Guardian Security Shadow World Series by Kris Michaels, Matt Haynes

In the Shadow World, he was the God of Death, and he was called many names. The monsters he hunted called him Anubis. Those who saw his face died. To Guardian Security, he was a number, a surgical weapon they wielded against monstrous evil. One woman called him Kaeden Lang. Anubis never meant her to be anything except an interlude, a moment of light in the darkness of his life, a one-time escape from the ever-present haze of death... moreIn the Shadow World, he was the God of Death, and he was called many names. The monsters he hunted called him Anubis. Those who saw his face died. To Guardian Security, he was a number, a surgical weapon they wielded against monstrous evil. One woman called him Kaeden Lang. Anubis never meant her to be anything except an interlude, a moment of light in the darkness of his life, a one-time escape from the ever-present haze of death. He committed an unforgivable sin—he saw her again—and again—and again. She held back the shadows that threatened to consume him. Sky Meyers made a grave mistake six years ago. She fell in love—only to have the man she knew as Kaeden Lang disappear. Now, his daughter needed him to save her life. As the office manager for the State District Attorney, Sky accessed national databases in a desperate search for her baby’s daddy only to discover the man she knew as Kaeden Lang didn’t exist. She'd already lost the man she loved; she couldn't lose her daughter. Other eyes noticed Sky’s search. Abruptly recalled and informed of the existence of his daughter and her illness, Anubis slipped through the shadows to help Sky—but found death threatened more than his daughter. In her attempt to find Kaeden Lang, Sky unknowingly jeopardized his Shadow World existence by alerting an enemy Kaeden Lang can’t eliminate--only Anubis can. less

As a Shadow, Asp planned his assassinations with meticulous care. His work required one thing, that the Council direct his kills. The coded target became a "sanctioned hit” and that distinction was vital. His most recent assignment took him to a remote area of the Andes Mountains in Colombia. He completed his assassination according to plan - more or less - but no amount of careful planning could have prepared him for the dire circumstances he found himself in... moreAs a Shadow, Asp planned his assassinations with meticulous care. His work required one thing, that the Council direct his kills. The coded target became a "sanctioned hit” and that distinction was vital. His most recent assignment took him to a remote area of the Andes Mountains in Colombia. He completed his assassination according to plan - more or less - but no amount of careful planning could have prepared him for the dire circumstances he found himself in. As he faded in and out of consciousness due to a life-threatening bullet wound, he knew he might not get home. He'd resigned himself to dying alone, just not this soon. Lyric Gadson was an unwilling expatriate. She’d trade her grandfather’s farm in the foothills of the Andes for her old life in Jacksonville, Florida in a heartbeat. But, the cost of a return ticket was out of reach, and Lyric found herself maturing from carefree teen to responsible woman on a remote Colombia banana farm. When her beloved grandfather failed to return from his yearly pilgrimage to his wife’s shrine, Lyric thought nothing of packing her kit and hiking into the Andes mountains to find him. She found her grandfather—and an unconscious man near death. Her decision to stay and care for the dying man would usher in the greatest love of her life, but it could also threaten everyone else she held dear. less

To prevent their imminent murder, Bethanie Clark flees New York City with her eleven-year-old son, Ethan. Her destination— a remote cabin isolated high in the Smoky Mountains. A city dweller her entire life, she never realized there was more threatening their lives than the enemies of her son’s father. In winter, in the high elevations of the Great Smoky Mountains, surviving the elements is a challenge. During one innocent foray into the forest, she and Ethan become lost... moreTo prevent their imminent murder, Bethanie Clark flees New York City with her eleven-year-old son, Ethan. Her destination— a remote cabin isolated high in the Smoky Mountains. A city dweller her entire life, she never realized there was more threatening their lives than the enemies of her son’s father. In winter, in the high elevations of the Great Smoky Mountains, surviving the elements is a challenge. During one innocent foray into the forest, she and Ethan become lost. With night descending rapidly, poorly dressed for a sudden blizzard and lacking any shelter, Bethanie realizes she has unwittingly sentenced herself and her son to death. Mother Nature would accomplish what her human enemies could not. For twenty-five years, the Guardian Shadow known as Lycos has rid the earth of the embodiments of evil, individuals so dark they no longer deserved to be called human. Continually, he absorbs their evil to blend in, to get close to his targets, and over time, he acknowledges the difference between him and his prey has grown impossibly fine. For Lycos, an off-the-grid, self-sustaining home bored into the side of a granite mountain provides blessed sanctuary. His quiet retreat from humanity is shattered with an unexpected call from Guardian that tasks him with protecting a woman and her son. A hardened killer, Lycos balances on the fine line of damnation. When he saves a mother and her son from freezing to death, this one act has the power to redeem him, for the pair will offer him the fulfillment of an impossible dream—unconditional love and an exit from the world of the Shadows. To his sorrow, leaving his former life won’t be so easy, for the evil Bethanie fled has found them, and they have Ethan. less

In the dark world of a Guardian Shadow, an axiom exists: “Don’t. Get. Caught." His code name was Tempest, and his enemy caught him. Stratus did unspeakable things to him until, out of his mind, he prayed for death—but he’d never broken faith with his brothers. God, how he wished they knew that. He had not compromised them. He’d told Stratus nothing... moreIn the dark world of a Guardian Shadow, an axiom exists: “Don’t. Get. Caught." His code name was Tempest, and his enemy caught him. Stratus did unspeakable things to him until, out of his mind, he prayed for death—but he’d never broken faith with his brothers. God, how he wished they knew that. He had not compromised them. He’d told Stratus nothing. Cast aside as useless, left to starve or die of his injuries, his broken body lay in a bare cell, forgotten, and Tempest knew his prayer for the end would be answered shortly. Until her. She made him want to live—if only to help her escape. Not all devils are male. The worst are female. Pilar had lived with one every day of her life—a woman who made a mockery of the word “mother.” When the woman couldn’t manipulate or intimidate her into doing as she wished, she threw Pilar into a cell with a man—or what was left of a man—admonishing her to, “see what happens to people who don’t give me what I want.” At the sight of his broken body, a fierce desire to provide solace and comfort trumped any sort of fear her mother thought to provoke—and an unshakeable bond was formed. As laughable as it seemed at the time, they each vowed to help the other escape. His fellow Shadow rescued Tempest. Pilar knew he’d return for her if he lived. For thirty-three months, twelve days, five hours, and forty-three minutes, she faithfully monitored a hidden dropbox for his message. She almost missed it, and then she doubted her eyes. “I’m coming for you.” less

Shades of good are colored by the poison of greed, lust, and envy, and all too often the warm colors of humanity are consumed by evil.The assassin known as Smoke had his future planned. When his partner’s life imploded, his absence left Smoke adrift. Then Guardian threw a sassy, enticing anchor at him. When the alluring siren boarded his ship, he should have seen the rocky shore in the distance. She was irresistible and he was twenty years her senior... moreShades of good are colored by the poison of greed, lust, and envy, and all too often the warm colors of humanity are consumed by evil.The assassin known as Smoke had his future planned. When his partner’s life imploded, his absence left Smoke adrift. Then Guardian threw a sassy, enticing anchor at him. When the alluring siren boarded his ship, he should have seen the rocky shore in the distance. She was irresistible and he was twenty years her senior. Anything but a professional relationship with her was a shipwreck waiting to happen.The operative known only as Charley dove headfirst into a chance of a lifetime. Her temporary partner radiated a magnetic personality, sexy smile, gorgeous body and they formed an easy comradery, but she could sense darkness below the shiny veneer. She wanted more than a working relationship with this man, and she let him know in no uncertain terms the attraction would come with no strings attached.Unfortunately, the complication of a relationship was the one thing Charley couldn’t afford. A foreboding cloud draped her future, bringing a deluge she’d managed to outrun and outmaneuver… or so she thought.When you exist within the shadows, nothing is as it seems. less

Hindsight–– is always 20/20. For the assassin known as Reaper, the chances he missed were displayed in perfect resolution every time he went back. Back to her, the only woman he'd ever loved. Back to where his life ended and then started again. The regrets had become too heavy, and he intended this trip home to be his last. Memories–– hold no future. Harmony Flinn had a chance to leave the drudgery of her small-town existence. The man she loved left her long ago, and he never came back... moreHindsight–– is always 20/20. For the assassin known as Reaper, the chances he missed were displayed in perfect resolution every time he went back. Back to her, the only woman he'd ever loved. Back to where his life ended and then started again. The regrets had become too heavy, and he intended this trip home to be his last. Memories–– hold no future. Harmony Flinn had a chance to leave the drudgery of her small-town existence. The man she loved left her long ago, and he never came back. Her life was empty except for her art. When presented the chance of a lifetime, she'd grabbed onto that hope and jumped at the opportunity. Her desire to live anywhere but where she was landed her in a world she didn't recognize with a lurking evil her past hadn't prepared her to evade. A Collision–– of the past and the present. Reaper's mission was simple, find and eliminate a monster. With no anchor in the past to ground him, he threw himself into his next kill. His target's trail led him to a web of illegal deals and vicious crimes that curled through Paris' underbelly. His target sat in the middle of the swirling evil that had encircled Harmony with its shadow of death. Reaper had made a deal with the devil years ago. Now, he delivered Satan's chosen for Guardian, to protect the innocents of this world. Only the innocent this time was his woman and Reaper would walk through the fire-singed sands of Hell to save her. less

Her exceptional memory was gone.Aspen Kennedy almost died in the explosion that decimated Guardian Security’s Washington D.C. complex. When she woke in the hospital bed, survival was her mantra. But the very thing that made her who she was had been stripped from her. Plunged into the center of the New York Mafia war, she called the only telephone number she could remember and left a message begging for help. Guardian wouldn’t let this happen, that much she did remember... moreHer exceptional memory was gone.Aspen Kennedy almost died in the explosion that decimated Guardian Security’s Washington D.C. complex. When she woke in the hospital bed, survival was her mantra. But the very thing that made her who she was had been stripped from her. Plunged into the center of the New York Mafia war, she called the only telephone number she could remember and left a message begging for help. Guardian wouldn’t let this happen, that much she did remember.The assassin known as Phoenix was adrift.Guardian was adapting after the organization was crippled by an almost fatal strike to its heart. Phoenix knew what he had to do. Find the woman who’d uttered his code name when Guardian’s building had collapsed. He’d tracked her to the hospital where she’d been treated, and that’s where her trail disappeared.She called him for help.Phoenix responded, rising from the ashes of Guardian’s recent war. He headed to New York to incinerate the ones that dared to hurt a Guardian. His Guardian. He was hell on earth personified as the assassin Phoenix. The people who had Aspen were the same ones that had created him.Fate, it seemed, had come full circle. less

A Beauty, but eventually the allure fades. The assassin known as Valkyrie uses her many charms to ensnare the unsuspecting monsters she kills. She lives among the rich, privileged, beautiful people of the world. Or so they’d have the world believe. She’s witnessed the ugliness, brutality, contempt, and greed that formed the miscreants she hunted. A Beast, at least in most people’s eyes. Smithson Young has been judged and used his entire life... moreA Beauty, but eventually the allure fades. The assassin known as Valkyrie uses her many charms to ensnare the unsuspecting monsters she kills. She lives among the rich, privileged, beautiful people of the world. Or so they’d have the world believe. She’s witnessed the ugliness, brutality, contempt, and greed that formed the miscreants she hunted. A Beast, at least in most people’s eyes. Smithson Young has been judged and used his entire life. He hides his superior intelligence under a hulking persona he’s crafted to shield himself. Life had brought him to his knees several times. Now with Guardian in disarray and his assignment over, he waits for the next blow to land, because it always came. A Beauty and a Beast, bound together. When her mission requires a cover, the Beauty calls upon the Beast she knows and trusts. The enemy this time isn’t just one person, it’s a global organization and it’s stronger than anyone anticipated. Can Beauty save the Beast, or will the Beast rip through the shackles of his past and take his rightful place? Only time will tell. less

Surprises come in small packages .The assassin known as Flack wasn’t expecting to become the guardian of his fourteen-month-old niece. His life as an assassin wasn’t exactly family-friendly. Plus, he had no idea how to take care of a baby. How could he work for Guardian Security with a kid in tow? Flack needed help, like yesterday.Surprises come in unexpected situations .Addy Wilson was injured while protecting a child from an explosion... moreSurprises come in small packages .The assassin known as Flack wasn’t expecting to become the guardian of his fourteen-month-old niece. His life as an assassin wasn’t exactly family-friendly. Plus, he had no idea how to take care of a baby. How could he work for Guardian Security with a kid in tow? Flack needed help, like yesterday.Surprises come in unexpected situations .Addy Wilson was injured while protecting a child from an explosion. No longer able to lead her Special Weapons and Tactics team for the FBI, Addy was looking for a change, a transition until her rehab was complete and Guardian Security once again opened for applicants. The nanny position that required all her skills and had some seriously good-looking benefits was just what the doctor ordered.Love when you aren’t expecting it is the biggest surprise of all.When two people who speak the same work language find a common goal—sparks ignite. Yet, the feelings Flack and Addy share are threatened by the mysteries of a rare language and a man intent on exposing the undercover operatives of the world. less

A Dangerous AggressionA stone-cold killer. His code name of Ice was given to him for a reason. When he was hunting the bastards that preyed on the helpless of the world, Ice was relentless and ruthless. Guardian Security focused his talent, and he became a lethal asset.An Uncontrolled DestinyTo save her younger sister, Londyn Chatsworth married a despicable man. Her agoraphobic husband used his wealth to manipulate everyone except Londyn... moreA Dangerous AggressionA stone-cold killer. His code name of Ice was given to him for a reason. When he was hunting the bastards that preyed on the helpless of the world, Ice was relentless and ruthless. Guardian Security focused his talent, and he became a lethal asset.An Uncontrolled DestinyTo save her younger sister, Londyn Chatsworth married a despicable man. Her agoraphobic husband used his wealth to manipulate everyone except Londyn. After ensuring her sister’s safety, Londyn takes matters into her own hands. A gun and determination would see the end of her husband’s evil.A Deadly FateAfter weeks of hunting and watching his target, Ice witnesses a broken and terrified woman murder the man he was sent to kill. Ice breaks his cover and steadfast rules of engagement to save Londyn. That intervention provides a hint of opportunity that Guardian needs to identify a looming threat. It also places Londyn and Ice in the crosshairs of a new enemy. less

Whatever it takes. As long as it takes.Alone.Harbinger extinguished any thought of a serious relationship due to the dangers of his profession. Yet he’d fallen hard for Ysabel Archambeau, and she rejected him without reason. He tried to escape the haunting memories of Ysabel by returning to the States, but the romantic connections surrounding him isolated Harbinger from his team.Running out of time. A desperate plea from Ysabel’s family pulls him back into her world and his memories... moreWhatever it takes. As long as it takes.Alone.Harbinger extinguished any thought of a serious relationship due to the dangers of his profession. Yet he’d fallen hard for Ysabel Archambeau, and she rejected him without reason. He tried to escape the haunting memories of Ysabel by returning to the States, but the romantic connections surrounding him isolated Harbinger from his team.Running out of time. A desperate plea from Ysabel’s family pulls him back into her world and his memories. The woman who had shattered his heart and cut off all contact has become the central pawn in a high-stakes game of old money, greed, and blackmail.Her Guardian is the only hope.Sometimes, trust is the deadliest of weapons. Navigating the maze of deceit, love, and vengeance, from the opulent penthouses of Paris to the dark underbelly of the European elite, Harbinger must confront his past, face one of his deadliest adversaries, and unearth secrets that could either reunite him with Ysabel or shatter any chance of a future with the woman he loves. less

Whatever it takes. As long as it takes. An obligation. Conner Solomon, one of Guardian Security’s top computer specialists, attends a party in Monaco as a form of family penance, only to find the woman who has been on his mind since their short mission together. As beautiful as she is deadly, she’s a sexy omen of danger. A simple task. Jackie Harriger, an up-and-coming fashion designer with a lethal alter-ego, once again crosses paths with a man she can’t forget... moreWhatever it takes. As long as it takes. An obligation. Conner Solomon, one of Guardian Security’s top computer specialists, attends a party in Monaco as a form of family penance, only to find the woman who has been on his mind since their short mission together. As beautiful as she is deadly, she’s a sexy omen of danger. A simple task. Jackie Harriger, an up-and-coming fashion designer with a lethal alter-ego, once again crosses paths with a man she can’t forget. Attending a haute couture event, she rubs shoulders with privileged billionaires and power brokers, but she never expected to see Con. When their paths cross in the opulent corridors of Monaco’s beautiful masquerades, where the elite gather in golden masks, a deadly dance is set into motion.A ricochet from the past. As they're plunged into a whirlwind of intrigue, they must navigate through the streets of Paris, the bustling avenues of New York City, and London's alleyways to unmask an elusive enemy whose only trail is an echo of a digital program. A trail that leads back to Washington, D.C. Dive into a glamourous world where love and duty intertwine, and trust is the only currency that matters. less