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.

Liv felt eyes staring her way and glanced around the room. What she saw wasn’t judgmental or condescending. All she felt from the others was joy and happiness.

Until she locked eyes with Tyler. The malevolence on his face was a stark contrast to the peaceful atmosphere in the room. Why did he dislike her so much? She’d done nothing but try and establish a friendship with the man.

Tyler broke their stare to look at his cell phone. His fingers moved across the screen, and Liv wondered who he was texting. Maybe he found another pack to join. She would gladly help him pack. Liv turned her focus back to Lawson and his heartfelt speech.

“In conclusion, I would like to say a few words to the Goddess Gaia. Please join hands with those sitting beside you,” Lawson announced and Liv reached over and grabbed her mother’s hand.

“We give thanks to you, Gaia. For each new morning with its light. For rest and shelter of the night. For health and food. For love and friends. For everything thy goodness sends. Enjoy this incredible bounty, and may your cup always overflow with good fortune,” Lawson concluded and raised his glass in cheer.

Cheers and claps erupted around the room then everyone stood and made their way to the buffet. Liv remained seated, waiting for Lawson. He stopped and chatted with a few pack members and Liv watched in awe. He was a born leader and she couldn’t wait to see what the next chapter would bring for them.

Lawson walked to the end of the buffet where the desserts were spread out and picked up a plate and a bowl. Her face scrunched in confusion. What was he doing? He piled the plate with cake, cookies, and a hefty piece of pumpkin pie then loaded the bowl with Ashley’s homemade whipped cream.

He sauntered towards her, and Liv saw hunger of a different kind in his steel gray eyes. When he made it to her side, he reached into his pocket and pulled out a piece of black fabric and tossed it in her lap.

“What’s this?” she asked and picked up the silky material. As she unfolded it, she realized it was the sash of her night robe.

“Dessert first,” he husked and offered his arm.

“You’re a very naughty boy, Outlaw,” she answered and slipped her arm through his.

Liv couldn’t predict what the next week, month, or year had in store for her and the sexy shifter but she knew for certain it would be a wicked adventure.