by Brenda Trim
“Yeah, I wouldn’t be surprised if she didn’t hire someone to take care of the guy if you know what I mean,” Michael bellowed, making Bart choke on his java. The guy seriously needed to take the volume down a notch this early in the day.
Unfortunately, Bart already knew the answer to Michael’s theory. Elaine might be having an affair, but she wasn’t responsible for Jim’s abrupt exit. No, that would be his longtime friend and ex-girlfriend, Liv Kimbro. He didn’t know the sordid details of Jim’s death and didn’t want to know, but he wished Liv wouldn’t have gotten involved with the shifters. Now, she was married to one of them, and it made Bart sick to his stomach. Lawson didn’t deserve Liv. He did.
“Yeah, a hundred bucks says it was the lackey following her around,” Dean remarked with a snort. “His head was so far up her ass,” he added.
“All of that is conjecture that, thankfully, we don’t need to be concerned with. Our sole focus is the labs, and whether shifters are being held captive,” Bart informed the group, changing the topic.
After Cassie chewed him out for pushing the cops to search Safe Haven, Bart decided to drop the matter. She made a valid point. The last thing he wanted was for Liv to get accused of murdering a man, especially one that attacked and almost raped her. Honestly, the world was better off without the guy.
“Do you want us to check out the remaining facilities? There’s a couple in Nashville, and the others are north of there,” Dean asked as he poured another cup of coffee.
“Yes. I need to cover all my bases. When did you say you’ll be going? I might tag along,” Bart offered, thinking it was a smart move politically if he showed his concern for the shifter community.
Not that he was heartless or uncaring where shifters were concerned. For the most part, shifters kept to themselves. They lived and socialized within their own communities and didn’t interact with humans unless necessary.
Kelly’s eyes widened. “That would be fantastic. We could carpool together,” she suggested and turned his way. The movement caused her blouse to gape, providing Bart with an eyeful of ample bust spilling from her bra.
“Next week. Probably leave on Tuesday and return sometime Thursday,” Trina replied as she looked toward the others who nodded in agreement.
“Hmm, Tuesday might not work. Let me see if I can rearrange a few things. I’ll let you know this afternoon,” Bart answered and put a note in his cell phone to call the mayor about rescheduling their meeting.
“Sounds good. Well, I’m sure you have a ton of things to do so we won’t take any more of your time,” Trina murmured as she picked up her folders and stuffed them in her tote then stood from her seat. Bart climbed to his feet, as well, and shook her hand.
The others followed her lead and said their goodbyes then made a hasty exit. All except Kelly, who lingered behind. Once they were alone, she stepped closer, placing a hand over Bart’s chest.
“I really hope you’ll join us for the Nashville trip. An overnighter sounds…well, let’s just say anything is possible,” she purred and nibbled her lower lip.
Bart’s eyes immediately went to Kelly’s full lips. The act reminded him of Liv and the way she gnawed her lips to the point they were raw. He relentlessly teased her about it. Kelly wasn’t near as sexy, intelligent, or funny as his red-headed scientist.
Bart silently cursed. He needed to get over his obsession with Liv. She was married now, and whatever they shared in the past was over.
He glanced back to Kelly who was staring at him with pure lust. Getting involved with someone on his payroll was a bad idea. If things went south, she could destroy his career. He had enough enemies as it was. He didn’t need to add a scorned woman to the list.
Bart grabbed her hand, preventing it from worming inside his button-down. “Kelly, I’m flattered, but please understand. I don’t date employees,” he explained with a smile.
“Well, I’m not on your staff, Bart. You hire us from time to time, but I work for Fortified Investigations. Whatever we do outside of that is nobody’s business. Just give it some thought,” Kelly offered as she turned to walk out of the conference room.
His gaze landed on her hips as she swayed from the room. He couldn’t deny she was attractive. Even his cock jerked in agreement. It had been too long since he’d had sex. And, she had a good point, he surmised. Kelly didn’t technically work for him. Maybe a romp in the sack was just what the doctor ordered.
Bart shook off his ruminations. He would worry about getting laid another day. What was plaguing his brain most was what the investigative team reported about the labs. They found nothing to support Lawson’s claim that shifters were being tortured, or, for that matter, held against their will.
Bart paced the length of the large conference room, trying to gain some insight. Why would Lawson bring the matter to his attention if it weren’t true? And Liv confirmed it. Bart might be upset that she was involved with a shifter, but he knew she was as honest as they came. Liv would never lie to him.
Or, would she? Had she changed that much since meeting Lawson? God, he hoped not.
He scrubbed a hand across his jaw as he contemplated his next move. Should he hold another press conference and let the people know that humans weren’t torturing shifters? Tell them the claims made by Lawson were false? He should probably wait until the other labs were searched before he made a formal statement. Being called out as a liar in public would be a death sentence.
Was that Lawson’s angle? Was he trying to jeopardize Bart’s political career? Or maybe he wanted to turn the shifter community against him. That had to be it. Lawson wanted to tarnish his image. Was it not enough the guy stole Liv from him? His blood boiled as images of Liv and Lawson filled his mind.
Needing a distraction, he reached into his pocket and grabbed his cell phone. Bart scrolled through his contacts until he found the number he needed. He pressed the call button and placed the device to his ear.
After the first ring, a voice intruded. “Hey there, handsome.”
“Hi, Kelly.”
“Are you calling to tell me you’ll be joining us on the trip to Nashville?” she cooed seductively.
“Still not sure about that, but I wanted to see if you’re free for dinner tonight. I know it’s short noti––”
“I’d love to have dinner with you. What time and where?” Kelly blurted before he could finish his sentence.
“I’ll pick you up around seven. Just text me your address,” Bart replied and looked at his watch. “Sorry to cut this short, but I have another meeting in ten minutes.”
“Sure, no problem. I’m looking forward to tonight,” Kelly murmured.
“Same. See you at seven,” Bart responded and ended the call.
Bart shoved his cell phone in his pocket and sighed. Unfortunately, he wasn’t excited about his date with Kelly. In fact, he knew how the evening would unfold. He’d pick her up in his limo, take her out for an expensive dinner, and she’d be half-naked before the limo pulled out of the parking lot of the restaurant. Not exactly his idea of a dream date.
He thought back to his time with Liv. How did he ever let her walk out of his life? She was everything he wanted in a woman. God, would he ever feel that way again? His gut said no.
Chapter 5
Ryan heard footsteps in the hallway that led to his room. The heavy clunk, along with a soft pitter-patter, told him it was Lawson and Liv. Seconds later, the lock clicked then the steel door swung wide. Yep, he was right.
Lawson walked in first followed by the renowned scientist, Olivia Kimbro. Their pensive expressions told Ryan this wasn’t a friendly visit.
A faint howl echoed in the back of his mind. His wolf sensed his brother’s presence and recognized their kinship. Ryan slammed the lid on that mental box, silencing his inner animal.
Liv shook her head and scowled as she scanned his cell. He followed her gaze and chuckled. It looked like a bomb exploded, destroying everything in sight. He leered at the couple. Ser
ved them right for locking him up against his will.
“Good afternoon, Ryan,” Liv greeted with a smile as she walked over to the desk and picked up a clipboard.
Fake-ass bitch, he thought. She didn’t give a shit about him. She was using shifters, hoping to cure cancer with their blood, and become Super-Scientist of the whole fucking planet. Not going to happen if he had a say in it.
“I heard you shifted for Staci. That’s great news. It means you’re more in control than we initially thought,” she said as she looked through the paperwork attached to the clipboard.
He glared at the female. Was she that fucking naïve? The only reason he shifted to his human façade was to dupe Staci into giving him the key to his cell. That was it. And, it would’ve worked if his Ravin hadn’t had other ideas. Like draining the weak human.
Liv stared at him, undoubtedly waiting for a response. When he didn’t comply, she continued, “I also heard you attacked her. Staci isn’t too happy with you right now.”
“She seemed pretty happy when my tongue was in her mouth,” Ryan barked with a laugh.
“Well, at least she managed to administer another dose of blood. How are you feeling now? More like yourself, I hope,” Liv countered and placed the clipboard on the desk.
“I feel great, thank you for asking,” he snarled and glanced at Lawson.
His brother looked tired. Or maybe it was worry he saw. Regardless, he knew the words before they left Lawson’s mouth. “Hey, bro. That’s fantastic news. Shift again. Better yet, let your wolf take control. It’s your best weapon against the Ravin,” Lawson encouraged as he walked toward the cell.
“And, if you don’t mind, I’d like to take a blood sample and run some tests. See how you’re responding now that you’ve had Lawson’s blood,” Liv suggested as she grabbed some supplies from a cabinet and walked over to stand by Lawson.
Silence was Ryan’s reply. He wasn’t about to shift into his wolf or willingly give his blood for testing. They could both kiss his ass.
The truth was, he could feel a difference since receiving his brother’s blood. He wasn’t sure if it was because they shared the same DNA, or if it was because Lawson shared his life force with Liv, but it was much harder to keep his wolf at bay. The turmoil between the two creatures inside him was incessant, and it took considerable effort for the Ravin to remain in command. It was exhausting.
“Ryan, you’ve got to listen to me,” Lawson pleaded, and he met his brother’s gaze. “Hannah, Haylee, and Brenlee miss you. We want you to come home,” he added.
Ryan snorted and turned his back to his brother. If his sisters truly missed him, why hadn’t they visited? He guessed it was because Lawson told them not to. Warned them he was too dangerous and couldn’t be trusted which was total bullshit.
“Bro, think about what mom and dad would say if they were here,” Lawson continued, making Ryan’s body immediately tense.
Just the thought of seeing his parents again made his heart twist. What he wouldn’t give to hear his mother’s sweet voice or his dad’s deep chortle. It was the kind of laugh that made others smile when they heard it. Damn, he missed them.
Still, he said nothing. He couldn’t give into his emotions. It was a sign of weakness, and he couldn’t afford that right now.
“They would tell you to fight this. That family comes first. Dad gave his life for us, don’t forget that,” Lawson reminded him.
Anger, hot and hard, pulsed through Ryan’s system at hearing the words. His head jerked toward Lawson, and he glared at his brother as rage erupted. “How dare you speak of his death like you know what our dad went through,” he growled and clenched his fists. “You weren’t even there, Bro,” Ryan spat as if their kinship was poison to his blood. “I watched those assholes drain every drop of his blood. I watched him take his last breath. Do not ever tell me what Pop gave for us. I was there!” he roared, his body shaking uncontrollably.
Lawson’s hands went up in surrender. “I didn’t mean to imply that I was there, or that I know what he went through. I’m so grateful you were by his side. I would hate to think of him alone during that time. And, I hate that you had to witness it. I wish I could take that pain away, but I can’t. All I can do is stay by your side now. I won’t abandon you, Ryan.”
Again, emotion clogged Ryan’s throat. His brother seemed genuine. His wolf scratched at the walls of its cage, wanting out. Should he release his animal? Let his wolf fight the Ravin?
The Ravin bellowed in his mind, and a rush of power assaulted his body. Ryan couldn’t deny how much he loved his newfound strength. He wanted more. Hungered for it. Instantly, Ryan knew the answer to his inner struggles. His wolf would have to remain caged for now.
‘Ryan, all I’m saying is that Mom and Pop would want you to fight this. I know my brother is in there, and he loves his family,” Lawson declared and stepped to the edge of the holding cell.
“Ryan’s here, alright. He likes the changes he’s going through. For once, he’s calling the shots. Not you, Golden Boy,” the Ravin snarled.
“Fuck you,” Lawson spat. “Ryan’s not calling the shots. You are. You’re using him like a pawn in a chess game. Well, guess what? You won’t win, Ravin. I’ll shove that fucking needle down your throat if I have to.”
“I’d like to see you try,” the beast muttered as he lowered his head, pinning Lawson with a glower.
Lawson turned toward Liv and held out his hand. “Give me the key,” he demanded as he grabbed the tranquilizer gun. Liv paused for a moment then reached into her lab coat pocket and pulled out a set of keys. She placed them in Lawson’s hand and stepped away from the holding cell.
The Ravin jumped to its feet and grabbed the mattress when Lawson unlocked the cage door. If he could shield himself until Lawson got close enough, he might be able to overpower his brother and escape.
“I hate that it’s come to this, Ryan. The last thing I want is to use this on you again, but you leave me no choice. I refuse to let the Ravin take you from me,” Lawson confessed, and Ryan could hear the hurt in his voice.
Ryan’s wolf howled in his head. It was deafening, and Ryan almost released the mattress so he could shield his ears from the agonizing sound. His animal demanded he shift, but Ryan resisted. He couldn’t allow his wolf near the Ravin. It would be a fight to the death, and he feared his wolf would be the victor.
Ryan crouched behind the mattress so that Lawson didn’t have a clear shot at him. He stayed low, listening to the sound of his brother’s boots on the concrete floor until he felt Lawson was in striking distance. Then, he closed his eyes, and allowed the Ravin to consume his body entirely, and thrust the mattress toward his brother.
Lawson fell back against the cage, dropping the tranquilizer gun as he slammed into the iron bars. The Ravin growled and charged forward. He tackled Lawson to the ground while sharp claws embedded in Lawson’s back. Lawson shouted out in pain, and rolled to the side, taking the Ravin with him. He wasn’t going to allow Lawson to end up on top. That gave him too much advantage, and he wanted out more than he wanted revenge against his brother.
They rolled over several times before crashing against the metal bars. The Ravin took advantage and forced Lawson on his back. Pinning him to the floor, the Ravin’s claws sliced across Lawson’s shoulder. Blood poured from the gash, and a rush of adrenaline surged through his body. Saliva dripped from his jowls at the sight of the crimson fluid. Consumed by blood-lust, he lowered his snout and bit into the flesh.
Two things happened simultaneously. A shudder wracked Ryan’s body the moment he tasted Lawson’s blood, and a loud scream echoed throughout the room. Disoriented, Ryan glanced toward the sound as he tried to decipher what happened. It had to be his brother’s blood, he surmised as realization dawned. That was the same blood used in the infusions and he couldn’t consume it. Another scream rent the air.
Ryan glanced toward the sound and met green eyes filled with horror. “Say goodbye to your life mate, Olivia
,” he snarled as another jolt of power washed over him.
The Ravin roared, declaring it was time. End Lawson’s life, and take over as Alpha. No one could ever defeat a Ravin leader.
Suddenly, a punch to the face snagged his attention, and he turned his focus back to Lawson. “You’re going to regret that,” the Ravin snarled as he balled his fist then punched.
The blow landed on Lawson’s mouth, and blood spurted from the split flesh. Again, the sight of blood was a distraction. He couldn’t drink it, no matter the temptation. But he sure as fuck could snap Lawson’s neck.
For once, he felt more powerful than his brother. Lawson, the Golden Boy, was finally inferior to him. For as long as he could remember, Ryan was jealous of his younger brother. There was no worse feeling than a younger sibling outshining you in every way. Countless times, he’d wished their father would look at him with pride and admiration.
If only his dad could see him now. Maybe then, Ryan would earn the respect he so desperately wanted.
He stared into steel-gray eyes, wanting Lawson to feel his dominance. But his plan backfired. Ryan’s inner wolf connected with Lawson’s animal and the allied spirits howled in unison. His wolf broke through its cage and surged to the surface. The Ravin crumpled to the floor as it struggled to gain back control.
Lawson quickly jumped to his feet and grabbed the tranquilizer gun, pointing it toward the Ravin. “Shift, Ryan. Now, while you’ve got the upper hand,” he yelled.
A howl escaped from Ryan’s throat, and he felt his wolf emerging. The Ravin roared louder, shoving against the forceful animal. It was a battle of wills, and Ryan acknowledged if he shifted, his wolf would push the creature back to the darkest part of his mind. Ryan couldn’t allow that to happen. He needed the Ravin’s power, or he was nothing without it.
Ryan dug deep, mentally forcing his wolf to retreat. It took considerable effort, but he managed to shove the animal back into its cage. A metal box with a padlock and he held the only key. His wolf yowled its protest, but Ryan shoved the key in a secret place deep inside his mind. His animal wouldn’t escape again.
