Alpha

by Brenda Trim

  Liv bit her lower lip then took a deep breath and exhaled. “Right before we left the hotel, Lawson had an episode,” she confessed.

  “What kind of episode?” Cassie asked, her eyebrows squishing together.

  “The kind with claws and fur. And, I’m not talking about his wolf,” she explained.

  “Oh, shit! What did you do?”

  “Didn’t have time to do anything. He shifted. According to Lawson, his wolf took care of the problem, but I’ll tell you this. I’ve never seen fear on that man’s face until today. He’s scared, Cass. It’s not just about Ryan anymore. He needs help, too,” Liv admitted then shushed Cassie’s reply when Lawson appeared at the driver side and opened the door.

  As much as Liv wanted to find Ryan, she was anxious to get back to her lab and begin treatment on Lawson. She wasn’t a hundred percent positive she could cure him, but she wasn’t about to give up. There was no way in hell she would allow that dreadful disease to take the mind of the man she loved.

  “So, what did he say? By the way, when are you going to tell me his name? It’s weird calling him your source, or the guy,” Liv griped as soon as Lawson opened the door. It wasn’t like this source was some hitman that needed to remain anonymous. Or, maybe he was. Lawson never clarified what he actually did for a living.

  “He’s asked for privacy, but I see your point. Let’s just refer to him as J. He was calling to let me know that the facility in Jackson hasn’t closed. Someone is running the show, but he can’t seem to get a name. And, it seems security is even tighter now. He said everything is hush-hush right now,” Lawson explained as he started the Jeep and pulled out of the gravel lot.

  “I was afraid of that. My guess is the stakes were too high to shut it down. It also explains why Jim’s disappearance hasn’t been plastered all over the news. Whoever took over must think he’s coming back. So, now what?” Liv asked as she watched Lawson closely. His anger was rolling off in waves, and she was worried it might incite the Ravin she glimpsed earlier.

  Lawson squeezed the steering wheel to the point his knuckles turned white. Liv was about to reach over when he suddenly punched the dash. A loud boom echoed, and she gasped. Her eyes darted to where his fist landed. Luckily, no damage was done to her vehicle. She looked at his hand and saw blood spreading across his knuckles. She reached for him, but he jerked his hand away.

  “Shit!” he shouted and clenched his fist. “I’m so fucking tired of humans mistreating my people. It’s never going to fucking end until they kill each and every one of us,” he barked then closed his mouth. His lips tightened, and he clenched his jaw.

  Liv reached into the glove compartment and grabbed several napkins and handed them to Lawson then sunk into her seat. His words cut deep. She wasn’t personally responsible for the abuse of shifters, but she felt his vehemence toward her kind, in general. And, she couldn’t blame his abhorrence. He’d been tortured and held against his will then lost his father, and mother, as a direct result of humans’ abuse. She turned her head and looked out the passenger window, wishing she could float away. She’d take the blistering cold outside over the burning hatred wafting from Lawson. Maybe he didn’t want her, after all.

  Moments later, she felt a warm hand on hers and glanced sideways. Lawson squeezed her hand and muttered, “What I said wasn’t fair. I’ve seen unconditional love and kindness in some humans. Some have even shown me the kind of person I want to be.” He gave her a slight smirk, and she knew that was his way of apologizing.

  “Yeah, like me,” Cassie interrupted. “I’m a fucking delight, and don’t forget it.”

  Lawson barked out a laugh and peered in the rearview mirror. “How could I ever forget that? You’re special, indeed. I’ll give you that,” he teased.

  Liv tightened the makeshift bandage on his hand and tied the cloth so it would stay put. Seeing Lawson’s injury reminded her of Mr. Packard. “Hey, I wanted to ask you about Henry’s scars. What happened?” she asked as she rubbed Lawson’s hand.

  “He’s had them since I can remember. I asked Pop about it once. He said it happened the day my dad fought for the Alpha position. Apparently, the brother of the male he fought jumped into the fray, and Henry pulled him off my dad,” Lawson shared then floored the accelerator as soon as the vehicle merged onto the highway.

  “I don’t understand. I watched your body heal from gunshot wounds. You don’t have one scar on your body. That man looks like he went through a meat grinder,” Liv murmured and reached over to turn down the heater when she noticed sweat bead his brow.

  She wasn’t sure if it was because of the temperature inside the Jeep or his anger from the prior phone conversation, but Liv knew he’d never say anything. He teased her about having thin blood but was the first to make sure she had an extra blanket or jacket. He was the most thoughtful man she’d ever met. One more reason she loved him.

  “Yes, but Henry jumped into a fight between wolves. I’ve never seen a challenge for Alpha, but I’ve heard its brutal,” he explained, and Liv recalled the day he announced he was assuming the role of Alpha at Safe Haven.

  She’d never forget the stern expression when he asked the roomful of shifters if anyone challenged his declaration. He made eye contact with each man in the room. She had no idea what that meant, but his tense jaw and stoic glare told her it wasn’t an arm wrestling match.

  “You never told me what happens during a challenge. So, you shift into wolves, and what, fight to the death?” Liv asked with a shaky laugh, hoping her theory was incorrect.

  “Pretty much,” he answered flatly.

  Liv’s mouth dropped. “Are you kidding me? So, you’re telling me that if someone challenged you that day, you could’ve died?” she practically yelled.

  “Yes, Liv. It’s the pack way.”

  “Well, all I can say is no one better challenge you. Ever. I won’t allow it,” Liv huffed. There was no way in hell she would sit back and watch him fight to the death. Not that she didn’t have faith in him, but the whole thing was barbaric.

  Lawson chuckled and placed his hand behind her neck, caressing the sensitive flesh behind her ear. Arousal coursed through her system like wildfire, and she met his gaze.

  “Okay, Sunshine. How ‘bout I make a metal sign saying that. I’m sure everyone will oblige. I think they’re more afraid of you anyway,” he said with a wink.

  “Ha-ha. Very funny,” she countered and pursed her lips as she tried to focus on something besides his hand rubbing her skin. It was driving her insane, and she couldn’t act on it with Cassie perched in the back seat.

  “Don’t worry. Unless I royally fuck up, I shouldn’t be challenged. It’s not something that occurs often. Most times, if a shifter is unhappy, he will take his family and seek another pack. My Pop was never challenged. He was loved and respected, and that’s my goal. If you earn their love and trust and treat your pack right, they’ll be loyal forever,” he explained, and Liv relaxed slightly.

  Hopefully, Lawson was right, and the members at Safe Haven would stand behind him, and support his leadership. She honestly didn’t know what she would do if he was challenged. Liv didn’t think she could watch his wolf fight to the death. No, she was certain she couldn’t.

  Liv shook off those negative thoughts and focused on their mission. Finding Ryan.

  “So, are we headed to Deerhead Lake?” she asked, changing the topic.

  “Yep. I’ve got a feeling that’s where we’ll find Ryan,” Lawson replied as he exited the highway. “That brother of mine couldn’t have picked a worse time to bail. I need his help rescuing the shifters,” he added and rubbed his hand across his jaw.

  Lawson needed his brother for more than finding captive shifters, but she understood his need to remain detached. It was easier to cope that way and wouldn’t provoke whatever inner beast was tormenting him.

  “Then let’s pray Ryan’s there,” Liv answered and reached for her handbag. There was one person who might be able to help, but it was a
call she dreaded. She pulled out her cell phone and took a deep breath.

  “Who you calling?” Lawson asked as she hit the call button.

  She looked over and whispered, “You’ll see.”

  Her heart pounded as the phone rang several times. She was about to hang up when she heard, “Hey, Liv. What’s up?”

  Her gut knotted at the sound of Bart’s voice. “Hey, BS,” she replied, using the nickname she’d given him years ago.

  BS was his initials, but she termed it bullshit when they were in high school because he was the master of sarcasm. And, when he chose politics as his career path, Liv knew he’d be successful. However, she didn’t expect him to become the youngest appointed governor of Tennessee. Her friend had made quite a name for himself.

  “Well, I called because I have a small favor to ask,” she said and heard the hitch in her tone. This was harder than she expected and she reconsidered her impetuous decision to call her ex-boyfriend for help.

  Until recently, Bart was her closest friend besides Cassie. Unfortunately, he didn’t approve of her relationship with Lawson. He claimed it was because Lawson was a shifter, and couldn’t be trusted, but she knew better. Bart wanted a second chance with Liv, and her rejection stung. She hoped with time they could find a way back to their close friendship, but the few times they’d spoke since she moved in with Lawson, it was cold and distant. She hated it, but her choice was made. Her heart belonged to Lawson.

  “Oh, what’s that?” Bart asked flatly.

  No humor or small talk. Bart was all business now. As her financial backing at Smith & Kimbro, Liv assumed he felt there was no choice in the matter.

  “Well, it’s been brought to my attention that Jim Jensen is…missing,” she hedged and looked to Lawson.

  Lawson’s eyes widened, and he mouthed Do not tell him anything. Liv nodded her understanding.

  “Missing? Liv, what have you gotten yourself into? You know what, don’t tell me. I don’t want to know,” Bart answered, and she could hear the disappointment in his tone.

  “No. You don’t. But the reason I’m calling is, apparently, his labs are still open for business. We’re trying to find out who might be in charge. Do you think you could make a few calls? See what you can find out for me?” she asked and hated the desperate plea to her question.

  There was a time she wouldn’t think twice about asking him for a favor. Now, it felt like they were strangers, and she was nothing but a big fat bother to him.

  The silence stretched for what seemed like eternity and Liv chewed on her lower lip as she waited for his reply. She glanced at her screen to make sure the call wasn’t dropped. Nope. She had three bars, and the call was connected, despite the fact they were driving down a dirt path in the middle of nowhere.

  She was about to ask Can you hear me now? when she heard a deep sigh. “I’ll see what I can do. No promises though,” Bart informed her.

  “No, of course, you can’t promise. Thank you so much,” Liv blurted and blew out a breath she didn’t realize she was holding.

  “Sure. Anytime,” Bart said then added, “Well, I better get back to work. I’ll be in touch.”

  “Good to hear your voice, Bart. Talk to you soon,” she replied but heard the call end.

  Liv shook her head as she stared at her phone screen. Why was life so complicated?

  Chapter Six

  “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.