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

Recognizing the smell as blood, their blood, I tugged on the restraints, trying to move away from him. His hand flexed on his lap and he reached out to touch my face again. I tilted my head away and whimpered. With an audible exhale, he placed his hand back on his lap and stared at me.

“Please don’t hurt me,” I pleaded on a whisper.

His gaze moved to the bruises running up and down my arms and wrapping around my neck. A low rumble from deep in his chest. “I could never hurt you, Elise. I should have been here sooner. I’m sorry it took me so long.”

He stood from the bed and the absence of him next to me caused a pain to lance through my heart. How could someone who just killed my ‘parents’ cause such a reaction in me? What was wrong with me that the first real sign of attraction was to the person who just murdered two people? For me.

“I don’t understand. Who are you? Why were you looking for me? Why did you kill them?” My eyes grew wide, and I didn’t know if he would punish me for seeing him or for asking questions that I didn’t want the answers to. My breathing became erratic, and he moved closer to the door.

“Calm down, little lamb. Someone will be here soon to untie you. When they arrive, tell them that Roger drugged you, tied you to the bed, and you woke up when you heard the gunshots. You don’t know who shot who, but you heard the gun go off twice. Tell them everything that has happened to you, but I ask one thing.”

“I’ll do whatever you want. You saved me from them,” I reasoned, hoping to dissuade his anger. He groaned low before clearing his voice.

“Never mention me to anyone. Ever. I wasn’t here, and you never saw me. It’s safer for you. Promise me, lamb.” His deep voice cascaded over me and I nodded my head.

His eyes shone a deep blue briefly, the reflecting light cascading into the small room as he observed me. “Say it.”

“I promise,” I whispered.

I meant every word. I would never tell a soul about the man who saved me from the misery I had existed in for so long. Who would believe me anyway? I wasn’t special. I was just me.

He turned to leave and with his back to me, he spoke his final words with a marked promise, “Live your life, lamb. Experience the world, make friends, but remember one thing. You belong to me. I’ll be back for you when you least expect it. When that day comes, be prepared. I won’t take no for an answer.”

I felt his warning down to the depths of my soul and I knew that our next encounter would be the changing point in my life. Whoever my savior was had just become my new nightmare.

About the Author

H.J. Marshall began her love of reading and writing at an early age and has always dreamed of being a writer full time. A nomadic youth exposed her to different perspectives of life, community, and culture, resulting in a lifelong love of food, music, and history.

When she is not writing, she enjoys the music of all generations and genres, reading, and living in her cabin in the woods. H.J. is an avid traveler who has spent significant time in the Caribbean and Bahamas, meeting amazing people and seeing wondrous sites. Currently landlocked, H.J. dreams of her beach house, salty air, and a life filled with laughter.

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Amatory Series Page

The Forever Mine Series

Embracing My Nightmare

Encircled in Darkness

Naughty Nights at Amatory Series

Changing Seasons

Jewelz Baxter

Blurb

Leo Truman is content with the routine of his secluded life in the mountains of North Carolina. Each evening he unwinds on his balcony, watching the valley below, hoping for a night free of terror. All of that changes the day a three-pound ball of fur comes bouncing onto his property. As Leo attempts to resist the Pomeranian and its companion, he’s unable to ignore the changes they bring into his life.

To all the loved ones of survivors. You may not understand what your loved one survived or what they have endured, but your support may be their rock. The tiniest of gestures from you may be the life changing moments in someone’s life. Stay strong and share your strength.

Chapter One

Leo Truman stepped from his truck and strode into the small neighborhood general store. Without hesitation he made his way to the circle of chairs near an old, out of date space heater. It was late summer and there was no need for the heat today, but the small group of men surrounding the black metal block were only there to exchange stories and check in on each other.

He dropped into a seat as he greeted his fellow veterans already there.

“Missed you last week,” Sam said. He was nearing his ninety-fifth birthday and had served in WWII.

“Not a good week. Stayed inside,” Leo told him.

“That’s when you need to be here most. No one should be alone swimming in their own mind. Not when someone’s here who understands.”

Leo only nodded. He knew the old man was right, but it was hard for him to leave his comfort zone on the mountain at times.

“You need company sometimes. Maybe a dog,” Tom commented from where he sat to Leo’s left. “There’s this great group called K9s for Warriors who set me up with my German shepherd. You should check them out.”

“Don’t need a dog. Too much trouble,” Leo said, shaking his head.

“Didn’t think I wanted one either, but it brings peace of mind having him around. Just think about it.”

Leo nodded and turned the conversation toward the changing of seasons.

The trio continued to sit and relay activities of the past week and hopes for