Page 33 of Mane Attraction
Dawn crept through the windows of the castle’s dining room, casting golden light across the polished mahogany table where Lev sat nursing his third cup of coffee. Sleep had been a futile pursuit after the rogue lion attack last night—every time he’d closed his eyes, he’d seen those amber eyes filled with murderous intent and felt Xelene’s fear as the lion launched itself at her.
His ribs still ached from the wound beneath the bandages she’d so carefully applied, but the physical pain paled compared to the fury still coursing through his veins. Someone had sent that rogue to harm his mate. The thought made his lion pace restlessly, demanding blood and retribution.
But beyond the rage lay something else—a transformation he couldn’t quite believe. Two days ago, he’d been furious with Gerri for bringing his fated mate into his chaotic life. He’d ranted about not being ready, about wanting to maintain his freedom and avoid the complications of love. Now, sitting in the early morning quiet, he couldn’t imagine his existence without Xelene’s fierce intelligence and unwavering strength beside him.
The change was staggering. Her brilliant strategy of pretending to be his girlfriend was already working miracles forhis reputation. At his father’s funeral, he’d caught the curious gazes of pride members—hope flickering in their eyes for the first time in years. Last night during their walk, the expressions had shifted from skepticism to genuine possibility. His people were beginning to see him as more than the notorious playboy prince. They were seeing a man capable of settling down, of choosing responsibility over recklessness.
If only they knew the truth,he thought, his fingers tightening around his coffee mug.
The completed mate bond thrummed between them even from a distance, and he suspected the more perceptive pride members would sense it soon enough. Someone clearly wasn’t pleased with his transformation—or with Xelene’s stabilizing presence in his life. The attack proved that.
His lion snarled at the memory, demanding he keep Xelene within arm’s reach at all times, safe and protected where no enemy could touch her. But he’d made a promise not to push, to give her space to process the accidental completion of their bond.
Yesterday had shown him that her defenses were already crumbling despite her fierce resistance—he’d felt every conflicting emotion through their connection, the war between her analytical mind and her body’s growing recognition of what they could be together. The longing that pulsed through the bond whenever she looked at him gave him hope. Her soul was already acknowledging what her mind refused to accept.
The dining room doors opened with a soft creak, and Lev’s entire body went taut as Xelene’s scent reached him—lavender and something uniquely her that made his lion purr with satisfaction. Benjamin entered first, his usual easy smile in place, followed by Janice whose auburn hair caught the morning light. But it was Xelene who commanded every fiber of Lev’s attention.
She moved with that controlled grace and poise he’d come to recognize, her dark hair pulled back in a ponytail, wearing fitted black leggings and a forest green top that made her eyes luminous. Her professional behavior, he realized—her way of maintaining distance even as the mate bond pulled them inexorably together.
Through their connection, he felt the spike of awareness that shot through her the moment their gazes met. Her body wanted to move toward him despite her mental resistance, and he had to grip his armrests to keep from rising to meet her halfway.
“Good morning,” Benjamin said, settling into his usual chair across from Lev. “Sleep well?”
“Like a baby,” Lev lied smoothly.
He noted how Janice’s eyes sparkled with barely contained mischief as she claimed the seat beside Benjamin. His best friend’s infatuation was written all over his face, and Lev made a mental note to give him grief about it later. Xelene took the chair to Lev’s right, close enough that her scent wrapped around him like silk, but far enough to maintain the illusion of professional distance.
The servants appeared with platters of food—fresh fruit, warm bread, eggs prepared three different ways, and strips of perfectly seasoned meat that made Lev’s stomach growl. He’d been too wound up and emotionally overwhelmed to eat properly.
They ate in relative silence for several minutes, the tension in the room thick enough to cut with a blade. Lev could feel Xelene’s internal struggle intensifying—the completed bond was affecting her more strongly this morning, just as it was affecting him. His body had become hyperaware of her every movement, every breath, and every subtle shift in emotion.
The longer he sat there in her presence, something fundamental was shifting inside him. The wild playboy who’dspent decades avoiding responsibility suddenly felt like a stranger. Instead, he felt focused, determined, ready to step up and become the king his people deserved. Ready to become the mate Xelene deserved—if she’d have him.
Through the bond, he sensed her recognition of his transformation, her surprise at the depth of his resolve and determination.
Janice finally broke the charged silence, setting down her fork with deliberate precision. “Benjamin and I have been discussing some strategic PR events for you Lev,” she announced, her voice cutting through the tension. “I know you’re still processing your father’s death, but it’s crucial to get out there and show the pride that you’re ready to be an attentive, responsible leader.”
Lev nodded, grateful for the distraction from the mate bond’s relentless pull. “I’m completely on board with whatever you suggest. Gaining my people’s respect and trust before the Trial is my top priority.”
“Excellent,” Janice continued, her eyes bright with strategic excitement. “We’re thinking community visits, maybe some hands-on involvement with pride projects. Show them you care about more than just parties and adventures.”
Benjamin leaned forward, his expression serious despite the hint of amusement in his green eyes. “There’s a new housing development for young families that could use some royal attention. And the elder care facility has been requesting funding for months.”
“Set it up,” Lev said without hesitation. “All of it.”
Xelene remained unusually quiet throughout the exchange, but Lev could feel her intense focus through their bond. She was processing, strategizing, her brilliant mind working through angles he couldn’t even imagine. This close to her, he felt her strength and determination bleeding through the connection,making him feel more centered and capable than he had in years.
Finally, she spoke, her voice carrying that crisp authority that made his lion stand at attention. “While Janice and Benjamin handle scheduling the public events and working through the funding opportunities, you and I will focus on Trial preparation.” She paused for a moment, seeming to gather her resolve. “We’ll split our time between physical training in the castle’s gym for the strength test and research in the library for the wisdom and loyalty components.”
Her green eyes met his directly, and the impact nearly stole his breath.
“I know you said the elders change the specifics, but any preparation is better than going in blind.”
“Absolutely,” he managed, his voice rough.
She was magnificent like this—focused, commanding, every inch the queen she was born to be. His lion recognized her strength, craved her as an equal partner who could stand beside him and rule their kingdom with fierce determination.
If she chooses me,he reminded himself.
