Safeguarding Miley (Special Forces: Operation Alpha)
Team Cerberus Book 4
Melissa Kay Clarke
Contents
Foreword
Acknowledgments
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Chapter 26
Epilogue
About the Author
Also by Melissa Kay Clarke
Books by Susan Stoker
More Special Forces: Operation Alpha World Books
Blurb
Dr. Miley Ellison loves her career choice. Taking care of small animals is her passion - the larger ones? Not so much. However, when her grandfather leaves her his practice in Wyoming, she resigns herself to a life of dealing mostly with livestock. It isn't ideal but at least she's in control of her own life. If only her mind would focus on the job and not on her best friend's sexy brother. Dating him is not an option. It doesn't help he's got a Lancelot complex and she's no Guinevere.
Alcide Montgomery, known as Cowboy by his SEAL team, faces returning to duty after being home to care for his sick father. Being protective is a part of his psyche - he can't help but rescue damsels in distress. One look at Miley and he knows she's going to need help. However, she lets him know it's neither wanted nor welcomed -- a first for him.
One day, Miley's at the wrong place at the wrong time, plunging her into trouble of the deadly kind. Cowboy rides to her rescue, saving her life and protecting her from harm. Unfortunately, it's not over. As Cowboy wars with his commitment to rejoin his teammates, he worries who will be Miley's knight in shining armor. Who's going to fight for Miley while he's fighting for his country?
Copyright
This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are products of the author’s imagination or used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events or locales or persons living or dead is entirely coincidental.
© 2018 ACES PRESS, LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
No part of this work may be used, stored, reproduced or transmitted without written permission from the publisher except for brief quotations for review purposes as permitted by law.
This book is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This book may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, please purchase your own copy.
Edited by Thomas "Woody" Johns
Cover by Eva Talia Designs
Dear Readers,
Welcome to the Special Forces: Operation Alpha Fan-Fiction world!
If you are new to this amazing world, in a nutshell the author wrote a story using one or more of my characters in it. Sometimes that character has a major role in the story, and other times they are only mentioned briefly. This is perfectly legal and allowable because they are going through Aces Press to publish the story.
This book is entirely the work of the author who wrote it. While I might have assisted with brainstorming and other ideas about which of my characters to use, I didn’t have any part in the process or writing or editing the story.
I’m proud and excited that so many authors loved my characters enough that they wanted to write them into their own story. Thank you for supporting them, and me!
READ ON!
Xoxo
Susan Stoker
For all the strong women in my life.
Daughter, sisters, aunts, cousins, friends.
In a world that tries to tear down, you know how to lift up.
I'm grateful to call you family.
Acknowledgments
The process of bringing a story to life takes the effort of many people. Maybe I could do it without you, but I wouldn't want to.
Robert - bouncing ideas off you has become second nature. Without your help, I'd have a lot of boring words that didn't make sense.
The brigade - you guys keep me honest and help me stay the path. Your support is deeply appreciated.
Woody - hands down the most awesome editor that ever walked. You get me in a way few can and this book wouldn't be half as awesome without you.
Amy and Susan - Here we go again! Thank you for putting up with me and my thousands of questions. Saints.. both of you.
Everyone who has or will read one of my books. This wouldn't ever have happened if you didn't believe in my stories. From the bottom of my heart, I'm eternally grateful.
Chapter 1
The mellow hum of guitars and drums erupted from the jukebox, filling the overcrowded room of Slap Daddy's Bar with an added level of noise. It wasn't a big place, but it was the only bar in Greybull, Wyoming, so that meant if it was open, it was busy.
Miley watched the interactions between cowboys and wanna-be beauty queens as they prowled around the room searching for a connection. She snorted, took a drink from her already lukewarm beer and leaned back against the bar. In her mind, she was already figuring out who was going home with whom.
"Hey, beautiful."
The long drawl from her left set her teeth on edge. Without looking at its owner, she threw her hand up into his face and growled, "No."
"Aww, now, hon..."
She pushed her palm closer to his face. "Not. Interested."
The Cowboy Casanova grabbed her hand and ran his thumb over her knuckle. Miley gritted her teeth and faced him finally. "If you don't get your paws off me in the next three seconds, you're gonna lose your ability to reproduce. I'm a veterinarian. I have the tools. I have the knowledge. Back. Off."
The man dropped her hand, threw his up in surrender and backed away. "Bitch," he snarled under his breath as he turned around.
"That's Dr. Bitch, thank you," she called out to his back. He flipped her off over his shoulder.
Picking up her mug, Miley drained the last of the beer and dropped it to the bar. Bear, the brute of a bartender, pulled the empty glass away. "Another?"
She nodded. Tonight, she was walking home, so two beers over the course of several hours wouldn't hurt. In less than a minute, another cold draft was placed on the bar in front of her. She slid a ten over to Bear with a smile. "Thanks. Keep the change."
Miley settled in to continue her people watching. It was one of the only things to do in Greybull on a Friday night. The fact that she was single, twenty-six and sitting alone at a bar should have made her feel pathetic. Instead, it made her feel free. She didn't answer to anyone for any reason. She could come and go as she pleased and did exactly as she wanted. That thought brought a smile to her lips.
"Hey, there, pretty lady."
The mildly accented voice interrupted her thoughts, and she turned to look at its owner. A man wearing a pair of painted on Levi jeans, dusty cowboy boots, t-shirt at least two sizes too small and a Stetson leaned against the bar on one arm. His other hand was thrust casually into his jeans pocket. His chiseled chin was covered in a five o'clock shadow that was a little too perfect to be a coincidence. He flashed her a panty-melting smile, and his baby blue eyes twinkled. He winked at her.
Ugh.
Turning her back to him, Miley resumed her people watching as she sipped her brew. Behind her, she felt a finger on the back of her neck, running up from her shoulder to the nape of her neck then lifting the short strands of her hair.
Whirling around, she slapped his hand and glared at him. "What gives you the right to touch me?"
"Don't be coy, sweetheart. I saw you sitting here and thought you could use a little company," he murmured.
"You thought wrong." Miley brought her mug to her lips and drained the beer in one gulp. Dropping the glass to the bar top, she slid off the stool and turned to the door. "See you later, Bear," she called out over the ruckus then exited out the door.
A hand grabbed her arm and swung her around. Mr. Stetson stood there with a glower on his face. "What's your problem?"
"You're my problem. If I wanted to be manhandled, I'd ask for it." She grabbed his hand and shoved her thumb into the webbing between his index and thumb causing him to grimace in pain. "No means no."
He hissed but took a step back. Miley let his hand go and whirled around. Striding off down the street, she didn't bother looking back at him. Within seconds she heard the increased noise from the bar indicating he had returned to the hunting grounds. Good riddance.
Adrenaline slowly drained from her system until she felt her heartbeat return to normal. She wrapped her arms around herself as she walked. She hated it here, hated being away from the big cities where she went to school and did her first few years of practice. She couldn't ever tell Pop-pop that, though. He'd been so proud of the day last year when he had made a big ceremony of giving her the keys to the little four-room veterinarian clinic on the outskirts of town.
"You should have just told him," she murmured out loud. "It would have been better if you just politely declined his gift."
Yeah, right. There was no way she would ever have done that. He'd been so proud of her when she followed in his footsteps and became a vet. It was all she had ever wanted to do, and she remembered fondly the summers spent in Greybull helping him in the clinic. But by the time she reached her teens, those visits were less exciting than spending the summers at the lake with her friends back home in Missouri. That was before her senior trip to California and two weeks at the beach. After that, every minute studying was with the knowledge she would someday open a practice somewhere she could see the sun shining on the ocean from her window. She had even accepted her internship at a lesser known clinic simply because it was in California. That year only increased her yearning to settle near the ocean. It all came crashing down last summer when Pop-pop asked her to come up for a visit. Little did she know the trip would change her life.
Everything about the Ellison Animal Hospital irritated her. The location, the setup, even the clientele made her tired. She had nothing against big animals, but her heart was with the smaller ones. Instead of caring for pampered puppies and cute kitties, she spent most of her time up to her shoulder in the backside of a cow or horse. Miley sighed heavily to herself. It was part of the reason she kept her brown hair cut short. It had a fine texture which guaranteed it would refuse to cooperate and stay in a ponytail or bun. The first time she had to scrub afterbirth from the silky strands had made up her mind for her. It was just one more reason to hate this place. She always loved wearing her hair long and flowing free in a brown curtain that touched the middle of her back.
If it weren't for Marissa Montgomery, Miley would have already died of pure boredom. She remembered Rissa from her summers with her grandfather. However, they didn't become friends until Miley had taken over Pop-pop's clinic. They didn't get to spend much time together because she had the practice and Rissa was immersed in caring for her sick father.
Then he had shown up.
Miley shook her head to dislodge the thought of Rissa's brother. She had met Alcide Montgomery while he was on leave a couple of months ago when the elder Mr. Montgomery became sick. He was handsome, rugged, protective and so off limits; she wouldn't even consider it possible to date him. Not only was he Rissa's brother, which put him in the whole don't-date-your-friend's-siblings area, but he was a SEAL. He was strong, a dominant alpha man who took charge of every situation he faced. She wouldn't ever make that mistake again. Once was enough, thank you very much.
Jacob's memory rose up bringing the fear once again. Being alone on the anniversary what he had done wasn't a good idea. Instead, she had fled to the bar to people watch and get her mind off him. It had worked. For a while.
As she turned the corner a few blocks from the bar, a large pickup truck drew along aside her. At first, she thought it was the jerk from Slap Daddy's. Peeking into the cab, she smiled. "Hey, Rissa."
"Hey, yourself. You need a ride?"
She shook her head. "I'm good. I'm on my way home, thanks. What are you doing out so late?"
Rissa wrinkled her nose. "I was at the hospital."
"How's your dad?" Miley leaned against the window. "Any better?"
Rissa's shoulders sagged, and Miley could see the worry in her friend's face. "No change. Just keep praying."
"I will." Miley nodded toward the clinic on the adjacent street. "I'm going to get to bed. I've got a long day tomorrow. If you or your mom need anything, let me know."
"We will. I'll call you soon, okay?"
"Yeah, sounds good, Rissa. Talk to you later."
She watched her friend drive off. Without Rissa, she'd already been half crazy by now. This town was getting to her. Turning away, she resumed her trek home.
Climbing the steps to her trailer parked behind the clinic, Miley unlocked the door and went in. The camper was small, but it was all she needed. Pop-pop had offered for her to stay at his house in one of the large bedrooms but she refused. Living with her grandfather would have stripped away what was left of her fragile ego. Instead, she bought the tiny trailer, gutted it and rebuilt it. It had a kitchen living room combo, a bathroom, and a small bedroom. It was all she needed, and if she ever could shake the dust of Wyoming off her boots, she could move her whole home with her. It was the only act of rebellion she allowed herself.
Toeing off her boots, Miley peeled her jeans and t-shirt off and stepped into the tiny shower. It was barely big enough for a normal person, but her five-foot two-inch body fit in it fine. Quickly, she washed away the stale beer and smoke smell from her body. When she finished, she slipped into her sleep shirt, brushed her teeth and climbed into her platform bed. Pulling the covers up, she stared up at the ceiling wondering if this was what her life was destined to be. She couldn't help but wish there was more. Turning over, she curled around her body pillow and closed her eyes. Wishing wouldn't help her and staying awake worrying about a life she was stuck in just meant she would be tired tomorrow. The Jasper Sky Ranch needed vaccines so she would be out there in a few hours, trampling through the fields. Hopefully, her dreams would be filled with something a bit more bearable, such as gorgeous sandy beaches and warm California sun.
Chapter 2
Predawn silence blanketed the Montgomery Ranch like a worn, comfortable feather quilt. Alcide "Cowboy" Montgomery sat on the porch, sipping his coffee as he contemplated his life. Even if he had wanted to, he wouldn't be able to sleep in after years of training his body to a soldier's regime. Truth be told, Cowboy liked the time before the sun cast its light on the world. It gave him a certain peace and preparedness before the day began.
Out in the pasture, a horse nickered nervously then stamped his foot. Cowboy placed his cup on the railing framing the front porch and stood. Peering into the gloom, he frowned. He knew bobcats and the occasional grey wolf would worry the stock, but that normally didn't happen until the winter when food sources were scarce. He was about to go into the house to retrieve his father's old Ithaca model thirty-seven shotgun from the gun safe when he heard the door behind him open.
"It's Molly Brown in heat and Diablo is trying to get into her paddock," Rissa said as she stepped up beside him and looked out over the yard. "Ben Watson is waitin
g for us to bring her over to Socrates. Firestar wandered over here a few weeks ago, and Diablo got her, so we're going to get a freebie from Socrates."
Cowboy chuckled. "I bet Ben wasn't too happy with that."
Rissa shook her head but grinned. "No, he wasn't that happy, but he realizes that any foal off Diablo is going to be worth a good penny. Socrates may have a better pedigree than him, but you won a lot of rodeos on that beast. His DNA is worth a lot."
Cowboy nodded absently as his mind traveled back to those circuit days. He'd been competing since he was ten in one way or another. However, it wasn't until he bought Diablo with his own money at fifteen that he'd become a local celebrity and earned his nickname, Cowboy. Diablo and he were one unit, understanding the other and working in harmony. The proof of their abilities still decorated one wall in the den. Everyone thought he was going to make a career of it, but instead, he had joined the Navy and eventually, the SEALs. His family was just as proud of him now as they were then.
"You going to see Dad later?"
He took in a deep breath then let it out slowly. That was the reason he was home, wasn't it? He was here to see their father and to help out on the ranch.
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