Liv snuggled closer to Lawson, trying to keep warm. Fall nights were cold in Tennessee, and as soon as the sun dropped, the temperature followed. He wrapped his arms around her and wedged her body between his legs. She loved being with him at their favorite spot, gazing across the lake. This spot was their place. Somewhere they could escape and forget about the troubles of the world.

“This is perfect. Thank you for bringing me here tonight. I needed some alone time with you,” Liv admitted, twining their hands as she rested against Lawson's chest. She could feel his warm breath on the back of her neck, and it tickled.

“I like being here with you,” he murmured, nuzzling her hair.

“When you told me you would take on the role of Alpha, I didn’t realize it would be a full-time job. It’s going to be a challenge to get you alone,” she replied as she listened to bullfrogs croaking nearby.

It was a selfish comment, but she couldn’t help it. Her job was demanding, too, and there would be fewer opportunities for nights like this. Their summer romance was coming to an end too quickly.

“It will be hard at first, but things will settle down once we find our groove as a pack. I’m not going to let this come between us, Liv. Trust me, sweetheart, I need time with you as badly,” he admitted as he kissed the flesh at the base of her neck, sending a shiver down her spine.

“How did it go with your one-on-one meetings today?” she asked, needing a distraction. Her lust immediately went into overdrive when Lawson was near.

Admittedly, Liv was most curious about his visit with Kristi. No doubt the woman took advantage of her time alone with Lawson.

“It was good. Devin is going to be a great asset. He’s a plumber, and that will no doubt come in handy. He says he knows his way around computers, as well. I like him a lot. Very down to earth,” he explained.

“And Tyler?” Liv inquired nervously, recalling his death stare from the brunch.

“Yeah, he’s a little different. He didn’t offer a lot of background, or personal information. He did mention he was a jack-of-all-trades, so we’ll see. I can see him leaving soon, in search of another pack,” Lawson said as his hands slipped beneath Liv’s sweater to caress her stomach. She loved the feel of his hands on her flesh.

“Won’t hurt my feelings if he leaves. The guy creeps me out,” she stated and turned in his arms, so they were facing each other. “What about Kristi?” she asked and bit her lower lip.

Lawson leaned down and grabbed her lip between his teeth and pulled. “I’m the only one who should bite that,” he murmured against her mouth. God, what the man did to her. Her nipples hardened and moisture pooled between her legs from the simple act.

She wrapped her arm around his neck and replied, “You’re ignoring my question,” she muttered and kissed the corner of his mouth.

“No, I’m not. I’m more interested in your body right now,” Lawson responded as his hand trailed up to palm Liv's breast. His thumb slipped inside her bra, and Liv moaned when he rubbed the turgid tip.

Suddenly, his head snapped to the side, and Liv looked over to see Tyler, Devin, and Kristi walk around the barn and head their way.

“So much for time alone,” Liv said as she straightened her sweater and turned to face the approaching group.

“Hi, you two. We aren’t interrupting, are we?” Kristi spouted and smiled. She was in the same clothes from earlier and Liv couldn’t help notice her large breasts bouncing beneath her sweatshirt as she skipped towards them. Didn’t feel the need to put on a bra, of course.

“Yes, but that’s okay. What’s up?” Lawson asked as he protectively wrapped his arms around Liv. She felt safest in his stronghold and wriggled closer.

“So, we were at the house talking, and the subject of hunting came up. It’s been forever for the three of us, and we were hoping to shift tonight and go for a run. You know, check out this incredible property the right way,” Kristi announced as she plopped her butt in the sand beside Lawson and Liv.

“Sure, go for it. It’s incredible. Your animals will love it here. We’ll get out of your hair and let you have some fun,” Lawson said as he got to his feet, pulling Liv with him.

“But you have to come. You are the Alpha. It’s your duty,” Kristi urged as she stood and tugged on his arm.

Liv’s eyes bulged. Surely, Lawson wasn’t going to accept. He refused to allow Liv anywhere near his wolf. The last thing she wanted was for him to shift and run around in wolf form with the likes of Kristi.

Lawson opened his mouth to say something but then closed it. Liv could see he was struggling with an answer. Probably trying to find the right words so he wouldn’t hurt Kristi’s feelings. Lawson was too nice in Liv’s opinion.

“Can you three give me a moment?” he said then grabbed Liv’s hand, walking toward the barn.

They made their way into the small building that had become the metal shop, and Lawson flipped on a small table lamp. The soft glow illuminated his handsome face. Gray eyes met hers.

“I’m going to go for a quick hunt with them. She wasn’t lying when she said it’s my duty,” he shared and grabbed her hands. “Take the four-wheeler back to the hotel, and I’ll come find you later.”

Her eyes narrowed. “Are you serious? I’m just supposed to step aside while you go gallivanting with Kristi. This situation is insane, Lawson,” she blurted and jerked her hands free of his. It was stupid to be jealous and hurt by this, but she was. Shifting and hunting was something she would never share with Lawson and it burned that he was going to share it with Kristi.

“Liv, I realize you don’t understand the shifter way, but I’m their leader. Their first run should be with me. It’s about their wolves submitting to me,” he explained.

Her head snapped up. “Submit how?” Liv gritted. If it was what she was thinking, no fucking way.

“It’s not sexual. It’s about me establishing dominance. If I’m not there, the animals will seek the dominant one in the group and follow their lead from now on. I can’t allow that. It’s only the one time. After that, I don’t need to be present for every hunt. Please try and understand my position,” he pleaded and reached out to stroke her cheek.

Liv relaxed into his palm, enjoying his warmth. Bottom line was if she was going to be a part of this man’s life, she had to accept every facet. He was as much wolf as he was a man. And he was Alpha. He took his title seriously and wanted to be the best. She wouldn’t love him if he were any other way.

She sighed then smiled. “I understand. It’s getting cold anyway. I’ll be inside by the fire when you get back,” Liv told him then turned to leave.

Strong hands grabbed her and pulled her back. “Don’t think you’re getting out of here without a kiss,” Lawson murmured then claimed her lips in a kiss that warmed her entire body.

“See you later, Outlaw,” she quipped then made her way to the four-wheeler.

Liv turned the key, and the engine roared to life. She wanted to stay with him and be a part of the hunt more than anything. But she wasn’t a shifter. She didn’t belong in this part of his life. Could this work between them? Was she okay knowing Kristi, or some other female, shared this with Lawson when she couldn’t.

She shook off her negativity. Lawson accepted her, knowing she was human. He didn’t judge or point blame. It was only fair she did the same in return.

As she drove away, she heard the howl of four wolves, and she gunned the accelerator, refusing to look back.

Lawson’s wolf howled again, feeling invigorated. There was nothing more gratifying to his animal than the hunt. He snorted and pawed the earth beneath his body. His snout lifted, taking in the surrounding scents.

Fallen leaves, acorns, and various wildflowers permeated the air. All that paled to the scent of the animals stalking nearby. Lawson turned his head, taking in the three wolves.

One was black as night and massive. Tyler. He was as formidable in his wolf form as he was in his human body. Good thing Lawson’s wolf didn’t cower to anything. In fact, his hackles raised at Tyler’s aggressive stance.

A sandy brown wolf approached, its head lowered. When it reached Lawson’s side, it knelt and showed fealty. Devin. Lawson nodded his acknowledgment.

To Lawson’s right stood a golden blonde wolf, smaller than the rest. This one was Kristi.

What her wolf lacked in size she made up in presence. He knew she was dominant from the first time he saw her. Even her wolf had an air of authority that he had to admit, was incredibly appealing. She strutted to his side, nudging his snout with hers. He growled in warning. When her tongue lapped his mouth, he bared his teeth then snapped. He wasn’t playing this game with her.

She turned and stalked off, her tail high in the air. Lawson got a whiff of her scent. She was in heat, he realized. Typically, wolves experienced one cycle per year, during the winter months, but because of their human counterparts, shifters went through several cycles. Unfortunately, this resulted in fewer babies. A wolf’s litter on average was five pups, but shifters had one or two at most for each pregnancy.

If Lawson could smell Kristi, so could Devin and Tyler. His animal responded, wanting to claim her wolf. It was instinctual, and Lawson had to fight the urge to take her. As Alpha, he could claim as many females as he wanted while in animal form. It was completely acceptable. In his opinion, the strongest wolves found a way to ignore their need. His father never claimed any wolf except his mom and was highly respected for it.

Lawson wondered what it would feel like to mount another wolf. It was something he’d never done. Sex with a female was one thing, but to shift and claim an animal was something sacred. Meant for the one sharing his life force.

If he chose Liv, he’d never know the connection between two wolves. His father said there was nothing like two animals sharing a life force. Did that matter to him? He didn’t think so. His feelings towards Liv were like nothing he’d ever experienced, and he wanted her with him always. He didn’t care that she was human. He loved her.

Tyler’s wolf approached Kristi’s and stalked her. His snout pressed underneath her tail and she turned and snapped at him. Lawson would have to keep an eye on the group and make sure the males didn’t take her by force. Maybe it was best to run off the excess energy, he concluded and took off towards the woods.

The others followed and, as a group, they charged through the forest. Lawson pushed harder, taking the lead. His paws pounded the dirt, and the wind blew across his snout. He felt alive.

The wolves behind him howled, and he answered in return. This group was his pack. He wished his brother and sisters had come along. They needed this time to bond as a unit. Next time he would arrange a hunt with all the wolves. He wished Liv knew this part of his world. Words couldn’t describe his true nature.

They gave chase to several small creatures as they ran to the edge of the property. Rabbits, a coyote, and a little doe fell victim to their attack. When they reached the outer boundary, they stopped. Lawson loped to a nearby tree and marked it with his scent. The others did the same. Claiming their territory was essential. It kept the unwanted at bay.

The rippling of water pricked his ears, and Lawson lifted his head, searching the direction of the water. It was nearby. He followed the sound until he reached a small stream. He turned to see the others bringing up the rear.

He lowered his head and lapped at the cold liquid. Kristi’s wolf came to his side and lowered her head to drink. Her wolf glanced sideways, eyeing him as they continued drinking. Her gaze held him trapped, and he felt her intense need. Then again, her wolf was in heat. This behavior was normal, he told himself.

He drank his fill then lifted his head, sniffing the area. Kristi’s wolf stepped closer and rubbed her head against his neck. His wolf reacted to her attention and Lawson had to fight the urge to jump on her back and claim her. She was testing his willpower, but he would not succumb.

Without warning, Tyler’s wolf pounced onto Kristi’s back, pinning her wolf beneath his. He quickly mounted her, preparing to claim her. Lawson’s wolf lunged, knocking the animal to the ground. Lawson’s jaw bit down on Tyler’s throat and growled. The wolf resisted, and Lawson bit harder until the creature yelped its surrender. He understood Tyler’s actions. A female in heat with a group of males was bound to end in disaster.

Suddenly, he caught the scent of another wolf and took off towards the smell. He would deal with Kristi when they got back to the lake. Up ahead, he saw movement and forged ahead. A shift in position told him it wasn’t a wolf. It looked more like a man, standing on two legs. His vision sharpened and details came into focus. Long claws at the end of its hands and an elongated snout. Fuck, he mentally cursed. There was Ravin on their property.

Hell no. Ravin's weren’t welcome on his land. Lawson’s wolf burst forward and picked up speed, trying to catch the creature. As soon as he got close, the beast took off, vanishing within seconds.

Their speed was incredible. Lawson’s wolf looked everywhere but saw no trace of the Ravin. He turned to make his way back to the group, and when he spotted them, he howled and took off towards the hotel.

Several minutes later, they were shifting back to their human forms. Lawson turned his back to Kristi’s wolf, allowing her privacy to transform and dress.

“The next time a bitch in heat goes hunting, don’t even try and stop me from taking her,” Tyler barked, getting in Lawson’s face. “That’s fucking bullshit, and you know it. Do your job, Alpha, or I will,” he shouted then stomped over to Kristi. “You’re lucky I didn’t fuck that sweet ass of yours. Next time I’ll take it,” he sneered before he stomped toward the hotel.

“I’m going to head back, as well. I know the night ended on a bad note, but it was still a great run,” Devin said and walked off, disappearing into the blackness.

“I, for one, thought it was an incredible hunt,” Kristi said as she pulled on her boots and walked up to Lawson, placing her hand on his chest.

Lawson grabbed her hand and gripped it firmly. “You know better than to bring your wolf to a hunt while in heat. What the fuck were you thinking?” he spat.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t know, I swear. I haven’t shifted in a long time. I realized it after it was too late. And, don’t worry, Law. I can handle males like Tyler. My wolf would eat him alive,” she countered and jerked her hand from his grip. She cocked her head and smiled seductively. “You have to admit. Your wolf is interested in mine. I say let’s shift back and finish what we started,” she purred and licked her lips.

“I’m not finishing anything, Kristi. And don’t ever pull that again or you’ll be looking for another pack. Got it? Stay clear of the males in the house until your cycle ends. I’m not kidding,” Lawson growled then stormed off, leaving Kristi standing alone in the woods.

He was invigorated from the hunt, and his beast roused. All he wanted was a hot shower and his sexy redhead.