigs. We give a thumbs up and you’re in.”
Wrath chuckled. “Pretty much.”
They both knew Ghost’s training meant much more than a test run. This was his last chance to perform at full capacity, or be relegated to a desk job. In his mind, and those of his team, it was a slow death sentence. If the pendulum swung that way, he’d be better off leaving, seeking a job outside his team. Another slow demise. One Ghost wasn’t willing to accept.
“Pack your gear. You’ll be leaving with Rock and Raider tomorrow morning.”
Standing, doing his best to hide the grimace of pain, Ghost grabbed the brochure. “How long?”
“They’ll be staying a week.” Wrath stood, eyes narrowing. “You need to plan on at least two. Take as long as you need, brother. I want you back. Don’t disappoint me.”
At least two weeks. Ghost repeated Wrath’s words over and over in his mind as he loaded the duffle, determined
not to disappoint his boss…or himself.
Opening a drawer in the table next to his bed, his gaze landed on a folded piece of paper. A lump formed in his throat, remembering who’d left it. Unfolding it, he read the scrawled words.
Ghost,
Hope you don’t mind that I cleaned up and stocked the kitchen. It wasn’t my intention to intrude, but your buddies are busy and this seemed like a good way to pay you back for a couple great weeks. I hope you heal fast and get back to what you love. I’ve deleted your number from my phone, so you won’t have to worry about me pestering you.
Stay safe.
Dani
Regret flowed through him. He’d ended their time together by telling her to leave, unable to deal with the emotions the petite woman awakened. Powerful sensations he hadn’t felt in years, and had no intention of ever experiencing again.
Instead of explaining his reasons, Ghost had spewed some garbage about her being a fun lay, followed with a brisk “see you around.” Months later, he still remembered the hurt in Dani’s eyes, the way she’d packed up and left within minutes of his ugly outburst.
Rock had found the note in the kitchen after he’d brought Ghost home from the hospital. Even after the way he’d treated her, Dani had cleaned his house, then stocked his kitchen so he’d have what he needed when he got home.
He looked at the note. No last name. Nothing to indicate she ever wanted to hear from him again. He didn’t blame her. At least he still had her number programmed into his phone. If he gave it to Raider or Wrangler, they could discover her last name and address. But he wouldn’t do that.
After two incredible weeks together, what he’d done had been callous. She’d been a breath of fresh air, the light to his dark, everything he’d ever wanted in a woman. Something he never thought to experience again after Kylie.
Ghost had seen her once since he’d kicked her out, at Rock and Tessa’s wedding. He remembered it as if it were yesterday.
She’d been sitting at a table with Cara and Val, Tessa’s assistant, doing her best to ignore him. Sucking in a fortifying breath, he’d ask her to dance. Several long moments of silence ensued before Dani reluctantly agreed. Partway through the song, he tried to apologize for his earlier behavior. She’d cut him off before leaving him standing alone.