No Man Left Behind: A Veteran Inspired Charity Anthology by Elizabeth Knox (black authors fiction TXT) 📕

No Man Left Behind

Elizabeth Knox

No Man Left Behind

This book(s) is a work of fiction. The names, characters, places, and incidents are all products of the authors’ imaginations and are not to be construed as real. Any resemblances to persons, organizations, events, or locales are entirely coincidental.

All rights reserved. No part of this book(s) may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission from the author, except in the case of brief quotations used in articles or reviews.

Kinetic. Copyright © 2021 by Elizabeth Knox & E.C. Land

His Rage. Copyright © 2021 by M. Merin

Gunner’s Redemption. Copyright © 2021 by H.J. Marshall

Changing Seasons. Copyright © 2021 by Jewelz Baxter

Healing Love. Copyright © 2021 by Cedar Rose

Coming Home. Copyright © 2021 by TK Lawyer

Saving Grace. Copyright © 2021 by K.C. Stone

Sam’s Only Hope. Copyright  © 2021 by Claire Ashlynn

Puppy Kisses. Copyright © 2021 by Jaime Russell

Cover design by: Clarise Tan, CT Cover Creations

Copy/Line Editing by: Kim Lubbers, Knox Publishing

Proofreading by: Jackie Ziegler

Formatting by: E.C. Land, Knox Publishing

Created with Vellum

Contents

Kinetic

Elizabeth Knox & E.C. Land

His Rage

M. Merin

Gunner’s Redemption

H.J. Marshall

Changing Seasons

Jewelz Baxter

Healing Love

Cedar Rose

Coming Home

TK Lawyer

Saving Grace

K.C. Stone

Sam’s Only Hope

Claire Ashlynn

Puppy Kisses

Jaime Russell

Kinetic

Death Stalkers MCElizabeth Knox & E.C. Land

Charlee

I knew the second I’d arrived back in Portland he’d know I was here within days, so it wasn’t a shock to me that he came knocking on my door, literally.

Kaden was my first love, but he isn’t the same man anymore. These days he goes by another name, Kinetic, one he was given when he went overseas. Now he’s in a biker club and living a totally different life. Hell, I roll my eyes thinking about it.

I came back here to take care of my elderly mother because she just had a full hip replacement, but I didn’t come alone. So much has changed over the last decade and as soon as I saw him, everything came rushing back.

Will I be able to get out of Portland unscathed, or is Kinetic going to weasel his way into my heart like Kaden did?

Kinetic

Years ago, I enlisted in the Marines and thought my life was going just the way I planned. Had the girl and the career I always wanted. We were kids, just starting our lives and had so much to look forward to. I had it all figured out, but the kicker is it never happened.

I’ve lived the last twelve years mainly overseas working alongside my brothers. Men who I’d lay down my life for. Coming home we started the Deathstalkers MC and I never looked back.

Now I’m standing on the front porch of Charlee’s mom’s house, glaring down at her as she holds onto the one thing she knew I always wanted.

My kid.

Decisions have to be made and something’s going to give. Either way she’ll be mine again.

Prologue

Kinetic

12 years ago . . .

Age 18

Standing on the sidewalk waiting for Charlee to show up my nerves are unsettled. I’m anxious to see her one last time before I head out to basic training. It’s gonna be a bit before I’ll see her again, and I want to ask her the one question I’ve wanted to ask her since the day I knew I loved her.

I always knew I’d join the Marines when I graduated high school. It was a given with absolutely no doubt about it. I’d follow in my ol’ man’s footsteps. He was my idol growing up. Still is, if I’m being honest.

I grew up a military brat and I wouldn’t have it any other way. My mom was proud to stand by her husband’s side. Every morning she would get up with him to see him off. ‘You never know when your last day on this earth will be. Don’t let a moment go to waste,’ she always says.

Thankfully, my parents knew what was ahead of me and what I had full intentions of doing. They didn’t stay and hover around me while I waited for Charlee to get here. ‘You’re a man now, boy. Proud of you for going for what you want,’ my ol’ man said before they left.

I couldn’t have asked for better parents. Growing up, seeing the love they had for each other, I knew Charlee was the one for me. The way she made me feel, hell the way she’d look at me in return.

Glancing around me, I stick my hands in my pockets as I rock back and forth on my feet more than nervous now. The ring I picked for her laying in my pocket, ready to slide on her finger the moment I ask her to be mine.

As time grows closer for me to get on the bus, I begin to think she’s not going to show. I’d told her last night to meet me here at noon. Now it’s nearly one and the bus is already here. Grabbing my duffel bag, I sling it over my shoulder, knowing I have no choice but to get on the bus. Just sucks to have to do it before I see my girl one last time.

“Kaden.” Hearing her sweet voice, I tilt my head in her direction and grin as she rushes toward me. I don’t pay attention to the tears welling in her eyes. Nor the fact her car is parked haphazardly.

Without dropping my bag on the ground, I swing her up into my arms while lowering my mouth to hers.

“Fuck, babycakes, I thought you weren’t gonna show,” I murmur, breaking the kiss and pressing my forehead to hers.

“I almost didn’t,” she states, her voice cracking.

“What do you mean by that?” I ask quietly, not wanting anyone else to hear our conversation.

“I’m sorry, Kaden. I can’t do this. I can’t be the