20 Shades of Shifters: A Paranormal Romance Collection

by Demelza Carlton

  Ah, fuck it, she thought, who needs to walk anyway?

  Lawson slipped on his sweatpants while watching Liv dress. He never tired of staring at her sexy ass. Her taste lingered on his tongue, and he wanted to throw her back onto the bed and fuck her some more, but the human needed food.

  “We need to get you some clothes today,” she stated, drawing him out of his musings. “I’m sure you’re tired of wearing those,” she added, looking at the pants he’d worn when they escaped the lab. Ashley had washed them every night, but they were a horrible reminder of that place, and he wanted to burn them first chance he got.

  “Yes, about that. My mom and sisters are coming today. I spoke with them yesterday while you were at work. They’re bringing me clothes, my cell phone and laptop, and some other things I need. I’ve been out of touch with the world for so long. I don’t even remember how much money I had in the bank. I hope them coming isn’t a problem for Bart,” he declared.

  He hadn’t seen or heard from the male since he took Liv back to the city. Lawson didn’t know if he could invite others to the hotel, but he had to see his family.

  “No, I’m sure he won’t mind. In fact, I’m going to call and see if he and Cassie will come out. I have a thought on getting your brother and dad out, and I’ll need their help to make it happen,” she explained, grabbing some clothes from her weekend bag.

  He immediately missed her breasts when she slipped a turquoise t-shirt over her head, covering his favorite part of her body. Black lace panties had his mouth watering as they covered her small thatch of curls. He enjoyed the way they tickled his nose when he was buried between her legs.

  He watched as she pulled out her cell phone from her bag and sent a couple of messages then slid on a pair of denim shorts. His eyes roamed from her daisy dukes down to her pink polished toes. She had the longest legs, and he remembered how they felt wrapped around his waist and grinned from another image of them extended up his torso as he pounded into her body. That was a satisfying position that required repeating.

  “Hey, what are you thinking about?” she asked as she wrapped her arms around his neck.

  “All the dirty things I want to do to you,” he admitted, leaning down to kiss her cherry-red lips, his other favorite part. He couldn’t get enough of this female. His cock was hard as stone, aching to be inside her sweet sex.

  “Mmm, care to share?” Her green eyes glazed over and it took everything not to rip her clothes off her sexy body.

  He smelled her arousal, and it was driving him crazy. Unfortunately, his family would be arriving soon, and he needed hours to satiate his need. He would have to wait until later to explore the dark fantasy playing in his mind.

  “No, I’ll show you later. Let’s just say it will involve you wearing your cowboy boots and nothing else,” he teased, his hands roaming to her breasts and palming them.

  “Nice. Save a horse, ride a wolf?” she murmured, licking her bottom lip suggestively.

  Lawson reared his head and laughed. “Yeah, that’s not going to happen. My wolf would eat you alive, literally,” he stated.

  Liv’s sexy grin instantly turned sour, and she furrowed her brows, stepping out of his arms.

  “Can I not see your wolf?”

  “Liv, you need to understand something. When I shift, my control leaves and the wolf takes over. To say he’s interested in you is mild. I can’t guarantee that I will be able to stop him if he were to attack. It’s not a chance I’m willing to take. Our animals are very predatory,” he confessed.

  Hurt flashed across her beautiful face, making his chest twist. Most humans didn’t understand what it was like to have a dual nature and live with a wild animal inside and Liv was no different. Still, his wolf wanted her. It had been a night of bliss, but Lawson had fought his wolf the entire time. And it wasn’t because he wanted to play and have her rub his belly. He wanted to taste her blood and that was dangerous.

  Trying to change the subject, he redirected, “I want to free my dad and Ryan more than anything, but not if it means risking you. We can figure something else out. I say we storm in and take what’s fucking ours, to hell with everything else.”

  Fuck playing by the rules. Blowing the mother fucker up and putting Jim out of business once and for all sounded good to him.

  He could see the wheels spinning but he had a feeling it wasn’t about his family. She was disappointed in what he’d said, but there was nothing he could do. The only time his wolf would meet a female was if he shared his life force with her. And then, only because it was mandatory.

  If he chose a shifter, then it would be a meeting of their animals, and his wolf would claim her in every way. He wasn’t sure how that worked between a shifter and a human.

  He’d never considered sharing his life force with a human. Hell, he was seventy-seven and hadn’t wanted to share it with any female, even though it was becoming critical that he do so. That was before Liv came along. Now, his convictions had flown out the window.

  Finally, she spoke, her tone indifferent. “Yeah, but Jim would have you thrown in jail. Don’t forget his deep pockets and how far his reach extends. No, we’ll come up with a plan when we’re all together,” she declared, pulling her phone out of her pocket.

  “Bart and Cassie are coming. Let’s go talk to Ashley about dinner plans,” she stated and walked out of the bedroom. It was evident by her demeanor that she wasn’t happy. He hated to upset her, but honesty was vital. Why were females so fucking complicated?

  Chapter 18

  Liv stood at the stainless-steel counter, chopping vegetables. Ashley was busy bustling around the kitchen, preparing dinner for later that evening. Liv offered to help make a few platters of munchies, mainly needing a distraction from Lawson. She glanced toward the man standing at the back door. He was staring out the window, lost in thought.

  She couldn’t deny it she was hurt. Lawson’s quick objection regarding his wolf stung. The last twenty-four hours with him had been the most incredible of her life. She wanted to know everything about him. His likes, dislikes, hopes, dreams. All that bullshit that a new relationship brought. She wanted to know every part of him, including his animal. His reaction had made her feel like she was unimportant. Worse, like she was nothing but a random fuck for him.

  Men, they’re all the same, she thought as she continued chopping the carrots.

  “Whoa, chica, why you so angry with the veggies?” Ashley commented with a laugh and gave her a puzzled look.

  Lawson glanced Liv’s way and their eyes met briefly but she looked back to her cutting board, receiving a resounding sigh from him.

  “Sorry, Ashley. Guess I got carried away. I’m done with the carrots, what next?” she asked.

  “There are cucumbers and bell pepper to cut if you don’t mind,” she replied as she continued frying tortillas for the enchilada meal she was making.

  Liv had discovered that the Hispanic woman was a remarkable cook and her mouth watered from the delicious aromas permeating the kitchen.

  “They’re here, Liv. I hear their vehicle pulling up,” Lawson said and walked out of the room.

  Liv watched his retreating back and the knife cut deeper into her chest. Did he not care at all? Had she been a complete fool all this time thinking he was one of the good guys? It wasn’t as if he’d made any promises to her or professed any feelings beyond an attraction.

  “Olivia, I can finish up with this. You should go and meet the guests,” Ashley suggested, and Liv met her gaze.

  The woman gave her a knowing look, tilting her head towards the direction Lawson had gone. She was right. This was an important moment for him regardless of what was going on with them. She was acting petty which was rude.

  She smiled towards Ashley and nodded. “Yes, I should. Thank you.”

  Liv put down the knife and wiped her hands on a towel, taking a deep breath. Head held high, she left the kitchen and walked towards the family room.

  As she turned the corner,
she stopped at the large opening. Lawson was in a group embrace with his mom and three sisters. It struck her as that all four women looked to be around the same age. She picked his mom out based on her attire. Her blouse and skirt fell below her knees while the others were dressed more like her in shorts and t-shirts. All were beautiful women.

  Tears streamed down the women’s faces, and Liv suddenly felt like she was intruding on a very private moment. The urge to slip away unnoticed had her inching backward until then the front door flew open and Cassie barged in, followed by Bart.

  “Well butter my butt and call me a biscuit, this place is incredible, Bart! Why have we not had a party here?” Cassie shouted, turning in circles as she took in the place.

  Laughing, he gave Cassie a light shove. “Because I’m afraid if I let you stay here, you’ll never leave,” he teased and walked to Liv. “Hey, TKO, how’s my girl?” Wrapping his arms around her waist, he lifted her off the ground and squeezed tight.

  She hugged him back, feeling like she was on the verge of tears. She couldn’t get emotional right now. Bart wouldn’t understand and it would bring unwanted attention and questions.

  “Liv,” came a deep voice behind her that made her core clench. She released her hold on Bart and he slowly set her down. She turned to see Lawson standing a few feet away.

  “I’d like you to meet my family. Hi, Bart, it’s good to see you again,” Lawson stated, but his gray eyes never left hers.

  “You, too. I’m going to check on things in the kitchen. Come on, Cass, I believe you promised to make margaritas,” Bart stated. Cassie gave Liv a quizzical look before turning to follow Bart.

  Straightening her t-shirt, she ignored Lawson’s stare, walking past him into the family room. The four women sat on one long sofa. Lawson walked up behind her, placing his hand to her lower back and a shiver ran up her spine from the contact. Why did he have such an effect on her? It wasn’t fair when she apparently had little effect on him. She’d thought she was special. What an idiot. Any guy held captive for three years would want to fuck for twenty hours straight after being released.

  “Mom, Brenlee, this is Liv. Liv, this is my mom and baby sister. And, of course, you’ve already had the misfortune of meeting the twins,” he said with a smirk which earned him a middle finger from Hannah.

  He laughed and winked at her, and she blew him a kiss. It was obvious this family had a sense of humor and enjoyed horseplay.

  Liv offered her hand to his mom first. “It’s such a pleasure, Madeline. I’ve heard so many wonderful things about all of you from Lawson.” His mom smiled broadly and stood to shake her hand.

  Madeline Scott was tall and her hand was big but warm. Liv could see where Lawson’s gray eyes came from as his mom regarded her.

  “Oh, my dear, the pleasure is all mine. I owe you so much. You brought our Lawson back to us. You are a remarkable female,” she boasted, and Liv instantly liked her. She had kind eyes that reminded her of her own mother’s and a soft voice that held such love and devotion for her family.

  Just then, Ashley walked in carrying a large tray of hors d’oeuvres and placed it on the oversized coffee table. Bart followed next and introduced himself to Lawson’s family, taking drink orders.

  “Liv, Cassie asked for your help in the kitchen,” Bart said as he exchanged small talk with the Scott family.

  Making her way to the kitchen, Liv glanced back to see Lawson watching her. She gave him a slight smile, and the curl to his upper lip had her melting. Turning back, she continued her trek to the kitchen, wishing she could rewind the past hour and have a do-over. She didn’t like the doubt and uncertainty that plagued her since their last conversation, and she didn’t like the way she had acted.

  As soon as she walked into the kitchen, Cassie looked up from a glass pitcher and blurted, “Okay, spill it, now.”

  “What are you talking about?” Liv hedged.

  “Don’t give me that crap. You have that I’ve-been-sexing-all-night-look plastered across your face. Trust me, I know it well,” Cassie laughed, dumping tequila, triple sec, and frozen limeade into the container. When she cracked the top on a can of beer, Liv stopped her.

  “What are you doing with that?” Liv asked, thinking Cassie had lost her marbles.

  “This is the secret ingredient. Can’t have a redneck margarita without beer, baby,” Cassie replied, dumping the can into the pitcher. “And don’t’ change the subject. I want details, dammit.”

  Liv could feel blush staining her cheeks. She couldn’t lie to Cassie. She would know it the minute she opened her mouth.

  Exhaling, she said, “Fine. I had sex with Lawson. A lot of it. All night. There. You happy?”

  Cassie’s scream echoed through the kitchen. “Are you serious? Oh, shit, Liv. He’s yummylicious!”

  “Shhhh, he has like super-hearing. They all do,” Liv whispered, waving her hand like a crazy person in hopes of quieting her friend’s loud outburst.

  “How was it, you know, with a shifter?” Cassie inquired after she lowered her voice. It was like looking at a bobble head doll vigorously nodding while her eyes bugged from curiosity. “Oh, you’re biting your lip. That good, huh?”

  “Stop it! Yes. It was incredible. Best sex of my life,” she uttered and had to grab a glass and pour herself a drink.

  “Good for you! Bout damn time you had a man take care of your needs. Has he got a friend?” she asked, waggling her eyebrows.

  Liv couldn’t help but laugh. Cassie would lose her mind if Liv told her how big Lawson was.

  “He does have a brother. In fact, that’s why I asked you to come. His brother and dad are still at PRL, and we need to get them out.”

  At that moment, Lawson walked into the kitchen and Cassie looked to Liv, sharing a girlfriend moment. The snicker was inevitable and had Liv blushing.

  “Everything okay in here?” he asked, coming to Liv’s side and wrapping his arm around her waist.

  “Couldn’t be better. I’m Cassie, by the way. We haven’t been formally introduced,” she announced, flashing her winning smile. Good Lord, she was the biggest flirt on the planet.

  “Hi, Cassie. I believe I owe you a huge thank you for your part in my escape. Hope I can return the favor some day,” Lawson answered, pulling Liv closer to his side. Immediately, she molded to him, enjoying the contact.

  “Well, I’ll keep that in mind. Now, if you two will excuse me, I’ve got margaritas to serve. Don’t stay too long in here,” Cassie drawled, sashaying out of the kitchen.

  Liv looked up at Lawson and fell into his gray depths. “Liv, I didn’t mean to upset you earlier,” he stated, cupping her face in his palms, trailing a thumb across her lip.

  Arousal flooded her system at the simple gesture. She needed to get a grip on her libido before she hopped on the counter and shamelessly threw herself at Lawson. Shaking off her thoughts, she tried to focus.

  “You know what, let’s not talk about that right now. Your family is here, and this is a joyous occasion. The last thing I want to do is ruin that for you.”

  “It is joyous and I’m thrilled they’re here, but right now I need to know that you’re happy, as well. Last night was…sinful, and I can’t stop thinking about it. When you are near my entire body feels it. I want you again,” he husked, gently placing his mouth on hers.

  Goosebumps skated across her skin as their kiss quickly escalated. So much for controlling her desire. His tongue darted inside her mouth, and she swallowed his groan. When he pulled her flush against his hard body, her core clenched with painful need and she lifted her leg to hook around his hip.

  A throat clearing startled her, and she jumped from Lawson’s hold. Bart stood in the doorway of the kitchen, a grim expression on his face.

  “Lawson, could you give me a minute with Liv? Alone,” he ordered.

  Lawson looked to Liv and she nodded. “It’s okay. We’ll be right there.”

  Lawson left the room but not before pinning Bart with his death st
are. As soon he was gone, Bart turned dark brown eyes her way.

  “Liv, what the hell are you thinking? You can’t be serious. A shifter? Do you have any idea how violent they can be? You realize he’s an animal,” he spat, walking to stand inches in front of her.

  “I like the guy, okay? Is that so terrible? And for your information, he doesn’t want me to see his animal, so don’t worry about me getting hurt by his wolf,” Liv retaliated, but her words backfired, reminding her of the conversation with Lawson. He had practically described the same concern as Bart.

  “And what happens if he can’t control himself and his animal comes out anyway? Liv, I’m all for helping him and his family to safety, but I can’t support you in a relationship with one of them. I can’t do it. I care too much,” he confessed and stepped closer until where they were touching.

  Bart reached up and stroked a hand across her cheek. Her jaw clenched at the mixed emotions that crossed his face. Emotions she didn’t want to see from a man she saw as nothing more than a friend.

  Taking a step backward, she reached for her drink and took a sip. “I appreciate everything you’re doing. And I know you are concerned about me, but don’t be. I’m a big girl and can take care of myself. Now, we should join the others so I can discuss my idea.”

  “Please don’t tell me this involves another security breach because I don’t think you can pull off another midnight caper,” Bart said with a grin, and his mood lightened. Thank God he seemed to be himself again.

  Liv knew he was protective of her. He always had been. And it had been so long since she’d had a boyfriend, he wasn’t used to her attention going elsewhere. He just needed some time to adjust, then their relationship would go back to normal.

  “Well, not exactly. Come on, I’ll explain,” Liv announced, grabbing her drink with one hand and Bart’s arm with another.

  Lawson helped Bart put several tables together, forming one larger seating arrangement that would accommodate their group for dinner. The main dining area was as large as the family room with a couple dozen small tables, which was understandable for a hotel, but they wanted to eat and socialize in a more intimate setting.