Without Wings Chapter Five

Once again, Bella’s gun was an extension of her hand. Her ribs ached with the repetitive training exercises, and yet she worried none of it would be enough. But, for now, the weapon in her hand gave her a sense of control. The center of the target now bore innumerable holes from where she’d shot it. Though sweat threatened to drip into her eyes, she forced herself not to focus on the inevitable, instead emptying her last clip at the body-shaped form printed on paper several hundred yards away from where she stood.

Malicious Compliance Chapter Twenty-two

Nerves quickly made themselves known with stinging nettles in Edward’s gut. It was now or never, and he wasn’t known for being a pussy. All their friends were there, the old and the new. Jake and Seth brought floral displays, which they played off as no big deal for a lovely celebration such as theirs. For a minute, it scared Edward to think Bella would catch on. But she’d made desserts galore, and Austin brought champagne. Throw in Alice’s decorating skills, and the venue they’d chosen was fully decked out.

Malicious Compliance Chapter Twenty-One

The fucking little minx. He had to give her credit for that one. “Oh, I don't think so.”

“I do.” Backing up, Bella tried to duck around the chair as he advanced on her.

Though he wasn't 100% back to himself, he knew he could catch her easily. There was furniture to dodge, and the place wasn't that damn big.

Without Wings Chapter Four

Colorado was fucking hard. They’d all gone lax in the last few years, and it showed. Although Edward used the gym three to four times a week, the commander was kicking his ass. Bella seemed to struggle the most, having intentionally given up the regimen she’d practiced for years. At the end of each day, they barely had the energy to eat and drop into a deep sleep.

Malicious Compliance Chapter Twenty

Emmett was funny, and not exactly what Bella had expected. The little she’d gathered about him from what Edward said and the brief time they’d interacted in the hospital belied the gentle nature of the beast. He was large and hairy, beefy arms and muscles banding around his arms as though he was set to lift a truck off a stranded kitten, but he was also tender. All anyone had to do was watch him interact with his wife to witness the difference. Bella liked to think the word dichotomy suited Emmett McCarty.