Lawson climbed in the Jeep as Liv was saying goodbye to Staci. “Everything okay at the lab? It wasn’t about Jerry, was it?” he asked as he buckled up and threw it into drive. The Jeep skidded along the gravel when he floored the accelerator.

“Yeah, everything is great, actually. Staci managed to get Jax’s address, and Jeremiah continues to get better each day,” Liv replied.

“Who’s Jax again?” he asked. The name sounded familiar, but he couldn’t place it.

“Jeremiah’s brother. I’m thinking about contacting him to see if he wants to visit his brother. Maybe Jeremiah will be well enough, and they can both attend our Christmas celebration,” she offered and gave him a knowing look. That was when they planned to share his life force. Lawson wanted that more than anything, but he needed to find Ryan first.

“Might be less awkward for them if they’re with a group,” she continued as they drove toward the Packard cabin. Lawson hadn’t been there in years and hoped he remembered how to get there.

“Or, it could make it worse. Don’t get your hopes up, Babe. This might explode in your face. But, I’m definitely looking forward to our party,” Lawson murmured with a smile.

Liv grinned at his last comment. “Well, I’m going with this will be the best reunion ever,” she declared.

“Okay, but don’t say I didn’t warn you,” he replied. Blood was thick, but wounds ran deep when it came to family feuds. And, Lawson was well-aware of the kind of destruction a Ravin could leave behind.

“I know, but I have to try. Anyway, that’s not the best part. Staci said our latest test with the shifter blood, and cancer cells was encouraging,” Liv rambled, and he could hear the enthusiasm in her tone. She had worked so hard with little return on her investment, so it was nice to see her make some headway.

“That’s fantastic. What did you do different?” he asked, suddenly feeling inadequate about his scientific knowledge.

“We incorporated polyphenol extracts, believe it or not. There has been such hype regarding these superfruits and their health benefits that I thought, why not try a combination of that and the shifter blood from a shared life force. Oh, by the way, the Andersons stopped by the lab and donated more blood. They have been a godsend. Don’t let me forget to do something special for them,” she sputtered at a million miles per hour.

She was in overdrive, and Lawson knew there was no stopping her now. She would probably be up until the early morning hours going through Staci’s latest reports.

Lawson spotted a small convenience store that looked open and pulled into the lot. “I’ll fill up the Jeep then run in and see what they have for food. Need anything?” he asked Liv.

“Grab some beer or wine, if they have it,” Cassie muttered, making him glance in the rearview mirror at the brown-haired female.

It had been a rough day for Cassie, too. Between her anxiety over finding Ryan then seeing him in Ravin form, she looked like she needed a drink worse than he did.

“Got it. Anything else?”

“Ooo, see if they have anything sweet. I’ve got a craving,” Liv said, and Lawson cut his eyes her way.

“I’ve got a craving for something sweet, too,” he replied and reached over, sliding his hand between her thighs. Her eyes flared with his touch, and she blushed to the roots.

“I was thinking more along the lines of ice cream or maybe pie,” she countered, but he didn’t remove his hand.

His finger grazed the apex of her thighs, and Liv’s tongue darted out slightly, licking her lower lip. Despite her words, she was aroused by his touch.

“Me, too. Pie sounds delicious,” he teased with a wink.

“Pahleeeease, would you two get a room? My ears can’t take this abuse,” Cassie interjected, once again destroying their moment.

“You’re spoiling all my fun, Cass,” Lawson declared as he exited the Jeep.

Fifteen minutes later, he walked out of the store, arms loaded with six bags of any and everything. You’d think they were going to be at the cabin for a week with all the shit he bought, but he couldn’t concentrate on anything but Liv’s sexy body, so he kept tossing items in his basket. He unloaded the grocery bags into the back of the Jeep and hopped into the driver side.

Several miles down the road, he spotted the Packard mailbox and turned onto the dirt path leading to their cabin. The sun dipped below the skyline and darkness followed. He forgot how quickly daylight disappeared in this area after the sunset. His shifter eyesight kicked into gear, much like turning on the bright lights of a vehicle, and his surroundings became clear again.

“Oh, it’s so cute,” exclaimed Liv as the cabin came into view.

“I don’t care about cute. All I want is a hot shower and a cold drink,” Cassie muttered.

Lawson pulled beside the small structure and parked. Each of them grabbed their bag of clothes and a few shopping bags then he led them to the front porch. From what he could see, the place was kept in good condition. The log cabin itself was low-maintenance, but it was obvious someone was taking care of the grounds.

He used the key Henry gave him and opened the front door. He reached to the wall inside and fumbled until he felt the switch. Soft light brightened the room, and Lawson scanned the interior.

Dark green sofas and a brown Lazyboy took up most of the front area. A large fireplace separated the kitchen and dining area from the living room. Off to the side, a hallway led to three bedrooms, if he remembered correctly.

“Brrr,” Liv announced as she huddled in her coat.

“I’ll start a fire in just a sec,” he replied as he made his way to the kitchen while Liv and Cassie explored the rest of the cabin.

Lawson opened the refrigerator and put away the items that would spoil if left on the counter. He scanned the room, surprised how clean everything was, given Annette said they hadn’t been there in a while. Other than a little dust, the place was immaculate.

He exited the back door and walked the short distance to the storage shed. Again, he was impressed with how clean it was. He wondered who was keeping an eye on the place for the Packards. Grabbing as many logs as he could carry, Lawson walked back to the house and made a mental note to ask Henry who their caretaker was. Perhaps if he could find a reliable person, he and Liv could buy a place nearby. A getaway, of sorts.

Placing the wood by the fireplace, he proceeded to build a fire. Minutes later, the pop and crackle of burning logs filled the room. Wouldn’t take long before the place was nice and toasty for his cold-natured female.

Lawson walked back to the kitchen and opened several drawers, looking for a bottle opener. Liv and Cassie entered the kitchen just as he popped the cork. “Wine?” he asked, holding up the bottle of Merlot.

“Yes,” they replied simultaneously, and he searched the cabinets until he found the stemware. He poured two glasses and handed them to the females.

“Aren’t you having any?” Liv asked.

“No. I’m going to go back to Deerhead and look for Ryan. You two make yourselves comfortable,” he explained as he grabbed Liv and tugged her to his chest.

“Well, I’m taking my wine…and these,” Cassie quipped as she grabbed a bag of Doritos, “I’ll be soaking in the tub if anyone needs me.”

He watched Cassie disappear down the hall then took the glass of wine out of Liv’s hand and set it on the counter. “I thought we’d never be alone,” he muttered and cradled her face in his palms. His body was ramped to overdrive after the run-in with the Ravin, and he needed his female.

“I know. I almost jumped you in the Jeep when you put your hand between my legs,” she muttered softly then wrapped her arms around his neck.

His mouth came down hard and fast on her luscious lips. She tasted of wine and sunshine, and Lawson was immediately intoxicated. He devoured her mouth, plunging inside to taste and explore.

Liv lifted one leg and hooked it around his waist. Lawson reached between their bodies and rubbed her sex like it was a magic lantern, granting him his wildest fantasy. She moaned in his mouth and writhed against his hand as he massaged her.

“I hope Cassie takes long baths,” Lawson husked and picked Liv up, placing her on the kitchen countertop.

He took a step back to appreciate the female before him. Liv reached up and tugged the band that secured her long red hair. It fell in loose waves down her back as she looked at him with raw need.

“I thought you had to go,” she purred as she slipped off her coat and tossed it to the floor.

“I do, but I’ve been going crazy ever since we left the hotel. We didn’t finish,” he declared as he removed her boots then tugged her jeans from her body.

“Better hurry and warm me up,” she said and shivered. Lawson ran a hand across her legs and felt goosebumps under his fingertips.

Lawson eyed her pink, silk panties and his mouth watered at the damp spot between her legs. He stepped closer, positioning his body between her thighs as he slipped his hand between her legs, teasing the flesh beneath the thin fabric.

“Lawson,” she panted as he worked his fingers across the silk, causing friction against her clit.

“Just need to know you’re ready,” he whispered as he slid his fingers under the silk.

Wetness greeted his hand, and he smiled. “That’s my girl,” he said as he popped the button on his jeans. He shoved them, along with his underwear, to his knees as he pushed her panties to the side. “I’m afraid I won’t be taking my time.”

“I’m ready, Outlaw. Take me now,” she encouraged and scooted to the edge of the tile surface.

The height of the counter perfectly aligned her core with his groin and Lawson grabbed his shaft and stroked it, spreading his pre-cum along his length before shoving inside her welcoming heat.

It wasn’t romantic, fucking her half-clothed on the kitchen counter, but he needed this. And, by her response, she needed it, too. It seemed he wasn’t the only one feeling the stress after seeing the Ravin. Lawson pounded her tight sheath with deep, forceful pumps as he gripped her thighs. She latched onto his shoulders and dug her nails into his flesh. He didn’t even mind that she was scratching his injury. They were seeking release, taking what they needed from one another.

He didn’t even bother with kisses. He was too preoccupied, watching Liv’s expression as he thrust inside her body. She was exquisite, her beautiful face bathed in pleasure.

It didn’t take long before their moans turned to grunts. Lawson’s orgasm hit hard and fast, and he muffled his shout as his seed spurt from his body. Liv leaned forward and bit his shoulder as her body trembled with her release before his waned. He pulled her tight against his body, cradling her until their bodies relaxed.

“You’re so fucking incredible,” he murmured then took her face his in his hands. Now, he could kiss her.

Lawson poured the love he felt into this simple act as their mouths moved together in an erotic dance made for them. He would do anything for this precious female. Liv was his everything, and he wanted her to feel it.

When he pulled away, she was breathless. Her chest heaved, and her pants fell like a warm blanket across his face. “Wow, I don’t even know what to say except we might need to install a kitchen counter in our room at the hotel,” she sputtered.

Lawson laughed as he reached down and grabbed her jeans. He guided one foot in and then the other. In the next second, she shimmied the denim up her legs and thighs hiding the center of his universe from view.

“Consider it done, Sunshine,” he replied as he pulled up his pants and buttoned them.

“Well, maybe not a counter, but we definitely need something that’s about this height because that was, well…unfucking real,” she exclaimed as she fanned her face.

“Mmmm,” he muttered as he gave her another kiss. “I hate to sex and run, but I really need to go,” he confessed and put his hands on either side of her hips, staring into pools of green that lit his world.

“I know. Just please be careful and don’t do anything reckless. Come back to me,” Liv insisted and grabbed Lawson’s face with both hands.

“I promise. You relax, and I’ll be back before you have time to miss me,” Lawson said and kissed the tip of her nose then leaned over and opened the refrigerator door.

He pulled out a container of chocolate-covered strawberries and handed it to her. “For your sweet tooth.”

“You spoil me,” she said with a smile.

“Always,” he admitted then turned and walked out of the kitchen.

As Lawson reached the front door he heard Cassie blurt, “You best believe you’re sharing those, chica, especially after what my virgin ears overheard between you and Mr. Foot-long.”

A smile spread across his face, and Lawson shook his head. He would let Liv deal with Cassie, he thought and shut the door behind him.

“Not sure what you’re talking about, but help yourself,” Liv replied coyly as she offered Cassie a strawberry. She wasn’t about to share the details of what happened in the kitchen moments before her friend walked into the room.

“Hmm mmm, whatever you say,” Cassie replied with a twist to her mouth. “Damn, these are delicious,” she added after she took a bite of her strawberry and refilled her wine glass. “I don’t blame you though. I’d have done the same thing if it was Ryan and me,” she muttered and took a deep swig of Merlot.

“Nice jammies,” Liv blurted with a grin as she attempted to change the subject.

Cassie looked down at her frog-covered flannel PJs. “Yeah, they’re Ryan’s favorite. Whenever I wear them, he says they make him want to jump me. As if he needs incentive,” Cassie stated then downed her glass of wine.

“You okay? It’s just the two of us now, so you don’t have to act like you’re fine,” Liv said and offered her friend another chocolate-covered berry.

Cassie grabbed the treat and took a bite. “Honestly, I’m a wreck. I seriously hope Lawson finds Ryan because he’s worse than I imagined. That was fucked up, seeing him like that,” she admitted as she nibbled on the strawberry.

“I know. I remember the first time I saw Jeremiah. It was terrifying, and he isn’t someone I love,” Liv said as she took a drink of wine. She didn’t know what it was about wine and fruit, but it was a party in her mouth.

“I never said I loved him,” Cassie snapped.

“Would you stop already? There’s nothing wrong with admitting you love Ryan.”

Cassie sighed. “I suppose. I just think if I’m going to say it, the first time should be to him.”

Liv understood. Saying I love you, especially the first time, should be special. Part of her wanted to tell Cassie the earth shattering news about her and Lawson, but she decided against it. Now wasn’t the best time. Cassie was too upset about Ryan to get excited over Liv’s news. Once they found Ryan, and Cassie knew he was okay, she’d be ecstatic over the announcement. Maybe then Cassie would confess her true feelings to Ryan.

“Fair enough,” Liv replied. “So, you hungry?” she said as she hopped off the counter. “I have no idea what he boug––“

A loud crash outside the kitchen window startled Liv, and they both jumped.

“What the fuck was that?” Cassie blurted with a yelp.

“I have no idea. Maybe a wild animal?” Liv responded.

“A huge animal by the sound of it,” Cassie said as she looked out the window.

“See anything?” Liv asked.

“Hell, no, I don’t see anything. It’s pitch black out there,” Cassie exclaimed.

Another crash echoed, and Liv grabbed a chef’s knife from the drawer. “Come on. Let’s go see what it is,” she instructed and tightened her grip on the blade’s handle.

“Have you lost your fucking mind? Going out there, in the woods, alone? I suddenly feel like we’re at Camp Crystal Lake and Jason’s making his grand entrance,” Cassie said as she jumped behind Liv’s back.

“Maybe, but I’m not going to sit here and do nothing,” Liv replied.

“Great. Lead us to our demise. I’m right behind you,” Cassie spouted as Liv grabbed her cell phone.

One thing she’d learned about fear. You could run and hide, or face it head-on. The choice was hers. Truth be told, she wasn’t a big fan of running.