Lawson hopped off the four-wheeler and walked to the barn, looking for his brother. Knox mentioned Ryan was working on their latest metal project. After Lawson constructed a custom gate at the entrance to Safe Haven, several people asked Bart about purchasing something similar, and Bart brought the idea to Lawson.

Lawson loved forging metal and jumped at the opportunity. Bart wanted a small finder’s fee, of course, but Lawson agreed. It was a way to earn an income and enable him to buy the property from Bart eventually. If the hotel was going to become a Safe Haven for shifters, Lawson needed to find a way to make money and fund the project. Combining shifters and humans as their customer base, Lawson was confident they could run a profitable business right from the property.

“Hey, bro, how’s it coming along?” Lawson asked as he approached Ryan.

His brother was bent over a large sheet of metal, sparks flying in every direction as the welder worked its magic. The protective headgear prevented his brother from hearing anything, so Lawson reached out and tapped the hard helmet.

Ryan jumped and then turned off the machine before removing his headgear. “Fuck, don’t do that. You scared the shit out of me. You’re lucky I didn’t scorch your ass,” Ryan threatened and pointed the welder towards Lawson.

“Damn, are you going deaf or what? You should’ve heard me a mile away. Old age must be taking its toll,” Lawson joked while acknowledging there was some truth to that statement.

His brother would turn 86 soon. He might only look to be in his early thirties, but the clock was ticking. If he didn’t share his life force soon, he could go mad and turn Ravin. It was a chance many shifters took. Lawson understood why his brother hadn’t mated, but he didn’t want to lose him to a disease that caused so many to go insane.

“Bite me. I’m fine. So, what do you think?” Ryan asked, looking down at his fabrication.

“It’s badass, bro. The detail on the vines and flowers is incredible. They’re going to shit themselves when they see the finished product,” Lawson replied as he picked up the photo the customer sent of what they wanted. His brother had nailed the image.

“Thanks. I think they’ll be happy. Hopefully, word will spread and we’ll get some more business. How did it go at the facility in Jackson today?” Ryan asked as he wiped a sleeve across his sweaty brow.

“Yeah, that’s why I came looking for you. No doubt there are shifters inside that building. I could feel their presence. There’s not a huge staff from what I could gather. I say we plan a raid in the next few days,” Lawson replied and glanced towards the house.

Liv should be getting home soon. He left her a note to change into comfortable clothes and that he would pick her up at seven.

“Sounds good to me. Why you so dressed up? Somebody die?” Ryan teased.

“Fuck you. I’ve got a date with a hot redhead in about an hour. Think you can make yourself scarce? I need some privacy at the lake,” he explained.

“Hey, far be it for me to interfere with a romantic interlude. I think I’ll head into town and see what trouble I can find,” Ryan smirked, and Lawson knew by trouble his brother meant getting laid.

“Don’t go messing with any married females,” Lawson countered. His older brother had a thing for humans, notably if there was a ring on their finger.

“What can I say? The married ones don’t want anything but a good time and a little attention. And they taste so fucking good,” he quipped and licked his lips. Two words came to mind regarding Ryan. Horny bastard.

“Too much information, dude. I’ll get with you later about going to Jackson,” Lawson said as he turned to make his way to the four-wheeler.

“Later. Enjoy Liv,” Ryan barked out on a laugh.

Lawson had every intention of doing just that.

Liv slipped into her lacy bra and panties. They were red, Lawson’s favorite color. She had no idea what their plans were for the night, but she imagined clothes would come off at some point and she wanted to look sexy for him.

His message said to dress casual, so she put on her favorite jeans and a lightweight cotton sweater. October nights were cool, but if they were going to be indoors, she didn’t want to be too hot. She could always grab a jacket in case she needed an extra layer.

Excitement thrummed through her veins. They hadn’t been on a date. Ever. It had been chaotic since meeting the shifter, with one crisis after another. She was relieved that life seemed to be settling into a routine for everybody.

Lawson’s three sisters, his brother, Knox, Ashley, and two other families lived at the hotel. There had been more shifters from Lawson’s hometown of Dunlap, but they eventually left to start new lives in other cities.

Lawson said as they rescued others from various labs around the country their numbers would grow, but right now Liv enjoyed their small family. Everyone got along well and genuinely seemed to care about the home they’d dubbed Safe Haven. She smiled as she recalled Lawson saying she was his safe haven.

The sound of kissing told Liv she’d received a text message. She glanced at the screen of her cell phone to see it was from Lawson. He was waiting downstairs. She quickly typed to give her five minutes then grabbed her cowboy boots from the closet. She did a quick check of her makeup and hair then applied her favorite lip-gloss. She couldn’t get out of their room fast enough and, moments later was hopping down the stairs.

She entered the living area and heard wood crackling in the large open fireplace. This room was her favorite with its overstuffed sofas and slate tables. They had ripped up the outdated carpet and installed hardwood floors. A large cowhide covered the ground, adding warmth to the room.

Lawson was holding two glasses of champagne and staring at her like she was the only thing on the menu. “Hey there, beautiful,” he husked as she approached.

“Hi, handsome,” she replied and accepted the crystal flute then placed a tender kiss on his full lips. “What’s the occasion?”

“Every night with you is special. Why not celebrate it?” he replied, lingering above her mouth as he gazed into her eyes.

And just like that, moisture flooded her panties. Liv wanted to toss Lawson onto the soft rug and ride him until the break of dawn.

“So, where are you taking me, Outlaw?” she croaked and he smirked at her shaky voice. The man knew precisely what he was doing to her and was enjoying every torturous second.

“I thought we’d go to our favorite spot on the property,” he stated and took a sip of his champagne.

“Really? It’s a little cold for skinny-dipping,” she flirted and stepped closer. His responding groan told her she was toying with him as much.

“No swimming ton––“

“Señor Lawson, here are the items you requested,” Ashley said as she walked up and handed him a picnic basket. “Hola, Liv,” she added, her Hispanic accent thick and heavy. Liv could listen to the woman talk all day. She found her language to be very sexy.

“Hola, Ashley. When are we beginning my Spanish lessons?” Liv asked the beautiful woman.

“Anytime you’re ready. You know where to find me. Enjoy your evening,” Ashley replied with a wink toward Lawson.

“Thank you, Ashley. You ready, sunshine?” he asked and turned to Liv.

“Absolutely. Lead the way,” Liv murmured. They placed their glasses in the sizeable stainless sink as they passed through the kitchen and out the back door.

The four-wheeler was parked outside, and Liv was glad she put on a lightweight jacket when the cold night air kissed her skin. She loved this time of year with its vibrant colors and inviting scents. And, Halloween was right around the corner. It was her favorite holiday, and she planned to host a costume party at Safe Haven.

Lawson climbed on, and Liv followed suit. He handed her the picnic basket then cranked the ATV. She yelped when he punched the accelerator and took off towards the lake. The wind felt good against her face, and she wrapped her free hand around his waist, hugging him tightly.

Several minutes later, he parked the vehicle at the barn then helped her off, taking the picnic basket before twining their fingers with his free hand. He led her around the side of the barn and Liv gasped when she saw his grand gesture.

A fire burned in the sand at the waters’ edge. The flames danced, reflecting off the still water. There was a large blanket spread out beside the fire and a bottle of champagne chilling in a metal bucket. George Strait crooned softly from a portable speaker, and a thousand stars sparkled overhead as if summoned for the occasion. It was the most beautiful sight she’d ever seen.

“Oh, wow, this is perfect. You know how to romance a lady,” she confessed as she took in the scene.

No man had ever gone to this much trouble for her. She was typically impressed with an expensive dinner at a restaurant requiring a reservation. What Lawson had done was carefully planned with thought and consideration.

He exhaled, drawing her attention. “Thank the stars because I wasn’t sure if you’d like it. I was flying blind, Liv. This date is a first for me, and I wanted it to be special,” he confessed with a slight grin.

His vulnerability was adorable. And, the fact he said he hadn’t done anything like this had Liv's body in overdrive. She was ready to do all kinds of wicked things with her shifter.

Liv stepped to his side and went on her tiptoes, claiming his mouth in a passionate kiss. He set the basket down and his arms immediately wrapped around her waist as he explored her mouth with his tongue. She hiked her leg around his hip, encouraging him.

“Slow down, killer. Our night has just begun. Ashley will kill me if we don’t see what’s inside that picnic basket,” he admitted and eased her leg to the ground. Dammit.

“Okay, if you insist,” she huffed and walked over to the blanket and sat down on the oversized quilt, slipping off her cowboy boots.

“Don’t sound so disappointed. You don’t know what’s in here. Drink?” Lawson offered, holding up the champagne bottle and she nodded.

As Lawson popped the cork, she opened the picnic basket to see what goodies Ashley made for them. Inside was lobster bisque and freshly baked rolls, along with a container filled with chocolate-covered strawberries. Okay, maybe they should eat first.

“This smells divine,” she confessed as she poured two bowls of soup from the thermos. Rich and creamy with large chunks of the succulent seafood. Liv was in heaven.

“Yes, you do,” he countered and placed a kiss on her jaw then trailed lower to her neck.

“You can’t do that and expect me to focus on food,” Liv panted.

His deep chuckle caused her core to clench with need. He handed her a glass of bubbly and right away Liv noticed the glass had a pointed stem. It looked like a torch.

“Um, what is this?” she asked.

“Oh, Ashley told me they’re perfect for the outdoors, especially at the beach. And since we have sand,” he explained and took his glass and stuck the pointed tip into the soft ground. It stuck in the sand, without spilling a drop of liquid.

“That’s brilliant. Why can’t I come up with an idea like that?” Liv inquired, feeling utterly inadequate at life. Failing to cure cancer with shifter blood was giving her a complex.

“You’re a brilliant scientist, Liv. I know you’re frustrated with the recent results but don’t give up. The solution will come to you,” he reassured and took a bite of his bread.

“Thank you, that means a lot. But seriously, Lawson, I’m worried the blood supply will run out before I find the answers I need,” she hedged again. Did she have to spell it out to the man?

“I believe your answers will come before that happens,” he responded and she let out a frustrated huff. “What?” he asked, apparently confused by her outburst.

“Okay, I’m just going to come out and say it because you obviously haven’t given it any thought. Have you ever considered sharing your life force?” she blurted then instantly regretted her words.

What if he didn’t feel that way about her? What the hell had she done? He was probably going to hop on the four-wheeler and take off to the nearest mountain and hide. The last thing she wanted to do was push him away. She wished she could take back the previous sixty seconds.

Lawson sat there for several moments before realization dawned on his handsome face. “Liv, I don’t know what to say.”

“You don’t have to say anything. I’m sorry for bringing it up. That isn’t what our relationship is about,” Liv declared and looked out across the water.

She couldn’t believe she was in this perfect setting with the perfect man and it had just turned to shit. She was such an idiot.

“Liv, look at me,” he urged, and she turned her head to meet his gaze. She swallowed past the building emotion clogging her throat.

“In all my seventy-seven years, I’ve never met a female that even sparked the notion of sharing my life force. I seriously believed I was that male that would go through life without, and I was completely okay with it,” he confessed and grabbed her hand.

“I get it. You prefer the single life. Better to keep your options open,” she concluded, wishing they could move on to another topic. This one had her gut churning.

“Yes and no. That was before I met you,” Lawson added and her heart stopped beating, desperately clinging to his next words. “Liv, my sunshine. You bring light to my world. I’ve said that before and I mean it more today. I would be lucky to share my life force with a female such as you,” he said and smiled, but she sensed his hesitation.

“Is it because I’m not a shifter? Do you not want me because I’m human?” she croaked and fought the tear trying to escape.

“Not exactly. Come here,” Lawson commanded and lay down on his back, tugging Liv to his chest.

She melted against him, relishing the feel of his strong arms around her waist. Why did this feel so right?

“There are certain aspects of sharing my life force that are negative. For one, it significantly drains strength and stamina, as you can imagine. Now, that isn’t typically an issue but it’s been brought to my attention that someone at Safe Haven will have to assume the role of Alpha. The sooner the better,” he explained as he absently played with her hair.

“What does being Alpha mean? I’m assuming you want this position,” she murmured and looked up to meet his gaze.

“An Alpha is the leader. He keeps his members in line and makes the decisions for his pack. Unfortunately, it’s not just fun and games. It can be savage at times when dealing with newcomers and outsiders. And no, I’m not looking to fill the role. Ryan would be best in my opinion but I’m not sure he wants it, and Knox suggested I was a better fit to lead,” he confessed. Liv watched him searching her depths and knew he wanted her opinion.

“I see. So, if you’re the Alpha, sharing your life force could weaken you, thus diminishing your leadership?”

“Exactly,” he said but continued to gaze into her eyes.

“Lawson, I think you would be a tremendous leader. You have this aura about you that demands respect. I agree with Knox. If I were to pick between you and your brother, I’d pick you all day long,” she said honestly.

Lawson was strong, intelligent, commanding, and yet fair and just. He was what the shifters needed.

He pulled her closer and lightly kissed her lips. “Thank you for that. Your support means everything to me. And, know this, Olivia Kimbro. Once things settle down and we have a better feel for the caliber of shifters that will reside at Safe Haven, I can decide about sharing my life force. Is this something you would consider?” he asked as he cupped her face in his large warm hands.

She wanted to be with this man forever, and in every way. She was hopelessly in love with Lawson Scott and had the urge to shout it to the world.

“Yes. If you’re asking then the answer is yes,” Liv replied and smiled.

His broad grin told her how pleased he was. “I love you, Liv. I haven’t told you this, but I think I fell in love the day you walked into my cell.”

Liv couldn’t hold back the tears of joy. She wanted to hear those words, and now that he said them, she was full to bursting.

“I love you, too, Lawson,” she said and pressed her mouth to his.

The kiss quickly heated and his hands roamed her body, igniting every cell. “Make love to me,” she demanded.

“Try and stop me,” he groaned then stripped her bare, claiming her body beneath the starry sky.