by Brenda Trim
Liv had told Cassie about Jim’s theory on shifter blood, but this new development was icing on the cake as far as Liv was concerned.
Cassie’s brown eyes widened as she listened to Liv’s rant. “You need to listen to me. This is out of control. I feel like I’m watching an episode of CSI. I don’t want to wake up next week and see your face on the back of my milk carton. You need to quit, Liv,” she begged.
Liv had considered the potential danger of the situation, but to walk away now wasn’t an option. She was in too deep. Not just because of Lawson but for all the shifters. She was certain her company was kidnapping and possibly killing them. That was unacceptable, and she couldn’t leave and forget about everything. Especially, not Lawson.
Spotting Bart walk through the front door of the restaurant, Liv raised her hand and waived, capturing his attention.
“Listen, Bart’s here. Please don’t say a word about my kiss with Lawson. I don’t need the two of you ganging up on me,” Liv instructed and scooted over to allow room for Bart to sit down.
“Yeah, yeah, it’s on lock-down,” Cassie remarked as Bart approached the table. “Hey, handsome. Liv tells me we’re getting crazy at the governor’s mansion. Watch out. The pool party might become a nudist colony,” Cassie teased, high-fiving Bart as he sat beside Liv, kissing her cheek.
“Promises, promises,” he teased, showing Cassie his winning smile.
Holy shit, Liv thought. Between the two of them, she felt like she was in the middle of Flirt and Flirtier. They always did this. Yanked each other’s chains even though they had no real interest in each other.
“You know you want to see our pink parts, Bart,” Cassie countered, and Bart threw his hands up in the air while at the same time Liv covered her mouth in shock, bursting with laughter.
“I give, you win! I have nothing to say to that one,” he said, glancing over at Liv.
She was surprised to see his cheeks had reddened which was hard to do considering his golden tan. Was he embarrassed by the idea? They had seen each other naked many times, albeit many years ago. And if rumors were true, Bart more than knew his way around a woman’s body.
“Oh, that was too easy. Maybe you need a drink,” Cassie replied, capturing the attention of the hottie waiter.
The server bee-lined to their booth and Bart ordered a bottle of wine for them. The good stuff, too. Liv and Cassie were drinking the cheap shit, but Bart wouldn’t think about serving them anything less than the best. He wasn’t arrogant about it. It was just his way. He had the money and liked treating her and her friend.
“Have either of you eaten?” he asked, grabbing the menu.
“No, we were just chatting about PRL until you arrived. I wasn’t sure what the plan was or if you’d want dinner. I’m going to have a salad,” Liv answered, looking over Bart’s shoulder at the menu his was holding.
“TKO, you need some meat on your bones. How about a nice big ribeye?” he teased, leaning against her side.
Meat was not her thing, and he was so full of shit. There was more padding on her rear end than a side of beef. Thank God she carried it well on her tall frame. Her long legs were her best feature, and she knew it. Cassie was about five inches shorter than Liv, so the two of them looked like the odd couple standing next to one another.
“Yes, and make it rare. I want that sucker bleeding when it comes out,” Liv joked, and Bart threw his head back and laughed. It was good to see him relaxed and having fun, especially since his job was so stressful.
“Well, the only rare meat I want is right over there,” Cassie said, pointing to the waiter, Mark, according to the hand-written note he left her. He was bending over a table, serving a family of six and his backside was facing them.
“Uh, oh. Cassie’s on the prowl tonight. Look out,” Bart exclaimed, glancing over at Liv and winking. She shook her head at him then continued perusing the menu.
“So, what were you two chatting about when I walked up? Looked pretty serious for someone focused on hooking up with a waiter,” he professed, shoving a piece of bread in his mouth.
Sharing a knowing look of secrecy with Cassie, Liv spoke first. “I was just catching her up on my suspicions about PRL. I mentioned that the other shifter that was in one of the rooms is gone. I don’t know what it means, but I’m concerned,” she offered, glancing up as Mark approached, carrying a bottle of wine and glass for Bart.
He proceeded to open it, allowing Bart to sample the wine before it to them. One sip and Liv’s eyes rolled back in her head. Damn, that was delicious and not something she could afford on her salary. Liv and Cassie’s wine might as well have come out in a Dixie cup, for all it was worth. Mark flirted with Cassie the entire time, and Liv was certain they would be meeting after he got off work.
After taking their food orders, Mark walked off and Bart turned slightly in his seat so that his back was to the crowded room.
“Yeah, about that. I did a little digging. There have been about ninety-five shifters that have gone missing in the last three years in our city alone. That might not seem like a high number in the human population of a large city, but for them it’s astronomical. Shifters don’t have the same factors involved in missing person cases. They are a very tight-knit group. This is a huge concern for them,” he reported, brow furrowed. He had gone from light-hearted to serious in a split second, and Liv knew when Bart was worried about something.
“I told you something is going on at PRL,” Liv divulged, locking eyes with Cassie then Bart.
“Hold up, Liv,” he interjected. “I have no idea who or what is responsible. I’m just telling you that a significant number have gone missing. Now, there is also a myth about shifters going insane. Reaching a point of no return then turning half-man-half-animal. They call them Ravins. Some members of their community think that’s the explanation for the missing shifters,” he added, taking a sip of his wine.
“Wow, that’s crazy. I’ve never heard of anything like that. Sounds like a werewolf, if you ask me,” Cassie declared.
Liv hadn’t heard that before, either. She would have to broach the subject with Lawson.
“Still, I’m going to reiterate this, Liv. You need to get the hell out of that place. There are other companies that would jump at the opportunity to hire you,” Cassie suggested, moving their snacks out of the way to make room for their plates. Mark was back with their food, all the while, flirting unabashedly.
“I’m not quitting my job. I’m working on several projects that I’ve put my heart and soul into. I have no desire to leave just yet. Plus, I want to find out if PRL is involved in the missing shifters,” Liv stated, pouring Greek dressing over her Mediterranean salad.
“Cassie has a point. I’m not saying you should leave your job, but I am suggesting that you be extra careful and don’t take unnecessary risks. If your boss is involved, I can guarantee he wouldn’t think twice about eliminating you or anyone else that gets in his way. Please watch your back,” Bart pleaded, and Liv saw worry behind his dark brown eyes.
Mark walked over and placed a large plate in the center of the table. It was a dessert, and there were three spoons surrounding it. A walnut brownie topped with ice cream, hot fudge, and whipped cream. He had even put cherries at the base in the shape of a heart.
“It’s on the house,” he offered, winking at Cassie.
Geez, they might as well strip and have sex on the table with the chemistry exploding between them.
Meeting Bart’s eyes he snickered and Liv knew he was thinking the same thing about the couple.
“I promise to be careful. I know how serious this is. The last thing I want is to become Jim’s next victim,” Liv confessed then silently acknowledged she already was a victim.
Jim was savvy and didn’t miss a thing. That man was well-aware Liv cared for Lawson, and it was clear he was going to continue to use that to his advantage. Next time, he could demand more, and then what? Liv wanted to help Lawson, and had already proved she’d d
o some despicable things but she refused to have sex with that slimeball.
As their conversation turned lighter, focusing on the upcoming event at Bart’s house, Liv’s mind wandered to Lawson. His rugged good looks, strong muscled body, seductive pools of liquid silver she wanted to drown in, not to mention the bulging sight between his legs.
She still couldn’t get past how big he was. Now there was a handjob she’d gladly volunteer to give. If she could even wrap her hand around it. She might have to use both.
“What do you think, Liv?” Cassie’s voice intruded on her lascivious thoughts.
“Huh, what?” she asked, shaking off the haze of lust that trapped her.
“I was asking about food. Burgers and dogs or go fancy? Bart suggested surf and turf. I think since it’s going to be during the day it should be long weenies and soft buns,” she uttered, waggling her perfectly-arched eyebrows.
Cassie was cute as a button. Petite, flawless complexion, and sassy as hell. It was no wonder the guys flocked to her side. Liv loved being around her. Whether they were shopping, watching chick flicks, or hitting the town for a girl’s night out, Liv laughed so hard she cried. Nothing beat hanging with her friend.
“I’m with Cassie. If it were an evening party, the surf and turf would be perfect, but burgers and dogs work better with day drinking. Cold beer on a hot day sounds good to me,” Liv admitted.
“Consider it done then. You two pick a date and send me a list of items we need to make this happen,” Bart announced as he motioned for the waiter. “I hate to eat and run but I’ve got a hot little number blowing up my phone,” he added, reaching for his wallet.
Mark casually strolled over, and Bart asked for the check. Throwing down a few big bills, Bart leaned over and kissed Liv on the cheek. He lingered for a moment and kissed her again, this time at the corner of her mouth.
“Later, TKO. Be safe and keep me posted on things at work,” he muttered and kissed her again.
“I will. Bye, BS. Don’t go breaking any hearts tonight,” she teased, pushing him out of the booth.
Standing, he straightened his button-down and glanced at Cassie. “Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do,” he remarked, tilting his head toward the waiter.
“I’ll try and remember that. Enjoy your dessert, I mean, evening,” she countered, popping a cherry in her mouth and blowing Bart a kiss.
Knowing her girlfriend was itching to talk privately with Mark, among other things, Liv wrapped up their evening after they picked a date for the party and jotted down items needed. It was going to be fun, and she looked forward to relaxing at Bart’s pool.
As she drove home from the restaurant, Liv’s mind wandered back to Lawson and the conversation with Bart. He mentioned the number of shifters missing, and she couldn’t help but think of Lawson’s family. Maybe Lawson would tell her more about them, and she could try and find out where they were. She prayed for his sake they were safe.
She had always feared the shifter side of town. Would it be as scary as she imagined? Lawson had shown her a kind and gentle side to him, but would other shifters see her as the enemy? And worse, would she find more conclusive evidence against her boss’s involvement?
Solidifying her mind’s decision, Liv felt herself getting deeper and deeper in a world filled with animals, kidnapping, torture, and even murder. How would she fare on the receiving end of his world?
9
Liv’s Jeep rambled along the stretch of highway, taking her northwest of Chattanooga. Dunlap was a rural area and well-known shifter community. It was the first Saturday she hadn’t worked in months, and it felt odd to be outdoors instead of cooped up in the lab. Luckily, the humidity was low, and it was a beautiful sunny day for a drive. She was inspired to remove the vehicle’s top so she could enjoy the fresh air of the countryside.
As her favorite playlist blared from the speakers, Liv thought about the past few days at work. She had spent as much time with Lawson as she could without drawing unwanted attention from Jim. Avoidance was the name of the game with her boss. He wanted sexual favors from her, and she suspected he was the jealous sort, so she didn’t need him taking it out on Lawson. She recalled what happened the last time and how the beating nearly killed Lawson.
Each day she took him something different to eat so she could watch his enjoyment. The man had an insatiable appetite. And each time he groaned his pleasure her hunger grew, only it had nothing to do with food. God, how she wanted him to make noises for very different reasons.
They hadn’t shared another kiss and Liv was craving to taste him again. The way he devoured her with his possessive stare told her he felt the same, but he never acted on it. They shared picnics on his mattress and talked for hours about everything and nothing, but he never made a move.
Cassie was right. Liv was falling for Lawson. She couldn’t help it. She wanted to feel his strong arms around her again. It had been the safest place on Earth, and when he’d held her, she knew he’d always protect her. His lips against hers spoke of unfulfilled desires that she ached to experience.
And for that reason, she was risking it all, even her life, to help him in any way she could. Above all she wanted him set free to live his life to the fullest, as it should be, even if she weren’t a part of that life. No one deserved to be a prisoner, certainly not Lawson.
A blaring horn startled her back to the road, and she slammed on her brakes. Skidding to a halt at a stoplight, she barely missed an oncoming truck. The driver reached from his window, showing his appreciation by way of his middle finger in the air. Heart thumping in her throat, she waved apologetically, but that garnered an onslaught of impressive profanities. In fact, she memorized a couple of phrases for future use.
Fully alert and paying close attention to the road, she made her way through the town, surprised it wasn’t busier on such a beautiful afternoon. She expected to see more people out enjoying the perfect weather. But the streets and establishments were desolate. According to GPS, she was nearing her destination, which was in the heart of downtown and she hadn’t seen a soul, except for her friend, Mr. Potty-Mouth.
Pulling off the road onto a graveled parking area, Liv stopped her Jeep and turned off the engine. Glancing to the sign in front of the rustic building, she read Scott Café, which was the name Lawson mentioned. His family’s business. Lawson didn’t work there but his parents owned it, and his twin sisters helped run the place.
Gathering the courage to walk inside, she inspected the area. The building was quaint on the outside, and the grounds surrounding it were well kept and inviting. She prayed that was a welcoming sign for all types of patrons.
Lawson gave her the first names of his family members, and she hoped that would be enough to start a friendly conversation.
He wasn’t aware of her plans to visit his hometown. He was under the impression she was giving his family’s names to Bart and letting him handle the dirty work. Part of her wished she had drug Cassie along, but she was worried her friend would not only object, but keep her from going, as well.
Stepping down from the Jeep, Liv took a few deep breaths. Her heart was racing faster at the thought of this meeting than with her near-collision with the foul-mouthed truck driver. Sweat slicked the back of her neck and she wiped damp palms across the sides of her shorts, trying to calm her nerves. It was now or never, she thought, making her way to the entrance of the eatery.
Stepping inside, she was greeted by a delicious aroma. It reminded her of childhood visits to her grandparents. Her grandmother was always in the kitchen cooking or baking something divine. It smelled of home and comfort and love. Whenever she would ask her grandmother why her meals tasted so much better than anyone else’s, she always replied, because I make it with love. There was such truth in that. She felt it with every bite she had ever taken, and now she was experiencing it again. It was if she had stepped home.
Within moments, a tall woman stepped in front of her, so close they were practically touching.
“What do you want because I’m sure whatever it is, we’re out of it,” she sneered in Liv’s face.
That warm, cozy feeling turned into a bone-chilling nightmare as Liv looked up into cold, gray eyes.
“I’m looking for the Scott family. Lawson told me about his parent’s restaurant, and I was hoping to talk to one of them,” she replied, scared to death but standing her ground. Surely, his family would welcome any information she had to offer.
The woman was tall. No, tall was an understatement. Liv was tall, but this woman was an Amazon, easily six feet tall. She was undoubtedly a shifter. But was she the shifter Liv needed to talk to?
Latching onto Liv’s arm, the woman drug her out the front door and down the few steps to the sidewalk leading to the parking lot.
“Who are you and what do you know about my brother? Don’t play games with me because I won’t hesitate to snap your spine, female,” she spat, tightening the grip to Liv’s limb.
Now she saw the resemblance. It wasn’t just the gray orbs but the fire behind them. She had seen the same fury when Lawson retaliated against his attackers.
“My name is Oliva Kimbro. I’m a friend of Lawson’s, and I know where he’s currently being held prisoner. He’s concerned about you, about all his family. I just wanted to tell him his family is safe. Can you help me?” she asked, and the woman released her grip.
“What about my father…and Ryan? Are they with him?” the woman asked as she gnawed on her lower lip.
Liv could tell the woman was on the verge of an emotional meltdown as worry replaced her anger. Eyebrows drawn together, she clutched nervously at her slender neck. Looking closer, Liv could see the dark circles under her eyes and knew this had to be one of the twin sisters he’d talked so fondly about.
He also told her how close he was to his sisters and how protective he was. Liv didn’t know which sibling was towering over her but the woman’s voice quivered when she spoke, and her hand trembled against her neck. Liv wanted to reach out and comfort her but stayed put.