Free Protector of the Pride (Lions of Pride Island Book 3) by Terry Bolryder

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.

    * * *
    “ F unland ?” 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