Safe Haven

by Brenda Trim

“I had planned on staying here with him,” she replied and looked at the Ravin.

  The creature was out cold, lying on the floor. Liv didn’t want to leave the Ravin like that. When he came to, she hoped he would shift back so that she could explain to him why he was there and how they planned to help.

  “No. These cuts are deep, and you’re bleeding badly. You need medical attention. I’m taking you home,” Lawson voiced then looked to the others. “Everyone okay?”

  “Yeah, I think we’re all good. You take Liv back. I’m happy to stay here until you return,” Devin offered.

  “Thank you. I’ll make sure food is delivered, and I’ll arrange for everyone to take a shift if necessary,” Lawson replied and reached for her hand.

  It was then Liv realized the two vials of blood had dropped and broken. She didn’t have any samples to test. She pointed to the mess on the floor. “Look. What if we can’t get another sample?” she asked.

  “We’ll figure it out later. First things first. Let’s go,” Lawson demanded and bent over, scooping her into his arms.

  “I need to clean this mess,” she announced and tried not to grimace as he cradled her.

  “I got it, Liv. I’ll find the cleaning supplies and take care of it. You go,” Devin countered as he followed them to the building’s entrance.

  “Thank you,” she muttered as Lawson pushed the glass door open with his shoulder and gently set her in the passenger seat of the van.

  The other men climbed in the back of the vehicle while Lawson walked around to the driver's door. Liv could see he was holding his side and she had no doubt he was more injured than he admitted.

  Liv rested her head on the back of the seat, contemplating everything that went wrong. She prayed this was not a sign of things to come. If so, this could prove to be the worst decision she’d ever made.

  Liv walked briskly down the corridor, anxious to check on her new patient. It had been three days since they captured the Ravin and she had made zero headway with him. Jeremiah seemed intent on staying in his beastlike state. Either that, or he was traumatized to the point that he could no longer shift.

  She entered the holding room and smiled at Knox who was describing his hot tamale of a girlfriend to Jeremiah.

  “Hey, you. How’s it going today?” Liv asked as she made her way closer to the metal enclosure.

  The Ravin was in the far corner of the cell, facing the wall. Same spot he was in the day before when she checked on him. She glanced at the table and noticed the food she left was untouched, as well.

  “About the same, Liv. I’ve been talking my ass off, hoping he’d turn around and tell me to shut the fuck up, but no such luck. I’m sure he’s ready for me to leave,” Knox replied with a chuckle.

  “I know you’re ready for a break, too. Go on back to Safe Haven. Ashley is cooking up a storm for tomorrow’s meal, and I’m sure she could use some help,” Liv answered as she eyed the creature in the cage.

  “You sure you don’t want me to stick around until Devin arrives? I don’t mind,” he offered.

  “No, I’m fine. I’d like to talk to Jeremiah alone,” she admitted.

  “Alright, if you’re sure. I’ll see what my spicy Chiquita needs. Hopefully, it’s me,” Knox said with a wink as he made his way to the door. “Can’t wait for tomorrow’s Thanksgiving meal,” he added and rubbed his belly.

  “It’s going to be the grandest feast ever. Thank you for all your help,” Liv murmured, and Knox waved her off.

  “Don’t mention it. Hasta la vista, Jerry,” he called, and Liv listened to his boots clunk down the hallway then the room fell silent.

  Liv turned and looked at Jeremiah. She acknowledged it was the first time she’d been alone with the Ravin and her heart kicked up a notch. Belatedly, she questioned if the metal enclosure was secure enough to detain him. Surely, he would’ve escaped by now if he could. Liv shook her head, clearing her thoughts. She was never going to get anywhere with Jeremiah if they didn’t establish trust. It’s what brought Lawson around when he was in captivity, and she felt it was crucial to gain it with the Ravin, as well.

  “Hi, Jeremiah,” she said as she set down the bag she was holding. “I introduced myself the other day, but I don’t know if you remember. My name is Olivia Kimbro, but please call me Liv. I’m the head scientist here at Smith and Kimbro. That’s where you are right now,” she explained.

  The Ravin remained in place, and she wondered if he was listening. It was hard to tell given how still he was. She knew he was breathing because she saw the slight lift to his shoulders.

  “I know you must be afraid, but I want you to know that you are safe here. No harm will come to you. In fact, if there’s anything I can do to make you more comfortable, let me know. I have some food. Are you hungry?” Liv asked and reached inside her red tote and pulled out a container.

  He didn’t budge. Not even a slight turn of his head.

  “I live on the property next to yours. The place with the large iron gate at the entrance with the letters SH on it. It stands for Safe Haven. It’s been renovated recently and is a place where shifters seek refuge. I don’t know if you’re aware of the growing number of missing shifters, but Lawson Scott, the pack leader, has made it his mission to rescue those in captivity and provide a home for them,” she explained, hoping he’d view her as an ally.

  “Jeremiah, do you have any family? Parents or siblings?” she asked, assuming he didn’t have a woman in his life. If that were the case, Jerry most likely would’ve shared his life force and wouldn’t be in this predicament.

  The Ravin turned his head to the side. She had his attention.

  “I’d be happy to contact them for you if you’d like and let them know you’re alive,” she encouraged, watching him carefully.

  He shifted his weight and Liv thought he might turn to look at her but then he grunted and faced the wall again.

  “I want to help you, Jeremiah. If you’d allow me to take some blood samples, my goal is to test your blood with that from a shared life supply and see if we can’t counteract the side effects you’ve experienced. How great would it be to feel like yourself again?” Liv asked. He remained in place, and she sighed. Apparently, today was another loss for Team Liv.

  “I’m going to leave the food right here in case you get hungry. It’s Ashley’s famous enchiladas so you might want to give them a try. I’m going to check on a few things in my office, and I’ll come back by before I leave,” she said and walked over to the small metal table pushed against the wall of the cell. She set down the plastic container and utensils then turned to leave the room.

  Just as she was about to exit the room, a deep voice startled her. “Thank you, Liv.”

  She spun around to see a nude man standing in the corner of the cell. She tried to mask her surprise as she focused on his face and not his bare body.

  “Je…Jeremiah,” she stuttered and smiled. “It’s so nice to meet you.”

  “Where are my clothes?” he asked softly. He was an attractive man with shaggy brown hair and dark green eyes. His gaze held a pervasive sense of sadness, and Liv felt it to her bones.

  “We didn’t take any items from your home, but in the dresser over there you will find a few things that should suffice. I can go to your house and pick up whatever you’d like,” Liv offered as she watched him walk to the wooden dresser and pull out a pair of sweatpants and a t-shirt. He slipped on the clothes then walked over and sat on the bed.

  “Are you hungry?”

  He shook his head and looked down at his hands. Liv could see a slight tremor to them as he gazed at his palms. She could only imagine what was going through his mind.

  “Is there anything I can get you?” she asked and inched closer to the cell.

  Jeremiah met her gaze. “Did you mean it when you said you want to help?”

  “Absolutely. I will need to take some blood, but I’d like to get started right away,” Liv replied and he nodded his understanding.

/>   “I don’t want this monster inside me. I feel myself slipping away with each passing day. I fear one day I won’t return to my body,” he explained, and she saw the plea in his eyes.

  “I promise I will do everything in my power to ensure that you get your life back. I’m going to grab some supplies, but I’ll be right back,” she responded enthusiastically.

  “How long have I been here? What is today’s date?” he inquired as he scanned the holding area as if seeing it for the first time.

  “You’ve been here a few days. It’s Wednesday, November 22nd. Tomorrow is Thanksgiving,” she informed him, and Jeremiah raked a hand through his hair.

  “Did you have plans? Is there anyone you’d like to call?” Liv asked.

  “No, no plans and no one to call,” he muttered then quickly added, “I can’t ever go back there.”

  “I’ll be right back,” she announced then left the room.

  She grabbed her phone to text Lawson and let him know she’d be a while. This change was the break they’d been hoping for, and she wanted to begin immediately. Hopefully, she could help not only Jeremiah and Ryan but all shifters experiencing a change in their minds and bodies. By the time Liv reached her supply room, she was practically running. Curing conditions like those of the Ravins was the reason she chose to become a Microbiologist. To find answers where there were none.

  Chapter 22

  Lawson walked into the large dining area to find Liv discussing the seating arrangement with his sisters. He made his way to his sexy redhead and placed a kiss on her cheek. “I’ve been looking everywhere for you,” Lawson said and handed Liv her cell phone. “You know, these don’t work unless you have it with you,” he added with a wink.

  “I know. Sorry. I want this dinner to be special for everyone. Do you like the arrangement of tables? I want it to be cozy but at the same time intimate for each family,” she explained, and Lawson eyed the grouping.

  Each table had place cards with names written on them. He noticed the Halls had a private place setting, along with the Andersons. Ashley and Knox sat with Tyler and Devin. And the larger table was for him and Liv, Ryan and Cassie, his three sisters, and Liv’s mom and her boyfriend, Andy. Each table had a white linen table cloth covering it and a glass hurricane centerpiece that held a large candle surrounded by flowers. The far wall was set up to host a buffet-style event with at least a dozen silver food warmers.

  “Looks fantastic,” he admitted. “I’d say you females have thought of everything. And this entire floor smells incredible. I’m not even stepping foot in the kitchen, or there might not be any turkey left,” he said and tugged Liv to his side.

  “Don’t even think about it, Outlaw,” she said and smiled. “Well, I think we’re done here, ladies. Time to go get pretty,” she quipped and grabbed his hand, tugging Lawson toward the elevator.

  As soon as the door dinged and closed, Liv wrapped her arms around his neck. “Whatever shall we do while this rickety contraption creeps to the third floor,” she murmured then claimed his lips.

  Sweet lemon filled his mouth as he forced her lips to part and plundered her depths. His hands immediately palmed her ass, and he tugged her against his rock-hard erection. His tongue stroked hers and Liv moaned.

  “I wish there were ninety-nine floors because what I need is going to take a while,” he muttered against her mouth.

  “Mmm, save that thought for after dinner, baby. We need to get ready and get back downstairs ASAP,” she replied right before the elevator came to a stop and the door slid open.

  “How 'bout we skip the meal and have Ashley send us room service instead,” he suggested and groped her lush curves as they walked to their suite.

  “Not a chance, buster. Thanksgiving is an important holiday for us, humans. It’s a time for family and giving thanks. Speaking of, thank you again for agreeing to this celebration. I know it’s not a holiday recognized by shifters, but I think you will find the sentiment behind this applies to all beings. Who doesn’t need to acknowledge their blessings in life and give thanks for them?” she pointed out as she stepped into their room.

  Liv’s gasp brought a smile to his face. While she was busy prepping everything downstairs, he filled the room with large bouquets of sunflowers. There were at least fifteen arrangements scattered throughout the area, and he could tell by the look on her face she was pleasantly surprised.

  “Lawson, this is…I’ve never seen anything so beautiful,” she exclaimed, and he heard the emotion in her voice.

  He closed the door with his foot and pulled Liv to his chest. “I want you to know how thankful I am for you, my Sunshine. This wartmth is what my world feels like when you’re in it,” he confessed and pressed a gentle kiss to her lips.

  “I am beyond blessed to have you in my life,” she declared then deepened the kiss.

  His hands trailed inside her sweater and palmed her breasts. “You sure we don’t have time for a quickie?” he husked and unclasped her bra.

  “Well, maybe just a quickie,” she panted then grabbed his hand and pulled him toward the bathroom. He was most thankful for hot steamy showers.

  Liv smoothed her dress then glimpsed one last time in the mirror at her makeup. There were few occasions where she felt compelled to look nice, and Thanksgiving was one of them. Her mom always stressed the importance of looking one’s best on the day they acknowledged their blessings.

  She stepped out of the bathroom and smiled at his low whistle of appreciation. “Damn, you look good,” Lawson whooped as he tucked in his shirt.

  “You’re just saying that because our quickie turned into a longie,” she said with a sly grin. Her body hadn’t come down from the euphoria of her multiple orgasms. Beyond blessed indeed.

  “Maybe,” he said and his lip curled in the corner. He was too damn sexy for his own good.

  “Here, let me do that,” she offered when she saw him struggling with his tie.

  “Thanks. I don’t wear these often if you haven’t noticed,” Lawson quipped with a smile.

  “I’ll let you in on a little secret. You rock the jeans and boots like nobody else but when you put on a suit…I cream,” she whispered.

  “Really?” Lawson answered with a lift to his brow.

  “Oh yeah,” Liv replied as she tightened the knotted fabric at the base of his neck.

  “Duly noted,” he countered.

  Kissy noises sounded, and Liv picked up her cell phone. “Everything okay?” he asked as she read the text message.

  “Yep. Stacy just stopped by the lab to check on Jeremiah. She took him a turkey sandwich and said he was watching some television. I want to go over there later and take him another plate of food. She also said some of our results are back. I can’t wait to look them over,” she muttered in a rush. Admittedly, she now wanted to rush through this meal and get to S&K pronto.

  “We’ll go together. I’m anxious to see the results, as well. Come on, Sunshine. Let me show you off to the rest of the pack,” he declared and offered his arm.

  They were the last ones to arrive to the dining area. Liv blushed when Cassie shot her a knowing look. Lawson walked around the room and greeted each pack member while Liv made her way to their table.

  “Mom, you look beautiful,” Liv said and leaned down to hug her.

  “Thank you, sweetie. So do you. Must be why it took you two so long to join us,” she said and winked. Liv felt her blush deepen. She may as well have a stamp across her forehead that said I just got laid.

  “Well, you know men and needing help with their ties,” she teased.

  “So you tied him up this time. Good for you, girlfriend,” Cassie interjected, and the three of them burst into laughter.

  “I think I need to switch seats,” Andy countered with a deep chuckle.

  “Oh, no you don’t. I like you right where you are,” Noel told him, and Liv noticed Andy’s hand was on her mom’s thigh beneath the tablecloth. It seemed everyone was feeling blessed today.


  “How is your room?” Liv asked, changing the subject.

  “Oh, it’s perfect. Thank you for asking us to stay on for the night. It’s a special treat,” her mom replied.

  “I didn’t want you to worry about the long drive after a few drinks. You are welcome anytime,” Liv suggested as the sound of clinking filled the air.

  She turned to see Lawson tapping the side of his crystal goblet with a spoon. “May I have your attention everyone,” Lawson called out as he took a position at the front of the dining room. Liv couldn’t help but puff her chest with pride. That was her man. The Alpha of his pack.

  “Thank you all for coming today. First, I’d like to give a special thanks to Liv, the sunshine in my life, for suggesting we get together and celebrate Thanksgiving. While this isn’t a day typically recognized in the shifter community, I hope this will be the start of a new tradition for our Hollow Rock members,” Lawson began, and Liv looked around the room at their growing family.

  Lawson’s sisters and Ryan were listening intently, and Liv could see the love in their eyes for their brother. Cassie focused on Ryan and Liv smiled. Her friend could say it was just a casual thing until she was blue in the face but Liv could see how deeply Cassie cared for the man. And Liv couldn’t be more thrilled that her mom and Andy joined them for the day. Those she held dear were there with her, and it meant the world.

  Well, almost everyone. Bart wasn’t there. Liv sent several text messages and left a voicemail telling him the offer was open if he changed his mind. She didn’t expect him to show, but there was a small sliver of hope he would walk through the door. She missed him terribly, but she’d made her choice. Unfortunately, that decision cost her the loss of a dear friend.

  Lawson’s voice intruded and brought her back to the moment. “There is so much that I am thankful for today. One, my family is back together and living under the same roof,” he said, and everyone chuckled and nodded their heads.

  “I am thankful for my freedom after three long years in captivity, and that is because of the strong determination of Olivia Kimbro. She risked everything, including her life, to rescue me. I can never repay such sacrifice, my love, but know I am eternally grateful,” he vowed and placed his hand over his heart, meeting her gaze. Gray eyes pierced her soul with love, and gratitude and Liv blew him a kiss and mouthed I love you.