KnightForce Ethan (La Patron's KnightForce)

by Sydney Addae

  KnightForce Ethan – Book 5 – La Patron KnightForce

  Sydney Addae

  Copyright 2016 by Addae, Sydney

  ISBN: 978-1-937334-70-3

  First Edition Electronic July 2016

  This is a work of fiction. Names, places, characters and incidents are either the product of the author‘s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to any actual persons, living or dead, businesses, organizations, events or locales is entirely coincidental. All trademarks, service marks, registered trademarks, and registered service marks are the property of their respective owners and are used herein for identification purposes only. The publisher does not have any control over or assume any responsibility for author or third-party websites or their contents.

  All rights reserved under the International and Pan-American Copyright Conventions. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from Sydney Addae.

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  KNIGHTFORCE ETHAN

  Silas Knight is La Patron, the Alpha of all Alphas on the North American continent. Each specially trained Alpha takes on his last name and wears his crest. With the addition of half-breeds, the Nation grew sending a spike in rebel activity. KnightForce, a specially trained group of wolves, was created to assist La Patron against the threat.

  As a Cherokee Indian, Ethan Mope has his own set of unique challenges. Blamed and shunned by his brother for the death of their parents, he puts all of his energy into his work in the Marines and then KnightForce.

  Vanessa Prince just wants to live in peace, teach her students and accept the love of a good man. Easy, right? Vanessa’s past throws roadblocks into her present making a future frightening or none at all.

  Ethan wasn’t looking for a mate but now that he’s found Vanessa he’ll scalp anyone that tries to hurt her or stand in his way of claiming her. Vanessa has trust issues but needs to put those aside and take a chance on the mysterious Indian who won’t leave her alone.

  <<<<>>>>

  A special thanks to Vickie, Karen, Michelle, Sally and Chris for all of your help, couldn’t have done it without you.

  Vanessa Prince stared in appreciation as an unusual dash of orange colors danced across the sky, and then groaned as the panoramic view darkened. “Please don’t rain, please, please,” she murmured. A loud honking sound from the car behind her broke her reverie and she completed her turn. Mindful of the time, she glanced at her watch and nodded with satisfaction.

  Today she’d arrive earlier than Brenda Scott and Pamela Wells, the two teachers from hell across the hall from her classroom. They thought she believed their fake smiles and insincere compliments, but she knew they were the ones who’d reported her to the Board of Directors regarding some of the topics she taught. A serious breach of protocol which made Mr. White, the principal, mad as fire. Not that he’d say anything to those witches. They were too well connected around here for him to handle them in the manner they deserved. But her Mama didn’t raise no fool, she knew exactly what they were up to, they didn’t like people from the city and were trying to run her off. Wasn’t happening. She’d already left one school because of BS and that was the last time.

  A loud rumble rose in the distance. She glanced in the back seat for her umbrella. Humming with energized purpose, she turned off the highway onto the feeder road.

  Periodically she’d see school children on the side of the road waiting for the bus. “I don’t need to get caught behind buses.” She pressed the gas pedal and moved faster toward the stop sign. Between this point and the school, several signs slowed her progress and she realized she’d lost her advantage. At best, she’d arrive at the same time as those two hateful witches.

  Pulling into the staff parking lot, her heart leapt with excitement when she didn’t see either of their cars. She grabbed her loaded tote bag, purse, umbrella, locked her car, and moved with purpose toward the entrance.

  “Morning, Mike,” she said to the security officer on duty as she passed through the metal detector of the large private school

  “Morning, Miss Prince,” he said, giving her a big smile. “Looks like rain, I see you’ve got your umbrella.” He pointed at her.

  “Yes, I heard rumbling on the way in, thought I might need it.” Without waiting for a reply, she moved steadily down the empty corridor. The clacking of her heels on the concrete echoed and bounced off the walls. Colorful displays of student artwork lining the walls brought a smile to her face but she didn’t stop.

  “Vanessa? Wow you’re here early,” Shyla, her closest friend and the school Librarian, called as they passed.

  “So are you,” Vanessa said, grinning at the tall, stacked woman with the hearty laugh. She turned the corner and headed toward her class. Just as she reached her door, the doors across the hall opened. Hell.

  At her previous school they’d had teaching teams, which meant the group was vested in the success of every teacher. Despite the other problems at the school, she preferred working in teams, sharing ideas to reach common goals. Richland Middle School hadn’t caught up with the rest of the academic world, here each teacher stood on her or his own. Which meant she’d need to watch her back and handle these two alone.

  “Surprised to see you here so early,” Brenda said in a sarcastic tone as if Vanessa was late every day. Arrogance rolled off her in waves as she crossed her arms across her chest and gazed at Vanessa with eyes the color of coconut shells. Her fine, straight, grayish brown neck-length hair was worn in some kind of utilitarian, severe style highlighting every mole on her face and neck. Short with a leggy build, Brenda wouldn’t look half-baked if she removed that anchor-sized chip from her shoulder.

  “Good morning,” Vanessa said, determined to kill the women with kindness. Initially anyway. Her mother, whom she called Ms. Roberts, would be proud how she continued to behave ladylike in the face of such hostility.

  “Morning, Van,” Pamela said as she sauntered into the hall as if the three of them were having a friendly conversation minus coffee.

  Vanessa hated the shortened version of her name. She wasn’t a vehicle. Rather than ask not to be called that again, she turned to go into her classroom.

  “I heard Jim is coming to the Board of Directors meeting later,” Pamela said in a snide tone.

  At the mention of her boyfriend, Vanessa stopped and looked over her shoulder meeting Pam’s mocking gaze. “What?” Surely this woman knew kids, husbands and significant others were off limits in whatever battles they waged.

  Pamela shrugged. Her almond-shaped, sky-blue eyes slid away from Vanessa’s and focused on the floor. “At the gym this morning, I overheard someone say he was coming to the hearing, I mean the Board meeting today. Didn’t he tell you?” She flipped her long, curly blond hair from her shoulders and moved to stand next to Brenda. Of the three of them, Pamela stood several inches over Brenda and Vanessa,
who were similar in height and weight. Pamela looked like a runway model with large breasts and she had no problem using her assets to get what she wanted.

  The two of them, standing side by side against the wall, reminded Vanessa of a twin-headed cobra waiting to strike. They gazed at her as if she was under obligation to answer them. The cobra image brought a smile to her lips as she turned and walked into her classroom. “Have a great day, ladies.” Vanessa added a little wiggle to her hips before closing the door behind her and shook her head. So much for being first, still she could get a head start on her plans.

  Why’d Pamela mention Jim? Did he know her? No. Jim said he didn’t know anyone here other than his best friend Sanders. So why’d Pamela mention him? Vanessa didn’t doubt the woman had been at the gym this morning, but overhearing someone discuss Jim was too much of a coincidence. Especially on the same day she had a meeting with the Board of Directors.

  Vanessa switched on the lights, glanced around the room, and took a deep breath to calm herself. Bright posters of historical figures like Marley, Princess Diana, Kennedy, and Martin Luther King covered the beige walls, making the room come alive with stories from the past.

  The Board of Education required the teaching of certain historical elements, Vanessa complied but placed her own spin on those elements to make history more interesting for her students. She’d been at Richland for two years and both years the students had voted her the best teacher. Not that she ever won an award or anything, she was considered too unorthodox for that. Unfortunately, students praising your skills fed the green jealousy train amongst her peers, mostly Brenda and Pamela. They downplayed every survey she won, and bragged for days if they received honorable mentions for anything. Knowing students left her class with the light of excitement in their eyes was her ultimate reward.

  She glanced at her watch. Was it too early to call Jim? Her cell vibrated on the desk, startling her. A smile crept across her face as she read the Caller ID. “Morning.”

  “Hi, you’re at work?” Jim’s deep voice touched her in places she wished his fingers or more would touch. Clearing her salacious thoughts, she focused on the call.

  “Yes, thought I’d get here early, set a few things out.” She hadn’t shared her problems about work with him, their relationship was too new. Well, three months, but still new.

  “So dedicated. I admire that about you. You’re such a strong, beautiful and smart woman. I’m lucky to have you in my life.”

  Her breath caught as her heart raced. Unsure how to respond from the sincerity in his tone, she looked toward the window.

  “I’m scaring you? Moving too fast?”

  The uncertainty in his voice brought a smile to her lips. He had to be the most well-mannered, disciplined man she’d ever met. “No, not that. I like hearing you say those things.” Maybe too much.

  “Oh… you got quiet, I thought there was a problem.”

  You haven’t spent the night, or made love to me, that’s the problem. “No, just savoring your words, letting them flow over me, that’s all.”

  “Good, I miss you. How about I drive up and we have dinner tonight? I’ll say them again, in person.”

  “Have you told someone you were coming here today?” she asked, remembering Pamela’s comments.

  “No. Well, I may have mentioned it to my dad, but that’s all. Why?”

  She nodded remembering he’d talked about his retired father a few times. The men seemed close, and considering she had no memory of her parents, his commitment to his father was another thing she admired about him. “Someone mentioned it in the gym this morning and a co-worker overheard.”

  “Me? They said my name?” His incredulous tone made her smile widen.

  “Yes, at least that’s what she said.”

  “She? Don’t matter. I don’t know any people in Richland. Other than you and Sanders, I can’t imagine who would say anything about me or care what I do for that matter.”

  Neither did she but she had to ask. “Have you dated someone in this area before or anything?”

  She’d seen the way Pamela looked at him at the Harvest Ball three months ago when she and Jim first met. Pamela had that ‘come and get me’ look on her face. She and Shyla had made jokes about Pamela’s blatant flirting from the side table where they’d sat drinking wine and people watching.

  Vanessa’s first impression of Jim had been, meh… he’s okay. Until he turned and faced her. Gray eyes like two silver coins held her hostage. Thick, straight, medium-length hair, the color of dark chocolate, brushed against his sports coat. No one’s five o'clock shadow should be that sexy. Tall, wide chest, angular face, the original Marlboro man, and he’d been staring at her as if she was manna from on high. No question it went straight to her head.

  Seconds passed and she couldn’t think or laugh at Shyla’s latest comment. It had been an exhilarating experience sitting at their table, listening to his deep voice say over and over her how beautiful she was. Later, seeing Pamela storm out the room was an added bonus.

  “No. I told you I don’t know anyone there or within– a hundred miles of that place. Other than you and Sanders, that is. I don’t know who’s talking, but I’ll find out when I get there later today.”

  Thinking of holding him close, she dismissed Pamela and crossed her fingers. “You’re staying at my place?” So far he’d refused to sleep in her house and her bed, saying he wanted to take it slow, wait until she was sure. When he’d mentioned marriage as a possibility she stopped asking for more intimacy. She wanted the big prize.

  “Either there or at Sanders, we’ll see, play it by ear.”

  She bit back a frustrated sigh.

  “I’ll be there around six tonight, seafood okay?”

  Since he knew it was her favorite, she nodded. “Yes, perfect.”

  “You’re perfect.” He paused. “For me that is.”

  She ducked her head. Her grin widened until it hurt. “Same here,” she said softly, even though she was alone.

  “I hope you mean that and aren’t just playing with my heart. We’ve been taking things slow, getting to know each other.” He paused. “You’re special Vanessa, I don’t want to mess this up. When I saw you that first time, I just knew… and hoped you’d see something in this old soldier. I’ve been in messy relationships in the past and don’t want that anymore. You… you’re good, sweet, independent. I know you don’t need me for much, but you want me and that makes me feel … like you can’t believe.”

  Her heart clutched. It was a few seconds before she could respond. “Jim… no one’s ever said the things you say or treat me the way you do.” It went beyond opening doors, sending flowers, bringing her small gifts relevant to the things important to her. If she mentioned some new teaching tool or poster or subject, he’d research it so they could discuss it. He’d joke how she took him back to school or say military school hadn’t been as tough on him as she was. But she could tell he loved the challenge of thinking outside the box.

  “Sending you flowers?”

  “Yes, I love them. I just took the ones you sent a couple days ago home last night. But it’s not just the flowers, you’re always doing small things to make sure my day is good. Sweet texts throughout the day always come at the right time.”

  “You’re always on my mind. I can’t stop thinking about you. I miss you so much when I’m not there. You have no idea.”

  As a retired Colonel, Jim had more free time on his hands than she did. Driving up from his place an hour and a half away killed spontaneity.

  Teaching remained at the forefront of her mind most of the day, but times like this were nice, sweet, and reminded her of life beyond her passion for teaching. “I have some idea; you aren’t the only one in this relationship.”

  “I know. Sometimes I feel as if I’m coming on too strong. Too needy. It’s not that. I just want to be with you.”

  He was more direct with his feelings than any other man she’d dated, she assumed it was becau
se of his officer’s training. “Same here. Have you thought of moving to Richland?” Early on she’d been clear on her inability and desire to relocate. Despite the witches across the hall, she loved her job, the school, and her new home. She wasn’t going anywhere.

  “That’s all I’ve thought of and something we can talk about tonight. Can’t wait to see you.”

  Vanessa glanced at the clock and bit back a sigh. The halls would soon fill with students and she hadn’t done half the things she’d planned to do this morning.

  “Can’t wait to see you either.” She frowned, wondering why she sounded like a parrot. “Right after school I have a meeting and then I’ll head home, shower and get dressed.”

  “Sounds perfect, just like you.”

  Her heartbeat raced as she said goodbye and clicked off. Sitting back in her chair, she giggled like a 14-year-old with her first crush.

  Chapter 2

  Ethan Mope knelt in the middle of the floor in the small temple he’d built in his home. Eyes closed, he prayed to the Goddess for guidance and protection. “Bless You Goddess from whom all blessings flow.”

  A loud, piercing sound sent a prickling sensation across his skin. Pain rippled down his chest as a dark mist invaded his space. The sound changed into a low keening, with pitiful weeping. There was a thumping noise peppered with grunts, as if someone bucked and writhed against something he couldn’t see clearly. His wolf pressed against his chest, growling, and then howling his upset over each pain-filled moan.

  Ethan’s heartbeat raced with eagerness, but he couldn’t move. The distressful noise penetrated the darkness and tapped danced across his mind. His muscles twitched with the need to help, to rescue, anything other than remain locked in a sea of darkness, unable to move. Straining to shift or move, he drew his energy inward and focused on the moans. A second later another mind-piercing scream freed him from invisible shackles and he fell forward, his face hit the floor. When his heartbeat had finally slowed, he opened one eye while gulping air. Rolling over, he wiped the sweat from his forehead with his palm.