Lawson rubbed his face as he made his way to the room next to his, wanting to check on Ryan. The last thing he wanted was to fall asleep, but as soon as he stepped out of the shower, fatigue got the better of him. He vaguely recalled Liv tending to his injury but didn’t remember lying down or falling asleep.

He quietly entered the room, hoping the Ravin had released control, and that his brother was lying on the bed. Lawson could scarcely make out the form in the darkness, but he could tell it was the Ravin. The creature was still sedated which was odd. The tranquilizer should’ve worn off hours ago. Lawson stepped closer to the cell, glaring at the beast. He refused to allow this monster to take his brother from him. He vowed he would do whatever it took to bring Ryan back to him and his sisters.

“Be patient,” Jeremiah offered, intruding into Lawson’s thoughts.

He glanced at the cell next to his brother’s. ‘I hope I didn’t wake you,” Lawson replied then heard a click.

Light from Jeremiah’s bedside lamp cast a soft glow throughout the open space and Lawson could see the male sitting on a bed. Jerry was still wearing the clothes from the night before, and his bed was made. It seemed the male hadn’t slept a wink since he and Liv left the room.

“You didn’t. Was just lying here thinking about today,” Jeremiah admitted and stood up to stretch. “I don’t know how much of a hold the Ravin has on your brother, but for me, the beginning was the hardest.”

“How so?” Lawson asked. It seemed to him like it would be the opposite.

“There is this rush of power that the Ravin brings. It’s very enticing. You don’t realize its manipulation until it’s too late. I enjoyed the change in the beginning. I felt like I could rule the world. It wasn’t until I couldn’t control the beast that I wanted out. By then, of course, it was too late. Hopefully, now that your brother has been given a dose of the shared lifeblood, he can see the error of his ways,” Jeremiah explained.

Lawson recalled his personal experience. Yes, he did feel a surge of power, but not once did he want to give into it. He wondered if it was different for each shifter. Maybe some fell victim easier than others. He prayed Ryan fell into the latter category.

“Thank you for telling me. That makes sense now that I understand it better,” Lawson said as he watched the Ravin in the other cell.

“Keep the faith, and don’t give up on him,” Jeremiah reassured. “Having your support will be a huge benefit. Trust me.”

Lawson could hear the hurt in the male’s voice. “You’ve got our support, too. Don’t ever forget that,” he promised. “I better go see if Liv is up. We’ll be heading back to Safe Haven soon, so get your game face on,” he said with a nod of his head.

“Roger that,” Jeremiah called out as Lawson turned and left the room.

He walked to the other holding area and realized he hadn’t checked his phone in a while. And then it dawned on him that he didn’t know where he put his cell phone. The last time he recalled using it was right before he went searching for Ryan outside Cassie’s home. It was in his jacket pocket, he remembered. He must’ve lost it in the woods when he shifted.

“Fuck,” he cursed as he walked into the room.

“What’s wrong?” Liv groaned as she sat up and rubbed her eyes. Her long hair was a wavy mess, but she looked more beautiful than ever.

“I just realized I lost my phone in the woods by Cassie’s,” he replied and sat on the edge of the bed.

He leaned over and kissed her lips. Lemony sweetness surrounded him as her scent washed over him. Liv wrapped her arms around his neck and leaned back, tugging him with her, kissing him with abandon.

“Screamer, you’re playing with fire,” he murmured against her mouth.

“You’re terrible,” she scoffed and punched his chest. “How is Ryan? And Jeremiah?” she asked

“The Ravin is still sedated, but Jerry is ready to go when we are. I don’t think he slept at all last night,” Lawson explained as he brushed red tendrils away from her face.

“That doesn’t surprise me. He seemed petrified about leaving. We’ll have to keep a close eye on him when we get back,” she commented as she got up and walked to the bathroom.

“I agree. As soon as you’re ready, we can go,” Lawson replied. The sooner they got back to Safe Haven, the better. He imagined Knox was ready to release his interim title as Alpha.

The Jeep bounced down the dirt road to Safe Haven, and Lawson looked at the hotel as it came into view. He couldn’t stop thinking about Ryan, and part of him hated leaving the lab, but he needed to check on his sisters and the pack. He’d already been gone longer than expected, and he didn’t want his shifters to think he was the type to abandon them. It was crucial they trust his leadership.

Liv looked over her shoulder at Jeremiah. “I’m sorry about the cold air blasting you,” she apologized, referring to the broken windows.

“No worries. I’m enjoying the fresh air. It’s the first time my wolf has stirred since turning Ravin. It feels good,” he admitted as he took in the scenery.

“Well, this human is freezing her butt off. I can’t wait to get inside. My first stop will be in front of the fireplace,” she confessed as she huddled in her jacket.

“And, my first task will be replacing your windows right after I check in with Knox and my sisters. I’m sure they’re going to be pissed at me for not touching base,” Lawson said as he pulled around the back of the hotel and parked.

“Yeah, and I wasn’t much help, either. I have a dead battery and my charger is with my things at the cabin. Great team, huh?” Liv teased as they climbed out of the Jeep and headed toward the back door.

Lawson grabbed her hand and twined their fingers. “I think we’re a perfect team,” he said with a knowing wink.

As soon as they stepped inside the hotel, they were bombarded by a ranting shifter. “Why the fuck haven’t you returned my calls?” Knox blurted. “Didn’t you see my text messages? Do you not know what A-S-A-P stands for?”

“I lost my phone so, no, I haven’t seen shit. And, yes, I know what it fucking stands for,” Lawson barked in return. “What has your panties in a wad?”

“Me,” growled Tyler as he stepped into the industrial-sized kitchen. Lawson should’ve known. Devin mentioned the male was causing trouble while he was away.

“What’s your problem now, Tyler? I told you before I left that you could be a part of this pack, and be a team player, or go elsewhere,” Lawson countered. He’d been through enough shit the past few days and wasn’t in the mood for Tyler’s crybaby antics.

“Well, that’s where you’re wrong, Chief,” he spat. There was that term again, and Lawson couldn’t help but wonder why he used it with such vehemence.

“How so?” Lawson asked and crossed his arms over his chest.

“Things have changed since you left,” Tyler announced, his dark brown eyes pinning him with a glare.

“I’m afraid I’ll need more than that. See, I left Knox in charge, so if there’s anyone that needs to report anything, it would be him,” Lawson voiced, and then his mouth slammed shut when Kristi Marsh stepped from behind Tyler’s back to stand beside the male.

Lawson’s blood immediately boiled upon seeing her. He kicked the female out of his pack when she drugged and seduced him. Because of her, his relationship with Liv almost ended. The sight of her now made him want to strangle her with his bare hands.

“What the fuck are you doing here?” Lawson gritted through clenched teeth.

“Tyler invited me. I’m with him now,” Kristi purred and cocked her hip.

She was dressed in typical Kristi fashion. Cut-off shorts that barely covered her ass and a sheer t-shirt that showcased her bouncy breasts. He immediately glanced to Liv who was staring at Kristi and could only imagine what was running through her mind.

“Is that so?” Lawson asked and his gaze returned to Tyler.

“Yep. You made a mistake by sending Kristi away. This pack needs a strong Alpha female. You’re oblivious to that because you’re fucking a human,” the male sneered, and Lawson’s rage exploded.

He lunged at Tyler, knocking him to the kitchen floor. He punched but missed his face, hitting the hard tile. He swung again, and his fist landed against Tyler’s jaw. Tyler turned and struck him in the nose, and Lawson rolled to the side. In the next breath, Kristi grabbed Tyler, pulling him away from the skirmish.

“Save your energy,” she scolded Tyler. The male met her gaze, and they shared a knowing look then Tyler nodded.

Lawson got to his feet and wiped an arm across his face. A trail of blood stained the S&K sweatshirt he borrowed. It was then he realized most of the pack had found their way into the kitchen. No doubt, curious about the ruckus.

“Yeah, save your energy. You’ll need it to pack your shit. I want both of you out of here within the hour,” Lawson roared.

“That’s not going to happen,” Tyler countered as he rubbed his jaw.

“Says who?” Lawson answered. What the fuck was the male’s problem? Lawson would personally throw him, and his worthless female, out on their asses if need be.

“Says me. Today, I make it known to the pack of Hollow Rock, that I, Tyler Trim, challenge Lawson Scott for the position as Alpha,” he declared boldly.

A hush fell over the kitchen, and Lawson felt all eyes on him. Was the male serious? He met Tyler’s gaze and saw nothing but contempt and hatred. Apparently so, he concluded. Lawson had no idea why the male detested him, but he’d be damned if he let Tyler take his pack without a fight.

Lawson’s wolf howled in his head, urging him to accept. “When is the next full moon?” he barked at Knox as his mind whirled over what was happening.

“Tomorrow night,” Knox replied.

“We can wait until the next full moon to prepare for battle,” Tyler interjected, and Lawson jerked his head toward the male.

“No! No waiting. You want my title? We do this tomorrow,” Lawson growled as his fury rose. “Knox, Devin, I need you to research the area. Find a suitable location pronto. As soon as you have it, report back to me. I accept Tyler’s challenge. The battle will take place under the full moon tomorrow night. Now, if you will excuse me,” Lawson announced and grabbed Liv’s hand. He needed to explain what was going to happen next, and there wasn’t much time.

“Not yet,” Kristi spat. “There’s just one more thing.”

“I don’t have time for your shit. As soon as I defeat Tyler, you will leave this pack and never step foot on this property again,” Lawson growled, and Liv stepped beside him in a united front.

“Oh, I think you’ll make time for what I have to say,” Kristi sneered as she stepped closer.

Lawson rolled his eyes and shook his head at the conniving bitch. “Fine. What is it?” he huffed.

“Today, I make it known to the pack at Hollow Rock that I, Kristi Marsh, challenge Olivia Kimbro for the position of female Alpha,” she declared, and Lawson’s mouth dropped.

He’d never heard of such. The Alpha’s female was never challenged. It wasn’t an official role within the pack.

“This is preposterous,” Lawson exclaimed and turned to walk away.

“No, it isn’t. You’ve chosen a pathetic human to stand by your side. That weakens this pack. If she wants to be a part of this life, then she needs to earn it,” Kristi spat as she shot a look Liv’s way.

Lawson glanced down at Liv. Her expression was stoic, and he couldn’t get a read on her. He turned his back to Kristi and faced Liv.

“You don’t have to do this. There is nothing that states you must fight for this position. Tell her no,” he ordered and she met his gaze.

Liv was silent for several minutes. He could see the struggle in her eyes.

“Tell her no,” he repeated.

“But she’s right,” Liv whispered. “If I want to be a part of your world, I must earn my place. Kristi is the first, but others will think they can bully me. I don’t have a choice.”

“We need to discuss this privately. I want you to understand what you’re accepting,” he implored.

“All I need to understand is that I’m fighting for what I believe in. I’m fighting for us,” she muttered then stepped to the side so she could see Kristi.

“I accept your challenge,” Liv declared, and gasps echoed throughout the room.

Lawson’s gut twisted, and his heart dropped to his feet. What had he done? Liv was human and didn’t understand pack ways. He brought her into his shifter world, and now he may lose her because of it.