Taking a Risk, Part One
R.I.S.C. Series 1
Anna Blakely
Copyright © 2019 Anna Blakely
All rights reserved.
All cover art and logo Copyright © 2019
Publisher: Anna Blakely
Cover by Lori Jackson Design
Content Editing by Trenda London
Copy Editing by Tracy Damron-Roelle
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduces in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems—except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles or reviews—without permission in writing from the author.
This book is a work of fiction. The names, characters, and places portrayed in this book are entirely products of the author’s imagination or used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental and not intended by the author.
The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is illegal. Criminal copyright infringement, including infringement without monetary gain, is investigated by the FBI and is punishable by up to five years in federal prison and a fine of $250,000.00.
If you find any eBooks being sold or shared illegally, please contact the author at anna@annablakelycom.
Other Books by Anna Blakely:
R.I.S.C. Series:
Taking a Risk, Part Two
Beautiful Risk
Intentional Risk
Unpredictable Risk
R.I.S.C. Bravo Team Series:
(Special Forces: Operation Alpha World)
Rescuing Gracelynn
Contents
Other Books by Anna Blakely:
Dedication
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Want to read more from Ms. Blakely’s R.I.S.C. Series?
Excerpt from Taking a Risk, Part Two
Dedication
First and foremost, to my incredible husband and children. Thank you for never giving up on me, and for being so understanding all those times I was so busy typing away, that I only half-listened to the conversations around me. Thank you all for giving me your unconditional support in pursuit of my dream. It’s because of each of you that this book is here, and there aren’t enough words to tell you all how blessed and grateful I am to call you mine. I love you more than you will ever know!
To an amazing author and friend, Caitlyn O’Leary. You have been such an incredible mentor to me. That you were willing to take the time to help a “Newbie” like me is still overwhelming, and I thank you from the bottom of my heart for every second you invested in me. Because of you, I believed my dream could become reality. I hope I do you proud.
To my favorite paranormal romance author, Elle Boon—where do I even begin? I guess I should probably start by apologizing for blowing up your phone on a daily basis. (True story, ya’ll!) No matter how many times I texted or called, you always answered. From that very first phone conversation, to our many Starbucks dates, you’ve been there to walk me through every, single step. “Thank you” doesn’t begin to cover it, but I’ll say it anyway...THANK YOU! For your endless help and support, and for your friendship. Hugs, hugs, and more hugs!
To those I like to call my “Creative Team”, beginning with Angelia S. You’ve been the best beta reader I could ever ask for. You went above and beyond for me on this book, and I will never be able to repay you for all of your help and support. Love you so much! Trenda London and Tracy Damron-Roelle, you both did a fabulous job editing this book, and gave some excellent advice along the way. I can’t wait to start the next one! To Andria C., thanks for being my very first beta reader, and cheering me on all this time.
Last, but definitely not least, to the oh-so-talented cover artist, Lori Jackson. I don’t know how you put up with me, but I’m sure glad you did! You made this cover exactly the way I imagined it. Thanks so much for all of your hard work and patience.
Much love to you all,
Anna
Chapter 1
Something was wrong. Very, very wrong. The metallic scent of copper filled the air as a red stain appeared on Cody’s chest. Olivia’s eyes locked with the young male nurse as his grey shirt quickly became saturated with his blood. Yet, she remained frozen. Her own body and mind battling against her efforts to understand.
Moments before, a series of thundering pops had filled the humid air. Time stood still while men continued to yell. Screams echoed all around her, and still, she felt no fear. Olivia felt...nothing.
Her gaze slid back up to Cody’s face. His always hilarious—and often inappropriate—jokes had kept their spirits raised in the midst of such devastation. Looking at him now, though, Olivia didn’t see his contagious smile.
Instead, she found a face twisted with pain. Eyes filled with confusion and fear. Then, like a puppet losing its strings, Cody's body went slack, his muscles rendered useless.
She watched numbly as he slid from the log upon which he’d been sitting before landing in the dirt with a sickening thud. Olivia was still trying to comprehend what was happening when another terrified scream pierced the air.
Turning slowly, she saw that, much like Cody, the rest of her new friends had begun to fall. Movement to her left caught her attention, and she looked back just in time to see Malani, the young woman who’d lost so much in the storm, drop to the ground by her feet.
Wide eyes stared into Olivia’s, their rapidly expanding pupils conveying the fallen woman’s desperate plea for help. Seconds later, Malani’s head tilted to one side; her beseeching gaze no longer there. Olivia realized that nothing was there anymore.
No light. No laughter. No life. If Olivia didn’t know any better, she’d almost think that Malani was—
Dead.
The word slammed into her with brute force, bringing Olivia back from wherever her shocked mind had escaped. The scene sped into focus, and she finally, finally understood. Her group was under attack and, with an indescribable horror, Olivia realized she was the only one still alive.
Dear God.
Adrenaline surged through her body as her belated fight or flight response kicked into gear. She shot up from her log and spun around in a
