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his feet. “Things aren’t always how they appear. Why don’t we wait until after you talk to your dad before you start making accusations?” James sighed. “Maybe you’re right. Can you help me back to my bedroom? I think I’m ready to go to bed. Tonight was a little more excitement than I need.”
    “You need to come eat some more. It will help your bones ache less in the morning.
    We’ll get you some sweats to wear while you eat.” James sighed. “All right.” The rush of changing into another animal was drowned out by the return of his pain. The idea of remaining a cat forever called to him, but not only A PRIDELESS MAN
    Amber Kell
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    couldn’t he hold his shift, he doubted Lou was interested in keeping a white lion as a pet.
    Thoughts of the other man’s disapproval made him return to the dining room. The lions were suspiciously quiet as he ate a few bites from his plate before excusing himself. He needed time alone. Time to figure out what the hell to do now.
    He was a freaking white lion.
    A PRIDELESS MAN
    Amber Kell
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Chapter Three
    Lou paced back and forth in front of the diner. He could wait inside, but the anticipation was killing him. He needed to see James. Talan and Adrian would treat him well, but did they make him comfortable or make him fend for himself? He should’ve asked more questions before trusting them with his mate.
    Damn. What if James decided he’d rather date a lion? Every last one of the bastards was golden and gorgeous. For a moment he gleefully played with the idea of barging into the pride house and maiming any male lions who might see his James as a potential mate. Lou didn’t share and, dammit, he saw the man first.
    Before he could give into his fantasies and drive over to the pride house, a small hybrid pulled into the diner parking lot. His heart pounded faster as he spotted James through the windshield. Before he’d even realised he’d moved, he was at James’ side of the car ripping off the passenger door.
    Oops.
    “Um, sorry, Adrian.”
    The wolf gave the door a sad look. “Damn, I just got it back too.”
    “I’ll pay for repairs.”
    The wolf sighed. “That’s what they always say. Just put it in the trunk.” Lou gave a self-conscious laugh. Lifting the hatch he gently tucked the door inside.
    Good thing Adrian had a big trunk.
    James laughed as he joined Lou around back, leaning on his cane. “I could’ve opened the door, you know.”
    Lou’s cheeks were burning. “I didn’t mean to do that.” He couldn’t stop his visual inspection though. His inner bear wanted to strip the man down and search for any signs the lions weren’t taking good care of his mate. He doubted James would welcome the examination since they were standing in the middle of the street.
    A hand hooked around his arm. “Come on, big guy, let’s go eat.”
    “Did you want me to come back for you?” Adrian asked.
    “I’ll take him back,” Lou offered. He might even return him sometime today.
    The wolf looked them over carefully before nodding.
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    “I’ll see you later.”
    Lou escorted James into the restaurant. Walking into the diner with his mate on his arm, Lou’s chest puffed out with pride. Kelly gave them a wide smile as they entered.
    “I’ve got a booth by the window for you two.” She grabbed menus and led them to their seats.
    Lou buried his face in the menu even though he could recite the damned thing by memory.
    He heard a laugh.
    “What?”
    James gave him a smile, a sparkle lighting his eyes.
    “I make you nervous.”
    Lou nodded. “Yeah, you do.”
    “Why?”
    Lou looked back at the menu, his gaze unfocused as he tried to think of a way to break the news. He decided on the ’rip off the bandage’ approach. “Because you’re my mate.”
    “Did you boys want some coffee?” Kelly stood beside the table holding an insulated carafe.
    “Um, no,” Lou said. James still hadn’t spoken. His eyes were wide with shock.