Free Shapeshifter Romance: Duty of a Lion (Paranormal Army Hero Navy Seal Shifter Protector Alpha Lion Romance) (Fantasy Military Action Adventure Urban Wolf Romance Short Stories) by J.K. Hudson Page A

get run over.  He’d better get used to it, because he’s not going to tell me how to run my life ever again.
    *****
    Roy sat on the rails, watching the other bull riders as they fell, one by one.  The nationals were no joke and Roy was one of only five bull riders to secure a spot in the final round.  Men from all over the country had come, chasing their childhood dreams.  Most failed, but some, like Roy, would not. 
    He glanced at the list on the wall, mentally ticking off the ones that had already gone.  Just five more rides and he could get on that final bull.  He was ahead in points, and as long as he stuck to his bull for eight seconds, he couldn’t get below third place overall, both for this single event and for the year-long event.  Guaranteed at least a quarter of a mil, then I can find myself an island somewhere and forget about Brenae.
    Roy shook his head. He couldn’t risk thinking about her right now.  He had to focus.  He hopped off the fence and started walking, circling the arena at a fast clip to clear his mind.  After this round they would have a short break while they dragged the arena and pulled out the rankest bulls for the final round.  He had at least half an hour before he climbed on that final bull, maybe more.
    Outside, and nearly out of breath, Brenae ran to the ticket booth, throwing money at the cashier and begging him to hurry.
    “All I have are the nosebleed seats.”
    “That’s fine, that’s fine.  Just hurry please.”
    The man handed her a ticket and she ran through the halls, headed for the aisle that circled around the arena.  A security guard tried to stop her, and she flashed her press pass.  He let her pass and she continued, walking at a brisk pace, searching the crowds for her cowboy.
    There were cowboys everywhere, and their protective gear made them all look alike.  Brenae searched frantically, desperate to tell him how she felt before it was too late.  She stopped a man who looked familiar and asked him where Roy was.
    “He’s in the hole, so I would guess that he’s in the chutes.”
    She took off before he could add that she didn’t belong back there.  She did belong, she belonged wherever Roy was, and nothing would ever change that.  She looked towards the chutes, finally spotting Roy as he chatted with the bull’s owner as he waited to get into the chute.  The arena was loud; there was no way he could hear her over the crowd.  She ran for all she was worth, slipping between cowboys as they sauntered around the walkway. 
    She was almost to him when he looked up and their eyes locked.  He looked confused and then he looked relieved.  He hopped off the rails, ignoring the man who shouted at him that he was on deck.  He ran to her, swinging her off her feet as she wrapped her arms around him and kissed him. 
    “I’m so sorry.  With you, I belong with you, Roy.” 
    He held her tight, unwilling to let her go.  The chute opened and the rider before him burst into the arena.   She let go of him and all but shoved him towards the chutes.
    “Don’t miss your big chance, Roy.  I’ll be here when you’re done.  I’ll always be here.”
    He smiled at her and stole another quick kiss.  He climbed the rail and put his helmet down on his head.  He slid onto his bull and started pulling his rope up as the buzzer for the rider before him went off.  The crowd cheered and gasped as the bull fighters distracted the bull and helped the cowboy limp away.  He’d ridden his bull, but the landing was hard and he had twisted his ankle.  He waved to the crowd as he limped out of the arena, the crowd cheering him on. 
    Brenae climbed the stairs in the box seats and settled in to watch Roy ride his final bull of the night.  He was currently in slot number three.  One good ride would propel him to the top.  All he had to do was ride the bull until the buzzer sounded. 
    The gate opened and the bull ran out, settling into a bucking spin