20 Shades of Shifters: A Paranormal Romance Collection

by Demelza Carlton

  Ashley came in with table linens, and she and Knox covered the wood tables while Liv and Cassie set candles in various spots. Lawson couldn’t help but admire the intricately carved bar along the far wall. He was a welder but appreciated the work that went into the craftsmanship. With a little elbow grease, it could be the focal point of the room.

  Everyone grabbed a chair and started placing them around the table. As soon as Liv claimed her spot, Bart rushed to sit on her other side. The male had a serious hard-on for her and Lawson didn’t know if she was oblivious or just didn’t want to admit what anyone could plainly see.

  Cassie set her chair opposite Liv, and Lawson sat on Liv’s other side. Sitting down, he picked up her delicate hand and kissed the back of her fingers. She smiled, and pink stained her cheeks.

  It floored him how she could be so cute and innocent then transform into a wanton sex goddess in the next breath. He had to admit he found both sides irresistible.

  He felt someone brush his leg and looked over to see Brenlee at his other side. His mom sat across from him, and the twins sat beside her. Brenlee wrapped her arm around his neck and placed a kiss on his cheek.

  “I still can’t believe you’re here, in the flesh. I’ve missed you so much, brother” she confessed, light brown eyes welling. She was the baby of the family, even though she was sixty years old, and he was most protective of her.

  Reaching over, he ruffled her blonde hair. “You have no idea how good it is to be sitting here with all of you. All we need now is to get dad and Ryan out, and we’ll be a family again,” he reassured, wanting to relieve the worry he saw on her face.

  Ashley asked Knox to help her bring in the food, and they left the room. Lawson hoped they didn’t take the long way to the kitchen, by way of Knox’s bedroom. The two were enjoying each other’s company and Lawson was happy for the male. What little he knew of him, he liked so far.

  Luckily, they returned a few minutes later carrying glasses, a couple bottles of sangria and some beers. Bart offered to bartend while they went to the kitchen for the food.

  As Bart poured, Liv sat forward, and placed her arms on the table. “So, let’s get down to business. The last time I went into PRL to get Lawson out, Cassie hacked the security system. The problem was, the main lab remained locked, so I’m assuming it operates separately than the rest of the building. The only thing I know that accesses that room is Jim’s entry card. So, here’s my thought…if I can get my hands on his card, can you make a copy of it?” she asked Cassie, looking hopefully towards her friend.

  Cassie twisted her mouth then sighed. “Probably not. Typically, a chip is embedded in an admin’s card and it cannot be duplicated,” Cassie responded and Lawson could tell Liv was disappointed with the answer. He was, too, for that matter.

  “Okay, not the best news, but I figured you might say that. My next thought is that I take his card anyway and later that night we repeat our original plan, including RV and all. Then we bring the shifters here. I’ll take photos of what Jim is doing in the lab and send copies of them along with my resignation, threatening to turn him in if he even considers retaliation,” she explained, looking to each member of the group as she spoke.

  “No! I don’t want you putting yourself at risk again. We were lucky the first time, and I was there to protect you. I don’t like this,” Lawson interjected.

  He knew Jim had made advances towards Liv and he didn’t trust the prick as far as he could throw him. The last thing she needed to do was put herself in a situation where he could take advantage.

  Everyone kept silent for a few minutes but then Lawson’s mom spoke. “Liv, I want to say I think you’re one of the bravest females I’ve ever met. I can see why my son is so captivated with you, but I also understand his concerns,” she said, smiling at him, “but there is another issue. Dunlap is no longer a safe city for our kind. Too many were taken and I fear when the smoke settles and we return to our normal lives, this man, Jim, will do something worse. As it is, our town has become a shell of what it used to be. We are terrified to leave the shelter of our homes. Our family business is going under because no one ventures outside unless it’s absolutely necessary.”

  “What if you come to live here? I’m not saying the whole town can live here at the hotel, but your family and maybe some others. At least you’ll be safe here,” Liv stated, looking to Lawson to see if he agreed.

  The woman tilted her head in consideration. “This property is vast, for certain, but there are no protections here. Not even a gate and fence to keep others from walking right up to the front door. At least our home in Dunlap has a secure border,” his mom countered.

  Lawson thought about that, too, and was part of the reason he felt his family needed to leave ASAP. They could start over in a new city as soon as his dad and brother were rescued. That would be best for everyone.

  “Maybe Lawson could build a fence here. Metal is his specialty, after all,” Hannah suggested, and the Scott family nodded their acknowledgment.

  “Oh, I didn’t realize that,” Liv replied.

  Lawson saw her bite her lip and knew she was nervous or upset. She probably felt that was a detail he should’ve shared with her, but it hadn’t come up in their conversations. There was probably just as much that he didn’t know about her. They had been so consumed with the physical that everything else had taken a back seat.

  “Wait a goddamn minute! Moving in here was not part of the plan,” Bart barked and slammed a fist on the table, his tan face turning dark red.

  Chapter 19

  Everyone at the table snapped to attention at Bart’s outburst. Lawson looked to the male who was staring directly at him.

  “I have to draw a line somewhere. I was happy to offer a temporary solution when Liv asked for my help, but this is something entirely different. I am not prepared to become the national spokesperson for shifters’ rights. I have my career to consider, and both political parties would bury me alive if news got out that I was harboring a community of shifters. I’m sorry, Liv, but I can’t agree to this,” Bart declared, diverting his attention in Liv’s direction.

  Bart picked up his beer and took a long swig. The slight tremble to his hand on the bottle told Lawson how angry the male was despite his effort to hide it.

  Liv placed a hand over Bart’s hand, and Lawson noticed how it calmed him. Yeah, just friends, his ass. This male had it bad for her.

  “I’m so sorry. I shouldn’t have assumed or offered anything without talking to you first. I was merely throwing out ideas, but it put you in an uncomfortable position, and I apologize. We can figure something else out,” Liv reassured.

  Bart relaxed, his skin returning to its golden brown and he took Liv’s hand in his and smiled at her. Lawson wanted to reach over and grab the male’s scrawny neck. This tool knew she was vulnerable where he was concerned and was playing her like a violin.

  Ashley and Knox walked in at that moment with the main course. They were laughing, and Lawson could only guess what had put the secretive smiles on their faces. He’d give anything to be in their shoes rather than the awkward tension around the table. They set the platters down and took their seats at the end of the table.

  “It’s okay, Liv. I shouldn’t have snapped. I’m sorry for losing my temper. My offer to stay here remains. We will just have to agree on how long that might be. The first concern is rescuing the rest of your family, Lawson,” he said, throwing a cocky smirk towards him and Lawson knew what the male was trying to pull.

  Playing the hero when he was more like the villain. Fine. Bart wanted to play games. Lawson loved games.

  “I have a proposition, Bart. One I don’t think you’ll refuse. As my sister stated, forging is my craft. There’s nothing I can’t wield from metal. I’ve surveyed every inch of your property, including the hotel. There’s a lot that needs to be done to get this place in top condition, especially if you want to open to the public. My brother is a handyman, as well. What if while we stay he
re, we do the work needed. That way, when we do leave, it will be ready to turn a profit for you. Surely, it’s not beneath you to hire shifters for manual labor,” he sneered, enjoying the deflation of Bart’s arrogance.

  Liv sat up straight. “I think that’s a superb idea! And, if they were to stay past renovations then you work out rent or something. Maybe the Scott’s can manage the hotel for you. They own a restaurant as it is, so this is right up their alley. Please say you’ll consider it,” Liv pleaded, clearly excited by Lawson’s offer.

  Yeah, who’s gloating now, Bart? Amateur.

  Sitting back, Bart crossed his arms over his chest. Lawson knew he didn’t have much of a choice. Bart could say no but Liv would be upset with him, and that’s the last thing the male wanted. Bart was already in second place for her attention, and he knew it. This arrangement was Bart’s only chance at making headway with her. Plus, any businessman would see this as an excellent opportunity.

  “TKO, how can I resist that pitiful face,” he sighed and cast a smile her way. “You’ve got a deal, Lawson. I think this arrangement benefits all. Of course, I’ll want final say on changes to the hotel and the grounds. It is, after all, mine,” he declared, and Lawson knew there was much more behind his insinuation.

  “Fair enough,” Lawson answered, offering a hand to seal the agreement and Bart reached over and accepted the shake.

  “Alright, now that that’s settled, let’s enjoy our meal. After all, Ashley spent all day preparing it. We can hash out the details of me swiping Jim’s card. Time to get your family the hell out of that prison,” Liv announced, reaching to grab the pitcher of margaritas.

  “Excuse me, Mr. Smith, will you still need me here? I’m happy to continue, but if there will be more coming, I don’t know if I can handle all this alone,” Ashley asked Bart, her Spanish accent heavy and thick.

  Bart glanced to Lawson. “What do you suggest? I’m not prepared to continue paying her salary for the extension,” Bart stated, and Lawson could see the disappointment in Ashley’s and Knox’s faces.

  “Ashley, if you want to stay on, we will find a way to pay you. My mom and sisters will be helping with the workload so don’t worry about that. But, you need to understand that you will be surrounded by shifters. It’s up to you, and I understand if you’re uncomfortable with that,” Lawson said.

  “I would very much like to stay,” Ashley replied, and she and Knox shared a heated look.

  “And, I’m in construction so any renovations needed here in the hotel, I’m your guy,” Knox added.

  “Great, I’ll be needing your expertise for sure,” Lawson confessed, taking a bite of Ashley’s beef enchiladas.

  The female could cook. Not his mom’s comfort food but the love of her culture came through in her dishes, and Lawson appreciated that.

  The group relaxed, enjoying the meal and even managed to lighten the conversation and laugh and cut up a bit. When dinner and dessert were over, Lawson and Liv were in the kitchen cleaning dishes while Ashley showed his mom and sisters to their rooms.

  Lawson glanced to Liv who was engrossed in drying the pile of clean glasses and platters he had stacked after washing. Grabbing the sink hose, he pushed the lever, squirting water in her direction. He purposely aimed at her t-shirt, smiling when she screamed at the feel of the cool water.

  “Oh, you’re gonna get it now, buddy,” she squealed, grabbing the hose from him.

  He ducked the spray shooting towards his face and, luckily for him, she missed. Reaching over, he grabbed her hands, pinning them behind her back.

  “No, now you’re gonna get it,” he husked, lifting her and throwing her over his shoulder before reaching over to turn off the water.

  “What are you doing?” she shouted, laughing so hard he could barely understand her. “We’re not done cleaning yet.”

  “We’re done here. TBC in my room,” he breathed, biting her firm ass nestled inches from his face.

  Another scream followed and she tried to swat his butt but missed. “Dammit, Lawson, put me down. I can walk, you know,” she yelled, trying to sound angry, but her giggles told him she was enjoying the play.

  He picked up the pace and started running as she flopped over his shoulder, chuckling every time she attempted to hit him. He heard her flip-flops hit the floor as she kicked her feet, but he didn’t bother retrieving them. She was trying to hurt him, but her actions tickled more than anything. Not that he dared tell her that. Instead, he acted like she was inflicting pain so he could get another round of laughter from her.

  Walking into his suite, he kicked the door closed and marched to the bed, slinging her down on the soft mattress. Her breaths were coming out in pants, and her voluptuous bosom heaved. She was the sexiest creature he had ever laid eyes on and he was about to show his admiration.

  The way Lawson devoured her with his sensual gaze had Liv aching inside. She squirmed on the bed, trying to get comfortable but his scrutiny had her core clenching with need. Liv wanted to discuss some of the topics from dinner but that would have to wait. Right now, she couldn’t think clearly. All she wanted was for him to be inside her.

  “Liv, stand up,” he husked as molten silver perused her body.

  “You’re the one who threw me on the bed.”

  “Stand up,” he said again, more demanding this time.

  Unable to deny him, her body immediately obeyed his command. Scooting to the end of the mattress, she stood up. She could feel the heat pouring from his body. Liv wanted to feel him against her in the worst way but resisted the urge to touch him.

  “Stop biting your lip,” he ordered, staring at her mouth.

  She swallowed hard against his direction but did as he asked. She waited for what would come next, heartbeat racing in anticipation.

  “Take off your top and bra. Now.”

  She immediately did as he asked. Her wet t-shirt was pasted to her skin, thanks to his shenanigans in the kitchen, and it was a relief to remove it. She reached around and unclasped her bra, allowing it to fall to the floor. He stared at her breasts and they puckered under his examination. Her nipples hardened and she couldn’t stop from arching her back, needing contact.

  The curl to his upper lip let her know he didn’t have as much control as he wanted her to believe and she smiled in return.

  “Take off your shorts and panties, Liv. I need to see all of you before I decide where to start.”

  Sounded perfect. Naked was Liv’s goal, too. She reached to the button of her shorts and unzipped them before sliding them down her hips. As sheer panties came into view, Lawson groaned. She loved that he appreciated her figure.

  “Do you like what you see?” she asked, slowly running her hand across her stomach before dipping inside her panties.

  His eyes were fixated on her movements. She inched lower, feeling the wetness between her legs.

  “Take them off,” he croaked, unable to hide his desire.

  Her eyes remained on his as she slipped the fabric down her legs. She slowly stepped away from the garment pooled at her feet, waiting for his next command. Her heart pounded against her chest and her core clenched with need. If he didn’t touch her soon, she was going to combust.

  “Now what?” she asked, and her knees became weak when he began removing his clothing, starting with his t-shirt.

  He had the body of a God. Tall, muscular and dominant in every way. He was the predator and she his prey. Surprisingly, she was more than okay with that. His broad shoulders and sculpted chest rippled with his movement as he reached down to remove his boots and jeans.

  He stood before her in nothing but boxer briefs and her eyes bulged at his erection. She still couldn’t believe that his enormous shaft had been inside her body, but damned if she wasn’t aching to feel it again. She met molten gray eyes and quivered with need.

  “Please, Lawson, I’m dying here,” she confessed.

  He circled her body then came up behind her. She felt his lips at her neck and moaned from
the contact. He trailed up to bite her earlobe and she pressed back, needing to feel his hardness against her.

  “So impatient,” he whispered in her ear as his hands traveled up her sides and cupped her breasts.

  She whimpered, arching into his grip while pushing her rear for contact from behind. He responded by pressing his hard length between her cheeks. Wrapping one arm around her chest, he pulled her tight against his body while his other hand cupped her sex.

  “I need you ready for me, Liv. I want to be inside you right now, so I need you wet as possible. Tonight won’t be slow and easy,” he murmured against her cheek.

  All she could do was nod because he grabbed her chin and pulled her mouth toward his as his lips came crashing against hers. His tongue pushed her mouth open as he explored inside. Her knees buckled when his fingers pushed inside her opening, but he held her weight against his body.

  Writhing against his ministrations, she reached up behind her head to lock an arm around his neck, allowing a deeper kiss. He growled when she sucked his lower lip into her mouth. Picking her up, he moved to the bed and laid her down. His body followed, and she spread her legs, making room for his body to position between her. He placed a hand on each of her inner thighs and slid them around to cup her bottom, lifting her up as he poised at her entrance.

  Lawson enjoyed when she touched him, especially when she stroked him as he entered her. Gripping him, she teased the slit of spongy head and he groaned, pre-cum wetting her palm in the process.

  “Take me, Lawson. Now,” she begged, lifting her hips more as she guided him to her body.

  He shoved deep, plunging to the hilt in one swift move and she lost her breath. She thought she was ready, but he was too long and thick. He leaned over her body and with one hand, grabbed her wrists, pinning them above her head as he slid in and out of her body. She wrapped her legs around his waist, adjusting to his size and he thrust deeper. He felt so good, and she worked her hips in circles, needing more of him. He obliged by reaching his free hand to pinch and tug her nipple. She cried out, bucking against his body.