Page 39 of The Lion's Reluctant Mate

The truth was, she was all over the place.On the one hand, the fight and the fear of losing him had made her see she couldn’t live without him.She loved him, as crazy as that was.Being with Axel felt right.On the other hand, she was still terrified of the future.Now she was jobless, and thieving wasn’t something she ever wanted to get into.Besides, her whole world had suddenly opened to an array of shifters which might not want her in it if they mated.

“A penny for your thoughts,” Axel whispered in her ear, his warm breath and voice like a caress in her most intimate places.

“You’ll get them for free, I’m afraid.”She smiled nervously.Alice clenched and unclenched her hands, then clasped them together.Axel sat and covered them with his much larger ones.“Axel,” she started.

“Tell me, Baby Girl.”

She cocked her head in awe.How could his gaze devour her and at the same time peel back the layers of endless fear she covered herself with?She was naked under him, yet she was also safe.He wouldn’t judge her.

“I love you,” she blurted.

His pupils dilated with undeniable pleasure and a smile which melted her heart formed on his lips.

“And I love you, Baby Girl.”

Alice breathed deeply, the knowledge of his feelings fueling her next words.

“But I’m scared about the mating.I don’t think I can do it.Not yet.I need time,” she said, the torrent of words spilling without pause.

“Alice, I will give you all the time you need.You have already gifted me with your love.What more could a man ask for?”

“You will?”

“As long as you’re with me, Baby Girl, as long as you love me, that is all that matters.We don’t need to complete the mating ritual right now.The animal can wait.I am certain of our bond.We can wait until you’re ready.”

Tears gathered at the corner of her eye.She sniffed.Axel stood and kneeled in front of her.

“Ignore the rest of the people, Baby Girl.This is about you and me,” he said soothingly, as if he understood the embarrassment the public display caused her.“I want you to know I will take care of you, Baby Girl.No matter what.I love you.”

Alice focused on his eyes and his face.This was her mate.Her man.She wasn’t ready to mate officially yet, but deep down she knew she’d take the step soon.She leaned forward and found Axel’s lips.His small gasp of surprise making her giggle.

“I am yours, Daddy.Forever.”

The End