by Brenda Trim
“Ryan, if you don’t shift, you leave me no choice,” Lawson barked, snagging Ryan from his mental dilemma. He looked up to see his brother hovering over his body, gun aimed at his chest.
He saw blood seeping from Lawson’s tattered shirt, and noticed he was favoring his injured shoulder. This might be his last chance to escape.
“I’ll never shift for you. You’re just like those pathetic fucking humans that kept me chained to a wall. They demanded I shift, too, but guess what? I didn’t give them the satisfaction, and I won’t give it to you, either. You’ll have to kill me,” he snarled and met his brother’s gaze.
He saw the pained expression, and for a brief second, Ryan wished he could take back the hurtful words. Lawson was held prisoner for three years and almost died from the torture and abuse he suffered. To compare Lawson to his captors was the worst thing he could say to his brother.
“Listen to me, and listen closely,” Lawson threatened as his steel-gray eyes turned black with rage. “I’m not going to kill my brother, but I will fight until my last breath to rid his body of your toxicity, you fucking Ravin,” he blurted then pulled the trigger.
Chapter 6
Voices invaded Ryan’s muddled brain. How long had he been out this time? He mentally scanned his mind, checking for the Ravin and his wolf. The Ravin was alive and well, and still in control. His inner animal wailed. It was more a cry for help than anything. His wolf was losing the war against the creature and sensed it.
More muffled words snagged Ryan’s attention. He laid still, eyes closed, hoping no one realized he was awake.
“I’m not sure. Only time will tell,” muttered a female’s voice. It was Liv.
“I’m worried, Sunshine. The infusions should’ve worked by now,” Lawson said, and Ryan heard movement in the room then the sound of kissing.
“I promise I won’t give up until I find a way to get through to him,” Liv cooed, followed by more kissing.
“Would you two stop it already? It’s bad enough that I’m sleeping single in a king-sized bed. I don’t need a visual, too, thank you very much,” piped in a familiar voice.
Ryan’s eyes popped open when he heard Cassie’s voice. It was the sweetest sound he’d heard in a long time. She was sitting cross-legged on the desk near his cell. Her long brown hair was pulled into a messy bun, and she was wearing jeans and an oversized sweater. Damn, she was a sight for sore eyes.
When their eyes met, Ryan’s body immediately hardened. Fuck if he didn’t want her. He quickly rolled over, cupping his erection. Considering he was nude, wasn’t much he could do besides hide it from view.
“Ryan, please look at me,” Cassie implored.
He could hear the hurt in her voice. The last thing he wanted was to cause her more pain, but it seemed inevitable. She was there for one reason, and one reason only. To convince him to fight the Ravin, and that wasn’t happening.
Cassie sighed, and the sound made Ryan want to reassure her. “Hey, Liv, could you two give Ryan and me some alone time? I have a few things I’d like to say, without an audience.”
Ryan perked up at her suggestion. Yes. That was precisely what they needed. Privacy. Maybe he could convince her to let him go.
“Are you sure?” Liv asked.
“Yeah, I’m sure.”
“Just remember what happened the last time you were here. Don’t go near him,” Liv instructed, and Ryan heard the jingling of keys. “Mind locking the door behind us? We’ll be back in a few hours but call if you need us to come back sooner.”
“Sure, no problem. Be right back, Ryan,” Cassie called out.
“See you in a bit, Bro,” Lawson interjected, and Ryan heard the group leave the room.
He rolled over and listened to Cassie walk them out then lock the main door. Liv and Lawson would be gone for a few hours, he thought. That was all the time he had to persuade her to let him out of the cell. He would need to act fast.
He closed his eyes, and reached deep, searching for his human counterpart. Cassie wouldn’t trust him, otherwise. It was harder to connect than he expected. Maybe that part of his life was gone for good. A pang shot through his chest at the thought of losing every facet of his former self. After all, he was a wolf shifter to his core.
He went deeper into his subconscious, recalling his best moments with Cassie. How simple life was when they were together. Perfect, if he were completely honest. Suddenly, Ryan felt his body morph, and the shift prevailed.
When he opened his eyes, Cassie was standing in the doorway, smiling. It lit up his world, and he couldn’t help but grin in return.
“It’s really good to see you,” Ryan croaked. “I didn’t think you’d come back after the way I treated you.”
His voice was shaky but familiar, and he checked out his body making sure there was no sign of the Ravin. The long hair covering his body was gone, as were the claws. Unfortunately, his erection hadn’t diminished in the slightest. He grabbed the bed sheet and placed it over his groin. Not that he was embarrassed, but it didn’t seem appropriate at the moment. Somehow, waving his cock in surrender wasn’t the best way to apologize.
“I couldn’t stay away from you any longer,” Cassie exclaimed as tears filled her eyes. “You have no idea how much I’ve missed you.”
He could see the love in her warm, brown eyes. He hated that he was going to take advantage of that, but he had to get the fuck out of this cage.
“I’ve missed you, too, baby,” he muttered. “I’m so sorry about what happened before. Attacking you was wrong. Can you ever forgive me?” he asked, eyes fixed on hers.
His apology was sincere. Cassie was an incredible female and didn’t deserve to be mistreated. In fact, all he could think about was taking her in his arms and making love to her.
“Yes, I forgive you. You weren’t yourself when it happened. All I want is for you to get better. I want you to come home. I love you, Ryan,” Cassie admitted.
She’d never spoken so freely about her feelings, and it floored him. This was the first time she’d said the three words that usually sent him packing. But hearing her say them made him want her more. This was going to be harder than he thought.
“Prove it, baby. I’m dying over here,” he challenged and glanced down at the pitched tent he’d formed beneath the sheet.
“That’s probably a bad idea…but we both know I’m all about bad ideas,” she replied with a wry smile.
“Well, get your ass in here and let’s make up for lost time,” Ryan murmured with a wink.
Cassie rushed to the door of the cell and quickly shoved the key in the lock. In the next breath, she was in his arms, covering his face with kisses. She smelled divine, and Ryan allowed himself to enjoy this moment with her.
Their mouths crashed together, and he devoured her kiss. Ryan forced her lips apart and plundered her depths. Her moan was music to his ears, and he stroked his tongue against hers.
“Fuck, you taste good,” he murmured against her mouth as his hands explored her curvaceous body.
Cassie pushed him onto the bed, straddling his hips. “Ryan, it’s been way too long. I’m going to ride you like never before,” she purred as she worked her core against his cock.
The Ravin objected, wanting blood instead of sex, but Ryan ignored its demands. The male in him wanted this female, and he was going to have her.
Ryan popped the button on Cassie’s jeans as she lifted her sweater over her head. Her unbound breasts bounced freely with her movement, and Ryan’s mouth watered. She had the best tits imaginable, and he reached up with both hands and squeezed the soft round globes. Cassie arched, pressing against his ministrations. He felt her nipples harden, and Ryan pulled and twisted the hard tips, enjoying her mewls.
“Mmm, I need to feel you inside me,” she whispered and unzipped her jeans.
“Done and done,” he husked and grabbed her waistband. He shoved the material down her hips, taking her panties with them.
Moments later, she w
as completely nude and writhing beneath him. He untied the ribbon around her ponytail and grabbed her wrists then pulled them above her head.
“Ooo, feeling freaky tonight. I like it,” Cassie panted as Ryan secured her wrists to the bedpost, tugging the ribbon as tight as possible. He was suddenly grateful Liv replaced the broken furniture in his cell.
One thing he loved about Cassie. She was uninhibited when it came to sex, and open to every suggestion. Unbeknownst to her, there was more to this than Ryan’s sexual deviance. Restraining her would make his getaway much easier.
“You know it,” he admitted as he leaned down and licked one nipple then the other.
Cassie went wild as he sucked and nipped her breasts, and she ground her sex against his hip. “More, baby. Give me what I want,” she demanded.
He chuckled as she yanked on the sash, trying to get free. “All I want is you,” he husked as his hand trailed down her stomach and between her legs. He wasn’t lying. All he could think about was pleasuring this female.
Cassie lifted her hips when his fingers slid through her wet folds. “You’re so fucking wet. What should I do about that?” he murmured as his finger swirled across the engorged nub.
“You know exactly what to do,” she panted and spread her legs wide.
“I accept that invitation,” Ryan replied, and crawled toward the opposite end of the bed, positioning his body between her thighs.
The scent of arousal filled the air, and Ryan breathed deep. He relished the smell of her sex, and couldn’t wait to taste her. The Ravin roared in objection, and Ryan’s hands trembled as the creature tried to break through.
No! he shouted in his head. I need this now. And, it’s part of our plan, so back the fuck off. The Ravin retreated, and Ryan resumed his seduction.
He glanced up and met Cassie’s heated gaze. “May the force be with me,” he chuckled then swiped his tongue through her folds.
“Ahh, yes!” she cried out as Ryan lapped at her juices. The sweet taste filled his mouth as his tongue tortured her clit. Her hips ground against his mouth as she gave herself to the pleasure. He inserted his tongue deep inside her channel and feasted on her sex.
Suddenly, a hint of copper caressed his taste buds, and the Ravin roared to life. Ryan stopped his movement, trying to keep the creature at bay.
“Ryan, don’t stop. It feels so good,” Cassie declared as she wrapped her legs around his neck, pulling his face closer to her core.
“Are you on your period?” he snapped as the scent of blood filled his nostrils.
“Huh? It ended a couple of days ago,” she replied, her chest heaving with unspent desire.
Ryan felt the Ravin surface, and before he knew what was happening, the creature dove between her legs, licking and sucking her sex in a frenzy. Cassie threw back her head, lost to the passion. She was oblivious to the imminent danger. Ryan couldn’t stop the Ravin and prayed the creature didn’t harm her.
Ryan felt Cassie clench and knew she was close to orgasm. The Ravin felt it, too, and claws extended as the creature gripped Cassie’s hips. The scent of blood filled the air, but she was too far gone to notice. The moment her climax hit, she screamed his name. Ryan tried to reach out to her, but the creature slammed the door on his effort.
The Ravin wanted more. Craved her flesh, but not in a good way. No. The Ravin craved tearing her to pieces, and feasting on her insides. Ryan couldn’t allow that to happen.
He jumped from the bed and shouted as the Ravin emerged. Hair sprouted along his body, and his flesh thickened. His face contorted and elongated, revealing his true nature.
A piercing scream left Cassie’s throat as realization dawned. She tugged at the sash again, trying to break free. How different she looked from mere moments ago. The sexy playfulness was gone, replaced with sheer panic and fear. He hated seeing her look at him with terror in her eyes.
“Please, don’t hurt me,” Cassie begged as she curled into a ball, trying to protect herself as best she could.
The Ravin snarled and stepped toward the bed. Ryan could feel its hatred and violence. If he didn’t do something, the creature would kill her.
With one last burst of strength, Ryan turned and fled from the room, leaving Cassie tied to the bed. He knew she’d never forgive him, but he didn’t have time to explain. He had to get away to save her from the beast.
Ryan raced down the hall and shoved the glass door. When it didn’t give way, he cursed. It was locked, and Cassie had the key. He couldn’t risk going back into the holding room, so he took several steps backward then barreled toward the door. The glass shattered from the force, and he stumbled onto the concrete sidewalk.
Hoping to his feet, he took off toward the nearby forest. As he reached the tree line, he turned and glanced back one last time. He would never see Cassie, Liv, or his brother and sisters again. The Ravin was in control, and Ryan Scott was now a part of his past.
Chapter 7
Ryan made his way through the small town of Hollow Rock, keeping to the shadows. He needed a place to stay for the night and some food. Unfortunately, he didn’t have a dime to his name, so options were minimal.
The Ravin reminded him that money wasn’t necessary. They’d slept in the woods before, and food was plentiful in the forest. Ryan agreed. Hunting sounded perfect. There was nothing better than racing through the trees and killing an unsuspecting deer.
Suddenly, the smell of fried food tickled his nostrils. Ryan was a sucker for chicken, okra, and cornbread. It was one of his favorite meals served at The Scott Café when he was growing up. Nobody could touch his mom’s home-cooking.
Ryan glanced up the street and saw a light illuminating from a small building. As he got closer, he realized it was the Whistle Stop Café, and the restaurant was open. He wasn’t certain of the time but recalled they closed around nine p.m. most nights. Glancing at the moon, he guessed it was nearing that time. What he wouldn’t give for some leftover scraps headed for the dumpster.
Hollow Rock was a rural town, population less than seven hundred, which made it ideal for shifters. The humans were quiet folk and kept to themselves, and the shifters respected their space. It was a mutual partnership, and both parties seemed content.
The mountainous region also attracted Ravins. At least, that was the rumor. Ryan had never seen a Ravin until Jeremiah Winger. He lived on the adjacent property to Safe Haven, and a pack member discovered him prowling around the hotel. Ryan, his brother, and a few shifters hid near Jeremiah’s home and captured him one night. He was taken to Liv’s facility for treatment, and that was the last time Ryan saw Jerry.
It was during that time that Ryan began experiencing his own changes. At first, it was a slight tremor to his hands. But when his enhanced strength manifested, Ryan knew he was turning Ravin. And, he loved his newfound power. Had never felt anything like it his entire life. It was unfortunate that Lawson couldn’t see the possibilities. There was no need to shun the transformation that occurred. Ryan embraced his Ravin status, much like a rite of passage for aging shifters.
He continued his trek along Main street toward the eatery. The small town’s businesses consisted of the basics. There was a post office and police station, and that was about it. The quaint café was the only restaurant for miles, and subsequently, was extremely popular among the locals.
Luckily, tonight was an exception, Ryan mused as he looked to the restaurant’s parking lot and counted two vehicles. Everyone was probably at home, gathered around their fireplaces, he amended as a blast of wind blew debris across the street. Good thing he didn’t mind the cold because it looked like he was sleeping under the stars tonight.
As Ryan approached the tan-colored building, he could see a few customers and staff through the windows. Two human males were inhaling hamburgers, and flirting with a young waitress. An elderly female sat at the counter, sipping on a cup of coffee.
Hopefully, he could sneak around to the back of the building before anyone noticed he was th
ere. He wasn’t looking to bring attention, particularly since he wasn’t sure what Lawson and Liv would do once they discovered he escaped. He wouldn’t be surprised if they put out an APB on him when they returned to Smith & Kimbro.
Thoughts of S&K brought Cassie to mind. He could only imagine what she was thinking. Yes, he had duped her, but that didn’t mean the encounter was meaningless. He cared more for Cassie than he realized. Hearing her admission of love affected him deeply. He wanted to tell her he felt the same and wished their situation was different, but the Ravin didn’t see her as anything but food. He couldn’t go near her again. Ever. It was best for everyone if he lived in solitude.
Ryan rounded the corner of the building, and almost tripped over a homeless male asleep on the ground. He was wearing a t-shirt, raggedy jeans, and no shoes. Ryan crouched beside the human and placed a hand over the pulse at his neck. He was alive, but barely. It was way too cold for him to be outside for any length of time in the extreme temperature. And then Ryan got a whiff of his breath and understood. The bum was drunker than a skunk.
As he felt the soft thud of the male’s heartbeat, the Ravin staked its claim. He needed to feed, and decided this was the perfect candidate. Ryan shook his head in denial, but the creature insisted. It told Ryan no one would miss such a decrepit being. The male was old, drunk, and knocking on death’s door. They would be doing him a favor to take him out of his misery.
It seemed barbaric to kill an innocent. Even one as repulsive as the male at his feet. Admittedly, during the time Ryan and his father were held captive, he fantasized about snapping the necks of the guards that beat and tortured him. The thought alone had his anger spiking uncontrollably.
Claws extended from his fingertips as the Ravin took advantage of Ryan’s temper, and urged him closer to the derelict. The creature was hell-bent on taking a life. Its eyes fixated on the vein popping from the male’s throat. It was going to be a sweet victory to feel the life drain out of the human then peel the flesh from its stiff corpse.
