Lawson peered through wolf eyes. He turned his head, craning his neck to see if Liv was still by his side. Pain tore through his belly and spread down his hind leg. His wounds were healing, but he still had a way to go before he was himself again. He’d never been shot that many times. He was damn lucky to be alive.

“Hey, Outlaw,” she murmured, and he took a deep whiff, inhaling her lemony scent.

He tried rolling over to face her, but her palm held him in place. “I don’t know what you think you’re doing, but please don’t move,” she muttered, her tone serious. His long tongue darted out and licked her face, causing her to giggle. “Yeah, I bet you’re frustrated, but you have to stay immobile until Ryan comes in and checks your wounds.”

A deep rumble vibrated in his throat. He was well enough to shift. Fuck his brother. He needed to wrap his arms around Liv and hold her close. His ears pricked when he heard footsteps approaching their door. Seconds later, a knock sounded.

“Oh, I bet that’s him now,” Liv blurted and jumped from the bad. She opened the door, and his head lifted as Ryan, and his three sisters walked into the room.

“How’s our patient doing?” Hannah asked as she crouched by the bed, and rubbed his head like he was some pet. He growled. Nobody but Liv could coddle his wolf. “Yeah, yeah, I hear ya. Keep up the growling, and I’ll slap a muzzle on you,” Hannah added which earned her a snap from his jaws.

“Alright, brother, we get your point,” Ryan said as he walked over and sat on the edge of the bed. “I can only imagine how agitated you are right now, so I’ll make this short and sweet then leave you be. I’m going to remove your bandages and check how you’re healing,” he explained as he reached over and carefully removed the tape and gauze.

Lawson tried to get a look at the wounds, but he couldn’t see much with Ryan’s hands in the way. He looked over at Liv to see her reaction but couldn’t determine anything from her stoic expression.

“Damn, bro, you must have superpowers with how good theses incisions look. Or maybe it was the gifted hands of your surgeon,” Ryan joked. “I’d say you could shift whenever you’re ready.”

Lawson growled, letting his siblings know they needed to get the fuck out of his room ASAP. As a group, they lifted their hands in surrender and said a quick goodbye, promising him they would be back in a bit to visit his better half that wasn’t so ornery.

As soon as they left the room, Lawson shifted.

“Hey there,” Liv greeted and came to sit on the edge of the bed. She grabbed the blanket and covered the lower half of his nude body.

“Hi,” he answered hoarsely. It felt like he hadn’t spoken in months with how dry his throat was.

“Do you want some water?” she asked and he shook his head. All he wanted was Liv.

“No, I’m fine. Come here, Liv,” he ordered and reached for her hand. She came willingly, and he pulled her to his chest. He sucked in a breath as pain assailed and Liv jerked upright.

“I’m so sorry,” she blurted, but he pulled her to his chest again, this time careful to mask his discomfort.

“Don’t worry about hurting me. I need you here with me,” Lawson confessed and wrapped both arms around Liv, hugging her tight. It wasn’t that long ago he doubted she would ever be in his arms again.

“I’m not going anywhere,” she declared and looked up to meet his gaze. Lawson’s heart leaped in his chest at the emotion he saw in her eyes. “I belong right here with you,” she said and smiled, lighting his entire world. The gray clouds parted, and the sun came back to his world when Liv was near.

“Liv,” he groaned and cupped her face in his palms. “I love you so much,” he murmured then claimed her lips.

Sweetness filled his mouth as he kissed, licked, and sucked her soft lips. His cock sprang to life, demanding action. “I need you,” he husked.

“Oh no. You aren’t ready for that,” Liv announced as she pulled away from Lawson's mouth.

Lawson looked down at the pitched tent beneath the blanket and nodded toward his erection. “I’m quite certain that I’m more than ready.”

“Well, you tell Mr. Eager to chillax because we’re not going there right now. I’m serious, baby. I want you completely healed.”

“That implies that we will once I’m better,” Lawson interjected with a raised eyebrow.

“If you’re a good patient,” Liv smirked.

He chuckled then tugged her close, wrapping his arms around her waist. He took a deep breath, enjoying the familiar scent of her hair as it fanned across his chest.

“Mmm, if only I’d known,” he murmured.

“Known what?” she whispered as she played with the hairs on his chest.

“That all I had to do was take a few bullets to get you back where you belong. I’d have done that weeks ago,” Lawson admitted.

“Don’t even joke about that. When I saw Jim pull that trigger, I about had a heart attack,” she professed and lightly slapped his chest.

“Well, I’m on the mend. I hope that doesn’t mean you’ll be leaving soon. Liv, please stay. I know we can work through this, but I need you here with me,” Lawson admitted and put a finger under her chin and lifted, forcing her to meet his gaze.

“I have a confession to make,” she muttered.

“What’s that?” he asked as he twined his fingers through her long red hair.

“I had an epiphany while talking with Cassie. It dawned on me that what we share is so much greater than what separates us,” she professed and reached up to caress his cheek.

Her words soothed his restless soul. He didn’t realize how much he needed to hear her say she wasn’t there because he was injured. It wasn’t a pity party for the weak. She genuinely wanted to be there. She wanted him.

“Liv, I’m so sorry about what happened the night of the Halloween party. Please know that I’m not interested in anyone but you. I want only you,” he vowed as he cupped her face in his palm. “Only you,” he repeated and gazed into beautiful green eyes that set his body on fire.

“What about Kristi?” she asked, and he saw the genuine hurt in her eyes.

“She’s gone. I told her she didn’t belong here. She was an opportunist, and that’s not the caliber of shifters I want living here. I hope you believe me when I say it will never happen again,” he divulged and watched as a single tear slipped from the corner of her eye.

Lawson made a mistake he would regret forever. He might’ve been drugged, but that didn’t change the fact that he slept with Kristi. He wished he could erase the whole fucking night, but he couldn’t. All they could do was put it behind them and move forward.

“Seeing you with her was the most painful experience of my life. I hope you mean what you say because I can’t go through that again,” she admitted, and he kissed the tear trailing down her cheek.

“I love you, Liv,” he muttered and claimed her soft lips.

“Do you?” she murmured as their mouths moved together in a familiar dance.

“How about I show you instead?” he whispered as his hand traveled lower to cup her breast.

She moaned as he caressed the creamy globe. “I look forward to that…after you’ve healed,” she said and moved his hand to her side.

Lawson groaned and threw his head back. “Ugh, fine. Let’s change the subject,” he urged and tucked a silky lock behind her ear. He noticed a red mark on her neck then recalled the leather cord and wolf charm he gave her. “Where’s your necklace?”

She swallowed and looked away. “Yeah, about that…”

“What? Did something happen to it?”

“After Jim shot you, he came at me,” she explained, and Lawson immediately saw red. If that male put his hands on her again, Lawson wouldn’t just kill him. He would slowly torture him then castrate the fucker so he would bleed to death.

“And?” he barked, unable to leash his anger.

“I killed him. I took that wolf you made me and shoved into his jugular just like you said. He’s dead, Lawson,” she informed him.

“Liv, I’m so sorry you had to deal with that. I wish I had killed him. I wanted to make him pay for what he did to you and my father. That wasn’t your burden to bear,” he acknowledged and caressed her cheek.

Liv was too pure to have Jim’s blood on her hands. It was his fault, and he would never forgive himself for taking her along. He knew better than to put her at risk, but the selfish part of him had wanted to spend time with her.

“I hated Jim as much as you. And he would’ve killed you, me, and anyone else that got in his way. I don’t regret killing him. I wish we had done it when we the chance months ago. Then you wouldn’t be laying in this bed recovering from gunshot wounds,” she voiced and reached up to palm his face.

“So where’s the body?” he asked, hoping the authorities weren’t involved. That’s the last thing the shifter community needed.

“Cassie and I shoved him into the trunk of his car and followed Ryan back here so he could operate on you. I honestly don’t know what happened after that because your brother told me not to worry about it. That he would take care of everything,” Liv explained, and Lawson had a suspicion that Jim’s body was a pile of ash and his car was at the bottom of the lake behind the barn. That’s’ what he would’ve done if it were up to him.

“That fucker got what he deserved, but I wish I’d been there to protect you. I’m so sorry,” he admitted and placed a tender kiss on Liv's lips.

“Well, you kinda did protect me. If I hadn’t had that wolf charm, who knows what might’ve happened,” she replied, and he silently thanked Gaia for giving Liv the courage and strength to defeat Jim Jensen.

“You’re incredibly brave, Olivia Kimbro. Remind me never to go toe to toe with you,” he said and kissed her nose.

“Don’t forget it, either,” Liv teased and kissed the corner of his mouth. It ignited his ardor, and his cock jerked with need. Forget it, buddy. She’s making us wait.

“Will you move back in with me? I miss Milo,” he said with a smirk as he rubbed circles on her back.

“Ha. You probably only want me to come back because of my dog,” Liv teased.

“Maybe just a little,” he replied and dipped his head to kiss the sensitive flesh at the base of her neck.

“I’m going to go to my Mom’s in just a bit if you think you can manage without me for a few hours,” she muttered as he trailed kisses along her throat.

“I’m not sure. I might relapse if you leave,” Lawson murmured against her flesh. She tasted so fucking good, and he inched up to nibble her earlobe.

“You need to stop that,” she insisted but leaned her head, giving him more access.

“But I can’t,” he whispered. “You drive me wild, Sunshine,” he murmured then claimed her lips again.

Lawson gingerly explored her mouth when she parted her lips. He gently stroked his tongue against hers, enjoying her moans. He couldn’t heal fast enough because when Liv gave him the green light, he would pound her body until she screamed for mercy.

Liv backed out of the driveway and pulled onto the street where her mom lived. She beeped her horn at her mother as she drove away. Milo barked from his perch on her lap when he saw her mom wave goodbye to them. It was kind of sad to be leaving. Liv had enjoyed the quality time spent with her mom. At least she could visit Safe Haven, now that she knew Liv dated a shifter.

Liv didn’t know why she hesitated to tell her mother about him. Noel was one of the most open-minded people she knew. In fact, she encouraged Liv to work it out with Lawson and said she’d never seen Liv so happy since meeting him.

“Milo, buddy, are you ready to go back to Hollow Rock and see Lawson?” she asked in the baby voice she used with her dog.

He jumped onto her chest and licked her face, almost causing her to run off the road. “Okay, okay. Settle down before you end up in the passenger seat. We have one stop to make before we head home,” she told him and took a deep breath.

She hadn’t seen Bart since the morning after the Halloween party. They texted a few times, but that was it. Their conversations mainly consisted of him asking how she was holding up after her breakup with Lawson. She still felt guilty about what happened between them and certainly didn’t mean to lead him on. There would never be anything but feelings of friendship on her part if he even wanted that. She wouldn’t blame him if he hated her. Regardless, she needed to tell him face to face she was moving back to Safe Haven. They were business partners, and she hoped he respected that if nothing else.

Liv pulled up to the guard station and rolled down her window, smiling at Nick as he stepped out of his booth. “Good evening, Miss Olivia. It always makes me smile when I see you pull in. And hello to you, too, Milo,” he bellowed then reached into his booth and came back holding a dog treat towards her pug.

Milo latched onto the snack then proceeded to chomp away. “Thank you, Saint Nick. My pup and I have a soft spot for you, as well. Is Bart around?” she asked.

“Yes ma’am. Just drive on up to the house, and I’ll let him know you’re here. Make sure you say hi to your friend Cassie for me,” he said as he pressed the gate release so she could pass through.

“Will do,” she said with a wave. Cassie would get a kick out of him sending her a message. She kidded around with Liv about wanting to do him, and Liv wondered if she would go through with it if given a chance. Maybe not since she was gaga over Lawson’s brother, she amended.

Liv pulled up to the house then grabbed Milo as she exited her vehicle. She walked up the few steps to the oversized doors and knocked. Her heart raced at seeing Bart again. Would he act differently? And what would he say about her going back to Lawson? She had a sinking feeling she already knew what his reaction would be to that.

The door opened and Patricia, Bart’s cook, greeted them. “Hello, Olivia. Please come in. Bart is in the den,” she informed, and Liv immediately knew he wasn’t happy with her. Bart always came to the door to greet her. Hell, he usually ran out the front door to sweep her into his arms with a big bear hug.

“Hi, Patricia. So good to see you,” she replied, and the tall woman nodded then excused herself.

Patricia was wearing one of her elegant pantsuits with her hair coifed to perfection. She was the total opposite of their cook Ashley, which was odd given both women were employees of Bart’s. Ashley was down to earth and most days wore jeans and t-shirts with her hair thrown up into a crazy twist on her head.

Liv entered the den to see Bart reading in front of the fireplace. He looked up and smiled when he saw her. “Liv, what’s up? And you brought Milo. Hey, buddy,” he crowed, and Milo wiggled in her arms, wanting to be set down.

Liv placed him to the floor, and her pug took off toward Bart. He scooped him into his arms, scrubbing his back. “I’ve missed you, too,” he said with a laugh. He walked over and leaned down to place a kiss on Liv’s cheek. “So, what brings you by?”

When did she ever need a reason to visit? No fond endearment of TKO. No hug that left her gasping for air. This distance was what she feared. Their precious friendship deteriorated the minute she gave him mixed signals. She hated herself for jeopardizing something that meant the world to her.

“I just left my mom’s house and thought I would stop by and see you. Congrats on the reelection. I voted twice,” she teased and nudged his arm, trying to lighten the tension between them.

“Well, thanks twice then,” Bart answered with a smile that was dazzling. He was one of the best-looking men around.

“Um, so do you have plans for Thanksgiving?” she asked, needing a segue into her next topic.

“Haven’t even thought about it. Wow, it’s next week, isn’t it?”

“Yep. I was hoping you’d come to Safe Haven and join us. My mom is coming, and Cassie will be there, too,” she hedged and carefully watched his reaction to her news.

“So you went back to him? After what he did to you, you went back?” he asked and shook his head.

“Bart, there’s a lot more to the story than you realize. I didn’t come to debate this. I made my decision. And the last thing I want is to argue with you. I just wanted you to hear it from me. I hope we can still be friends,” she muttered and met his chocolate-brown eyes. There was no warmth or mirth displayed across his face. Only disappointment.

“I don’t want to argue, either. I’ll always be your friend, Liv, but I refuse to sit and watch him break your heart again. I appreciate your invitation, but I’m afraid the answer is no. Please give my love to your mom and Cassie,” Bart said and handed Milo to her. “I better get back to my paperwork,” he added and turned to walk her to the door.

When they reached the entryway, Bart leaned down and kissed her cheek again. “Take care, TKO.”

“You, too, BS,” she replied, and when the door closed, tears spilled from her eyes.

Liv went to Bart’s house, wanting to reconcile their friendship, but what she got instead was a goodbye.