Rescuing Macie Read online

  Rescuing Macie

  By Susan Stoker

  A Delta Force Heroes Novella

  Rescuing Macie

  A Delta Force Heroes Novella

  Copyright 2019 Susan Stoker

  ISBN: 978-1-948050-90-6

  Published by Evil Eye Concepts, Incorporated

  All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced, scanned, or distributed in any printed or electronic form without permission. Please do not participate in or encourage piracy of copyrighted materials in violation of the author’s rights.

  This is a work of fiction. Names, places, characters and incidents are the product of the author’s imagination and are fictitious. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events or establishments is solely coincidental.

  Book Description

  Rescuing Macie: A Delta Force Heroes Novella

  by Susan Stoker

  From New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Susan Stoker comes a new story in her Delta Force Heroes series…

  After years of estrangement, Mercedes Laughlin has finally reconciled with her older brother. It should be the happiest time of her life, getting to know Truck and his new wife…and it would be, if an ex wasn’t causing her trouble. Add in Truck’s boss, Colonel Colton Robinson, an amazingly distracting man whom she met under embarrassing circumstances, and Macie’s got a bit more on her plate than she can handle.

  From the moment they met, Colt was fascinated by Macie, and helping her through an anxiety attack at her brother’s wedding didn’t diminish the appeal. He’d do his best to sweep her off her feet, if not for a little voice telling him to tread lightly—until a frantic phone call changes the plan. Macie’s being targeted, and Colt’s determined to keep her safe while he and her brother eliminate the threat.

  Colt isn’t about to let his friend lose his sister again so soon…or miss his own chance at a happy ending with Macie before they’ve barely had a beginning.

  **Every 1001 Dark Nights novella is a standalone story. For new readers, it’s an introduction to an author’s world. And for fans, it’s a bonus book in the author’s series. We hope you'll enjoy each one as much as we do.**

  About Susan Stoker

  New York Times, USA Today, #1 Amazon Bestseller, and Wall Street Journal Bestselling Author, Susan Stoker has a heart as big as the state of Tennessee where she lives, but this all American girl has also spent the last eighteen years living in Missouri, California, Colorado, Indiana, and Texas. She's married to a retired Army man (and current firefighter/EMT) who now gets to follow her around the country.

  She debuted her first series in 2014 and quickly followed that up with the SEAL of Protection Series, which solidified her love of writing and creating stories readers can get lost in.

  Connect with her at www.StokerAces.com

  Also from Susan Stoker

  Badge of Honor: Texas Heroes Series

  Justice for Mackenzie

  Justice for Mickie

  Justice for Corrie

  Justice for Laine

  Shelter for Elizabeth

  Justice for Boone

  Shelter for Adeline

  Shelter for Sophie

  Justice for Erin

  Justice for Milena

  Shelter for Blythe

  Justice for Hope

  Shelter for Quinn

  Shelter for Koren (July 2019)

  Shelter for Penelope (Oct 2019)

  Delta Force Heroes Series:

  Rescuing Rayne

  Assisting Aimee (loosely related to this series)

  Rescuing Emily

  Rescuing Harley

  Marrying Emily

  Rescuing Kassie

  Rescuing Bryn

  Rescuing Casey

  Rescuing Sadie

  Rescuing Wendy

  Rescuing Mary

  Rescuing Macie

  Ace Security Series:

  Claiming Grace

  Claiming Alexis

  Claiming Bailey

  Claiming Felicity

  Claiming Sarah (Sept 2019)

  Mountain Mercenaries Series:

  Defending Allye

  Defending Chloe

  Defending Morgan

  Defending Harlow (June 2019)

  Defending Everly (Dec 2019)

  Defending Zara (Mar 2020)

  Defending Raven (July 2020)

  SEAL of Protection: Legacy Series:

  Securing Caite

  Securing Sidney (May 2019)

  Securing Piper (Sept 2019)

  Securing Zoey (Jan 2020)

  Securing Avery (TBA)

  Securing Kalee (TBA)

  SEAL of Protection Series:

  Protecting Caroline

  Protecting Alabama

  Protecting Alabama’s Kids

  Protecting Fiona

  Marrying Caroline (novella)

  Protecting Summer

  Protecting Cheyenne

  Protecting Jessyka

  Protecting Julie (novella)

  Protecting Melody

  Protecting the Future

  Protecting Alabama’s Kids (novella)

  Protecting Kiera (novella)

  Protecting Dakota

  Stand-Alone:

  The Guardian Mist

  Nature’s Rift

  A Princess for Cale

  A Moment in Time

  Lambert’s Lady

  Beyond Reality Series:

  Outback Hearts

  Flaming Hearts

  Frozen Hearts

  Writing as Annie George:

  Stepbrother Virgin (erotic novella)

  Author’s Note

  The first time I saw a 1001 Dark Nights book, I wasn’t sure what it was about. But after reading a few of the stories, I was hooked. It had been a dream of mine to be invited to write in the series and when Liz Berry did ask if I was interested, it took me about two point one seconds to say, “Yes!”

  This wasn’t a book that was supposed to happen. I had planned on ending the Delta Force Heroes series with Mary and Truck’s book. But after being invited to write in the 1001 Dark Nights world, I had to think of whose story I should write.

  Deciding to give Truck a sister who suffers from anxiety feels like a right choice. I asked my readers who have anxiety to try to explain some of what they go through when they’re having an attack. I used a lot of what they told me. I know I probably made some mistakes, but I tried to keep to the facts and show what people who have anxiety suffer from on a daily basis.

  This book is for all my Delta Force Heroes fans who didn’t want to see the series end.

  It’s for anyone who ever has experienced an anxiety attack and felt like less of a person as a result. You deserve love just like everyone else and if you haven’t found it yet, please don’t give up.

  And lastly, this is for Liz. Thank you for inviting me to be a part of your family. For your advice and encouragement and for being so wonderful.

  Discover 1001 Dark Nights

  Click here to explore

  COLLECTION ONE

  FOREVER WICKED by Shayla Black

  CRIMSON TWILIGHT by Heather Graham

  CAPTURED IN SURRENDER by Liliana Hart

  SILENT BITE: A SCANGUARDS WEDDING by Tina Folsom

  DUNGEON GAMES by Lexi Blake

  AZAGOTH by Larissa Ione

  NEED YOU NOW by Lisa Renee Jones

  SHOW ME, BABY by Cherise Sinclair

  ROPED IN by Lorelei James

  TEMPTED BY MIDNIGHT by Lara Adrian

  THE FLAME by Christopher Rice

  CARESS OF DARKNESS by Julie Kenner

  COLLECTION TWO

  WICKED WOLF by Carrie Ann Ryan

  WHEN IRISH EYES ARE HAUNTING by Heather Graham
/>   EASY WITH YOU by Kristen Proby

  MASTER OF FREEDOM by Cherise Sinclair

  CARESS OF PLEASURE by Julie Kenner

  ADORED by Lexi Blake

  HADES by Larissa Ione

  RAVAGED by Elisabeth Naughton

  DREAM OF YOU by Jennifer L. Armentrout

  STRIPPED DOWN by Lorelei James

  RAGE/KILLIAN by Alexandra Ivy/Laura Wright

  DRAGON KING by Donna Grant

  PURE WICKED by Shayla Black

  HARD AS STEEL by Laura Kaye

  STROKE OF MIDNIGHT by Lara Adrian

  ALL HALLOWS EVE by Heather Graham

  KISS THE FLAME by Christopher Rice

  DARING HER LOVE by Melissa Foster

  TEASED by Rebecca Zanetti

  THE PROMISE OF SURRENDER by Liliana Hart

  COLLECTION THREE

  HIDDEN INK by Carrie Ann Ryan

  BLOOD ON THE BAYOU by Heather Graham

  SEARCHING FOR MINE by Jennifer Probst

  DANCE OF DESIRE by Christopher Rice

  ROUGH RHYTHM by Tessa Bailey

  DEVOTED by Lexi Blake

  Z by Larissa Ione

  FALLING UNDER YOU by Laurelin Paige

  EASY FOR KEEPS by Kristen Proby

  UNCHAINED by Elisabeth Naughton

  HARD TO SERVE by Laura Kaye

  DRAGON FEVER by Donna Grant

  KAYDEN/SIMON by Alexandra Ivy/Laura Wright

  STRUNG UP by Lorelei James

  MIDNIGHT UNTAMED by Lara Adrian

  TRICKED by Rebecca Zanetti

  DIRTY WICKED by Shayla Black

  THE ONLY ONE by Lauren Blakely

  SWEET SURRENDER by Liliana Hart

  COLLECTION FOUR

  ROCK CHICK REAWAKENING by Kristen Ashley

  ADORING INK by Carrie Ann Ryan

  SWEET RIVALRY by K. Bromberg

  SHADE'S LADY by Joanna Wylde

  RAZR by Larissa Ione

  ARRANGED by Lexi Blake

  TANGLED by Rebecca Zanetti

  HOLD ME by J. Kenner

  SOMEHOW, SOME WAY by Jennifer Probst

  TOO CLOSE TO CALL by Tessa Bailey

  HUNTED by Elisabeth Naughton

  EYES ON YOU by Laura Kaye

  BLADE by Alexandra Ivy/Laura Wright

  DRAGON BURN by Donna Grant

  TRIPPED OUT by Lorelei James

  STUD FINDER by Lauren Blakely

  MIDNIGHT UNLEASHED by Lara Adrian

  HALLOW BE THE HAUNT by Heather Graham

  PRINCE ROMAN by CD Reiss

  THE BED MATE by Kendall Ryan

  DIRTY FILTHY FIX by Laurelin Paige

  NO RESERVATIONS by Kristen Proby

  DAWN OF SURRENDER by Liliana Hart

  COLLECTION FIVE

  BLAZE ERUPTING by Rebecca Zanetti

  ROUGH RIDE by Kristen Ashley

  HAWKYN by Larissa Ione

  RIDE DIRTY by Laura Kaye

  ROME’S CHANCE by Joanna Wylde

  THE MARRIAGE ARRANGEMENT by Jennifer Probst

  SURRENDER by Elisabeth Naughton

  INKED NIGHTS by Carrie Ann Ryan

  ENVY by Rachel Van Dyken

  PROTECTED by Lexi Blake

  THE PRINCE by Jennifer L. Armentrout

  PLEASE ME by J. Kenner

  WOUND TIGHT by Lorelei James

  STRONG by Kylie Scott

  DRAGON NIGHT by Donna Grant

  TEMPTING BROOKE by Kristen Proby

  HAUNTED BE THE HOLIDAYS by Heather Graham

  CONTROL by K. Bromberg

  HUNKY HEARTBREAKER by Kendall Ryan

  THE DARKEST CAPTIVE by Gena Showalter

  Also from 1001 Dark Nights:

  TAME ME by J. Kenner

  THE SURRENDER GATE By Christopher Rice

  SERVICING THE TARGET By Cherise Sinclair

  TEMPT ME by J. Kenner

  Sign up for the 1001 Dark Nights Newsletter

  and be entered to win a Tiffany Key necklace.

  There's a contest every month!

  Click here to subscribe.

  As a bonus, all subscribers can download FIVE FREE exclusive books!

  Table of Contents

  Book Description

  About Susan Stoker

  Also from Susan Stoker

  Author’s Note

  Discover 1001 Dark Nights

  Foreword

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Chapter Ten

  Epilogue

  Discover 1001 Dark Nights Collection Six

  Discover the World of 1001 Dark Nights

  Discover More Susan Stoker

  Special Thanks

  One Thousand and One Dark Nights

  Once upon a time, in the future…

  I was a student fascinated with stories and learning.

  I studied philosophy, poetry, history, the occult, and

  the art and science of love and magic. I had a vast

  library at my father’s home and collected thousands

  of volumes of fantastic tales.

  I learned all about ancient races and bygone

  times. About myths and legends and dreams of all

  people through the millennium. And the more I read

  the stronger my imagination grew until I discovered

  that I was able to travel into the stories... to actually

  become part of them.

  I wish I could say that I listened to my teacher

  and respected my gift, as I ought to have. If I had, I

  would not be telling you this tale now.

  But I was foolhardy and confused, showing off

  with bravery.

  One afternoon, curious about the myth of the

  Arabian Nights, I traveled back to ancient Persia to

  see for myself if it was true that every day Shahryar

  (Persian: شهريار, “king”) married a new virgin, and then

  sent yesterday's wife to be beheaded. It was written

  and I had read, that by the time he met Scheherazade,

  the vizier's daughter, he’d killed one thousand

  women.

  Something went wrong with my efforts. I arrived

  in the midst of the story and somehow exchanged

  places with Scheherazade – a phenomena that had

  never occurred before and that still to this day, I

  cannot explain.

  Now I am trapped in that ancient past. I have

  taken on Scheherazade’s life and the only way I can

  protect myself and stay alive is to do what she did to

  protect herself and stay alive.

  Every night the King calls for me and listens as I spin tales.

  And when the evening ends and dawn breaks, I stop at a

  point that leaves him breathless and yearning for more.

  And so the King spares my life for one more day, so that

  he might hear the rest of my dark tale.

  As soon as I finish a story... I begin a new

  one... like the one that you, dear reader, have before

  you now.

  Chapter One

  Mercedes Laughlin was in bed reading when she heard the noise.

  At first she didn’t think much about it. She heard random noises at night all the time. The apartment building she lived in wasn’t exactly quiet. There were people coming and going at all hours of the day and night, and she’d definitely heard her share of domestic arguments.

  Macie’s apartment was on the second floor and toward the back of the building. She loved how she could see a creek meandering through acres of trees from her living room. And since she spent most of her time there, sitting at her desk and working on her computer, it was soothing. It wasn’t the most expensive apartment complex in Lampas
as, but it wasn’t a shit hole either. All in all, she’d lucked out in finding a place where she felt safe and could be near her brother.

  But the noise she’d heard was unusual. It wasn’t like the sounds she heard from outside…cars driving by, people talking, it sounded as if it was right inside her apartment.

  Putting her ereader aside, she held her breath and waited to see if she’d hear the odd sound again.

  When she did—and it sounded closer—Macie froze. Then she heard a voice.

  “Shut up, you idiot! We don’t want her to wake up until we’re in her room.”

  “She’s not going to hear me shuffling across the floor, but she is going to hear your dumb ass talking. So you shut the fuck up!”

  Without thought, Macie threw back her covers, grabbed her cell phone, and headed for her closet and the sort-of safe room she had there. But the next words from whoever was in her apartment made her stop in her tracks.

  “Remember, if she’s not in bed when we get there, check the back of the closet. He said that’s where the shit’ll be and where she’ll probably hide anyway. If we push on the right side, the door’ll open up.”

  “You gonna let me have first crack at her?”

  Macie was breathing hard now, and she felt dizzy, but she didn’t hesitate as she changed course and headed for the window instead.

  As someone who suffered from anxiety, she’d made sure she had a place to feel completely safe inside her apartment. She’d hired a local carpenter to build a false wall in the back of the walk-in closet. There was just enough space behind it that she could sit and be comfortable. She used the space when she needed absolute darkness and quiet, or when she was simply overwhelmed with whatever was going on in her life.

  But that hidey-hole wouldn’t keep her safe tonight. Whoever the men were in her apartment, they knew about it, and it was obviously the first place they’d look for her.

  She definitely didn’t like the sound of the one man wanting “first crack” at her.

 
-->