Protector of the Pride (Lions of Pride Island Book 3)

by Terry Bolryder

  Her hands dug in once more as she bit down on her lower lip, accentuating its shape. Her breasts were tantalizing, dipping in and out of the water as he controlled the motion of their bodies together, watching her react to every thrust, every touch.

  Being inside her was like fire, the animal inside him roaring with want. But Axel just continued to thrust, getting harder with each movement and feeling Lucy get closer with each passing second.

  Then he felt Lucy’s body go rigid, her breath hitch, as the energy in her passed her limits. Instantly, she came apart in his arms, screaming his name with abandon as he felt his own release surge through him. Immediately, he came out of her just as his member jerked and released into the cool water to the side of them, while both of their bodies released the fathomless pleasure welled inside from so much sensation, so much emotion, so much of everything between them that had been there since the moment he had met her and was now reaching a fever pitch.

  For a long moment, they came together beneath the silent moon, its light pouring over them in abundance as they held each other in sweet release. Then, as Axel felt his body relax, the cold water quickly brought him back to earth, back to reality.

  For a second, he hesitated, loving the feel of Lucy’s soft, relaxed body next to him. Then once she regained composure, he walked them back to the edge of the shore, putting her down once they were shallow enough for her to stand easily.

  “Let’s get you home. Can you walk?” he asked.

  “Well enough,” she said, sounding happier than ever but standing shakily in the shallow water at the edge of the lake.

  With care, Axel helped her out of the water, where she transformed back into her regal lioness. He followed after, shifting and leading the way as they ran back to the mansion, back to her clothes sitting in a pile behind some bushes where she had left them.

  Using his oversized lion as a screen, he stood watch as Lucy turned back and quickly threw on her clothes. Once she was done, Axel looked over and saw the tattered remains of his clothes.

  “Looks like someone forgot what shifting does to clothes,” Lucy said with a laugh as she walked over and picked up what looked like half of his shirt.

  “Don’t worry. I can make do,” Axel replied, heading up the back steps into the mansion, Lucy following. She opened the door, and he came inside and spotted the thick crimson drapes covering the windows.

  He quickly shifted and pulled a large sheet off of the post, trying to avoid making any loud sounds that would wake anyone.

  “Hopefully nobody misses this,” he said as he wrapped the long curtains around himself like a toga, while Lucy watched and giggled in response.

  “If only your subjects could see you like this,” she said, trying to suppress an all-out laugh.

  “Heaven forbid. I’d never hear the end of it from my brothers. Now, if you’ll come with me,” he said, picking Lucy up in his arms and walking up the stairs to her room, “we should probably get to bed before any of the servants actually do see us.”

  Not that Axel felt like they had anything to be embarrassed of. But gossip spread like wildfire, and the last thing he wanted was rumors going around about the two of them.

  But as he reached her room, he couldn’t help but imagine how wonderful it would be if the oracle did choose Lucy for him. Sadly, that just wasn’t how things worked. And for his parents, it had cost them their lives to be too close, too in love.

  By now, Lucy was already half asleep, nestled in his arms like a cat that had gotten into the cream and enjoyed more than its fill. He opened the door and plopped her gently on the bed, pulling the sheets over her as she wrapped herself around the closest pillow she could reach.

  Everything in him wanted to stay with her. Be with her tonight. Wake up to the greeting of the morning sun together. But he resisted the urge, instead turning to lock the door, then closing it behind him as he headed upstairs to his room.

  Sleepiness quickly overtook him, and by the time he reached the master suite, he was exhausted. Exhausted from pleasure, exhausted from too many conflicting thoughts floating around his head that he couldn’t avoid now that Lucy wasn’t there with him.

  He pulled off the makeshift toga, swearing to remember to take it back down tomorrow and have it washed, and then immediately fell asleep.

  Lucy woke up the next morning feeling oddly uncomfortable. She’d made love to Axel. She’d been planning to just tease him, play with him. Spend a few weeks having fun.

  Instead, they’d quickly started to connect on the deepest levels possible, and that scared her.

  She heard a knock on her bedroom door and walked over to it slowly, grabbing her robe off the floor and pulling it on with a yawn.

  Who would be by so early?

  She didn’t see anyone outside her room and looked down to see a box wrapped in gold paper with brown ribbons. She picked it up and saw one of her favorite high-end chocolate brands. A massive box of them.

  Despite her discomfort over the situation, she grinned. She’d told Axel flowers and chocolates, and he’d given her both. And more.

  She sat back on her bed and opened the box. Truffles of all colors in soft round balls stared up at her, and she carefully picked a white one with red sparkles on it and bit into it.

  She moaned as the decadent red velvet flavor melted over her tongue. She set down the other half of the chocolate and savored what she had in her mouth as she looked out at the grounds, which were glowing in the early morning light.

  After last night, those grounds would never feel the same. She’d always feel a warm sense of pride when she looked at them or thought of them.

  Or anywhere she’d spent time with Axel.

  It made her sad to think of him being here with another woman at the castle, once she was gone.

  She picked up the other half of the truffle and bit into it bitterly, choking back the negative thoughts she was having.

  Last night, when he’d come out of her, a part of her had desperately wanted him to just keep going. To come inside her. To complete them. To dig her own nails in and claim him.

  But that was impossible. He belonged to a country. He wasn’t hers to claim.

  Especially since she couldn’t really be anyone’s mate. Being someone’s mate would mean telling them everything about her. Having them look into her past to see if it was compatible with their future. And the last man who had done that had made her life miserable.

  Still would, if he could find her.

  She set aside the chocolates, sighed, and walked to the door once again. She heard footsteps rushing away and bit back a grin.

  When she opened the door, she saw a giant bouquet on the ground. This time, it was long-stemmed red roses with baby’s breath. Romantic. Simple. Totally Axel.

  She lifted them and took them into her room, peeking around the hall to see if he was around. Then she set them on her dresser where she could see them from the bed and sat back on her covers.

  Life in the castle was comfortable in every way. It had been the best job of her life. Even working with her stressed-out boss hadn’t bothered her like it had the other temp workers.

  She hoped Axel’s mate was someone who knew how to handle him. How to calm him and deal with him when he was overthinking things.

  She heard a third knock and grinned up at the door, knowing it was probably Axel.

  “Come in,” she said, and he opened the door and strode in. He was in his usual businesslike attire today. Gray suit with slacks. Sharp belt. Tailored white shirt.

  He looked at the flowers on the dresser and then the chocolates in her hands. “You like them?”

  “Two at once,” she said. “Impressive.”

  He walked forward, folding his arms, large muscles bulging as he passed her and went to the window. “I don’t think I’m ever going to think of that lake the same way,” he said.

  “Me neither,” she replied.

  He studied her with calm, golden eyes. His handsome jaw was ta
ut. “You feeling okay? You fine with what happened last night?”

  “More than fine,” she said. “I initiated it.”

  He nodded. “Still wanted to make sure this isn’t going too fast for you.”

  “What about you?” she asked, standing and putting aside the chocolates and walking over to put her arms around his waist and hug him from behind, pressing her cheek into his strong back.

  He sighed. “It’s not perfect. I mean, I wish I was allowed to really woo you. Make promises. But I couldn’t turn back now if I tried.”

  “Don’t get feelings for me,” she said, knowing it was totally hypocritical. She was already losing her heart to him, but she hoped to spare him that pain if possible.

  He turned to face her, pulling back. “Seriously? How do you expect me to do that?” He shoved his hands in his pockets. “But I’m a big boy. I’ll work through it.”

  She blinked up at him.

  “I suspect it’ll be worth it.” He put a hand on her shoulder, and it gave her tingles. “What do you want to do today? I’m thinking of calling Cain in to man the phones and taking the day off to be with you.”

  She thought about it. “What are our options?”

  “I don’t know. Are there any goofy dates you’ve never been able to do that you would have wanted to?”

  She frowned. “I’m not the one who hasn’t dated. Is there anywhere you would have wanted to go?”

  He cocked his head. “You know, there was one place. But I’m guessing it’s too juvenile for you.”

  She shook her head. “Never. What did you have in mind?”

  “What about Funland?” he asked. “I always wanted to go there as a teenager.”

  “Isn’t that a little too exposed for you?” she asked.

  He thought about it. “I’ll wear a disguise. And we’ll bring security.”

  “Why Funland?”

  “I don’t know. I guess it’s just because you wake up the teen in me, and that’s where I would have wanted to take you. Plus, when I’m with you, I’m allowed to just relax and have fun. I think that’s a good place to do that.” His lips pressed into a line. “But not if you don’t think it’s a good idea.”

  “No, I think it could be fun. You really think Cain can take your shift?”

  He nodded. “I can call him right now. Give you time to get ready.”

  She sighed. “I guess I can’t say no, then. I mean, a day of work or a date with my hot boss? It’s kind of a no-brainer.”

  He grinned. “Good. I want everything about me to be a no-brainer for you.”

  She laughed. “I’m not sure what that even means. But fine, we’ll go do roller coasters together. Now get out of my room so I can get ready.”

  She shoved him toward the door, hating how much her hands loved the feel of his hard muscles, his tall body. When he was in the hall, she winked at him and shut the door.

  But when she heard him walking away down the hall, she let out a long, pent-up breath.

  She did a good job playing the easy tease when she was around him. Like she was barely affected.

  But that wasn’t really the case at all. And the more time she spent with him, the clearer that was.

  So why couldn’t she stop wanting to be with him? Stop wanting him to be hers? Stop wanting to do fun things with him?

  She felt like a piece of dirt, because she knew damn well that she wasn’t doing this for the country anymore. Not even in a small way. She was doing it for herself and she guessed for Axel.

  But they were playing with fire, and if this went wrong, they wouldn’t be the only ones to get burned.

  Perhaps she should really think about what they were doing. But she decided she would at least wait until after today’s date. She couldn’t keep herself back from that if she tried.

  “Funland?” Cain asked, looking the epitome of un-princely as he leaned back in Axel’s chair, making the leather crinkle.

  Axel winced.

  “Don’t lean on it like that. You’ll break it.”

  Cain sat forward. “Seriously? You’re worried about that when I’m going to work for you so you can go to Funland?” He shook his head. “I know it’s the only amusement park on the island, but trust me; it’s not worth it, bro.”

  “Did you ever take a girl there? Back when we were younger?” Axel asked.

  “Well, sure, but…”

  ‘That’s what I want to do,” Axel said.

  “Shit,” Cain said. “This is still about Lucy, isn’t it?” He ran a hand through his hair. “What are you going to do if she isn’t the one proclaimed by the oracle?”

  Axel was silent at that. Should he tell his brother he was more and more sure that Lucy perhaps was the one meant for him? Should he ask him if he felt that way about the mate the oracle chose for him?

  He had no idea what was appropriate right now.

  “Anyway, I won’t question your judgment,” Cain said, turning back to the desk. “Just tell me what I’m dealing with today. I’m worried about you, but I also know you’ve always done the right thing. It’s not my place to bug you about it.”

  “I appreciate your concern,” Axel said. “We all know I’d be going crazy if it was you or Beau doing this. Getting this involved with someone when you knew your time to be called up for a mate was getting close. I had all the right intentions when I started… but then Lucy was more wonderful than I could have even imagined.”

  “She still might not be your mate, though,” Cain said carefully. “And I know what this country means to you.”

  “If only there was another trustworthy family. One that didn’t want to either fight humans or annihilate them,” Axel grumbled.

  Cain raised an eyebrow. “Seriously? This girl must be something. Because I’ve never heard you talk like that. Like you wished someone else could do the job.”

  Axel walked to the window. “I’ve wished it a lot since Dad died. I just didn’t really have a choice. I didn’t really feel like I could voice it. Lucy has made me realize there are a lot of feelings I’m pressing way down.”

  “Don’t get me wrong,” Cain said, coming to join him. “Both Beau and I are stoked that you’re letting off a little pressure. Just don’t take it so far that both you and Lucy regret it.”

  “I think it’s already too late for that.” Axel didn’t know what he’d do about it, though. After last night, after being so close to mating her, feeling her shudder in his arms, he knew he could never give her up.

  Though he truly hoped she’d be the mate the oracle picked, he also had been thinking about what he’d do if she wasn’t.

  For the first time in his life, he thought he might just stand up to the oracle. Tell her it was ridiculous for her to pick for him. Try to talk some sense into her.

  This was his life. And Lucy’s.

  Or maybe, a small, doubtful part of him said, he was just having his first infatuation and just getting way too carried away with it.

  “Anyway, I can’t stop now,” he said. “And the oracle hasn’t made any sign that she’s finally going to name a mate.”

  “But when she does, will you just cut things off?” Cain said. “I can’t see you turning your back on the country.”

  Axel sighed. “I really think she might be my mate. Maybe I just feel it inside.”

  Cain raised an eyebrow and leaned on the desk. “Really? I mean, I felt that about Brenna, but then she was picked for me.”

  “So you never felt that before she was picked?”

  “We were kids when I’d seen her before then. I guess now that you mention it, I did have a crush. Or think there was something important about us. Yeah.” He shrugged. “But how can you tell if that’s just wishful thinking?”

  “You’re both lucky,” Axel said. “You had your mates picked, and they were perfect for you. And they were picked in time. There was a huge gap for me. Long enough for me to question what was happening.”

  “Now that’s not fair. It wasn’t easy for us to win
either of our mates, whereas if yours is Lucy, she just fell right into your lap.”

  Well, Lucy hadn’t agreed to fall in his lap yet. She’d only agreed to fake date him.

  “And if she isn’t my mate?” Axel asked.

  “Then that’ll be tragic but just what you signed up for,” Cain said. “Your choice. Of course, you know Beau and I will be here to help you pick up the pieces.”

  “Yeah,” Axel said.

  “All right, well, be safe out there,” he said. “And don’t ride the fire dragon. It’s bumpy and feels like it was made way too long ago.”

  “All right.” Axel chuckled. “I’ll try.” Though, if Lucy wanted to, he was sure he would. He was incapable of saying no to her.

  “And make your disguise good this time. Every time I’ve seen it, it’s been shitty.”

  Axel hmphed. “I’ll make it good. I want to blend in.”

  Cain eyed him. “I’m not sure any of us can blend in. But it should be pretty empty during a school day. Good luck. And, Axel?”

  “Yes?”

  “Try not to fuck things up.”

  Axel contemplated the weirdness of one of his younger brothers saying that after all of the heart attacks they’d given him over the years with their own fuck-ups.

  He guessed things had really changed if he was the one to get that admonition now.

  And it was all thanks to Lucy.

  8

  Lucy stifled a smile as she watched Axel get out of the car when they arrived at the amusement park. They parked in VIP parking, and two security guards dressed in casual clothing followed a safe distance back.

  Axel’s disguise sucked.

  Apparently, there was one thing Axel was good at, and that was keeping peace in the country.

  Because he sucked at cooking and sucked at going out in public and wearing disguises.

  Well… there was at least one other thing he was good at doing. She supposed his skills in the bedroom shouldn’t be overlooked.

  But she was almost embarrassed to be with him.