Alpha

by Brenda Trim

  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.

  Chapter Two

  “Hi, Jeremiah,” Liv called out as she walked into the room where the holding cell was located.

  “Hello, Olivia,” Jeremiah replied as he looked up from a book. Liv was happy to see him enjoying the reading material she brought from the hotel.

  “I keep telling you to call me Liv,” she countered and smiled.

  “I prefer Olivia if that’s alright with you,” he said softly.

  Jeremiah had the kindest demeanor, and if she hadn’t seen with her own eyes the unpredictable violence, she wouldn’t believe it. The transformation had been that dramatic since she started her treatments.

  “Of course it is. So, let’s see what notes Staci left for me,” she declared and picked up the clipboard sitting on the desk. “How have you been feeling?”

  Jeremiah placed the book on the mattress and stood. He reached his long arms above his head and bent at the waist, stretching his body. “Pretty good, actually. The shifts are less frequent but, more importantly. I feel like my control is returning,” he explained.

  Liv glanced at his charts. He was right. His last shift was two days ago, which was the longest he’d gone yet. She glimpsed the monitor attached to his ankle and noted the blinking red light. It was programmed to detect spikes in Jeremiah’s blood pressure, which happened during shifts. What she found interesting was the extreme difference in a change to his wolf form compared to that of when he shifted to a Ravin. His blood pressure was dangerously high when he became the savage creature that attacked at will. In fact, the numbers would be fatal for humans. The highest peak she’d seen was 190/120, and those numbers remained elevated for several hours.

  “This is very encouraging, Jeremiah. I don’t want to get ahead of ourselves, but clearly we’re on the right path,” she shared and then placed the clipboard on the table. “I’m going out of town for a few days, maybe longer.”

  “Is everything okay?” he asked curiously.

  As much as Liv wanted to shout to the world that the man she loved asked her to marry him, she couldn’t. Their moment of bliss was short-lived once they discovered Ryan was gone.

  “Not exactly. Do you remember me telling you about Lawson’s brother, Ryan?” she questioned and Jerry nodded his head. “Well, he’s gone. He left a note saying he couldn’t be helped and doesn’t want anyone looking for him. Of course, we aren’t giving up on him. As soon as I leave here, we’re going after him.”

  “I see,” he replied and met her gaze. “Ryan is very lucky to have people that care so deeply for him,” he added then looked away, but not before Liv saw the hurt in his eyes.

  “Do you have any family?” Liv asked. The man hadn’t shared any personal information, and Liv wondered why. Surely there was at least one person out there worried about him.

  “I have one brother, but we haven’t spoken since our parents died a year ago. Jax blames me for our mother’s death. Hell, I blame myself…” he trailed off as he turned his back toward Liv.

  “I can’t imagine you being responsible for anyone’s death, let alone your mother’s. Do you mind me asking what happened?” Liv asked as she approached the holding cell. Her hands grasped the cold metal, and she rested her chin between two bars.

  Jeremiah spun around, and in the next breath, he was standing mere inches from her. Although he was enclosed in a steel cage, she knew he could reach out and grab her in a split second. But Liv stood her ground and didn’t move. She wanted this man to know he could trust her. She stared into dark green eyes and saw nothing but pain and anguish. She wanted more than anything to help this man find not only himself but the happiness he deserved.

  “You don’t want to know,” he said in a rush. He placed his hand over hers and squeezed. Not to hurt her but to let her know he was capable. “I’ve committed unspeakable acts, Olivia. You might find a way to reverse the effects of what I’ve become, but you can never wipe away the memory of what I’ve done,” Jeremiah confessed.

  Liv narrowed her eyes. “You listen to me, Jeremiah Winger. I’ve gotten a glimpse of your personality, and I can say with certainty, you are a good man with a big heart. You cannot be held res
ponsible for what that monster inside has done. My heart breaks for what your mother must’ve suffered, but that was not you,” she relayed vehemently.

  Jeremiah smiled, but Liv could tell it was forced. “You’re too kind, Olivia, and I appreciate your effort. Having you fight on my behalf gives me hope that my mind can belong to me again. And, more than anything, I hope your experiments with me can help others. I don’t want even one more shifter to go through this. It’s a lonely life to live in seclusion,” he admitted with a shake of his head.

  “I promise I won’t stop until you’re de-Ravined,” she muttered then laughed. “And, yes, that’s the official term we’re going with,” which earned a chuckle from Jerry.

  “Sounds good to me. So, when is my next infusion?”

  “Tomorrow morning. Staci will handle things while I’m gone, but I’ll have my cell phone in case she needs to reach me,” Liv explained then reached for the clipboard again to jot some notes to Staci.

  Liv wanted her to try and find out where Jerry’s brother lived. Maybe she could reunite the two and mend some of the hurt on the man’s heart.

  “I hope you find Lawson’s brother before it’s too late,” Jeremiah said, and Liv heard the concern in his voice. He knew exactly what Ryan was experiencing and what he was capable of if provoked.

  “That makes two of us. Do you need anything before I go? How is your food supply?” Liv asked. She was eager to get back to Safe Haven and see how Lawson was holding up.

  “Oh, I’m good. Staci brought several bags of snacks earlier, along with a sub sandwich. You get going, and I’ll see you when you get back,” Jeremiah replied and walked to his bed and sat down. He swung his legs to the mattress and grabbed his book, relaxing into the pillow propped against the headboard.

  Liv looked forward to the day when Jerry could walk out of that metal cage and go home. But first things first. Finding Ryan safe before it was too late.

  Lawson wrapped his arms around Brenlee and hugged her tight. “You have to find him,” his sister murmured.

  “I will. I promise,” Lawson replied and pulled back to meet her gaze.

  His sister’s light brown eyes watered then a single tear slid down her cheek. He hated seeing her upset. Although she was sixty years old, Brenlee was the baby of the Scott family, and he was most protective of her. They all suffered when their parents died, but she was affected the most. Whether that was because she was their father’s favorite or the fact that she had lived with them her entire life, Lawson didn’t know, but he was always aware of her crushing grief.

  He knew he could lift her spirits by announcing his intent toward Liv. His three sisters would be over the moon happy about his news, but Lawson didn’t want to share his good fortune until his brother was present. It was essential to Lawson that his entire family was there to see how happy he was.

  He glanced at his wristwatch. The meeting with his sisters took longer than he planned but it was crucial he talk with them privately before addressing the pack members of Safe Haven. Not only were the details of what was going on with Ryan a family matter, but Lawson also didn’t want the others thinking he might turn Ravin, as well. It would not escape anyone’s notice that Lawson’s age was creeping into dangerous territory. Another reason it was imperative they find a way to reverse or eliminate the condition that had so many shifters leaving their homes and families.

  “Let’s get to the dining room. The others should be there by now,” Lawson explained and glanced at his twin sisters, Hannah and Haylee.

  “Don’t worry about the daily operations. We’ll get with Ashley and see if she needs help with the meal plan,” Hannah offered.

  “Thanks. I’m sure Ashley will appreciate that,” he answered as he led the group to the large dining area.

  Liv typically assisted Ashley where food was concerned, and he knew Liv would want someone to help the female while she was gone. One less worry off her plate.

  They entered the open space and Lawson did a quick scan. Knox and Ashley were chatting at a nearby table with the Anderson family. The Halls looked up from their card game, and Lawson nodded to them. Tyler and Devin were standing off to the side, talking. Good, everyone was present.

  “Thank you for coming on such short notice,” Lawson began, and all talking ceased as the shifters turned to listen. “I’m going to get right to the point. A situation regarding my brother has come up, and I need to leave right away. Hopefully, I won’t be gone more than a few days, but just in case this matter takes more time, I’m assigning Knox to fill in as Alpha while I’m gone. Any questions or concerns you have, take it up with him,” he explained and looked over to Knox.

  The male’s wide eyes told Lawson he was surprised by the announcement, but he gave Lawson a slight nod, indicating his acceptance of the role. Other than Ryan, Knox was the only male Lawson completely trusted. He knew the daily operations better than anyone else and would look after Lawson’s sisters like they were his own.

  “That’s a mistake,” Tyler interjected and crossed his thick arms.

  The male was a hothead with a quick temper. That lethal combination spelled trouble. It told Lawson the male looked out for his interests, not what was best for the pack.

  “I disagree,” Lawson stated sternly and pinned Tyler with a glare. “Knox has been here from day one and knows how I run things. He is the best choice.”

  “No, he’s not. How long someone has been here has absolutely nothing to do with their capability. You need a leader, and you know I’m the best choice,” Tyler countered, and Lawson noted his clenched jaw. The male was clearly looking for a confrontation.

  “First, this isn’t a long-term assignment. I plan on being back in a few days so let’s not put greater emphasis on this than necessary. My decision is firm. And, I expect you to accept and respect that. Are we clear?” Lawson barked as he stalked over and stood toe to toe with the male.

  They stood for several long seconds, staring each other down. Tyler was a big male. He stood a few inches shorter than Lawson, but his shoulders were broader. As Lawson looked into his dark brown eyes, instinct told him there was something buried deep inside the male. Something malevolent, and Lawson’s instinct went haywire. It felt like the male despised him yet Lawson had no idea why. Hell, he was the one that rescued Tyler from captivity. One would think the male would be grateful.

  Finally, Tyler snorted and shook his head. “Whatever you say, Chief,” he spat and turned to leave the room.

  Lawson froze at hearing the term. The pack members of Dunlap dubbed Lawson’s father Chief, and Lawson hadn’t heard the reference in several years. It held respect and admiration when used for Jacob Scott, but Tyler hissed it as if it were venom poisoning his mouth.

  Lawson followed the male from the dining room. “Tyler,” he barked, and the male spun to face him. “Do you have a problem with me or the way I’m leading this pack?”

  Tyler quickly opened his mouth then slammed it shut. Lawson could see there was something the male wanted to say, but Tyler remained quiet.

  “If you have something to say, now’s the time. I need to know there is unity here before I leave. If you’re not on board––”

  “I’m on board,” Tyler interrupted. “Everything will be fine, so don’t worry. I’m a team player,” he added and smiled, but Lawson didn’t feel it was genuine. In fact, his gut twisted and Lawson momentarily reconsidered his decision.

  Was it a mistake to leave? No, he automatically thought. He had to find his brother. That was more important than some male’s overinflated ego. Besides, nothing would happen in a few short days. If everything went as planned, he’d return before they had time to notice his absence.

  Lawson clapped Tyler on the shoulder. “I’m glad you’ve got my back.”

  “Don’t mention it. See you in a few,” Tyler retorted then turned and walked away. Tyler reached into his pocket and pulled out his cell phone before he waltzed out the front door of the hotel.

  Lawson w
anted to trust the male, but something was off. His father taught him many lessons and one of them was to pay attention to instinct. Rarely would it lead you in the wrong direction. And, his gut told him Tyler was out for himself, no matter the cost.

  Lawson felt the buzz of his phone and his thoughts about the male melted away when he saw a text from Liv. She was upstairs packing and needed his assistance. A few quick instructions to Knox then Lawson was barreling up the staircase to the third floor.

  He opened the door to their suite, and his mouth fell open at the sight of his alluring redhead spread across the bed, wearing nothing but a smile.

  Chapter Three

  “What’s this?” Lawson asked with a smirk as he made his way to the bed.

  They needed to get on the road and didn’t have time for this. He glanced at his watch and saw they had about an hour left before meeting Cassie. He looked at Liv and her naked body. Maybe they had a little time to spare. The truth was, he would never reject his female or deny her needs.

  Liv was lying on her stomach, her legs bent at the knee. Her feet dangled playfully in the air. She was his greatest temptation with her luscious curves. Damn, he was one lucky sonovabitch to have this incredible female in his bed and life.

  “Well, seeing that Cassie is joining us on this venture, I figured we had some time to spare. She is never on time. Besides, you left me aching earlier,” she purred as she twirled a black sash around her finger. “Plus, I wasn’t sure how long it might be before we have another opportunity. Figured we should take advantage.”

  Lawson grinned at seeing the sash. The silk fabric had become a staple in their lovemaking, and he recalled the last time it was used. Lawson tied Liv to their bedpost and spread melted chocolate on her body, licking from her breasts then down between her legs. Oh, how he loved melted chocolate.