Safe Haven Read online

  Safe Haven

  Hollow Rock Shifters, Book Two

  Brenda Trim

  Tami Julka

  Contents

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Chapter 19

  Chapter 20

  Chapter 21

  Chapter 22

  Excerpt from Dream Warrior, Dark Warrior Alliance, Book 1

  Authors’ Note

  Also by Brenda Trim

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  Copyright © May 2018 by Brenda Trim and Tami Julka

  Editor: Amanda Fitzpatrick

  Cover Art by Maddie Trim

  This book is a work of fiction. The names, characters, places, and incidents are products of the writers’ imagination or have been used fictitiously and are not to be construed as real. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, actual events, locales or organizations is entirely coincidental.

  WARNING: The unauthorized reproduction of this work is illegal. Criminal copyright infringement is investigated by the FBI and is punishable by up to 5 years in federal prison and a fine of $250,000.

  All rights reserved. With the exception of quotes used in reviews, this book may not be reproduced or used in whole or in part by any means existing without written permission from the authors.

  Created with Vellum

  Don’t think about the million reasons it won’t work. Focus on the one reason why it will.

  Chapter 1

  Lawson walked around the perimeter of the building, jotting notes about his upcoming project. Thankfully, the interior renovations were close to completion, and it was time to start on the exterior. The once dilapidated building was shaping up nicely. It took him and the resident shifters, along with some friends from his hometown, working sunup to sundown for three months to get the job done but the results were quite impressive. He still couldn’t believe the owner, Bart Smith, allowed the former hotel to deteriorate.

  “Señor Lawson,” would you like some lunch?” Ashley asked, drawing him out of his thoughts.

  He glanced over and watched the attractive female approach. Ashley's long hair was in a twist on top of her head, and her round face was streaked with white powder. Lawson’s sensitive nose picked up the heavenly scent of spice permeating from the house, and his stomach rumbled in anticipation. Ashley was the household chef for the shifters at Safe Haven and was always cooking up some fabulous Hispanic dish.

  “What’s on the menu today?” he asked and smiled down at the petite female.

  He was eternally grateful Ashley agreed to stay on as part of their growing family. She was a feisty little human and wasn’t the least bit intimidated by a houseful of shifters. In fact, he had learned over the past few months the Latina had quite the temper when someone pushed her buttons.

  “One of Miss Liv’s favorites. Chicken enchiladas with green chile rice. Don’t worry. I made enough to feed our army,” Ashley replied as she reached into her back pocket and grabbed a hand towel, wiping the flour from her face.

  Lawson chuckled. Liv would lose her mind if she knew enchiladas were fresh out of the oven and she didn’t get any.

  “You know what? You just inspired me, Ashley. Would you mind packing a lunch for Liv and me? I think I’ll deliver some enchiladas in person,” he stated and couldn’t stop the smile that spread across his face at the thought of surprising Liv.

  “Ah, I don’t think this is about the food. You want to see that spicy red-head of yours,” Ashley teased and winked.

  “Guilty as charged,” Lawson said, holding his hands in surrender.

  “Hey, stop flirting with my hot tamale,” Knox interjected as he stepped from the back door of the hotel.

  The shifter made his way to them and wrapped his arms around Ashley’s waist. “I was waiting upstairs for you. The bed is cold without your warm buns rubbing against my––“

  “Ugh, stop it,” Lawson interjected, choking on a laugh as he shook his head.

  “I’m busy, cariño. Make yourself useful and do the yardwork,” Ashley told Knox and pointed to the overgrown grass, “and we’ll talk buns later. Lawson, I’ll get that lunch together pronto,” Ashley responded and lightly kissed Knox before she sashayed back into the house.

  “Damn, what that woman does to me. Never thought I’d lose my mind for a human but I’m crazy about that Chiquita,” Knox confessed as he stared in the direction Ashley walked.

  “I can see that. I’m happy for you. You deserve it after the shit we went through in that fucking prison,” Lawson growled, thinking about his three-year captivity at Primary Research Lab.

  “I heard that. You were there a helluva lot longer than me, bro. You’re lucky to be alive,” Knox added and crossed his arms over his chest.

  That was an understatement. Lawson couldn’t put a number to the beatings he endured because of that piece of shit Jim Jensen. The male had zero integrity and not one decent bone in his out-of-shape body. Lawson still fantasized about ripping him to shreds. His wolf was restless with the need for revenge. If only they could find the weasel.

  “We both are, my friend. We have lost too many shifters to that place,” Lawson gritted, thinking about his father who died while imprisoned there.

  Both Lawson’s dad and brother were held captive at PRL, along with many other shifters. Jim Jensen kidnapped and tortured them, trying to force them to shift so that he could obtain their blood. The male believed shifter blood was the key to curing cancer and would stop at nothing, even murder, to get what he wanted. He was an ignorant fool.

  “True,” Knox sighed and met Lawson’s gaze.

  Knox’s blue eyes filled with genuine compassion. He and Lawson were bound by their experiences at PRL and would always share a bond. Knox was a good male and an even better friend.

  “So, you think Ashley is the one for you? I mean, are you willing to share your life force with her?” Lawson asked curiously. It was a subject he contemplated often, yet hadn’t come to any solid conclusion.

  “I’d share it right now if she’d agree to it. Hell, after sitting in a cell for months, I don’t believe in putting shit off if it feels right. Unfortunately, Ashley’s a devout Christian, and she’s not comfortable with a prolonged lifespan, among other things,” Knox relayed.

  Lawson was surprised to hear that. He assumed anyone would jump at the chance of a longer life with their loved ones. He considered it a blessing.

  “What about you? You and Liv seem pretty tight,” the male speculated.

  “I couldn’t be happier. Liv’s the most incredible female I’ve ever met. But if you’re asking me about taking her as my mate, I can’t say I’m ready for that. Things are unstable around here, and it would be a huge sacrifice on my part,” Lawson explained.

  Lawson had given serious thought to the subject. He wasn't ready to commit to anyone yet. There were too many unknowns. He was responsible for his brother and sisters. They, along with countless other shifters, depended on him, and Lawson refused to fail them like he had his father.

  “Have you decided to take on the role of Alpha?” Knox asked.

  That was the other problem. With more shifters joining them at Hollow Rock, someone needed to step up and lead their pack. Lawson didn't think he was the wolf for the job, though.

  “Ryan would be the best choice,” Lawson admitted.


  His father had been a formidable leader for many years, and Ryan was equally proficient. He was Alpha to the core. Deep down, Lawson felt his brother was the best choice.

  “No offense, Law. I like Ryan and all, but these shifters look to you for leadership. I’ve watched how they react to you. You are the Alpha they need and want,” Knox declared, pinning Lawson with his gaze.

  Lawson exhaled. He acknowledged the male had a point. It was something he and Ryan needed to discuss soon. Every pack required an Alpha or chaos would ensue. They could only put off the challenge so long. No one wanted the bloodshed that could happen without a leader, especially this group of damaged shifters.

  “I’ll give it due consideration. Thank you for voicing your opinion,” Lawson replied as Ashley walked from the house, carrying a tote bag.

  “Lunch is packed, and I threw in a couple of buñuelos,” Ashley informed him, handing over the tote.

  “You’re the best. Thank you so much. I’ll be back in a few hours,” Lawson announced and leaned down to kiss the female’s cheek.

  “Drive safe,” she replied and grabbed Knox’s hand, leading the male back to the house.

  A sudden pang shot through his heart. Ashley reminded Lawson of his mother. She had a nurturing soul and a kind spirit just like the female that raised him. Not a day went by he didn’t think of his mom. He missed her and his father dearly. They shared an incredible life together, and it was something he always dreamed of having with the right person.

  Lawson made his way to his truck, his mind and heart reeling. So many decisions on his plate and the clock was ticking. He rubbed his chest, willing away the stress. Seeing Liv would make it better. She had a way of soothing his aches.

  Liv looked through the notes from her latest tests. She sighed, disappointed that once again the answers she sought weren’t there. She was letting everybody down and didn’t know how to correct it.

  Her good friend and governor, Bart Smith, sunk a ton of money into starting Smith & Kimbro Scientific Incorporated (S&K) and she felt pressured to succeed. The last thing she wanted was to disappoint him when he had such faith in her. And then there was the issue of the blood Lawson’s mother donated.

  The woman was a saint in Liv’s eyes. Madeline Scott was literally on her deathbed and made it a point to tell Liv she could have her deceased mate’s shifter blood. Liv wanted to honor Jacob more than anything, but she was running out of options, not to mention, blood. Unfortunately, there wasn’t an endless supply. Liv used it sparingly, but eventually, the blood would be gone. She desperately wanted a cure for cancer, and her gut told her this shifter blood was a vital component.

  From what Lawson explained, it was the blood from shifters like his parents that was needed. They shared a life force, altering their DNA, and it was that blood that held key properties. For one, it extended their lifespan tenfold.

  She pondered the concept. Would she share Lawson’s life force? Did she love him that deeply? Yes. The answer came automatically. Despite their differences, she loved him beyond words and would do whatever it took to be with him.

  Unfortunately, he hadn’t mentioned it. In fact, those powerful three little words had yet to leave his lips. Why was it Liv wanted to hear him say that he loved her? He showed her in every way exactly how much she meant to him. So, why wasn’t that enough?

  The familiar echo of boots in the corridor had her heart leaping in her chest. When Lawson entered her lab, she couldn’t help the sigh that escaped. He took her breath every time he walked into a room.

  “Well, hello, Outlaw. What brings you by?” she asked with a smile and stood as Lawson approached her desk.

  “Do I need a reason to visit the sexiest female on the planet?” he replied with a slight curl to his upper lip. Utterly scrumptious, and Liv's stomach somersaulted as she gazed at him.

  Lawson set a bag on her desk then wrapped his arms around her waist, tugging her to his broad chest.

  That fast her body responded. Her nipples hardened, and her core ached with need. Ridiculous, Liv thought, considering Lawson made love to her that morning before she left for work, but she couldn’t get enough of the sexy shifter.

  “Mmm, you never need a reason,” she said and claimed his mouth.

  Their lips meshed in a familiar dance. Laswon tasted like the outdoors. The rich spices of autumn, her favorite season. She parted her mouth in invitation. He didn’t hesitate to plunder her depths, stroking his warm tongue against hers. She indulged briefly but broke the heated exchange before it escalated beyond her control.

  “So, what are you up to today?” she panted and stepped out of his arms.

  “After I leave here, I’m going to check on another facility. It’s not far from here, actually,” he shared.

  Liv tried to concentrate on his words, but her heartbeat increased at the mention of Lawson investigating another lab. She hated the idea of him strolling into the line of fire.

  When Liv discovered her former boss, Jim Jensen, owned other research companies, she broke into his office and stole the files. The memory was a painful one she tried to bury, but she’d never forget when he walked in and caught her red-handed. Jim attacked and almost raped her. If not for Lawson coming to her rescue, he would’ve succeeded. A shiver raced up her spine and bile caused her mouth to water with the memory.

  “I wish you would leave this to the authorities. I can’t stand the thought of you doing this on your own. If anything happens to you…” Liv mumbled, and her voice trailed away as she bit her lower lip.

  “Nothing is going to happen. I’m simply checking it out. If there is evidence shifters are being held prisoner I’ll get the others involved to help me. We’ve talked about this, Liv. Human authorities can’t help. They don’t give a shit about shifters. These are my people, and I refuse to sit by and do nothing. Please understand,” Lawson said, tucking a loose lock of her hair behind her ear.

  His touch ignited her arousal to the point of boiling. She craved his hands on her body like a drug addict. No one had ever had this effect on her, and it was as disconcerting as it was exciting. It certainly made it difficult to concentrate and get anything done.

  Shaking off her desires, she countered, “I do understand. But I also know how malicious Jim can be. He might be lying low right now, but that doesn’t mean he isn’t calling the shots. If he finds out you’re snooping around, he will try and eliminate the threat.”

  “Fuck him. I’d like him to try and eliminate me. Speaking of the asshole. Any word on his whereabouts?” Lawson asked.

  “No. Bart has his people on it, but Jim is a sneaky SOB. We’ll have to be patient and wait for him to slip up again. Eventually, he’ll screw up and, when he does, we’ll be waiting,” Liv reassured.

  She wanted to see Jim behind bars more than anyone. Bart had connections, given his position as governor, and was their inside man. If anyone could locate Jim, Bart could. They needed to be patient and trust him to do his part. Something Lawson struggled with. After losing his parents, Lawson’s need for vengeance multiplied and tolerance wasn’t his strong suit.

  Lawson walked over to a nearby metal table. He peered into one of the microscopes then looked back to Liv.

  “Make any headway with the blood?” he inquired.

  Despite his attempt to hide it, Liv heard the sorrow in his voice. Any mention of his dad’s blood always dampened the mood. She wished more than anything she was able to take away his pain, but she couldn’t. It was completely unfair. The entire family deserved better.

  Jacob Scott was one of Jim Jensen’s more memorable victims. Liv vowed to Lawson’s mother that she would do right by her mate and honor Jacob if she found anything in his blood that would prove helpful. It was disheartening that she hadn’t discovered anything useful.

  “Not yet. From what you’ve told me, the reason shifter blood cured Jim’s sister was because the shifter shared his life force with her. That doesn’t mean his blood would cure anyone’s cancer. I
’m still working on it though. I’d like to start testing the blood by combining it with other components. That’s hard to do when I have no idea where to begin and only so much blood to work with,” she hinted, wondering if he needed a push from her. Maybe if she suggested sharing his life force, he would consider it.

  “I want to change directions and experiment with natural elements,” she added and couldn’t help admire his backside as he walked around the lab, clearly deep in thought.

  “Makes sense. Shifters connect to the earth and nature,” he replied but didn’t even look her way. So much for subtlety, she thought as she continued to stare at the best ass she’d ever seen.

  Lawson made even inexpensive Wrangler’s look good. His build was perfect for jeans and fitted t-shirts. He was tall with broad shoulders and a narrow waist. And his perfectly shaped butt had her wanting to bite the firm globes.

  “Liv?”

  “Huh? What did you say?” she said, shaking off her naughty thoughts.

  His deep chuckle told her he knew exactly what she was thinking.

  Suddenly, a heavenly aroma tickled her nostrils. “What’s in the bag because my tummy is telling me it’s one of Ashley’s delicious creations,” she muttered, changing the subject.

  “Hungry?” he husked and walked over, stopping so close to her their lips nearly touched.

  Liv stared into gray pools of desire. “Maybe? What did you have in mind?”

  “I have a lot of things in mind. None of which are in that bag of chicken enchiladas,” Lawson stated and pulled her to his chest, hands roaming her backside.