Desert Alpha: A Lady Boss Press Navy SEAL Novella by Bethany Lopez (best adventure books to read txt) 📗

Desert AlphaA Lady Boss Press Navy SEAL Novella

Bethany Lopez

Contents

Desert Alpha

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

Chapter 20

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Desert Alpha

A Lady Boss Press Navy SEAL Novella

By Bethany Lopez

DESERT ALPHA

A LADY BOSS PRESS NAVY SEAL NOVELLA

BETHANY LOPEZ

Copyright © 2021 by BETHANY LOPEZ

All Rights Reserved. This book may not be reproduced, scanned, or distributed in any printed or electronic form without permission from the author. Please do not participate in or encourage piracy of copyrighted materials in violation of the author’s rights. All characters and storylines are the property of the author and your support and respect are appreciated. The characters and events portrayed in this book are fictitious. Any similarity to real persons, living or dead, is coincidental and not intended by the author.

Cover Design: Kari March Designs

Published by: Lady Boss Press, Inc.

Chapter 1

Cassandra

I took in a deep breath as I looked around the base.

It felt like I was sucking on a hair dryer, nothing but hot, dry air. And even though it was only seven in the morning, I was already sweating. Sure, the layers I had on didn’t help, but the fabric was supposed to be breathable, specifically made for these conditions. Still, I could feel dampness coating my skin and fought the urge to pull my OCP-uniform blouse away from my body in an attempt to allow some air in.

Logically I knew it wouldn’t help anyway, but the urge was still there.

“You good, Sergeant?”

I swung my head toward the voice and smiled when I saw one of the Airmen I’d travelled here with walking toward me.

“Yeah, you?” I asked as she met me on the gravel walkway outside of my dorm.

“I mean, it’s hotter than hell and I feel like I haven’t had a good night’s sleep in years, but other than that, sure.”

We’d been at our deployed location for a little over six months now and I couldn’t deny it took some getting used to. Shared rooms, bunk beds, and communal showers were just the beginning.

It was Airman Dennis’ first deployment, so I could understand her having a hard time adjusting.

“You’ll get used to it,” I assured her. “I know it may be hard to believe now, but by your third deployment it’ll be like home away from home. Promise.”

“Are you heading to the DFAC for breakfast?” she asked, referencing the dining facility where we ate our meals.

I nodded and said, “Yes, but I’m going to take it to go and eat at my desk. I have some work to do before my first meeting.”

As the Lodging Manager, I was in charge of all the temporary lodging on the base. I had a team of six to help me with the day-to-day details, but I was often called on to attend meetings about base build-up, emergency preparedness, and a million other leadership meetings.

At least, it felt like a million…

“Is it cool if I walk with you?” she asked.

“Of course.”

Although we’d travelled together, Airman Dennis worked at the library, which was a one-man shop. I thought she was extremely lucky to have that job. Who wouldn’t love to be surrounded by books all day? Talk about a stress-free assignment.

“I got a package from home yesterday,” she said happily as we walked.

Packages were a godsend on deployments. A little taste of home that let you know you were missed, that your friends and family were thinking about you.

“Nice. Get anything good?” I asked.

“My mom sent some of her homemade brownies and cookies. I can bring some by later if you’d like.”

“Nah, but thanks. You enjoy them,” I replied as we entered the facility and took off our hats.

“Have a good one, Sergeant,” Airman Dennis said as we split up, me going to the hot line and her crossing to join some friends.

I grinned when I saw my friend, Lori, ahead of me in line.

“Hey.”

Lori looked over her shoulder and smiled. “What’s up, Cass?” she asked.

“Livin’ the good life,” I quipped as we both took a step forward.

“Guess what I just heard?” Lori whispered. She worked in the Public Affairs office and often heard the good gossip first. When I raised my eyebrows in question she said, “Some SEALs are stopping in for a few days.”

“When?” I asked. I hadn’t heard anything about it, but with Special Ops teams, that wasn’t unusual. Most of their missions were top secret, so no one was allowed to know when or where they were coming and going.

“Now. I think they’re already here.”

“Shit,” I muttered, giving one last longing look at the food on the line before saying, “Guess I’d better go in. I’m surprised no one has contacted me. Thanks.”

As if on cue, as soon as I turned to leave, I saw my desk sergeant, Cody, hurrying toward me.

Before he could say anything, I quickly said, “I heard. Has anyone been by the office yet?”

Cody shook his head. “No, but the Commander just called and said the Master Chief will be by in about twenty minutes.”

“Thanks, I’m heading that way now. Is someone covering the desk?”

“Phillips. I was going to grab us something while I’m here.” He looked down at my empty hands and asked, “You want anything?”

“Can you grab me a muffin? Blueberry. Thanks.”

“No problem.”

I strode out of the DFAC toward the office I shared with the other managers, my long legs eating the distance at a fast pace. My mind was flitting through all the available rooms and buildings and possible scenarios for where I could put them.

I knew they often liked to be kept together as a group. Probably away from the general population. And being close to the gym or outdoor workout areas was a plus.

Suddenly, only one thought dominated, and I couldn’t stop my excited grin.

Navy SEALs are on base!

Chapter 2

Rip

“Ho-ly shit! Three hot meals and a fucking