Protector of the Pride (Lions of Pride Island Book 3) (7 page)

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.

* * *

“
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 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.

L
ucy 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.

He was wearing Bermuda shorts and one of those embarrassing, oversized Hawaiian tee shirts, plus sunglasses and a fake beard. Unable to resist, she reached over and jerked off the beard.

“No,” she said. “Just no.”

Today she was wearing a cute pink sleeveless tunic that skimmed her curves and led to denim shorts that showed off her curvy legs. Plus, comfortable sandals that gave her a bit of a heel. Axel had eyed her appreciatively when he first saw her.

He frowned as she dumped the fake beard in the trash. “That was expensive.”

“And not worth it,” she said. “You might not mind looking like a tramp, but I have to look like your date.”

He looked down at his clothes. “I was going more for tourist.”

“Um, no,” she said. “You failed.”

He shrugged. “I fail a lot with you, yet you still keep me around.”

“Maybe that’s because you succeed at the things that really matter,” she said, putting a hand in his and leading him toward the admissions counter.

“Like what?” he asked.

“I’m not going to shower you with compliments today,” she said. “Your ego’s big enough as it is.” She looked over her shoulder at the guards. “Are they following us all day?”

He nodded. “Just in case. I don’t think anyone will recognize me, though. I mean, I don’t go out much anyway, and my brothers are more in the news. Contrary to popular thought, I just work all the time.”

“I know that,” she said. “Maybe after you take a mate and officially take the throne, you can revamp your public image a bit.”

“Maybe,” he said in a deep voice, his hand squeezing hers.

It was a pleasant, sunny day, with a nice cool breeze as they paid admission and went into the park. It wasn’t very crowded because they’d just opened for the season and most schools weren’t out yet. But there were teens and young adults and even older couples around.

It was just one of the places to go in the summer when you lived on the island.

“Where do you want to go first?” he asked.

“Fire dragon,” she said.

He frowned. “Cain said that one is dangerous. Old.”

“That’s what makes it fun,” she said. “It’s so rickety. You kind of feel like you could die at any moment.”

He raised an eyebrow as she tugged him down the main street toward that area of the park. “You don’t see the problem with that statement?”

“I said it
feels
like you could die. Not that you actually could.”

“Hmm,” he said. But he let her pull him along.

“Hey, Lucy,” he said as they reached a short line that wound around to the Fire Dragon.

She turned around to look at him and could tell from the serious look in his eyes that he had something to ask her that was important. “What is it?”

“I just… Have you thought about the possibility that you could be my mate?”

She blinked as they moved a little forward in the line. Of all the things she’d been expecting to come out of his mouth, that was not one of them. “Uh…”

He took one of her hands and pressed it to his lips, drawing her closer toward his warm, tall body. He lowered her hand to their side again now that they were close. “I mean, if you were picked, would you want to?”

She bit her lip. “Would I have a choice?”

“Of course,” he said, but his expression cooled. “No one would force you. When the oracle picks someone, it’s our job to win them over. Not to let anyone force them.”

“Good,” she said, feeling reassured. For a moment, she’d felt total panic. But why was he asking? Was he thinking it would be awkward?

“Would you need to be forced to pick me?” he asked as they took a few more steps forward to close the gap in front of them. “Would it be so bad?”

“Stop it,” she retorted. “It wouldn’t be that. It’s just that I never really pictured myself mated. I’m a free agent, you know? And there are a lot of… responsibilities.”

“And they wouldn’t be worth it?” he asked, too serious.

She sighed and tugged him forward. They were almost to the ride. “Come on, Axel. Let’s just have fun today. Don’t ruin it by worrying.”

He tugged back on her hand, stopping her with serious gold eyes that twinkled in the sunlight. “Some things are worth worrying about,” he said. “Some things we have to worry about.”

“You, not me,” she said stubbornly, because she couldn’t comprehend what he was saying. “I told you I just want to have fun while we can. I never said I wanted anything else.”

“After last night, I guess I just thought maybe you did.”

“Your assumption,” she said, dropping his hand and moving forward in the line.

It hurt her slightly to do so, but it also hurt to discuss this when neither knew if it would be a possibility. She’d honestly never thought it was possible. Why would the oracle choose someone with her lineage?

She liked having no past and no future. It made things easier. And sure, giving up Axel would hurt like hell, but she was prepared for that.

She wasn’t prepared for all of these complicated questions about mating the future king.

She faced away from him and felt his hand on her arm.

“I’m sorry,” he said. “I won’t bring it up again. I just… I’ve been thinking about it and wondered if you had, too.”

“I haven’t.” She lied.

“Okay,” he said tightly. “Let’s just enjoy the day, then.”

“Yup,” she said tersely.

“Did I lose the right to hold your hand?” he asked, staring down at her as they nearly reached the person who would assign them seats on the ride.

She exhaled slowly. “Maybe. But if you want, we can kiss at the top of the roller coaster. I like the thrill.”

His eyes widened slightly, and he grinned. “I’m game for that.”

She told her heart to stop pounding every time he smiled and focused on getting to their seats on the coaster. He looked perplexed as he pulled down his restraint, far too big for the seat he was in, and she suppressed a grin at the sight of his broad shoulders barely fitting.

She pulled hers down easily and smiled over at him. His eyes held a tenderness that worried her.

She’d finally pulled the softer, caring side out of Axel. Finally located and brought out his heart.

The problem, she knew as the car slowly clicked up the long hill before the drop, was she might have to break it.

But as he leaned in just before they went over the ledge and locked his lips with hers, and she felt her stomach drop as they started to fall and pull back, she knew she would probably lose her heart as well.

At least it would be even.

* * *

A
xel was enjoying
the day even more than he’d thought possible. Lucy looked smoking hot. He didn’t have to deal with the confounded dragon problem. He didn’t have to think about things at the castle because Cain was there.

He didn’t even have to think about the oracle.

Just the sunny day and the mate by his side. He put a hand to his face at that. He was saying that internally more and more often, and he knew it was trouble. Especially when Lucy had looked like a deer in headlights when he’d asked her about mating.

Maybe he should have clarified it sooner. Or maybe it wouldn’t have made a difference.

Either way, despite their hot, thrilling kiss on the roller coaster and the fact that she held his hand through the rest of the ride and that they’d been happily bantering the rest of the day, something was different. A little off.

He tried not to let it bother him as they stopped to eat lunch.

“Well, no one has recognized me yet,” he said, lowering his glasses for a moment to look around.

“Nope,” she said, pushing his glasses back on. “Let’s not mess with them.”

His two security guards were seated a few tables away, eating fried chicken out of a basket. He’d chosen a chicken sandwich, and Lucy picked a burger.

Plus, sodas.

“So what do you want to do next?” he asked, checking his watch. “Gotta make the best out of the day. After this, it’s back to the grind for the rest of the week.”

“Don’t I know it?” she said. But still, it seemed like her mind was elsewhere.

“Did I bug you earlier?” he asked. “If so, you can forget it. I know what this is and what it isn’t. You laid that out at the start. I promise not to make it awkward anymore. Just stop looking like that.”

“Like what?” she asked innocently, tucking a dark curl behind her ear. Her green eyes were shadowed as she looked down at her burger.

“You’re good at hiding emotions, Lucy. But not that good. I can tell you’re bothered. You don’t have to think about mating me if it’s that hideous.”

“It’s not that at all,” she said. “I just wasn’t prepared to think about it, and it keeps creeping into my thoughts. But I don’t have any control over it, and one thing I try to do in my life is not worry about things I can’t control.” She sighed. “Which is hard now that you’ve brought it up.”

“Oh. Sorry.”

She waved a hand. “It’s fine. It’s just… things are complicated now, and I’m wondering if I’ve made a mistake for both of us. I really did just intend to have fun and help you out in winning your mate.”

He set down his sandwich and glared at her. “Seriously? You sure about that? Because what happened between us happened fast. Fast enough to imply that maybe both of us have been holding back too long. Or at least thinking about it.”

She bit her full lower lip, and he felt his body respond. Everything she did made his body respond.

“I don’t know,” she said. “Maybe I did have ulterior motives. It’s possible.”

He gaped. “Ulterior motives?”

“Like maybe I did want to offer to teach you only because I wanted to spend time with you. You’re hot. But I wasn’t thinking about mating.”

He set down his napkin and stood up. “More fool me, then. Because I was thinking about you, too. But not just about sex.”

‘That’s all it was to me,” she said. “You’re hot. I have needs.”

He paced in front of the table, feeling uncomfortable. “And now? Is it still just about needs?”

She shook her head. “I don’t know, Axel. This isn’t what things were supposed to be like. I can’t tell you. And why are you even asking me this? You have no idea who the oracle could pick. Yes, things are happening fast. And yes, being with you feels like a little piece of heaven. But I don’t see why we both can’t just enjoy it and stop thinking bout the inevitable crash.”

“It doesn’t have to be inevitable,” he said. “Not unless you’re against mating me.”

“But you can’t control if I’m picked,” she argued. “So maybe until we figure all of that out, we should just stay to the initial promise. And not get feelings.”

He stared at her blankly. Not get feelings? Did she think he would make out in the lake with just anyone? This had meant something to him.

“You’re special, Axel,” she said, looking up at him. But he got the feeling she was just placating him. “But it’s just… not for me.”

He sat down on his bench again. Disappointment waved through him, but it wasn’t the first time something bad had happened. It wouldn’t be the last.

And she was right. He needed to be more mature. He needed to take it slow. He needed to not get caught up like a schoolboy reliving his lost youth.

He would lead his country. His people needed him. Even being here at the amusement park, what had he been thinking?

He stood again. “I think we should go back.”

“I’ve hurt you,” she said, regretful.

“No,” he said. “You’ve been realistic. I’ve been in some kind of fantasy land. You see, when my dad died, I lost my childhood. I wasn’t a man yet, but I had to be after that day. I missed out on those reckless teen and college years. I had to be a dad to my brothers, a strong face to the families who would challenge us.” He rubbed the back of his neck. “And I still have to be that.”

“And I’m here to help you,” she said. “Just not as a lover. Not a real one.”

“Just someone who can hang out with me and have sex, then, until I find my mate?”

She nodded. Her eyes were so beautiful. “Let’s finish the day,” she said. “You deserve one full day off. But let’s go back to the teen thing. Let’s have that day at the amusement park.”

His eyes shuttered, and he exhaled roughly. “Okay.”