Protect This Soul

Rules are meant to be followed. That’s how I keep the wildlife and visitors of Granite Cliff National Park safe as a wildlife enforcement officer. I’ve worked there for years and have lived in the surrounding small town of Greenridge, Vermont my entire life. When I’m not at the park, I’m helping at my family’s wildlife rehabilitation center, Hartley’s Nest, where we care for a wide range of critters.

What I’m not doing is thinking about my annoying coworker, Sylvie Corbeau, who ignores the rules and acts on instinct when handling incidents that arise at Granite Cliff. Granted, her unorthodox methods often produce positive results, but couldn’t she follow protocol now and then instead of going rogue and inviting chaos? The way she glares at me all the time suggests we’ll never agree on anything related to work.

Matters not related to work, however, might be a different situation. When I see Sylvie out on a blind date at our local bar, I can’t keep from spying on her. Who is this guy she’s with? How serious is it? Am I jealous? How can I be jealous? Why is she leaning away from him? Is she not enjoying herself? Before I know what’s happening, I’m on my feet and at her table. I tell her date it’s time for him to go. I’m very convincing, especially with two of my brothers as backup.

Of course, Sylvie glares at me. Of course, she doesn’t want my help. Of course, I kiss her when I shouldn’t have.

Now we’re both up for the same promotion at work, and a silly bet might have the loser embarrassing herself at that local bar on a crowded Friday night. I’m determined to be the winner, but after spending more time with Sylvie, I’m not sure what prize I’m hoping for anymore.      

And maybe rules are meant to be broken.

Protect This Soul is a small-town, contemporary, enemies-to-lovers, workplace romance between two wildlife enforcement officers employed at a national park.