Enigma, Maine, Bundle 1

by Iris Abbott

  Brittany silently agreed.

  “I’ve been a member of the council for over five decades. This is the first time I’ve seen Lucian in person,” Phillip explained. “He’s a legend, even amongst the rest of the council.”

  Julie and Selena crowded Brittany and her grandmother. The four women came together for a group hug.

  “We should be going,” Julie said. “The Sheldon family has a lot of catching up to do.”

  “Agreed,” Selena said. She laced fingers with Phillip and tugged him toward the door. Julie, Alessandro, and Mitch were right behind them.

  Logan cleared his throat and moved to stand in front of Brianna. “I want to thank you for sacrificing so much to keep Brittany safe. She’s my life now, and I don’t think I could be happy without her.”

  Brianna patted his cheek and looked from him to her Brittany. “I think you need to make sure she knows that.” She walked toward the door.

  “Wait! Where are you going?” Her breathing came out in ragged jerks, and she felt lightheaded. Brittany couldn’t believe her grandmother was leaving, not when she’d just found out she was still alive.

  “I’m going to catch a ride back to the wolf pack compound with Mitch. I have some old friends there I can stay with tonight. I’ll be back first thing in the morning, but right now I think the two of you have some things you need to say to each other.”

  Brittany watched as her grandmother disappeared. Part of her wanted to call her back, but the other part longed just as much to be alone with Logan. He held out his arms, and she walked into his embrace. “Did you really mean what you said to my grandmother?”

  “Of course, I did.” Logan tightened his embrace and held her even closer to his heart. “It was love at first sight. I knew from the moment you walked into Alessandro’s castle that we were meant for each other. I love you with all my heart, so I guess I better get used to the twenty-first century.” He gave her a brief kiss on the lips. “Because I’m not going anywhere.”

  “I love you too, Logan.” She winked at him. “But do you think you can give up being a pirate that easily.”

  He scooped her into his arms and began walking toward the bedroom. “I’ve discovered modern day pirates. I think I’ll try my hand at corporate raiding. Phillip and Alessandro think I’ll be great at it.” He shrugged. “And I have the financial backing to give it a shot.”

  “Oh, I have no doubt that they’re right.” She wrapped her arms around his neck and leaned in to meet his lips. Her mouth parted to welcome her pirate’s loving kiss.

  EPILOGUE

  The wedding was the biggest social event of the season. It was even bigger than the Halloween party it followed by just two weeks. It wasn’t every day a triple wedding ceremony took place. The paranormal population of Enigma turned out in full force for the celebration.

  Alessandro opened up his castle for the occasion just as he had done for the Halloween party. This time, however, instead of wearing costumes the guests dressed in their finest evening wear. Mitch Gannon, alpha of the Enigma wolf pack, stood in as best man for all three grooms.

  Julie, Selena, and Brittany wore matching gowns of sapphire silk that somehow managed to compliment all three of the beautiful women. They had a glow about them that had nothing to do with magic or the paranormal. All three of the grooms, Alessandro, Phillip, and Logan dressed in tuxedos and looked as sexy as ever. The vampire, cat shifter, and wizard gazed at their respective lifelong mates with such love it was almost blinding to the guests sitting in the first few rows of chairs.

  The ceremony was presided over by none other than jolly old Saint Nick. He was still in Enigma, wrapping up a few loose ends on a Christmas project he and Athena joined forces for. A twinkle lit his eyes at the thought of the Christmas season to come. He spoke the words to the civil ceremony with a flourish. When he was done, the unions were blessed by Brianna Sheldon head of the Enigma coven and beaming grandmother.

  Cupid sat in the back row still miffed that the most romantic triple pairing in the history of the paranormal world occurred with minimum effort from him. So much for his theory that Halloween was the least romantic night of the year. Three witches, a vampire, a cat shifter, and a piratic wizard had proved him wrong there. At least he got a mention in their mated souls spell. His work in Enigma wasn’t done yet either.

  He glanced at his watch, and as if on cue, just as Santa introduced each bride and groom as husband and wife, the foyer door slammed open. Cupid sent an invisible shock of electric current straight from the newcomer to the best man Mitch Gannon. Arrows were so last century!

  The elder members of the Enigma wolf pack had been bugging Cupid to find a mate for their alpha for a while now. Gannon continued to stubbornly hang on to his bachelor lifestyle, and that caused uneasiness in the pack. Well, those days were just about over. Things were about to get red hot in Enigma, especially for the lead wolf.

  The security expert in Mitch took over the same millisecond the door slammed open. He was on instant alert. He locked eyes with the stranger wearing a red cape. The garment attempted but failed to hide masses of dark blonde curls.

  A jolt of current raced straight through his body straight to his heart. He turned to shoot Cupid a dirty look. Typical of that particular nuisance, he already left the scene. Things could get very interesting Mitch decided. He had a thing for the color red, and he definitely loved blondes.

  A SOLDIER’S CHRISTMAS HOMECOMING

  Enigma, Maine Series

  Book 4

  Iris Abbott

  WARNING: The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is illegal.

  A SOLDIER’S CHRISTMAS HOMECOMING

  Copyright © 2011 by Iris Abbott

  First E-book publication: December 2011

  Cover design by Iris Abbott

  Photos and illustrations courtesy of bigstockphoto.com

  ALL RIGHTS RESERVED: This literary work may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, including electronic or photographic reproduction, in whole or in part, without express written permission. All characters in this book are fictitious and exist only in the imagination of the author. Any resemblance to actual persons living or dead is strictly coincidental.

  ONE

  Dear Santa,

  This year I have an extra special wish for Christmas. I want a daddy. Mine was a hero who died in the war when I was only two years old. I really don’t remember him, though my mom talks about him a lot. My mom is the best, but sometimes I hear her crying at night, and I know it is because she misses my dad. Santa, please send a new daddy for my mommy and me. Then my mom won’t be so sad anymore, and I’ll have a daddy like all my friends!

  Love,

  Jacob Forrester

  Santa handed the now wrinkled and much read letter over to Athena. “This really pulled at my heartstrings, and I decided to make it my own personal Christmas project this year.” He pulled on his beard and treated Athena to the merry twinkle of his eyes.

  Athena raised a brow and gave Santa a long-suffering look. “I wondered what made you grace us with your presence at this year’s Halloween party. You’re usually too busy kicking things into high gear for the Christmas rush. I don’t think you’ve ever visited Enigma this time of year.”

  Santa gave a hearty laugh that shook his belly and hooked his thumbs into the suspenders he wore. “Indeed, however, Jacob and his mother Hannah are residents of Enigma. I wanted a closer look, so I’ve been hanging out around town for about a week.”

  “I guess you found them worthy or you wouldn’t be here talking to me. I’m also guessing since you are sharing the letter with me you must need my help.”

  Santa gave her a nod and pulled on his whiskers. “Hannah Forrester is a flight nurse at Enigma General Hospital. In my book, she’s a hero too. She and her son deserve the love of a good, strong man.”

  Now it was Athena’s turn to get a twinkle of merriment in her eyes. “Ah,” she gave him a kn
owing look. “A great warrior perhaps would be worthy of your paragon of virtue. Maybe that’s why you’ve decided to enlist my help for this year’s Christmas miracle,” she suggested

  Santa chuckled. “It’s easy to get straight to the point with you, Athena. I’m sure you could recommend someone commendable enough for Hannah and Jacob.”

  “Well, I’ve had my eye on one particular soldier,” she confided with a gleam in her eye. “He’s fit for a goddess, so I’m sure he’d pass muster with you. He’s a Black Hawk pilot in the war. He’s also the bravest mortal I’ve seen. He flies a chopper for medical evacuations, some of which other pilots flat-out refused to attempt. Now that the end of the war is in sight, he’s decided to leave the military instead of reenlisting.”

  “Right on!” Santa Claus exclaimed. “The hospital needs a new pilot for Hannah’s shift. That would be the perfect way for them to meet.”

  “Well, he was living in North Carolina. That’s where he met his ex-wife. She couldn’t handle his extended absences and asked for a divorce three years ago.” She rolled her eyes. “There’s just no pleasing some mortals.”

  “Hannah is a war widow, but I don’t think that would keep her from dating a former soldier. Do you know what he plans to do once he leaves the military?”

  “I think he was going to take time off and carefully weigh his options. If this job were to drop in his lap, however, I don’t think he’d say no. It’s the kind of man he is.” She shrugged her delicate toga covered shoulder. “He’d never pass on a town in need. That’s not the kind of man he is, and that’s what makes him perfect for your Christmas miracle.”

  “I’ll call in a few favors. The chairman of the hospital board is a guardian and would be more than willing to help us with this project. He values all the lives of Enigma paranormal or not. Your soldier sounds like he’d be a solid asset to the town of Enigma. I think Lucian would love for him to relocate here.”

  “I’ll give you all the pertinent information for Steve and talk to whoever you need me to here in Enigma. Steve Rivers got a raw deal from his ex-wife. She thought it was cool to marry a pilot, but she never really appreciated Steve for the wonderful man he is. Hannah and Jacob sound like they would be perfect for the warrior!”

  ****

  Steve listened to the message from an Army buddy he served with a few years back. There was a hospital in Enigma, Maine that was in desperate need of a pilot for their air ambulance service. His buddy was injured in the war and didn’t fly anymore, or else he would consider the job himself he’d been quick to inform Steve. Steve planned to take a couple of months to decompress after his honorable discharge. He needed to take stock of his life and his lack of ties since Erika walked out on him while he was struggling to keep himself and others alive.

  It didn’t look like that was going to happen. His conscience wouldn’t let him walk away from people in need. Air ambulances sometimes proved to be the difference between life and death. One thing was for sure. They couldn’t get off the ground without a pilot.

  Steve dialed the phone number his friend left in the message. He was referred to Lucian Petrakos, the head of the hospital board. Steve thought that was kind of strange. He figured his initial interview would be with someone from Human Resources, but evidently not. Mr. Petrakos assured him the job was still open, and they agreed to meet in three days.

  Steve broke the connection and started making arrangements. It looked like he was headed to Enigma, Maine. That was just fine with him. He didn’t have ties anywhere since his ex-wife walked out on him three years ago, taking his hopes of a family and finally settling down with her.

  He shook his head to get rid of the morose thoughts that haunted him. It was in the past. She moved on. He moved on. Steve needed to start over somewhere, and Enigma was as good a place as any.

  Enigma would give him a fresh start in a new town while doing something he absolutely loved. If he was lucky, he could finally settle down and develop those roots he’d longed for ever since he moved from foster family to foster family as a child. He left the Army the middle of November. If he were offered the job and took a couple of weeks to tie up loose ends in North Carolina, he could be settled in Maine before Christmas. Maybe this year he’d have something to celebrate during the holidays.

  TWO

  Hannah Forrester was dead tired after working a grueling nine-hour shift. A five-car pileup on the interstate, thanks to black ice, made sure of it. There were three fatalities. Thanks to the medical skills of the flight team, they managed to save four people with critical injuries who otherwise might not have made it to the hospital in time. She suppressed a yawn and slowly made her way to the employee parking lot.

  Her long, light brown hair was pulled back into its usual tight French braid. Her hair was always tied back while she was on duty. She couldn’t afford to let it get in the way, especially when she was bent over a patient working. Sometimes like today, it was tight enough to pull against her scalp, making it tender. She couldn’t wait until she got home to let it down. She tugged on the light pink ribbon and pulled out the thin elastic band holding the end of her braid together.

  Thank goodness she was headed straight to her sister’s house. She would pick up her son and then it was straight home from there. She combed her fingers through her hair and kept walking to the back of the lot where employees parked their cars while at work.

  At least her step was lighter than it might normally be. The hospital’s rumor mill was reporting that someone was hired to fill the open pilot position, and he was starting soon. That took a lot of worries away from Hannah. There was some talk of downsizing the air ambulance crew or at the very least cutting everyone’s hours if a new pilot couldn’t be found.

  Hannah needed the job. It filled the hours and darkness when the light of her life, her six-year-old son Jacob, was in school. She fell into a deep depression when her husband was killed while on duty in the Middle East. She finally crawled out of the pit of despair she fell into after the death of her husband and high school sweetheart. It was four years ago, and she was in a much better place. She knew it was her son and job that kept her there. She didn’t know if she could survive losing either of those lifelines.

  Hannah was lost in thought and didn’t see the tall, dark stranger in front of her until she ran smack into the middle of a well-muscled chest. Momentum kept her moving. Thankfully a pair of strong, capable hands steadied her as she bounced back and teetered on the brink of falling to the hard pavement.

  She looked into the face of the man she’d run into. Her heart skipped a beat, and she gasped. He was gorgeous. Just the sight of him made her heart beat faster and her breath hitch in her throat. She hadn’t had such a strong physical reaction to a man since her husband. It was exciting and disconcerting all at once.

  She brushed a wayward strand of hair from her face and smiled. “Sorry about that. Should’ve been paying attention to where I’m going.”

  “No problem. Look’s like you’ve had a rough day.”

  “It was, and I’m exhausted. Thanks for saving me from a nasty spill that would have only made my day worse.” She held out her hand. “I’m Hannah Forrester.”

  He took the hand she offered and gave it a firm shake. “Nice to meet you. Hannah. I’m Steve Rivers.” He slowly dropped her hand.

  “I’m sure I’ll be seeing you around.” He moved around her and briskly walked toward the employee entrance. He was definitely in a hurry.

  Hannah stood transfixed and watched until he disappeared inside the employee entrance. The early December chill seeped into her boots. She wiggled her toes and walked to her car. The short drive to her sister’s house wasn’t long enough for her to rid her brain of the sexy stranger with dark hair, a sexy five o’clock shadow, and deep dark brown eyes.

  Hannah lightly tapped on her sister’s front door and let herself inside. Amber and Jacob were in the foyer. Amber looked up from helping Jacob put on his coat. The two sisters smiled at e
ach other. “It must be really cold out there, because your face is awfully flushed,” Amber observed.

  “Oh!” Hannah instinctively lifted her hands to touch her cheeks. “Umm, yes it’s pretty chilly today.”

  She reached out and tweaked her son’s nose. “You better bundle up, young man.”

  Jacob laughed and gave her a big hug in the way of a greeting. Then he hugged her sister goodbye. “Okay, mom, I’m ready to go!” He waved at his aunt from the door. “See you tomorrow after school, Aunt Amber.”

  He happily skipped out to the car. Hannah started to join him, but her sister called her name. “Hannah! I just wanted to let you know that you’re not fooling me one bit.”

  “I have no idea what you’re talking about.” She tried her best to sound offended.

  “Jacob and I just got home from school twenty minutes ago. It’s a typical Maine December day. It’s cold, but not enough to cause such red checks.” She arched a brow. “So, would you like to explain why you’re blushing?”

  “I don’t believe I will.” Heat rushed to her cheeks, flushing her skin even more.

  “Please tell me it has something to do with a man!”

  Hannah’s eyes popped wide open at her sister’s exclamation. “It’s nothing like you’re thinking, Amber. I just had a hectic day at work. That’s all.”

  Amber put her hands on her hips and gave her a big smug smile. “I spend my days keeping up with seven-year-olds. My job is hectic. Your job is nerve-wracking, that’s what it is. Nothing new there.”

  She gave a nonchalant shrug of her shoulders. “I guess you’ll talk when you’re ready. Remember younger sisters make the best confidantes.” She gave Hannah a saucy wink.

  “They also make the best lifesavers. Thanks again for bringing Jacob home with you. You don’t know what a relief it is that you teach at his elementary school. I would hate it if he had to go to daycare every day after school.”