Faithful, page 1
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, 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
Mystery Mesa, Book Fifteen, 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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FAITHFUL
Eternal Brethren, Book Six
Military Romantic Suspense
SHIRLEEN DAVIES
Copyright © 2019 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
Faithful 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: 978-1-947680-12-8
I care about quality, so if you find something in error, please contact me via email at
shirleen@shirleendavies.com
Description
His life is built on secrets.
Her love demands complete truth.
What will happen when duty and desire collide?
FAITHFUL, Book Six, Eternal Brethren Military Romantic Suspense Series
Dylan “Moses” Wright believes in God, his undercover SEAL team, and the belief his work is critical to protect the country he loves. Wary of a relationship with any woman, he’s surprised at his swift attraction to the new veterinarian in town—the daughter of a notorious cartel leader his team is sworn to take down.
Victoria Stanifer Quintero has faced her share of setbacks. Adopted by a prosperous leader of a vast Mexican business empire, she and her sister have been provided every opportunity. But the constant niggling at the back of her mind warns her Armando Quintero isn’t what he seems. Worse, Dylan Wright, the man she’s fallen in love with, is determined to do all he can to discover her father’s secrets and use them to destroy the man he believes is a cartel kingpin.
But Moses also is a man of many secrets. Riding with what she believes to be an outlaw motorcycle gang, she’s as unsettled about him as she is about her father and brothers. The code of silence he and the Eternal Brethren live by requires he tell her nothing about his job or the role he plays in the MC.
Tori has learned to live with the deception of her family. Allowing her heart to be captured by a man who insists on the same is no longer an option for the independent, high-spirited veterinarian.
Frustrated and vulnerable, she finds herself faced with a tough decision.
A series of threats pose a bigger risk than allowing the biker to protect her. When Moses refuses to leave her side, she must fight not only for her life, but the growing attraction to a man she knows to be dangerous to her heart.
Faithful is book six 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 - Coming Soon!
Visit my website for a list of characters for each 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
Chapter Twenty-Nine
Chapter Thirty
Epilogue
About the Author
Books by Shirleen Davies
FAITHFUL
Prologue
San Diego
Victoria “Tori” Stanifer hated the smell of hospitals. Ironic, as she was a veterinarian and her sister, Julia, a pediatrician. Given the reason for her visit to the VA hospital in San Diego, she didn’t mind.
Tori had been making the round trip from Liberty Lake for weeks, spending her weekends sitting in the cold, uninviting waiting room. Not once had she been allowed to see Dylan “Moses” Wright. She hoped today would be different.
Dylan’s parents had arrived an hour earlier, spoken with Tori for several minutes before continuing into their son’s room. The scene had repeated over the weeks, ending the same each time.
After about an hour, they’d return and apologize, telling her Dylan refused to see her. His rejection never got easier. Still, she refused to stop visiting. Almost seven hours of listening to audiobooks had become routine. Lucas “Gunner” Henson often accompanied her, making the trip a little easier.
He’d sit in the waiting room with her for a few hours, then leave to visit a friend. Lieutenant Commander Sage Montero had been on the fast track her entire life. Gunner had been smitten with her from the moment they met. Unfortunately, Sage preferred weekend rendezvous without the hint of commitment. The same as Tori, Gunner persisted, hoping to break down the wall she lived behind.
He’d had to beg off this weekend. As a member of Eternal Brethren, a deep cover, black ops motorcycle club populated with active duty Navy SEALs, it wasn’t uncommon for a mission to occur at any time.
Voices had Tori lifting her head from the magazine on her lap, seeing Mr. and Mrs. Wright approach. Neither looked happy. The same as with each trip. Mrs. Wright took a seat next to her.
“I’m so sorry, Tori. Dylan is being stubborn.”
She knew he’d told his parents about her, letting them know she was a good friend. A friend he didn’t want to see him in his current condition.
“I understand.” Reaching down, Tori picked up a bag, handing it to her. Lifting up a few items, she looked at the couple. “Gunner asked these be given to Dylan.”
Taking them, sadness washed over Mrs. Wright’s normally serene features. “I’m so sorry about his attitude. I can tell you his left leg and ankle are healing, and Dylan is scheduled to start physical therapy within a few weeks.”
Swallowing the pain lodged in her throat, Tori nodded. “That’s wonderful news.”
“The doctors believe he has a good chance of his left eye healing without much loss of sight. Maybe none at all.” Mrs. Wright gave a small smile, although Tori knew the woman worried a great deal about her son. “The laceration of his spleen has been tricky, but it’s coming along, as are his wrists.” She glanced at her husband before returning to face Tori. “What kind of people would beat up someone and almost kill him?”
Tori felt as if she’d been punched in the gut. The Wrights didn’t know the people who almost killed their son were after her. Dylan had incurred a tremendous beating protecting her.
“I don’t know, Mrs. Wright.” Although she did know the men who’d beaten him would never do the same to anyone else. They were all dead. “I’m so happy he’s progressing well.” Touching the older woman’s hand, Tori stood. “Please tell Dylan I asked about him.”
“Oh, he knows you’re here. I don’t understand why he keeps pushing you away. It’s obvious Dylan cares a great deal about you. Sometimes that boy is too obstinate to make any sense.”
Despite her disappointment, she grinned. “It’s what makes him the man he is, Mrs. Wright.”
“Yes, well, I’ll never know why he gave up the Navy to ride with a motorcycle gang. At least he’s still able to use the VA services.”
“It’s truly not a gang. The group rides for fun and companionship.” Tori hoped she wouldn’t go to hell with the partial truth. “He works in a couple businesses in Liberty Lake.”
The older woman seemed to weigh her words. “I suppose he wouldn’t be doing anything illegal since he attracted a smart, beautiful professional such as yourself.”
“I can assure you, Mrs. Wright, Dylan is not involved in anything illegal. Well, I’d better get going. It’s a long drive back to Liberty Lake.”
Walking through the parking lot, Tori glanced over her shoulder at the room where Dylan recovered. She’d been making the drive for weeks with no results. Giving up wasn’t in her character, but after being refused so often, it might be time to let the man go.
She slid inside her car, placing both hands on the wheel. The pressure in her chest increased, her heart breaking a little more each time she drove away without a glimpse of him.
No matter how he may have once cared about her, those days were gone. She had to accept it and move on. It didn’t mean she wouldn’t continue to send up prayers for his recovery or stop thinking about him every day.
She’d no longer let herself be the albatross around his neck. He needed time to recuperate. Dylan didn’t need a woman he no longer wanted trying to insert herself into his life.
Entering the freeway, she made an extremely difficult decision. This would be her last trip to San Diego. The last time she’d ever be this close to Dylan “Moses” Wright.
Chapter One
Liberty Lake, Arizona
Six months later
Tori shoved open the door of the investment house she’d purchased a week before, letting her sister, Julia, and her fiancé, Nate “Tracker” Kincaid, inside.
“Isn’t it great?”
“Uh…” Julia walked through the living room, dining room, and kitchen, all in need of major TLC. “It’s, well…a little worn out.”
“Of course it is. That’s why I got it for such a discounted price. The electrical and plumbing are in good shape, and the roof still has at least five years left. The heating and air conditioning were replaced six years ago. The same with the water heater.”
“The first two you flipped were in a bit better shape.” Julia looked out a dirt-streaked window.
Nate pulled the refrigerator door open, jumping back when a large bug jumped out at him. Other than that, the inside didn’t look too bad. The same was true of the range and dishwasher. Old, but in decent condition.
“I’m going to replace the appliances and paint the cabinets. I found this great shop about ten miles away that sells refurbished appliances at good prices.” Tori moved through the house to the two guest bedrooms. “These need new windows, paint, and flooring. I’ll paint the bath, replace the flooring, sink, and toilet. The master bedroom and bath will need the same.”
Nate studied each room. “This is going to take a great deal of time. Will you be able to handle it with your job at the clinic?”
“I’ve already spoken with Owen Anders.”
“Isn’t he your colleague?” Julia asked. “The one who asked you out?”
“The same. We’ve had coffee a couple times, but that’s it. He’s volunteered to help on his time off. Gunner has also offered to help out.”
Nate crossed his arms, leaning a shoulder against the wall. “I want to meet him.”
Tori stared at him. “What?”
“You know. Come face to face with Anders. Do a little recon on him.” Nate’s lips twitched a little, but Tori didn’t notice.
She crossed her arms, fire flashing from her eyes. “Absolutely not. Owen has degrees from Cornell and Colorado State, one of the best veterinary schools in the country. He did his residency at UC Davis in California. It’s rated number one for training vets. After completing the program, he was hired here in Liberty Lake.” A brow raised in obvious frustration. “Is there anything else you want to know about him?”
“Is he married?”
“Of course not,” she spat. “He asked me out.”
“Doesn’t mean anything, Tori.”
“He is not married, Nate,” she growled. “No fiancée, no girlfriend. He’s an intelligent man and a dedicated doctor.”
“Sounds like a catch,” Julia said.
Tori nodded on a sigh. “Yeah. At least for some lucky woman.”
Neither Nate nor Julia missed the lack of enthusiasm. Both knew she’d fallen hard for Dylan, witnessed her disappointment when she’d return from her numerous trips to San Diego. It had been six months since she’d gone to the VA. The one thing that brought her joy, besides her work, was flipping houses. And babysitting Wrath and Cara’s twin sons once in a while. At six months old, Wyatt and Clayton were already crawling and letting their wants be known. Tori could only imagine the handful they’d be in a few more months. Wrangler and Becca were due to deliver their baby anytime, so that would give Tori another way to fill her time.
“I’ll help out when I can.”
“I appreciate the offer, Nate, but you and Jules have a wedding to plan. And babies to make.” She winked at her sister, heading into the kitchen, a measuring tape in her hand.
Julia followed her, stopping when Nate’s phone rang. She watched him answer, then walk into another room. A minute later, he returned, kissing her cheek.
“Sorry, babe. I have to leave.”
“The Brethren?”
He gave a terse nod. “I don’t know when I’ll be home. Tori, can you give her a ride home?”
“Sure can. Be safe, Tracker.”
When his truck pulled away, Tori returned to the kitchen, Julia right behind her.
“What will you do if Dylan does come back to Liberty Lake?” Julia held one end of the measuring tape while Tori pulled on the other.
“Nothing. He’s made it clear I’m not someone he ever wants to see again.” She jotted down the measurements, facing her sister. “Why would he? I’m the reason he almost died.”
“Do you really believe he blames you?”
Taking another measurement, she again wrote down the numbers. “Honestly, I don’t know. I wouldn’t blame him. He’s gone through months of recovery and physical therapy because of me. If he does return to the Brethren, I’m certain he’ll stay as far away from me as possible. Do you mind if we change the subject?”
Julia knew it was coming. She’d pushed as much as she could. “Have you heard from the family?”
Tori’s hand stilled in the act of writing down another number. She and Julia had gone through months of counseling after the assassinations they’d witnessed shortly after Dylan had been beaten. Killings connected to their family.
