by Brenda Trim
“I want you to go and check out the house? See if he is coming and going. Stake it out for the next few days. If he leaves, follow him. In fact, take Tyler with you, but don’t engage. I want to know if this Jerry is a shifter,” Lawson ordered. If Jerry was Jeremiah, then it was also possible this shifter could’ve turned Ravin.
“I’m on it, boss. I’ll report back in a few days,” Devin replied and walked back to the four-wheeler.
If Lawson’s hunch was accurate, they would need a game plan and fast. Only one person came to mind that could help him with this. And she hated him right now.
Liv glanced up from her microscope to see Cassie bounce into her lab.
“Hey, what are you doing here? Shouldn’t you be at work?” Liv asked, surprised to see her friend on a Wednesday morning.
“Yeah, well, I’m tired of you ignoring my phone calls and texts. What the hell happened the other night? One minute we were doing tequila shots and the next, you and Lawson disappeared. Then I find out the next morning you were gone. Spill it, bitch,” she demanded as she made her way to stand beside Liv.
Liv slumped down onto the barstool behind her. “I don’t even know where to begin. I’m sorry I haven’t called, but I’ve been too upset,” she admitted and swallowed against the hard lump in her throat. She was so tired of crying, but it seemed every time she tried to talk about Lawson, the tears spilled.
“Girl, what’s going on? I’ve never seen you like this,” Cassie said as she put a hand on Liv’s shoulder.
Liv lowered her head and sighed as she tried to find the words. “When I left the party to find Lawson, I found him in Kristi’s bed. They were having sex,” she said, wishing she could forget the image burned into her skull.
“No! I can’t believe it. What did you do?”
“I ran. Ran from the hotel and jumped into my Jeep. Ended up in Chattanooga,” she explained and bit her lip, wishing she could also forget the next thing that happened.
“And then what? Did you go to your mom’s?” Cassie asked.
“I went to Bart’s.”
“Well, that’s not so bad. Although, I’m sure Bart loved saying ‘I told you so,’” she replied as she picked up a glass slide, inspecting it.
“I came onto him, Cass,” Liv confessed, and Cassie dropped the piece of glass, causing it to break when it hit the metal table.
“No!” she blurted, her brown eyes bulging. “Tell me you didn’t sleep with Bart,” she added, trying to clean the mess.
“I got drunk, tore my clothes off and threw myself at him. Thank God I stopped it before it went too far. The worst part is, Bart isn’t even upset with me,” Liv shared as she walked to the storage closet and grabbed the small broom and dustpan.
“Of course he’s not. He loves you. Stop beating yourself up,” Cassie countered and gave Liv a half smile. “So now what? Where does this leave you and the sexy wolf? Are we killing him?”
Liv swept the debris from the table and walked over to the trash can, dumping the glass. She looked at her friend and sighed.
“Trust me. I thought about it. But no. We’re done, Cass. It was never going to work between us. Apparently, Kristi drugged him, and he didn’t know what he was doing, but that’s not the real problem. I’ll never fit into his world, and I need to accept it,” she commented. Again, she fought the urge to break down and cry. The thought of never seeing him again ripped her heart in two.
“I know he hurt you, but if he’s right about being drugged, shouldn’t you give him a chance? Liv, I think you’re making a mistake. I’ve seen you two together. It’s fucking magical, and I don’t see how that could ever be wrong. Hell, I would kill to have that,” Cassie told Liv.
“You should listen to your very wise friend,” came a masculine voice that sent a shiver down Liv’s spine.
She turned to see Lawson standing in the doorway. It seemed Wednesday was a day for surprise visits.
“Oh, hell. Look at the time,” Cassie quipped, looking at her wrist. Liv shook her head. She wasn’t even wearing a watch. “I need to get home and feed the dog,” she added.
“You don’t have a dog,” Liv retorted and rolled her eyes.
“Oh yeah. Well, I need to go wash my hair,” Cassie replied quickly and hugged Liv. “You better call me after he leaves,” she whispered.
“You don’t have to leave,” Liv said and gave her friend a pleading stare.
“Actually, yeah, I do. Tell your fine-ass brother to call me,” she said to Lawson with a smile as she walked past him, exiting the room.
“Well, that was subtle,” Liv joked and met Lawson’s gaze.
“I like her,” he said with a smile. Liv’s heart skipped a beat. She missed him so much it hurt. Why was he torturing her by coming around?
“Lawson, I can’t do this right now. I’m busy and need to get back to work,” she muttered as she leaned down and peered into the microscope, hoping he didn’t detect the quiver in her voice.
“I didn’t come to talk about us. I came to discuss a business matter,” Lawson said, and her head snapped up, instantly curious. She continued her research on shifter blood curing cancer. Perhaps he had some information that would give her insight into what she was missing.
A part of her was upset he wasn’t there to beg for her forgiveness. Had he gotten over her so quickly?
“Oh, okay. What’s going on?” Liv asked, hoping her hurt didn’t come through in the slight tremble she was unable to hide.
“What kind of holding cells do you have here?” Lawson asked while she searched his eyes. He looked tired, and she wondered if his past several nights were as restless as hers.
As she took in his countenance, she could see dark circles under his eyes. He looked like he hadn’t shaved in days. Was he as torn up about their split as she was? It may be wishful thinking on her part, but he looked nearly as bad as when he was in captivity.
“I’m not sure what you mean. I have cages here for the animals, but I don’t have cells,” Liv replied incredulously. The idea of holding cells was insulting. She would never keep anyone against their will. He knew that better than anyone.
“How big is your largest cage?”
“They’re small. Our test subjects are mice and monkeys. What’s going on? Why are you asking me these absurd questions?” she responded, placing her hands on her hips.
“Remember the Ravin I told you about? The one I saw on the property at Safe Haven?”
“Yes. What about it?”
“Well, it seems the owner of the adjoining property is a shifter. And, if that’s the case, there’s a good chance he’s the Ravin we’ve spotted. I want to capture him, Liv. Bring him here and run some tests. What if we could help their kind?” he explained, clearly excited over the prospect.
“I don’t know. That sounds too much like what you went through. I do not want to hold anyone captive. I’m surprised you would even suggest it after the torment you endured,” Liv reasoned, hoping Lawson would understand her logic. When she met his gaze, Liv could see the determination in his steel gray eyes.
“No, it wouldn’t be like that. We wouldn’t mistreat the Ravin. We will provide him proper accommodations, prepared meals, whatever he needs. He would have to remain in a cage until we can run tests and cure him, but our goal would be to find a way of reversing the condition and ultimately letting him go home,” Lawson explained. She’d never seen him so passionate about something, and she wondered what brought it on.
“Why are you so determined to do this?” she asked.
“Several reasons. One, I’m afraid Ryan could be nearing the change. I’ve seen subtle things that concern me. But more than that, what if we could help all Ravins? It could also give aging shifters a peace of mind, knowing they wouldn’t lose control of their bodies and their actions,” he clarified.
Liv considered his viewpoint. As a scientist, it appealed to her quest for understanding and resolution. Her life’s work was about helping others. However, some immediate
hurdles came to mind.
“I agree that it would be incredible to be a part of this research. But, there is one main problem,” Liv informed Lawson as her mind scattered in various directions, thinking of the multiple tests she could conduct.
“What’s that?” he inquired bringing her out of her mind and the plans rushing through it.
“Your father’s blood supply is nearly gone. I need more blood. I was hoping you could talk to the Anderson family and see if Jay and Dawn would be willing to donate some of their blood. I want to continue my research on a cure for cancer,” she offered. She had planned on having this conversation the night of the Halloween party, but that never happened.
“I’m happy to talk to them. Anything else?” Lawson asked. His body was stiff and reserved, and she wondered how he could be so calm. Her body felt like a magnet drawn to him, and she swayed in his direction every few seconds.
Lawson kept his word, keeping it strictly to business. Liv admitted she was disappointed that he didn’t broach the topic of their relationship. She ached to touch him and have his strong arms wrapped around her body. His masculine scent was driving her crazy. Maybe she misinterpreted his appearance, and he’d moved on with another woman.
“I suppose that’s all for now. I’ll order a large cage and set up a room. How soon will you bring the Ravin here?” She turned her head away pretending to search for the perfect spot for the cage. It was too painful to look at him anymore.
“I’m hoping within the week. We’re working on a plan of attack as we speak,” Lawson said, and she heard the buzz of his cell phone.
Lawson reached into his leather jacket and pulled out the small device. She watched curiously as he read his screen. Jealousy shot through her system as Liv wondered if it was another woman. She prayed it wasn’t Kristi. Liv clenched and unclenched her hands at her sides, trying to calm her raging emotions.
“Yes. Finally, we’ve got that sonovabitch,” Lawson boomed.
“Who?”
“Jensen. I know where that fucker is,” he crowed as he shoved the phone back into his coat pocket.
“Lawson, please don’t go after him. I don’t want you getting involved. You could end up in jail, or worse,” she pleaded and grabbed his hand. She couldn’t stand the thought of anything happening to him.
A jolt coursed from where their skin touched. God, she wished she didn’t want this man, but she did.
“I’m sorry, Liv, but Jim Jensen will pay for murdering my father and attacking you. I won’t rest until he’s ripped to shreds,” he confessed but didn’t release her hand.
“Then I’m going with you,” she demanded and lifted her chin. If she couldn’t stop him, then by God, she was going along.
“No, you’re not.”
“Yes, I am,” she countered, raising her voice.
“No, you’re not! End of discussion,” he growled.
“Then I won’t help you with the Ravin. Simple as that.”
“Are you blackmailing me, Liv?” he asked, and she saw one corner of his mouth lift. He was enjoying their banter.
Liv crossed her arms over her chest and didn’t miss the way his eyes lingered on her bosom. “Not blackmail. It's a business arrangement. That’s my offer, take it or leave it, Mr. Scott,” Liv huffed.
“Is that so?” Lawson said with a smirk.
“Yep.”
“Well then here’s my counteroffer, Miss Kimbro. If I take you along, you will agree to a few terms,” he said and stepped closer, caging her with his arms on either side of her body. His warmth made her hormones go crazy, and her body ache for more.
“And what’s that,” she panted as her blood hummed in her veins. This man ignited her to a boiling point with his nearness.
“One, don’t dress so sexy. It’s distracting,” Lawson said as his eyes perused Liv's body.
“I’m in jeans and a lab coat,” she remarked sarcastically. “What should I wear instead?”
“A potato sack. And, don’t wear your hair like that,” Lawson added and tugged Liv's ponytail.
“What’s wrong with my hair?”
“When it’s pulled up like that, it draws attention to your green eyes. Again, distracting. Lastly, don’t wear that perfume. It makes me want to ravage you,” Lawson confessed. His silver eyes burned bright and Liv’s core clenched with painful need.
“I’m not wearing any perfume,” she interjected and smiled, feeling victorious at his misconception.
“I know,” he smiled back and leaned closer.
Their lips were scant inches apart, and she thought he might kiss her. She wanted to taste his full lips. Desperately wanted to do many things, starting with ripping his clothes off his body.
“I’d like to stay and continue this flirtation to a more satisfying end, but I need to talk to Ryan about visiting Jim. Can I call you later to discuss the plan?” he murmured, and she felt his warm breath on her face. It made her mouth water as she stared at his luscious lips.
“Um, sure. That would be okay,” Liv croaked, her palms itching to feel his muscular chest.
“Until then, Miss Kimbro,” he husked and placed a light kiss on her cheek, inflaming her ardor.
She watched Lawson swagger out of the lab and cursed the wanton thoughts swimming around her head. She was supposed to be getting over him, not fantasizing about jumping his bones. It was easy to forget the heartache when he was near. Not surprising given he drove every rational thought from her mind when he walked in a room.
Chapter 16
Liv drove around the back of the hotel and parked beside Lawson’s truck. Cassie’s car was parked a few spots over, and Liv wondered how much time her friend was spending with Ryan. She smiled, thinking Cassie deserved to be happy.
She hopped out of her Jeep and looked at the hotel. It was her first time back since the night of the Halloween party, and she wasn’t sure how she would feel seeing it again. She closed her eyes and took several deep breaths, trying to calm the butterflies in her stomach.
A door slammed, startling Liv, and she opened her eyes to see Lawson walking her way. He was by far the sexiest man alive, especially when wearing her favorite jeans and boots. The vintage denim hugged his hips and thighs. Her mouth watered and her arousal went wild as she recalled several times when she couldn’t get them off fast enough. His light blue sweater hugged his broad chest and shoulders. He was a magnificent specimen, and she drank in his sexy demeanor.
Stop it, she chastised. Make Lawson earn your attention. Don’t fall over with your legs spread for the sexy beast. Liv shook her head, clearing her thoughts. Her conscience was right. She couldn’t fall prey to his charm so easily. The pain he caused was still fresh, and she needed to remember that.
“Hello, Miss Kimbro,” he said with a smile. “I see you didn’t follow the guidelines for today,” he added, perusing her from head to toe.
“Oh, whatever. I followed your rules. Well, except for the potato sack. Mine was dirty,” Liv replied with a smirk and looked down at her ensemble.
Her dark gray sweatpants were tucked inside black snow boots. A black dry-fit turtleneck and quilted vest covered every square inch of flesh, so Lawson couldn’t accuse her of showing too much skin. Her hair fell in loose waves since he complained about the usual ponytail. However, she did take an extra few minutes to apply some makeup. After all, she wanted him to know what he was missing.
He stopped in front of her, rubbing his chin. “No, something’s missing.”
Liv opened her vest, trying to figure out what he was referring to and heard a groan escape his mouth. “Damn,” he commented as he shook his head.
“What? Don't you like my shirt? It keeps me warm, thank you very much,” she replied, but couldn’t help smiling at his approving gaze.
“I like it, alright. But that’s not what I meant,” Lawson countered as he continued staring at her.
“I’m lost,” Liv admitted.
He reached into his front pocket and pulled out a leather
cord. A pendant dangled from the end. It was a necklace, but Liv didn’t recognize it as one of hers. Lawson stepped closer and slipped it over her neck.
“There, that’s much better,” he said as he reached behind her neck and fixed her hair so that the necklace was lying flat. His warm hands brushed against her cheek when he pulled away, and her breath caught. His touch still ignited her like no other.
Liv glanced down to the steel pendant around her neck. It was an image of a howling wolf. She fingered the smooth object, awed by the craftsmanship.
“Did you make this?” she asked and met his gaze. He nodded, and Liv's eyes drew to his hypnotic stare. Lawson’s steel gray eyes were identical to the color of the metal wolf around her neck.
“It’s beautiful, but I can’t accept this,” she confessed and reached up to slip it over her head.
Lawson grabbed her hands, stilling her movement. “Liv, I want you to have it. It’s for protection, and I’ll feel better knowing you’re wearing it,” he explained.
“How will this protect me?”
“You see this?” he asked and reached for the pendant. “The snout is extremely sharp. I did that on purpose. You stab someone in the jugular with this bad boy, and I promise you, they’ll bleed out.”
“Am I in some danger?” she asked as she felt the wolf. Sure enough, the tip was sharp enough to do some damage. In fact, she would need to be careful, or she might cut herself.
“Nothing specific, but since you’re living somewhere else…” he acknowledged and paused. Liv could see him struggling with his emotions. He looked away briefly then met her gaze again. “I need to know you’re safe at all times. Promise me you’ll wear it.”
“Okay, I promise.”
“Good. Now come inside and say hi to Ashley. She’s making food for us to take to Clarksville,” he shared.
It reminded her of the many times Ashley had made food for them over the months and was a poignant reminder she was now an outsider at Safe Haven.
Liv followed Lawson into the large kitchen and smiled when she saw Ashley. She liked her a lot. Not to mention, she missed the woman’s cooking.