“Everything okay?” Lawson asked.

He could tell Liv was upset by her tone during the phone conversation. Bart was such a prick. The male knew Liv hated their strained friendship, yet he continued to hurt her. Lawson didn’t understand why Bart was acting like he was. They’d been nothing more than friends for years, and yet, now that she found happiness with another male, he decided to pull out his jealousy card like he had a claim on Liv. He was ruining one of the best friendships he had. Dumbass!

“Yeah,” she answered with a forced smile. “Bart said he would see what he can find out, so that’s good,” Liv explained, her voice cracking with emotion. Lawson tried to meet her gaze, but she turned her head and stared out the passenger window.

“Why do you bother with that egotistical sonovabitch? I don’t care if he helps us, or not. It’s not worth it to see you this way. He should consider himself lucky to have you as a friend,” Lawson barked.

He wished the motherfucker was in the Jeep so he could throat punch him for upsetting Liv again. She was as loyal as they came and the male had zero appreciation for her. Then again, his soft-hearted Liv wouldn’t approve if Lawson hit Bart, so it was probably for the best that the male wasn’t in striking distance.

“Well, I don’t know about you two, but I’m starving. Anybody else want some lunch?” Cassie piped in, and Lawson glanced in the rearview mirror to see the female giving him a death stare.

Yeah, yeah, yeah. Lawson knew the moment the words flew from his mouth it was the wrong thing to say, but he couldn’t keep silent. He shouldn’t give Liv a hard time about Bart, but the asshat was a complete douchebag. Lawson wanted his female always happy and smiling.

“Probably a good idea. We might be searching for a while, so we should eat now,” Lawson responded then heard Cassie rummaging through the cooler they brought along for the drive.

“I’m not hungry,” Liv mumbled and continued to stare out the window.

“I think you’ll change your mind in about two seconds,” Cassie said as she peered inside one of the plastic containers.

Liv turned around, and Cassie handed her two plastic containers, a couple napkins, forks, and two water bottles.

Lawson watched as Liv slowly pried off one of the lids. “Oh, wow. You got that right, Cass. Be thankful I wasn’t in charge of lunch. It would’ve been a PB&J with a bag of chips. Ashley went all out. There are chicken Caesar wraps and three-bean salad,” Liv gushed as she handed Lawson half of a wrap.

It was a relief to see the tension leave her face. As soon as the pungent aroma hit Lawson’s nose, he understood why. He took a bite and groaned as the flavors of seasoned chicken, chopped lettuce, and tomato exploded in his mouth. Ashley’s spicy Caesar dressing was the best shit he’d ever tasted. He put it on just about everything.

The next several miles passed in silence. Well, not quite. The sound of chewing filled the air as they inhaled the delicious food. Lawson was so engrossed in his sandwich he almost missed his turn. He quickly jerked the wheel, skidding off the two-lane road, and onto the less traveled dirt path. He was grateful for the Jeep’s four-wheel drive because he was certain his beat-up truck wouldn’t have made it ten feet in the muddy terrain.

Liv dipped a fork in the bean salad and reached over to offer him a bite when they suddenly hit a bump. In the next moment, the container flew from her hand, and the food went sailing. The incident brought out Liv’s smile, followed by her snort. He watched as she covered her nose and mouth in embarrassment, and he gave her a knowing wink. She hated her obnoxious laugh, but he absolutely adored it.

“Maybe we should save what’s left of the salad for later,” she suggested then pressed the lid onto the container.

“Good idea,” he agreed as he brushed beans and cucumber from his jeans.

He took a swig from his water bottle and glanced out the window. Nostalgia hit when Lawson noticed a familiar clearing up ahead. This was the place he and his family loved to come. They shared many happy memories by the lake. A heavy weight landed on his chest followed by an ache that made him rub the area.

“We’re here,” he announced as he drove toward the open space.

“Dude,” Cassie exclaimed and sat forward, perching between their seats. “This is unbelievable!”

“You can see why Ryan loves it here,” Lawson stated as he quickly parked the Jeep and hopped out.

The outdoors called to his wolf and Lawson breathed deep, allowing the crisp air to fill his lungs. Nothing better than nature and the wilderness, he thought as he led them to the water’s edge. His kind preferred locations like this to the densely populated concrete jungles of larger cities.

Lawson glimpsed to the clear blue sky. It was a perfect day, and it reminded him of the last time he and Ryan went fishing. It was a couple weeks before Lawson’s kidnapping, and he chuckled at the memory. The two of them spent more time drinking beer than fishing, which was typical for their outings together. Life was simple back then. They worked hard and played harder.

“This makes our lake at Safe Haven look like a puddle,” Liv interjected as her head darted from side to side.

He grabbed her hand and twined their fingers. “Yeah, it does. And, this baby is chock-full of crappie, largemouth bass, sunfish, and bluegill. When we were just kids, we would stand on the edge here and cast all day. Then one summer Pop bought us a small boat, and that was it. We were here for the next three months from sunup to sundown. One of the best summers of my life,” he admitted as his mind traveled back to that time in his life.

Liv scooted closer and placed a hand on his chest. “I love it. We’ll have to come back when it gets warmer,” she muttered, and Lawson gazed into heated green eyes. His redhead was feeling frisky, and he suddenly wished her friend hadn’t tagged along.

“I imagine you two brought lots of women here,” Cassie interrupted and then their moment burst, like a pin popping a balloon.

He shook his head and looked over his shoulder toward the female. Cassie huffed then tossed a rock into the lake.

Liv nudged him and whispered, “She’s feeling insecure and wonders if Ryan left to get away from her.”

“Actually, Cass, we had a rule. No bitches allowed,” he admitted, and Liv slapped his chest.

“We’re not bitches,” Liv scoffed.

“That’s right. We’re manwhores,” Cassie countered, and she and Liv burst into laughter. Lawson assumed it was an inside joke because they were laughing a little too hard.

Suddenly, Lawson heard a twig snap. His head jerked toward the trees as he placed a finger to his lips, hushing the females.

Leaves rustled nearby, and he whispered, “Stay here, I’ll be right back.”

On light feet, he sprinted in the direction of the noise. Up ahead, he saw movement, and a figure darted behind a large tree.

“Ryan?” he muttered.

No reply.

“Ryan!” he shouted louder.

Nothing.

He crept closer and spotted the sleeve of a jacket peeking out from behind a tree. Lawson wasn’t sure if it was Ryan’s jacket, so he moved a little closer, cursing himself for not grabbing the tranquilizer gun from the Jeep. Lawson didn’t think he needed it at the time, but now he wished he had it. What if it wasn’t his brother? His wolf growled a warning in his head, and Lawson prepared to shift.

As soon as he rounded the small group of trees, Lawson saw the owner of the jacket.

It was his brother, alright, but he didn’t look like Ryan.

The creature before him looked more like Jeremiah than his brother. The same contorted face with fur, elongated snout, and sharp teeth jutting from its jaws.

Ravin. His brother had become a demented creature straight out of a nightmare.

Lawson couldn’t help but recall his own episode before leaving the hotel. He was on the cusp of becoming the same monster, and if that happened, he would hurt, or possibly kill Liv. It was imperative that Lawson have Liv treat him soon, but more importantly, Ryan needed help now.

As Lawson met the Ravin’s gaze, he felt his brother’s presence. It wasn’t too late. Ryan was still in there. They could save him before too much damage was done.

“Hey, bro. We’ve been looking for you. Come back home so we can help you,” Lawson muttered and reached for his brother.

“Get away,” the creature spat. Its voice was gruff and barely audible.

“No,” Lawson countered. “I won’t abandon you. Liv can fix this. We just need to get you to her lab,” he explained.

“Leave!” Ryan shouted then took off into the woods.

Lawson followed, but the Ravin was too quick. He remembered chasing Jeremiah on the four-wheeler. Ravins were faster than shifters, and Lawson contemplated shifting to wolf form.

When the Ravin increased its speed, Lawson was left with no choice. Thank fuck he brought extra clothes, he thought as he shifted, and felt his clothes rip and fall to the ground.

As his wolf took control, Lawson’s senses sharpened, and his speed surged. It didn’t take long before he was on the heels of the creature. Lawson howled, hoping the Ravin would turn around. When that didn’t happen, his wolf lunged and pounced on its back.

The Ravin stumbled and fell to the hard ground. They rolled several times before slamming into a tree. When the creature tried to get away, Lawson’s wolf bit down on its shoulder.

The Ravin roared in pain and Lawson’s wolf bit harder, wanting blood. His wolf didn’t differentiate between Ravin and Ryan. It didn’t care. Lawson knew his animal wouldn’t let go until the creature was dead. His heart thundered in his chest, and he panicked. He couldn’t kill his brother. His sisters would bury him alive, and his parent’s deaths would have been in vain. The whole reason his mom gave Liv the container filled with his father’s blood was so Liv could help others.

Lawson forced his wolf to recede then shifted again. He wrapped his arms around the Ravin’s torso, caging it in his arms. It took all his strength to maintain a hold on the feral beast.

“Don’t do this, bro. It’s me, Lawson, and I love you. Let me help,” he gritted as he struggled to hold onto the Ravin.

He felt the Ravin relax slightly and Lawson eased off on his tight grip. Maybe he was getting through to him. “Ryan, I know you’re scared shitless, but I promise we can help you. Liv’s cure works,” he panted as he tried to catch his breath. The Ravin was strong as fuck, and he didn’t know how much longer he could hold him.

When the Ravin sighed, Lawson let go, carefully watching the creature’s next move. At first, it just stood there, staring at him. This close, Lawson could see every detail on its face. The dense flesh on his face and snout. Long hair covered what he could see of his hands and neck. But the brown eyes staring back at him were all Ryan.

“It’s okay. I’m here now. Try shifting into your wolf. That might help you gain control again,” Lawson encouraged as he thought back to his episode at the hotel.

Releasing his wolf saved Lawson when he feared he would lose the internal battle for dominance against the foreign entity in his mind and body.

And then Ryan’s familiar brown eyes filled with rage.

And the Ravin attacked.

Lawson didn’t see it coming and wasn’t prepared. The Ravin knocked him to the ground and, in the next blink, he felt sharp canines bury deep in his upper arm. Pain assailed, and Lawson cried out as he pounded his fist against the Ravins’ head.

Suddenly, a shadow appeared overhead, and a large branch came into view right before it smacked the Ravin’s skull. The creature was knocked to the side, and Lawson looked up to see Liv standing over him like a mama bear protecting her young.

“Ryan, we’re here to help you, but I’ll be damned if I allow you to hurt Lawson,” she shouted.

Lawson watched in awe, and couldn’t think of a time when he’d seen such bravery. She was a vulnerable human, yet prepared to fight a vicious creature on his behalf. She continued to amaze him. Yet that didn’t stop the fear that raced through his veins like wildfire. Liv was in danger standing this close. Her only experience with a Ravin was Jeremiah, and he luckily regained some control after his treatments. Ryan, on the other hand, was a wild animal that would tear her apart.

The Ravin eyed her closely then growled. Liv took a step towards the beast and swung the branch. Lawson jumped to his feet and stepped in front of Liv, guarding her.

“We’re not your enemy, we just want to help,” Lawson blurted and held out his hands in surrender, making sure to keep his body between Ryan and Liv.

“Ryan?” came a voice, and Lawson turned to see Cassie standing behind him and Liv. He noticed she was carrying his boots and was relieved they weren’t destroyed when he shifted.

Cassie’s eyes bulged as she perused the creature standing in front of her. “Is that you?” she asked with a shaky voice.

“Leave me alone!” shouted the Ravin before he turned and fled, vanishing into the woods.

Liv dropped the branch and grabbed Lawson, turning him to face her. Her eyes landed on his injured arm, and she cried out, “Oh, my, God! Are you okay?”

Lawson looked at his arm. It wasn’t a deep wound and would heal in a day. “I’m fine. And, since when did you become such a badass? And, so reckless?” he teased and wrapped his arms around her waist. “Don’t ever do anything like that again. He could’ve killed you.”

“Hey, nobody messes with my man,” she declared and claimed his lips.

Their mouths crashed together, and the kiss quickly turned fervent. Lawson’s hands roamed Liv’s backside, and he tugged her against his straining erection. This female ramped him up from zero to a million in an instant. Damn, he wanted her. Right here, right now.

“Um, hello! Still here, you two,” Cassie interjected.

Liv broke the kiss and murmured, “TBC, Outlaw,” then removed her coat and wrapped it around his waist, covering his nude body.

“Damn, I thought he was about to play hide the foot-long right in front of me. And, what the fuck was that thing? Please don’t tell me that was Ryan,” Cassie exclaimed as her arms flailed wildly.

“I know it looks bad, but don’t freak out,” Liv replied and walked over and put her arm around Cassie’s shoulder. “Jeremiah is improving every day, and I believe in my heart we can help Ryan, too. We just have to catch him, right?” she said and looked to Lawson.

“Yeah. I needed the tranquilizer, but it’s in the Jeep. Let me change clothes then I’ll drop you off at the Packard’s cabin,” he informed them.

“Are you not coming with us?” Liv inquired, and he noted the concerned look on her face. “Your wound needs to be cleaned and dressed,” she added, looking at his arm.

“It will be fine. I’m going to look for Ryan again. It’ll be dark soon, and I’m hoping he remains in the area. I promise I won’t be long. You can play nursemaid when I get back,” he said with a wink as he took his shoes from Cassie then trekked to the Jeep.

Lawson’s thoughts were all over the place. One, his brother was farther gone than he expected. Two, he wasn’t sure what that meant for him. Would he deteriorate as quickly as Ryan? Three, he wasn’t comfortable with Liv and Cassie tagging along now that he’d been the target of Ryan’s temper. He didn’t trust his brother not to hurt the females, and he was more than happy to drop them off at the cabin where they would be safe.

When they reached the Jeep, Liv’s cell phone was ringing. She glanced at the screen and muttered, “It’s Staci. I better get it.”

She climbed inside the Jeep, and Lawson grabbed his duffle bag. “I’ll change out here,” he said to Cassie as she joined Liv in the cab of the vehicle.

“Don’t get all shy now, foot-long. I saw every glorious inch earlier when you––” Cassie spouted, but he slammed the car door before she could finish.

He didn’t have the patience to deal with her right now. In fact, he hoped there was an open liquor store nearby because he needed a drink. This day had gone from bad to worse. Way fucking worse.