If you like romantic suspense packed with danger, mystery, and heart-melting emotion, you’ll love Lane Unleashed!
About the book:
A fleeting first glance could become a forever connection…
Former SEAL Lane Benning and his friends are in Hawaii for a retirement party hosted by the renowned Brotherhood Protectors. Everything is sunshine and surfboards until a volcano on the Big Island unexpectedly erupts.
Diving in to help, Lane rushes to answer a distress call from the woman he’s been flirting with at their beachside resort.
When Guardian Agency protector Cassie Marner loses contact with her partner and the child he was protecting, she needs backup–fast. The sexy tourist who responds is a surprise, but his military experience quickly proves invaluable.
Rescuing her missing partner and the child are big wins, until gunfire cuts the celebration short.
Lane is convinced Cassie is the real target and escalating attacks confirm his theory. Together, they must rely on each other to bring her hunters out of the shadows. Only then will they have a chance to see if paradise can nurture new love into something strong and lasting.
Sneak Peek!
Prologue
Lane Benning knew he was running late. He checked his watch and smiled. Barely late. He just couldn’t work up any angst about it. The woman he’d been flirting with on the beach was worth whatever grief his pals would dish out. Besides, he was headed to a party that would surely run well into the night. That’s what happened when the Navy celebrated one of their own.
Despite his tardiness, he was looking forward to catching up with folks he hadn’t seen in a few years, trading stories and memories.
And the barbecue. He could smell it as soon as he got out of the courtesy car that had driven him over from the hotel where he and his four closest friends were staying during this visit.
“There you are.” Harlan Fender greeted him with a firm slap on the shoulder. “You’re late.”
Lane didn’t argue, Harlan noticed every damn thing. Made him one incredible operator, but was occasionally annoying in a friend.
The crowd was bigger than Lane expected, gathered in a picnic area framed by potted palms set at regular intervals. Long tables were dressed with flowers and lanterns. If he didn’t know better, he’d think this was a party venue instead of a working ranch. Hawaii was incredible. Someone had pulled out all the stops for this setup. A smoker was going on the far side of the field, where the breeze carried the smoke up and away from the guests. Buffet tables loaded with food were anchored by a row of coolers, spilling over with ice and drinks.
On the opposite side of the field, a band started playing, the lilting island beat setting a festive mood.
“Did I miss anything?” Lane asked.
Rick “Raider” Torres, another one of his crew, extended a longneck bottle of beer. “What the hell took you so long? Gadsden’s been asking about you.”
Lane wasn’t so sure about that. He was only fifteen minutes behind the official start time listed on the invite. And the part of him that had relaxed after retiring was a little surprised to see so many people here already.
Four of his closest SEAL teammates—Harlan, Raider, Waylen Brown and Kian Fox—the men he’d ridden with into hell and back with time and again, kept telling him his sudden disregard for clocks was abnormal. Looking around, he thought they might have a point.
Of course, this was a party for their former commanding officer. One of the best, in Lane’s mind. Maybe he shouldn’t have pushed the envelope by even fifteen minutes. During his years of service Lane and his pals had given Glenn Gadsden their best effort, every time. Gadsden was one of the good guys, known for his unflappable demeanor, his fair and stern approach, and for backing team decisions on field ops even when things went to hell.
Especially when they went to hell.
As a CO, Gadsden had been one hell of a leader, popular up and down the chain of command. He’d never been a micromanager, so it was hard to imagine that he’d be overly concerned with Lane’s delayed arrival.
“Well, I’m here now.” Lane glanced around. “And ready to party all night.”
“Fair point,” Raider said.
Behind Harlan, Waylen and Kian approached. “Gang’s all here. Finally.” Waylen aimed a hard look at Lane. “Surprised you’re alone.” He liked to pretend he used his superior computer skills to keep tabs on anyone at any time. “What was her name?”
Lane hadn’t been graced with that…yet. Ignoring Waylen, he caught Kian’s attention. “Did we get him a card or something?” He might not mind the clock well these days but he knew that task hadn’t been assigned to him.
“Or something,” Raider interjected. “His favorite whiskey.”
Lane recalled that debate now. He’d sent Harlan money to cover the gift.
“And we came out to Hawaii for his party,” Kian said. “Or have you forgotten where you are?”
No, he hadn’t forgotten. From the volcanoes to the jungles to the beaches and fabulous surfing, it was hard to confuse the lush Hawaiian Islands with anywhere else in the world. A little flirting at the resort, then out here for the party equaled the best Saturday night in a while in Lane’s estimation.
Waylen studied Lane, his gaze narrowing. “You’re working on something.”
Raider shook his head as if just being Lane’s friend was a trial. “Or someone,” he joked. “Lane can always find trouble. You can’t claim it’s out of character today.”
While his four best friends piled on, Lane let their grumbling and speculation roll off. Jokes aside, they were always giving him grief about his timing. In the field his timing had been perfect. And to a man, his SEAL teammates appreciated those efforts. But in the six months since their retirement, he’d earned a reputation for either being too early or too late.
Now that he was done with the military rigor, he was enjoying running on his own schedule. He’d shown up a day early for the cruise they’d taken to the Bahamas. Being an hour late to dinner was typical. And he’d missed a flight entirely a few months back. All things considered, they should be pleased he was already here.
There were worse bad habits.
If he confessed to being distracted by the beautiful brunette with golden skin and stunning curves highlighted by that tiny sizzling pink bikini, his friends would understand how miraculous it was that he’d shown up at all. But that would mean his friends would’ve seen her too and that made him edgy. That surge of possessiveness wasn’t typical for him. Then again, the woman hadn’t been typical.
“There’s a guest book and a place to write a personal note for the big scrapbook his wife is pulling together,” Kian said.
Harlan elbowed him. “Come on. I’ll introduce you to Hawk.” He nodded to a small cluster of people chatting near a smoker. Close by, he recognized a traditional pig roasting pit. “That’s him. Arm around his wife. Her dad is manning the smoker.”
“This is a big operation.” Lane looked around, impressed all over again. He understood the concept of 130,000 acres dedicated to this ranch qualified it as immense, but somehow seeing the big party space they’d created struck him a little differently. He couldn’t see any livestock. Only the house and one barn.
As they moved through the crowd, he greeted men and women he recognized. He’d traveled the world with many of the people here on various teams and assignments and training exercises. He wondered if it was just him, or if everyone struggled to find their way when they returned to civilian life. It helped to have Harlan, Raider, Waylen, and Kian, but the five of them couldn’t travel indefinitely. And he should probably find a hobby beyond flirting at every opportunity.
Jace “Hawk” Hawkins had found his place with a wife and a new purpose right here in paradise. A ranching operation that served as headquarters for a fresh branch of the Brotherhood Protectors, a group originally founded by former SEAL Hank Patterson back in Montana.
“We’re not in Montana anymore,” Lane murmured.
“What’s that?” Harlan asked.
“Nothing.”
What would it be like to have a new purpose, to settle down and start a family? He could make a case for settling in Hawaii. Gadsden had the right idea to retire here, among friends he’d made during his last duty station.
Hawaii boasted so many spectacular views and entertainments. It was one of the most incredible places Lane had ever seen. He could see the value in settling down out here. Not like he had anyone out there in the world expecting him to show up—aside from his friends.
An image of the gorgeous brunette popped into his mind. No sense getting hung up on her, she was a tourist passing through, same as Lane.
Harlan introduced Lane to Hawk and his wife, Kalea, gave Lane a warm welcome. “Some place you’ve got.”
Kalea’s dad, John Parkman, gave a firm nod. “Thanks. We’re glad to have the help and support these days.”
Lane had heard the short version of Hawk and the new Brotherhood Protectors out here. The team was just getting started, all of them former military folks who weren’t ready to be done with stepping up and doing the right thing when someone needed help. That had been Hank’s vision from the start and his commitment to growing regional teams was good news for the area and for the people who joined the effort.
If Hank wanted a team out here it was for a good reason. To an outsider, it might be hard to believe there was that much trouble out here in the middle of the Pacific, but Lane knew better. Trouble was everywhere and covered petty crimes to big criminal operations. Even in paradise, trouble could find a foothold.
There were times when Lane got frustrated at how much people sucked. He shoved away the unpleasant thoughts. No need to brood on such a gorgeous day. He was among friends and, more importantly, among people who understood what it meant to go the distance for the team.
Something Gadsden had emphasized throughout his career with the teams. Something worth celebrating.
The conversation veered back to the guest of honor and as more and more people arrived, everyone traded stories, enjoying the music, food, and company.
About an hour before sunset, as tiki torches were being lit around the picnic area, the first sign of trouble rumbled underfoot. Lane had never been in an earthquake, and this didn’t feel at all the way he thought it should.
It was like standing on distant thunder, the sound rolling through him, unsettling and short lived. The band kept playing, but most of the guests stopped talking, looking around at each other as concern mounted.
The next disturbance wasn’t as easily ignored. He looked to the south, where the sound was coming from. Kilauea, the most active volcano on this island, had decided to make its presence known. In the fading light Lane could see the rising plume of smoke and ash, highlighted by what must’ve been the sparks and glow of spewing lava.
A stunned silence fell over the crowd, followed by a rush of everyone talking at once. Phones were aimed toward the southern sky. And the sky delivered an awesome display as the volcano blew in a sudden, glorious rage.
“This wasn’t on the schedule,” Lane said to the guys around him. “But it’s a helluva show for Glenn.”
“Don’t they usually know about these things?” Harlan asked.
“It’s nature,” Waylen said. “Don’t worry, no one’s gonna ask you to talk it down.”
“Unpredictable is the norm,” Raider said.
“And what do we do?” Lane wondered.
“Hello!” Kalea’s voice carried over the party as she stepped to the microphone. “Can I have your attention, please?”
Lane hadn’t even noticed the band had stopped playing.
Kalea’s father joined her on the stage. “Everyone, please stay calm,” John said. “We’re not in immediate danger out here.”
“Just some extra excitement for Glenn,” Kalea said. “When the volcano gets moody, it spouts off at the ocean, usually to the south, well away from us.” Nervous laughter moved through the crowd. “That said,” she continued, “if you have any breathing issues or concerns, let me know. Any ash, if it does blow this way, might cause some discomfort. It’s no problem at all to find you a comfortable place to relax inside.”
John and Kalea gave the microphone back to the band.
Across the field, Lane caught sight of Hawk and his team striding away from the gathering. He elbowed Raider, who was also tracking them. “Let’s go.”
His friends were in immediate agreement, moving out without needing to say a word. None of them would stand by and watch if there was something they could do to help.
“Hey!” Harlan called out as the five of them trailed Hawk and the others. “We can pitch in. Whatever you need.”
Hawk turned and seemed to scan all five of them with a single glance. “Good. We could use the extra hands.”
Lane had questions about island safety protocols and procedures, but he kept his mouth shut. In the headquarters building, Hawk turned on a monitor and brought up a map of the Big Island. Then he turned up the volume on the emergency radio.
“All right,” Hawk said. “I want to spread out as calls come in. You can see the small towns on the perimeter of the island. First responders are few and far between. Roads too.” He pointed out the hospitals, a couple of clinics, and the fire stations. Before he could say more, the radio crackled with the first calls for help. Fire. Injury. Smoke and ash.
His jaw set, he took a breath and pointed to the map. “That’s all southwest of us. This eruption isn’t spewing into the ocean. These towns can get cut off in a hurry. The ash cloud alone can pose serious health problems and choke vehicles.”
As calls came in, Hawk assigned a man and sent him off with a radio and a vehicle if necessary. “Stay in contact with us here. We can coordinate more help if you need it. Just do what you can to help folks get out of the danger zone. We’ll keep you informed about emergency shelters, if and when they open.”
Lane waited, listening and watching, as one by one, Hawk dispatched his team to answer various calls and offer support around the island. Reports of fires and blocked roadways and injuries kept coming in. His pulse slowed as his focus intensified. He had to remember there were local first responders out there, it wasn’t up to this modest group of retired SEALs to handle every crisis.
Then a video call came in directly to Hawk’s cell phone. He put it on the monitor and the face that appeared on the video shocked Lane almost more than the volcano itself.
It was the brunette from the beach. She wasn’t in a bikini now. Instead she wore a shirt with colorful flowers and her hair was pulled back from her face.
“Hawk, I’m in trouble,” she said.
“Where are you?” Hawk asked, voice cool and even.
Lane’s heart thundered in his chest as he waited for the information.
“The resort. One of the kids under my protection is missing. Possibly kidnapped.”
The resort. Where he’d been flirting with her earlier. “Send the info to my phone,” Lane declared, grabbing a radio. “Tell her help is on the way.” He paused at the door. Swore. “I need a ride.”
Hawk tossed him a set of keys. “Plate number is on the tag.”
With a nod, Lane ran out into the night that was growing more chaotic by the minute.
Get your copy of Lane Unleashed today!
