by Brenda Trim
“Good for her. Your mom’s a hottie. I never understood why she didn’t remarry,” Cassie said and smiled at their waitress when she returned to their table with their beer and two frosted mugs.
“Your dip will be right out. Want to place your order now or wait for a few?” asked Abby.
“Um, let’s wait for a bit. We’re in no hurry,” Liv said and reached for the pitcher and poured their drinks. “I agree with you on that one. To Noel and her mystery phone friend,” she added and lifted her mug to Cassie’s.
“So, did you ask her about it?” Cassie inquired as she took a swig of her drink.
“No. I was going to, but you should’ve seen the secretive smile on my mom's face every time she looked at her phone. I figured she was enjoying it too much and would tell me when she’s ready. I was just relieved she wasn’t bugging me about Lawson. She wants to meet him something fierce, but I still haven’t told her he’s a shifter,” Liv explained and took a drink.
The ice-cold beer tasted divine. There was nothing better than a cold beer and hot pizza. Liv’s stomach rumbled, and she hoped the dip would be out shortly. She was on the verge of being hangry since she skipped breakfast to stay in bed with Lawson before she visited her mom.
“Who cares if he’s a shifter? The man is yummylicious!” Cassie quipped and licked her lips.
“You got that right. Lawson is fine as hell,” Liv blurted and felt her cheeks heat as she thought about all the things he did to her body by the lake.
“Hmm, somebody else has a secretive grin on their face. What’s up with that?” Cassie said and waggled her eyebrows.
Liv let out a sigh. Should she share her news? She was dying to tell somebody. “Okay. Well, last night Lawson planned the most romantic evening for us. He did everything right. Dinner by the lake, a fire, music, and…” she paused and bit her lip.
“Oh my God, you’re killing me over here. Stop chewing your lip and spill it, bitch,” Cassie blurted, bouncing on the bench seat.
“He told me he loved me,” Liv exclaimed as she pounded on the wood table and stomped her feet.
“Ahh! You go girl. Did you strip him right there and fuck his brains out because I know I would’ve!” Cassie cried out and did a little jig in her seat.
Liv couldn’t help but laugh. Cassie was a mess, and her sense of humor was exactly what she needed today. A visit with her mom and hanging with her best gal pal.
“Um, I’ll keep that info to myself, thank you very much,” Liv replied and smiled coyly.
“Ah, you’re no fun. I always give you the dirty details. So, where is the sexy shifter today?” Cassie asked.
Abby brought their appetizer, along with a couple of plates, and set everything in the middle of the table. The cheesy goodness smelled heavenly, and Liv immediately grabbed a chunk of bread and dipped it. The fresh bread and warm dip was a party in her mouth, and she moaned her satisfaction. She ate two more pieces before she answered her friend.
“He and Ryan are checking out one of the locations from the list I took from Jim’s office. I wish he’d let the police get involved, but he insists on doing it himself. I worry something’s going to go wrong,” Liv explained and took a swig of beer.
“Now that’s a man I want to sample. When are you going to hook me up with the brother? He is so fuckable,” Cassie professed as she shoved bread into her mouth.
Liv hadn’t told her about shifter endowment for fear Cassie would throw herself at the men living at Safe Haven. She was on the fence about playing matchmaker with Cassie and Ryan. What if it ended badly? She didn’t want to get caught in the middle of something that might cause problems for her and Lawson or affect her friendship with Cass.
“Ryan? Really? Lawson says he’s nothing but a player,” she acknowledged.
“Then I’m perfect for him. I’m not looking for anything long-term, you know that. C’mon, Liv. Your girl just wants to have some fun. Help me out,” she pleaded and gave her best pouty face.
“Ugh, alright. I think I mentioned I want to have a Halloween party. Come to that, and I’ll make a point to talk you up to Ryan until then,” Liv agreed, hoping this wasn’t a huge mistake.
“Yay, thanks! You’re the shit,” Cassie replied and offered a high-five slap to Liv’s hand.
Kissing noises sounded, alerting Liv. Grabbing her phone off the table, she looked at the screen. It was a message from Lawson.
Her smile immediately faded when she read the message.
“What’s wrong, Liv. You’re white as a sheet,” Cassie commented.
“The message is from Ryan. He said Lawson was hurt and I need to hurry back.” She quickly called Lawson’s phone to see what the hell happened. Two rings in and it went to voicemail. Shit.
“Cass, I’m sorry, but I’ve got to go,” she muttered as she grabbed her wallet from her handbag.
“Don’t even worry about that. I’ll take care of it. Please drive safely and call me as soon as you know what’s going on,” Cassie stated as she stood and hugged Liv. “Hey, listen to me. Lawson is going to be fine. I promise,” she added and gave Liv one more tight squeeze.
“Thanks. I’ll let you know as soon as I can,” Liv responded as she dashed from the restaurant.
The three-hour ride back was nothing short of torture. Ryan finally called back, saying Lawson would be okay which settled her stomach a little but she needed to see him with her own eyes.
Liv’s Jeep barreled down the dirt road leading to Safe Haven. She almost plowed through the new metal gate Lawson built in her rush. She slammed the vehicle into park and jumped from the driver’s side then dashed through the back entrance. Liv didn’t stop when Ashley tried to tell her what had happened. Her heart was pounding so hard she could barely think straight. She needed to get to Lawson.
Bypassing the slow elevator, she dashed up to the third floor and their suite. As she neared the room, Liv could hear voices coming from inside.
“Lawson!” she shouted and shoved her way into the crowded room.
Lawson’s youngest sister, Brenlee, was sitting on the edge of the bed, holding Lawson’s hand. Ryan was standing nearby, along with the twins, Hannah and Haylee.
Liv’s gaze immediately went to Lawson who was lying on his back, his neck wrapped in bandages. Liv could see blood seeping through the material. He looked over as she approached the bed and smiled.
“There’s my sunshine,” he croaked out and slowly lifted his hand, reaching for her.
Liv immediately grabbed his hand and sat on the opposite side of Brenlee. “Hey, Outlaw. How are you?” she cooed as she caressed his cheek.
“Better now that you’re here,” Lawson answered with a raspy voice. Liv could tell he was weak by his loose grip.
She leaned over and placed a kiss on his lips, staring into gray eyes she adored. “I wish I could’ve gotten here sooner. I was with Cassie when I got the text message from Ryan. Can somebody please tell me what happened?” she demanded, looking to Ryan.
Ryan took a few steps closer and relayed the events of their Jackson trip. He told her about the shifters they rescued and about the Ravin in captivity.
“I’m sorry, but I’m confused. What’s a Ravin?” she asked, looking around the room.
The group of shifters shared knowing looks, which infuriated Liv. She refused to be kept in the dark about anything, particularly when it concerned the man she loved.
“Liv, I promise to tell you everything as soon as my voice is stronger. It would be best to hear it from me, okay?” Lawson whispered.
“Are you going to be okay?” she asked, tears forming behind her lids.
“Yes, I think so. Can you get everyone to leave? I’d like to be alone with you,” he muttered, forcing the last words with a heavy breath.
“Hey, we get it. The moment your female walks into the room, we have to leave. We see who matters around here,” Hannah teased and leaned down to kiss her brother’s cheek before leaving.
His other sisters followed
suit then Ryan came to stand by the bed. “I’ll get our latest visitors situated into their rooms. It’s been a long day for everybody. Get some rest, and I’ll check on you tomorrow.”
“Thanks, bro,” Lawson muttered before Ryan left the room, shutting the door behind him.
“You scared the shit out of me. Please don’t go to any more labs. My heart can’t take the stress,” Liv murmured and poked Lawson's arm gently.
“Come here,” he coaxed and reached for her.
She went easily and willingly. Liv wrapped her arms around Lawson and snuggled close, staying away from his injured neck. She nestled against his bare chest and listened to his heartbeat. It soothed her frantic nerves. She felt his fingers twine her hair, and Liv relaxed. The stress left her body, and she breathed deep and slow. Moments later, she fell asleep.
Liv jerked awake, disoriented and confused. The room was dark, and she glanced at the bedside table. The clock said six-thirty a.m. She couldn’t believe she slept that long. She rolled over and sat on the edge of the bed, trying to wake up.
“Where are you going?” Lawson’s deep timber jolted her system. She was awake now.
“Hey, baby. How are you feeling?” she asked and scooted back to his side.
“Horny,” he husked and pulled her closer. His masculine scent drove her wild with need, and she inhaled deeply then placed her lips on his.
Their mouths moved against one another in a slow dance that quickly changed when her lips parted. Lawson's warm tongue stroked against hers, and she sucked it into her mouth. He tasted so good.
“You can’t be serious,” she murmured against his mouth as she nibbled his lower lip.
“I’m very serious, Liv,” he replied and grabbed her hand, placing it over his erection.
The thin cotton of his briefs did little to hide his arousal and Liv felt a damp spot near the waistband. Yes, he was definitely serious.
“Lawson, you were badly hurt. I don’t think this is the time,” she stated, all the while moving her hand up and down his hard length, stroking him through his underwear. Maybe she could please him if he was up to that.
“I’m feeling much better. I don’t know how much movement my body can take, but I want you now, Liv. Take your clothes off,” he ordered. She was helpless to resist, and her body wanted what it wanted.
“Relax and let me do the work,” she declared as she stood beside the bed.
Liv quickly removed her jeans and sweatshirt followed by her bra and panties then slipped between the sheets to remove Lawson’s underwear. She tossed the fabric to the floor then palmed his shaft again. It kicked in her grip, and she felt pre-cum as her thumb swiped across the spongey tip.
“Mmm, your hand is so soft,” he moaned and lifted his hips against her stroke.
“My lips are softer,” she murmured as she kissed his mouth.
She kissed along his jaw then nibbled his ear, all the while stroking his hard length. She moved lower to suck his nipple then kissed her way down his chest until she reached his belly button. Her tongue darted inside, and she felt his cock jerk in her hand. She wanted to taste him, so she slid lower until she was aligned with his groin.
Liv looked up and met his gaze as her tongue darted out and licked along his shaft. Her nipples hardened when she heard him grunt his pleasure. She licked down his length and gently sucked the soft sack at the base.
“Ah, Liv,” Lawson groaned. She loved having control over this powerful shifter.
She opened wide, taking him in her mouth. Lawson gripped her hair as she sucked him to the back of her throat. What couldn’t fit in her mouth, Liv stroked with her hand. Her head bobbed as she sucked the velvety soft flesh over steel. His cock jerked when she licked the sensitive tip, and he pushed her head, encouraging her to take more.
Liv increased her tempo, sucking harder and deeper. His arousal caused her body to respond and her core clenched with need. She ground her sex against his thigh, seeking friction. When she moaned, the vibration sent Lawson over the edge, and he shouted his release. Warm liquid filled her mouth, and she sucked harder, taking all he had.
“Liv, I need to be inside you,” he groaned. Her body was aching for his hard shaft, and she quickly straddled his hips.
Liv gripped his hard shaft, loving that he was ready for more. She positioned the head of his cock at her entrance then slid it through her wet folds, coating it with her juices.
“Fuck, that feels good. Give me that tight pussy, Liv,” he groaned and gripped her hips.
“Mmm, you want it, you got it,” she panted then impaled herself with his long shaft. Liv gasped as he stretched her in the best way possible. Nothing felt better than Lawson filling her.
She worked her hips until his cock was fully seated, gazing at the gorgeous man between her thighs. The room lightened with the rising sun, and she could barely make out his liquid pools of silver staring at her body. It drove her desire through the roof to see the lust in his gaze.
“You are so fucking sexy,” he said and reached to caress her breasts.
Liv arched and moved her hips, enjoying the pleasure that coursed through her body. Lawson pulled her turgid tips and twisted, causing her to cry out.
“Yes, Lawson, more,” she panted as she rocked back and forth on his long shaft.
She felt one of his hands slip between their bodies. His thumb strummed her clit, and she bucked against his ministrations. His other hand gripped her hip as he pushed upward, thrusting deeper into her body. Liv was lost to the sensation and squeezed her breasts as she moved against him.
“That’s it, cum for me, Liv,” he muttered as he continued to swirl his thumb against the engorged nub.
Liv’s body tightened as her climax built. She writhed against his hand, and when he tweaked her clit, she detonated, crying out as her orgasm raced through her body. In the next breath, Lawson shouted his release and his hot seed jetted inside her womb. Stars exploded in her vision, and she collapsed onto Lawson’s chest, panting.
“Holy crap, that was unbelievable. Are you okay?” Liv muttered and reached to caress Lawson's cheek.
“Sunshine, after what you just did, I feel like a million bucks. That was undoubtedly the best blowjob of my entire life. Can you do that every morning?” he teased as his lips claimed her mouth.
Liv couldn’t help but smile. She’d never considered herself very good at oral sex, but Lawson brought out confidence she never knew existed. She loved pleasing him and the way he pleasured her in return.
“How about we take turns. I kinda like that tongue thing you do,” Liv murmured against Lawson's mouth.
His tongue licked the seam of her mouth. “You mean that?”
“No, silly. Lower,” Liv replied.
“Show me where,” he encouraged.
She groped beneath the sheet for his hand and placed it between her legs. When his fingers slipped through her folds, her body ignited again.
“Oh, down there,” he joked.
“Mmm hmm,” she moaned as she wiggled against his hand.
“Well, lay back and let Lawson do his thing,” he encouraged and inched his body beneath the sheet. The next thing Liv knew she was gripping his hair as he buried his face between her legs.
Chapter 5
Lawson cradled Liv in his arms, tempted to take her again. She roused him like no other, and he couldn’t seem to get enough of the sexy redhead. He pressed his nose to her long locks, inhaling her lemony scent that reminded him of sunshine.
“I still can’t believe a Ravin attacked you or that Hollow Rock is an area known for sightings. I don’t know that I feel safe at Safe Haven any longer,” she admitted, shaking her head.
“Don’t worry. You couldn’t be in better hands than mine,” Lawson said and palmed her ass. “Nothing will ever harm you, I promise. Plus, Ravins don’t go looking for trouble. They seek seclusion for a reason. Just don’t go wandering in the woods without me,” he informed her.
He was still shocked that the fac
ility in Jackson captured a Ravin. He needed to speak with the other victims and see what information they had regarding the creature.
“Oh, don’t worry about that. The only night adventures I’m interested in involve you and me, and our special lake spot,” she said with a wry grin. “So, what are your plans for today. After what we just did, I assume you’re feeling better, but maybe you should rest some more. I could play nursemaid and tend to your needs,” she said and gazed into his eyes, her emerald orbs sparkling with mischief.
“So very tempting. I need to talk with Rya––” Just then his cell phone buzzed, and he reached to the nightstand and glanced at the screen. “Speak of the devil, that’s him now. He says he arranged for a brunch to introduce the newest members to Safe Haven. It’s in a couple of hours,” he explained.
“Oh yeah, I remember him mentioning that he would get them settled into their rooms. How many are there? And what do you know about them?” Liv asked as she played with the fine hair on his chest.
“Just three this time. Two males and a female. I don’t know anything about them. The Ravin attacked me, and the last thing I remember is the female saving me,” Lawson shared.
“Really? I didn’t know a woman rescued you. I’ll have to thank her personally. It will be nice to have another woman around. You men were starting to outnumber us,” Liv said with a smile. Her beautiful smile lit up his world.
“Yeah, you and me both owe her thanks. She’s a feisty one, that’s for sure. She will be an asset if she decides to stay on,” Lawson admitted.
“How so?” Liv asked.
“Because every pack needs an Alpha female. If she’s worthy, she leads by example and provides a positive role for others to follow. My sisters are great, but an Alpha stands out. There is no mistaking her command,” he stated.
“Wow, I can’t imagine anyone more dominant than Haylee,” Liv said incredulously. He understood what she meant. Lawson recalled hearing the story about the first day Liv met Haylee when she dragged Liv down the steps of the Scott Café, threatening to kill her.