Alpha

by Brenda Trim

  She shook off her thoughts and glanced at the small tree in their suite. The larger one was placed in the dining room for everyone to enjoy, but Lawson put a smaller one in their room because he knew how much she loved the holiday. She breathed deep, allowing the balsam fragrance to fill her nose.

  The door opened, and her incredibly handsome shifter walked into the room. Her heart leaped in her chest at the sight. Red sweater, black jeans, and black boots. Santa paled in comparison to her burly gift-bearer.

  “Ho, ho, ho, my sexy Outlaw. You’ll be happy to hear I’ve been very good this year,” she purred as she sashayed to his side. Her arms wrapped around his neck and she gave him a light peck to the lips.

  “So good Santa came twice, as I recall,” he teased as he latched onto her ass with his free hand.

  She waggled her eyebrows and murmured, “Just wait until you see your gift. It might move me to the naughty list, but hey, I’m a rule-breaker,” she cooed suggestively.

  “Mmmm, can I have my present now?”

  “No, saving it for later. We need to get downstairs. I’m sure our guests are waiting. Ashley made me stay up here the entire day. She said I couldn’t help because it was a party in our honor,” she commented and turned back toward the tree. “Do you think it looks sad with so few ornaments?”

  “Well, since this is my first Christmas tree, I don’t have anything to compare it to. I think it’s great just the way it is,” he told her as he came up behind her, wrapping his arms around her waist. “Although…”

  “What?” she asked and looked over her shoulder at him.

  “Maybe it could use something,” he said and brought his hand from behind his back, revealing a square-shaped present.

  It was cream-colored with a burlap bow, and Liv wondered if Lawson wrapped it himself. If so, he did an excellent job and was now the official gift-wrapper between the two of them. The wrapping was her least favorite thing about the holidays. Typically, she shoved everything into a gift bag and called it a day.

  “What did you do, Mr. Scott?” she said and smiled wide.

  She loved surprises more than most. Didn’t matter if it was small or big. It was just the idea that someone thought of her.

  “Open it and see,” he encouraged as he shook it in front of her.

  Liv snatched the box from his hand and tore into the paper. Inside, she found several items wrapped in tissue paper.

  “Lawson, this is so beautiful,” she murmured as she opened the first one.

  It was a steel ornament, and the intricate craftsmanship told her it was handmade by her talented shifter. The howling wolf was smooth to the touch and reminded her of Lawson’s charcoal-gray animal.

  “Very appropriate,” she said with a wink.

  The second tissue she opened revealed a woman with long hair and a wolf was sitting by her side.

  “My protector,” she declared, and Lawson nodded.

  The third ornament was oval-shaped, and the center read Mr. & Mrs. Scott. Est 2018.

  “I think this one is my favorite,” she confessed and walked over to hang them on the tree.

  The personalization made Liv think about their wedding day. It wasn’t traditional, but it was special, nonetheless. The day following their sacred union, Henry Packard came to the cabin and performed a basic ceremony. Annette was the only guest, acting as a witness for the event. Henry assured them he was legally ordained and would handle the paperwork so that their marriage was recognized by humans and shifters alike. Liv couldn’t believe she was married, but it felt right.

  Looking at the ornaments, she noticed each had a red, silk cord for hanging, which made them pop against the dark green tree. The silver metal sparkled as the tiny light whites reflected off their surface.

  “Now, our tree is perfect,” she declared and turned to face him. “Thank you so much. I love them almost as much as I love you,” she confessed and claimed his lips.

  “There’s one more item in the box unless you don’t want it,” he murmured against her mouth as his hands traveled up her sweater to cup her breasts.

  “More? Are you serious?” she exclaimed and pushed his hands from her body.

  “Damn, spoke too soon,” Lawson said with a groan then reached inside the box and pulled out a smaller black one.

  Liv narrowed her eyes, curious about the wide grin spreading across his face. She took the velvet box and opened the lid. Inside were two rings. Matching bands, to be exact.

  “I know you said you didn’t need a ring to symbolize our commitment, but I’m hoping you’ll wear it,” he admitted then took one ring from the case and slipped it on her left hand.

  “I don’t know what to say,” Liv croaked as emotion choked her.

  The piece of jewelry was crafted from dark gray metal. She’d never seen anything like it.

  “It’s made from tungsten, and it won’t ever bend or scratch. Figured in my line of work, I need durability,” Lawson muttered as he held her left hand.

  Lawson forged the metal into an intricate vine. Tiny silver flowers were scattered along the vine, and each flower had a green stone in the center. It was truly the most exquisite piece of jewelry she’d ever seen.

  “How?” she muttered, too stunned to find appropriate words.

  “Well, I had a little bit of help with yours,” he admitted and picked up his matching ring. “Mine was simple, you see, but yours required knowledge of stone setting which I do not have,” he said. It was then that she noticed his wasn’t an exact match to hers. His was a vine, but there were no flowers or stones. “Luckily, I have friends in low places to help with such tasks.”

  “Lawson, I don’t know what to say. I’ve never seen anything so beautiful. I’ll never take it off,” she vowed then jumped into his arms, her mouth crashing against his.

  “I can think of a few things I’d like to take off you,” he growled as he walked over to the bed while Liv clung to his waist.

  “We have to get downstairs for our party,” she let out with a laugh as he tossed her to the soft mattress.

  Lawson lifted the red sweater over his head and tossed it to the floor. Liv’s mouth watered at the sight of his perfectly chiseled chest and abs.

  “Sunshine, the way I see it, the party can’t start until we arrive. They can fucking wait,” he declared then jumped on top of her.

  He had a valid point.

  Lawson walked through the dining room, his chest puffed with pride over the female at his side. Or, maybe it was because she gave him an early Christmas present after he surprised her with a ring. The image of her in the revealing nursemaid costume was forever etched on his brain. She could tend to his wounds any time in that sexy little number.

  Cheers erupted when the group noticed them enter the room, and Lawson’s erotic memory receded. He glanced around the room, surprised by the number of guests. All pack members were present, along with Jeremiah, Liv’s mom and her boyfriend, Henry and Annette Packard, and their sons Slate and Blade.

  “About damn time,” Knox yelled from a nearby table and laughter filled the room.

  “Give the newlyweds a break,” Hannah countered and approached Lawson and Liv. “Congratulations, big brother. I’ve never seen you look happier. Mom and Pop are smiling tonight,” she added and gave him a hug.

  He wished more than anything that his parents were there to share this joyous occasion. He was eternally grateful that Liv had the opportunity to meet his mother. She adored Liv, and Lawson knew she approved of his decision to share his life force with her.

  Thinking about his family brought Ryan to mind. His brother was still under the control of the Ravin and Lawson worried they might never get him back. Liv’s treatment wasn’t working like it had Jeremiah. She had theories and was gathering data, but Lawson remained concerned about him.

  “Hey, you okay?” Liv asked curiously.

  “Yeah, Babe. I’m better than okay when you’re near,” he admitted and kissed her cheek, trying to put thoughts of Ryan
aside for the night.

  Haylee walked over, and handed him and Liv champagne glasses then picked up a fork and clanged her crystal, quieting the crowd. “I want to thank everyone for joining us for this happy occasion. I never thought I’d see the day when Lawson would find a female he felt worthy of sharing his life. And then, Olivia Kimbro stormed into his life and stole his heart. Our pack at Safe Haven is beyond blessed. Not just because we have the most dedicated and honorable Alpha in the world,” she boasted, and howls echoed around the room, making his wolf prowl below the surface of his skin. It wanted to run and play with its pack. “but, because the female by his side is loyal, protective, and loving. Our pack honors both of you. Today, and always,” she concluded, her voice cracking with emotion.

  Another round of applause broke out as Lawson hugged his sister. He glanced at Liv and smiled. Tears streamed down her face at hearing Haylee’s words, and he knew what she was thinking. Human or not, she was pack now.

  Devin stepped up next and lifted his glass in the air. “My toast will be much quicker,” he began.

  “Thank you, Devin. We’re starving over here,” Knox interjected, and everyone playfully booed his interruption.

  “Lawson and Liv,” Devin continued, “May love always be added, and never subtracted. May your household multiply, but your hearts never divided. Cheers!”

  “And on that note, let’s eat, drink, and be merry,” Ashley chimed in as she carried in several platters of food.

  Everyone headed to the tables and grabbed a chair. Lawson led Liv to the table closest to the Christmas tree so she could enjoy the colorful lights and holiday music in the air.

  “Hi, Mom. Hi, Andy,” Liv said when the couple joined their table. “Look what Lawson gave me,” she exclaimed and thrust her left hand toward her mom.

  “Oh, honey, that’s beautiful,” Noel exclaimed as she inspected the ring.

  “Lawson made it. He’s so incredibly talented. Am I the luckiest girl in the world, or what?” Liv gushed and rubbed her thigh against his.

  “I’ll say,” her mom agreed and looked to Andy, smiling coyly at her boyfriend.

  Lawson noticed the exchange but thought nothing of it. Hell, maybe they had a quickie before they arrived at the party.

  “Wait, what was that?” Liv asked and cocked her head.

  “Nothing. What?” Noel replied.

  “No, there’s something. Spill it, Mom,” Liv demanded and narrowed her eyes.

  “Sweetie, I didn’t want to say anything. Tonight is about you and Lawson,” Noel replied, and Liv snatched her mom’s left hand and gasped.

  “You’re engaged! Mom, that’s great news!” Liv shouted and threw her arms around her mom.

  Lawson leaned over and offered his hand to Andy. “Congratulations.”

  Andy thanked him, and Lawson hugged Liv’s mother. He was happy for her mom. Liv said she hadn’t been seriously involved with a male since her father left them years ago.

  “Where’s Cassie?” Noel asked. “I thought for sure she’d be front and center for this party.”

  “She said she wasn’t in the Christmas spirit and didn’t want to be a Debby-downer,” Liv explained and met Lawson’s gaze.

  They knew the real reason Cassie wasn’t there. The female couldn’t stand the thought of celebrating when Ryan was locked in a cell, his mind and body prisoner to the Ravin.

  Jeremiah approached, and Lawson was grateful to see the male’s friendly face. It gave him hope they could help Ryan, too. Liv vowed she wouldn’t give up until his brother was better.

  “Hey, Jerry. It’s great to see you looking so well. I hope you’re settled in and enjoying it here,” Lawson remarked and motioned for the male to take a seat.

  Jeremiah sat next to him and smiled. “I am, thank you very much. First, congratulations on defeating Tyler and, more importantly, your beautiful life mate. Also, there’s something I’d like you to have,” he stated and handed Lawson an envelope.

  “Oh, what’s this?” Lawson asked as he broke the seal and pulled out a folded piece of paper. He opened it and glanced at the typed document then met Jerry’s gaze. “I don’t understand. This is the deed to your house and property.”

  “I want you to have it. My land combined with yours will make for quite an impressive community of shifters, don’t you think?” Jeremiah asked.

  “Are you saying you want to stay with us permanently?” Lawson asked as his mind reeled over the generous offer.

  “If that’s okay with you,” Jerry replied.

  “Absolutely! Damn, this day keeps getting better. Welcome to Safe Haven, my friend,” Lawson announced and clapped him on the shoulder.

  Liv leaned in and added, “I always knew you’d end up living here. I couldn’t be more pleased. And, I have a surprise for you, too, Jeremiah,” she whispered as a smile broke across her face. “I spoke to Jax. He’s going to come for a visit after the first of the year. In fact, he wants you to call him as soon as possible to arrange it.”

  Jeremiah sat silent for several long minutes. Lawson was about to ask him if he was okay when the male muttered, “I think that’s the nicest gesture anyone has ever made on my behalf. Thank you, Liv.”

  “Of course. That’s what family does,” she said and winked at the male.

  “Hey, everybody! Come here,” Lawson’s baby sister, Brenlee, yelled.

  Their group stood and followed her into the large living area. Brenlee pointed toward the picture window that overlooked the front lawn. Snowflakes, big as saucers, fell to the ground, blanketing the world in white.

  Liv wrapped her arms around Lawson’s waist and sighed. “I think this is the best Christmas ever,” she declared.

  “You know what I want to do?” he muttered as he leaned his chin on the top of her head, looking at the picturesque scene.

  “What’s that?”

  “I’d like to go see Ryan, and then I want to come home and let my wolf run through the snow,” he admitted, and Liv looked up to meet his gaze. Green eyes that matched the stones in her ring sparkled brighter than the lights on the Christmas tree.

  “On one condition, Outlaw. You let me tag along. I haven’t played with a wolf in the snow before,” she said with a wink.

  “I think that can be arranged.”

  “Good. Now, kiss me like you mean it,” Liv demanded, and Lawson happily indulged his life mate.

  EXCERPT FROM Book Ravin BOOK #4

  Cassie climbed out of the back seat of Liv’s Jeep, and cold air slapped her face. She huddled in her jacket and cursed when she realized she forgot her gloves. Winters could be brutal in Tennessee, and the year was starting off with a big bang.

  Snow crunched underfoot as she joined Liv and her new husband. Cassie still hadn’t forgiven herself for not going to their celebration party. It was selfish and shitty, regardless that Liv said she understood why Cassie didn’t attend.

  She glanced at the entrance of Smith & Kimbro, Liv’s scientific research laboratory, and took a deep breath. She was beyond nervous about seeing Ryan. “Thank you, guys, for bringing me here today. I know this is the last thing you want to do on New Year’s Day,” Cassie confessed and looked over at her friend.

  Liv stopped at the glass door and rummaged through her handbag. “Don’t mention it, Cass. We planned on coming by today,” her friend answered as she pulled out a lanyard with several keys attached to the clip.

  Cassie snickered at the long strap decorated with wolves. Only those close to Liv would understand the meaning behind it. She was mated to a wolf shifter, and her collection of items depicting the beautiful animal was growing by leaps and bounds.

  “Any day, Sunshine. My balls are freezing over here,” Lawson teased as Liv struggled to open the door.

  “Oh, bite me, Outlaw. How fast chivalry dies once you say I do,” Liv countered and bumped her hip against her handsome shifter. Lawson reached over and took the keys from her hand, and opened the door on his first attempt.

  “After yo
u, my lovely,” he said with a wink as he held the door for Liv. “Oh, and you, too,” he teased as he looked at Cassie.

  “Thanks, Footlong,” Cassie countered, referring to the nickname she’d given him after seeing him bare-ass naked in the woods during a search for Ryan.

  She’d never forget seeing Lawson’s impressive manhood as he groped her friend. Truthfully, Ryan put him to shame in the endowment department, but she enjoyed razzing Lawson about it.

  As she entered the building, Cassie thought she’d stepped into a scene from one of her horror flicks. A deep, bone-chilling roar, followed by a loud boom had Lawson and Liv running down the hall, and Cassie was five steps behind.

  She cursed her short legs when their lead increased. Liv was a good four inches taller than her, and Lawson was easily a foot taller than Liv. She felt like a midget and had to run twice as hard to keep up with their pace.

  The three rushed into the room where Ryan’s holding cell was located, and Cassie’s mouth dropped. The place looked like it was hit by a tornado.

  It was evident that the Ravin was still in control of Ryan’s body. For months, Ryan was in denial of what was happening to him. Too many times, Cassie saw the tell-tale signs that he was losing the battle within, but he refused to discuss it with her.

  As wolf shifters neared the age of eighty, they knew the chances increased of turning Ravin. If they fell victim, their minds and bodies were taken hostage by a vicious creature she could only describe as a werewolf. And, that’s precisely what was staring her way.

  Not the handsome, sexy man she’d spent the last five months humping and grinding every chance she could. No, the creature before her was covered in long hair, with thick skin, and an elongated snout. Not to mention the large canines jutting from its jaw. What she wouldn’t give to see her blond-haired, blue-eyed boyfriend. She missed him more than she cared to admit.

  Another loud bang startled Cassie and drew her out of her thoughts. A wooden dresser smashed into a million pieces on the concrete floor. Clothes were strewn about his cell, and several books were tattered and destroyed. His mattress was ripped in half, and its stuffing littered the floor.