Liv bounced on the passenger seat of Lawson’s beat-up truck as it barreled down the dirt road leading to Safe Haven. She glanced over to the sexy shifter behind the wheel and smiled. His wide grin matched the one plastered on her face.

They had good reason for their excitement. The initial results from Jeremiah’s infusion supported her theory. Injecting Ravins with the blood from a shifter with an established mating bond suppressed the horrid side effects experienced by the aging species. There was a substantial likelihood they could reverse it all together, and cure all shifters that turned Ravin. The prospect had Liv close to exploding with excitement.

Liv couldn’t imagine what it was like for their kind. How awful to know you could lose your sanity and transform into a savage creature typically seen in horror films just because you were getting older and decided you didn’t want to marry. Well, the shifter version of married, Liv amended. Humans might have shorter lifespans, but they didn’t suffer the same fate as shifters if they decided to stay single.

If you asked her, turning Ravin was an awful fate for Lawson’s kind. The term for the condition seemed mild and didn’t fit what Liv saw. Werewolf. That was the only word that came to mind when Liv saw Jeremiah for the first time. His body was overly hairy, and he had an elongated snout with lethal incisors, reminding her of the creature from Werewolf in London. It still sent shivers of fear through her body when Liv recalled how Jeremiah tossed Lawson around like he was a rag doll. Lawson was huge. The most muscular male she’d ever met, which made Jeremiah’s attack more terrifying.

In all her years as a microbiologist, she’d never seen a genetic makeup like that of a Ravin. Or shifters, in general, for that matter. Their regenerative abilities far exceeded any test subject she’d studied, including the starfish and spiny mouse. If Liv could clone that alone, she’d be the next Nobel Prize winner.

Her mind whirled at the possibility. Not that notoriety was her goal, but what scientist didn’t dream of such recognition. Ultimately, she pursued a career in medical research to help others. She’d always dreamed of helping humans, but her world was bigger now. And, this latest discovery could possibly cure thousands of shifters who’d turned Ravin.

One particular shifter came to mind. Ryan Scott, Lawson’s brother, was experiencing side effects associated with turning Ravin. Liv saw the stark terror in Lawson’s eye when he spoke of the changes he’d seen in his brother. It would destroy Lawson and his sisters to lose Ryan after the recent deaths of their parents. Liv loved Lawson more than anything and was determined to help his brother before it was too late.

“What do you say after we tell Ryan the good news, we head over to our spot for a private party?” Lawson asked, drawing Liv from her thoughts.

Their spot was the sandy beach that overlooked a small lake on the property where they lived. She and Lawson spent many nights, and a few days, making love there, and she couldn’t think of a better way to celebrate their latest discovery.

“Sounds perfect,” she replied and slid across the large seat. “I’ve got a ton of energy I need to burn,” she muttered as Lawson drove his truck around the side of the hotel and parked near the back door.

Liv noticed Cassie’s car parked several cars over and smiled. Cassie spent every free moment with Lawson’s brother, and Liv admitted this was a first for her friend. Cassie was notorious for short-term relationships, yet she and Ryan were going on four months now. Maybe things were getting serious, Liv thought. She whole-heartedly approved of the couple and hoped she was correct.

Lawson killed the engine and turned in the driver seat. Liv noted his jovial demeanor disappeared, and the expression on his face had Liv concerned. “Hey, why so serious?” she teased in her best Joker voice. She and Lawson were suckers for superhero movies, and The Dark Knight was by far his favorite Batman flick.

He gave her his famous smirk and grabbed her hand. She acknowledged her attempt at lightening the mood failed, and her heart raced at what was bothering him.

“I know we haven’t talked about this for a while, but I think the time is right,” Lawson began, absently rubbing her hand with his thumb. “The pack has settled into a routine, and I feel like I’ve got everything under control,” he added and met her gaze.

Steel gray eyes held her in place. She found it hard to concentrate on his words when he looked at her that way. Her body ignited to an inferno, and all she could think about was jumping his bones.

He reached up and caressed her cheek. “What I’m trying to say, Sunshine, is I want to share my life force with you. That is if you still want me,” he professed.

Liv was dumbstruck. It was the last thing she expected him to say. When he stated they needed to wait to share his life force, she figured it would be close to a year before he was ready to take that step. And, she understood why, so she hadn’t pushed. Alphas ruled their pack with an iron fist, and if Lawson shared his life force, it would weaken him physically. He wanted to gain a better footing with the newly-formed pack before he committed to her which made perfectly good sense.

“Please say something,” he blurted, drawing Liv out of her stupor.

She threw her arms around his neck and screamed, “Yes! Yes! Yes! Do you even have to ask?” she exclaimed. In the next breath, his mouth crashed against hers.

Liv crawled into his lap as she smothered him in kisses. “You had me worried for a minute,” he muttered against her mouth.

“Well, maybe I should show you instead,” she whispered and maneuvered her hand between their bodies, rubbing the bulge she felt against her hip.

“Play with fire, and you’re likely to get burned, Sunshine,” he husked as his hand trailed up her leg and disappeared beneath her skirt. When Lawson cupped her sex, a loud moan escaped her throat.

“Light me up, baby,” she croaked as she ground against his palm

“How about a quickie?” Lawson murmured, teasing her bundle of nerves through the silky fabric of her panty.

“Not too quick, I hope,” she countered with a laugh then quickly scanned the area to see if any members of the household were outside.

The soft light created by Liv’s family of solar-powered gnomes told her they were alone, at least for the moment. She knew there was a good chance someone might walk out and see them, but that was half the fun. Doing something naughty and not getting caught. She couldn’t resist the temptation and popped the button of Lawson’s jeans.

“Never,” he responded then tugged the fabric down her legs.

Arousal coursed through her system and Liv gave herself to the moment and Lawson.

Lawson tucked his shirt in his jeans then helped Liv climb out of the truck. He shared a knowing look with his female as he shut the vehicle’s door. His sexy redhead continued to surprise him. She was wanton as hell, and he couldn’t get enough of her. Already his body was hardening and aching to take her again. He shoved aside his urges and grabbed her hand, leading her toward the back door of the hotel.

His chest puffed with pride. He was going to share his life force with Liv, and he couldn’t wait to make the announcement to his family and pack members. He and Liv had dealt with their fair share of shit, and come out stronger because of it. He couldn’t wait to take this next step with the female he loved.

Lawson opened the back door to the hotel then followed Liv into the industrial-sized kitchen. He spotted their chef, Ashley, at the stove. The attractive female looked up and smiled their way.

“Hola, señor Lawson. Hola, Liv,” she crooned as she stirred the contents of a large pot.

“Hola, Ashley. Cómo te va?” Liv asked and walked toward the female. She peeked inside the stainless-steel container and inhaled deeply. “Yum. Is that enchilada soup? Perfect choice on this cold night,” she added.

“Si, but clearly you two don’t need my sopa,” Ashley said with a wink.

Lawson watched Liv blush to her roots. It was sexy as fuck and his cock pulsed in the tight confines of his pants. He wanted to throw her on the counter and ravage her luscious curves again, regardless of their audience.

“What are you talking about?” Liv asked innocently then looked his way.

Lawson smiled but said nothing. No way was he about to deny that Liv rode him like a bucking bronco. Hell, he was more than happy to draw a detailed picture of the experience.

“Don’t play that game with me, chica. Just look at your shirt,” Ashley said with a laugh.

Liv looked down and burst into laughter. “Okay. Guilty as charged,” she confessed as she fumbled with her crooked top. “In my defense, it was Outlaw’s fault. He made me an offer I couldn’t refuse,” she said and winked at him.

Ashley’s cackle sent Lawson over the edge. He laughed so hard he choked. He’d never heard a female that sounded like a hyena, but the feisty Hispanic was a dead ringer for the animal.

“Is Ryan around?” he managed on a sputter.

He wanted to tell his brother about his plans to mate with Liv, but more importantly, he wanted to share Jeremiah’s latest update with him.

“I haven’t seen him. Cassie’s still here, so check his room,” she replied.

Lawson was aware that Liv’s friend was spending a lot of time with Ryan and he hoped his playboy brother didn’t break the female’s heart. His brother didn’t think twice when it came to philandering and typically didn’t care who he hurt. In fact, he’d seen females arguing in the hall over Ryan after he had sex with one then hooked up with another female the next night. In fact, his brother’s behavior reminded him of another shifter. One that almost ruined Lawson’s life with her manipulative ways.

He still couldn’t believe Kristi, a former pack member, slipped drugs into his drink and took him to her bed. It was a one-night stand he neither wanted, nor needed, and it nearly destroyed his relationship with Liv. The betrayal pissed him off and had his wolf howling for blood over the incident. It was one thing that the female took advantage of him, but it was the hurt it caused Liv that had him ready to murder her.

The painful episode proved two things to Lawson. One, Kristi wasn’t the caliber of shifter he wanted in his pack. Her behavior forced him to banish her from Safe Haven. Trust and loyalty meant everything, and she possessed neither. And two, he learned precisely much Liv meant to him.

He shook off the negative thoughts regarding Kristi. The unscrupulous female didn’t deserve his time or energy. She was out of their lives for good. Liv was his future. He wanted to live the rest of his life with her.

“Okay, will do. Thanks, Ashley,” he said and reached for Liv’s hand.

After they left the kitchen, he turned toward Liv. “Let’s talk with Ryan first about the latest news, and then I’ll gather the pack together so I can announce our plans.” Liv beamed from ear to ear, and Lawson loved that he was the reason for her happiness.

She nodded her agreement and stood on tiptoe. “I love you, Lawson Scott.”

“Love you more,” he replied and placed a kiss on her lips.

They walked through the main entrance of the hotel and headed for the rickety elevator. Lawson and the other shifters had renovated most areas in the ninety-year-old building, but he found the original elevator charming and refused to update it. Plus, the slower-than-molasses enclosure provided him ample time to grope his alluring female while creeping to the third floor.

“Didn’t you get enough in the truck?” Liv teased as Lawson slipped his hands under her blouse to feel her supple flesh.

“Nope,” he whispered while his palms trailed higher, squeezing her lush breasts.

“So, I was thinking,” she muttered and arched into his palms, “Not sure when we want this event to take place, but Christmas is right around the corner…” she hedged then paused when he maneuvered his way inside her bra.

The sizeable globe filled his palms, and her nipples hardened when his thumbs ran over the pebbled surface.

“You were saying,” he chortled playfully. Liv was doing her best to ignore his touch and failing miserably.

“Huh? Oh, yeah,” she panted. “Maybe we could do it then. A huge celebration. Food, decorations, the whole works.”

The familiar ding sounded, telling him the cop-a-feel fun was over. Lawson repositioned her bra then straightened her top before placing a tender kiss to her full lips.

“Sounds perfect. And, this is to be continued,” Lawsone said with a smile and grabbed her ass, pulling her against his straining erection.

“Don’t blame me. You started it,” Liv murmured, and he gazed into beautiful green eyes.

Desire, raw and demanding, mirrored his need. Liv was wildfire in his hands, and it was next to impossible to let go and focus on what he needed to do.

The elevator door slid open, and Lawson released his hold. Twining their fingers, he led the way to Ryan’s room. The suites on the third floor were reserved for the Scott family and their guests. Lawson appreciated the privacy it provided for him, his brother, and three sisters. He wanted everyone at Safe Haven to feel like they were part of one family, but he needed his blood close.

They stopped at Ryan’s door, and Lawson knocked three times. His sensitive ears picked up movement on the other side, and a few seconds later, the door opened.

Cassie stood in a plush robe, her long brown hair dripping wet. She looked to Liv and suddenly burst into tears. Liv released his hand and immediately wrapped her arms around Cassie, trying to console her friend.

“What’s wrong?” Liv asked as she looked at Lawson, her brows furrowed.

Lawson could see Liv’s confusion, but he couldn’t deny the douse of ice to his veins. Something was terribly wrong, and he wasn’t going to like it. His mind automatically assumed the worst. After the death of his parents, Lawson’s greatest fear was losing his brother to the disease that took all unmated shifters.

“He’s gone. Why would he do this?” Cassie sputtered as she buried her head against Liv’s shoulder.

“Who’s gone?” Liv asked and pulled back, meeting Cassie’s gaze.

“Ryan,” she blurted.

“What do you mean gone?” Lawson demanded, and Liv glared his way, her expression indicating he better go easy on Cassie.

Fuck that, he needed answers. Ryan would never take off and leave their newly-established community. His chest constricted as panic assailed. What could’ve happened for his brother to take off without telling him?

Cassie turned and walked into the room. He and Liv followed, and he watched the female walk to the dresser and pick up a piece of paper.

“I came out of the shower about fifteen minutes ago and found this,” she divulged and handed the paper to Lawson. He glanced down and saw it was a handwritten note from his brother.

Cassie, Forgive me for leaving like this, but I’m too far-gone. I would never forgive myself if I hurt you, or anyone else. Please tell my family I’m sorry for letting them down. And DO NOT come looking for me! You can’t fix this. Thanks for everything. You’re an incredible female, and I’ll never forget you. May the force be with you, R

Lawson couldn’t stop the snicker. That was Ryan, always joking, even in a crisis. He looked at the letter again. The squiggly letters told Lawson his brother’s hand was shaking when he wrote the note. Was he closer to turning Ravin than Lawson thought? If only he and Liv arrived sooner.

Guilt quickly assailed. Lawson was so consumed with asking Liv to share his life force that he pushed aside the urgency to help his brother. Not to mention how much time he wasted with sexual gratification when he should’ve been telling his brother they could help him. Now, his brother was on the run, and it was his fault.

His mind whirled over where Ryan might’ve fled. Ravins were insane, but they were good at escaping and evading capture. If Ryan went full-blown Ravin, they might not be able to catch him in time.

“Fuck!” he shouted and reached up, yanking his hair. His wolf howled in his head, making it impossible to concentrate.

“I’ve got to go,” he blurted and turned to leave. He felt a hand latch onto his arm, stopping his movement.

“I’m going with you,” Liv informed, making him meet her gaze. He knew by the look in her eyes that there would be no arguing with her.

“Fine. Come on. We’re wasting time,” Lawson barked and grabbed her hand.

“Okay, let’s think about this for a second,” Liv said, stepping closer.

She placed her hand on his chest and Lawson immediately relaxed. She had a way of calming his nerves that he didn’t understand. His wolf immediately quieted, and Lawson could focus again. This was just one reason Liv was the female for him. He nodded his head, indicating she had his attention.

“We need a game plan. Let’s tell your sisters what’s happened, and figure out where he might’ve gone. Cassie, did he ever mention any places that he felt a strong connection to?” Liv asked her friend.

“Nothing comes to mind. The only place I remember is Dunlap. Ryan told me he was very fond of the location,” Cassie offered.

Lawson planned on going there first. It was their hometown before Lawson, Ryan, and their father were kidnapped and thrown in captivity. It was a small town where he and his brother thought they’d live forever, raising families of their own. But after escaping the cells of Primary Research Lab, they agreed it wasn’t safe to return to Dunlap. Too many shifters were abducted and used as lab rats by the sick and twisted bastard, Jim Jensen. As much as Lawson hoped Ryan didn’t go back to their hometown, he didn’t know where else to look.

“Any place else? Think hard, Cassie. Did he ever talk about taking you anywhere or showing you a particular landmark or memory of his?” Liv questioned.

“No, nothing. We spent most of our time between the sheets. Talk was overrated in our opinion. Now, I wish I’d asked the deeper questions…” Cassie trailed off.

Lawson could see Cassie was extremely distraught and felt terrible for the human. He didn’t have the heart to tell her that Ryan didn’t do deep, with any female.

“It’s not your fault. At least we have a starting point, right?” Liv asked and glanced over at Lawson. “Look, I really need to check on Jeremiah before we leave. If our search takes some time, I want to make sure all my bases are covered. How about you go and talk to your sisters while I run to the lab? I’ll meet you back here,” she explained.

Lawson took a deep breath. Liv was right. Finding Ryan might take longer than he anticipated, and he should get his affairs in order, as well.

“Okay, sounds good. A few hours?” Lawson asked, and Liv nodded her head.

“I’m going, too. And, don’t even try to stop me,” Cassie interjected. Lawson opened his mouth to say there was no fucking way she was coming with them but felt Liv’s eyes boring holes in the side of his head.

“Whatever,” he snapped. “But if you’re not ready in exactly three hours, I’m leaving your ass.”

It was imperative he find Ryan. He was certain they could help him, but they couldn’t do that if he went into hiding. And then what? Would his brother fall victim, like so many other shifters, and become a Ravin?

That wasn’t happening. Not if Lawson had anything to say about it.