Page 37 of Mane Attraction
Benjamin’s warm chuckle filled the space. “If it helps, Lev’s been training like a man possessed under your guidance. I’ve never seen him more focused.”
Lev’s emotions bled into hers like they always do now—determination mixed with gratitude. She risked a glance at him. Gone was any trace of the playboy prince. This man radiated controlled power, his tactical clothing emphasizing the breadth of his shoulders and the strength of his frame, and those devastating blue eyes held a focus she’d never seen before.
I did that. I helped create this version of him.
The realization should have filled her with professional pride. Instead, it made her chest tight with something far more dangerous—a bone-deep satisfaction that whispered of partnership, of building something together that was greater than either of them alone.
“Xelene was quite the drill sergeant,” Lev said, his voice carrying that hint of roughness that made her pulse spike. “I’ve never trained harder in my life.”
“Or more thoroughly,” she managed, proud of how steady her voice sounded. “We covered everything documented in past Trials.”
What she didn’t mention was how each training session had ended with their tongues tangled together, her professional boundaries crumbling under the intensity of their connection.
Through their bond, she felt Lev’s desire spike immediately in response to her thoughts. His nostrils flared again, and she knew he could scent her desire despite her efforts to remain composed.
This is exactly why we need chaperones.
The royal vehicle slowed as they approached the ceremonial arena, and Xelene forced herself to focus on the massive structure rising before them. Carved from gleaming white stone that caught Nova Aurora’s twin suns, the arena commandedrespect with its soaring columns and intricate lion motifs. Hundreds of pride members streamed through the entrances for the historic event.
“Ready for this?” Janice asked, echoing her words from the castle foyer.
Lev’s hand found Xelene’s, their fingers intertwining with practiced ease. The simple contact sent heat through her, and she had to bite back a gasp.
“Yes,” he replied, but his eyes never left Xelene’s face. “I have everything I need right here.”
Stop looking at me like that.
But even as the thought formed, Xelene found herself drowning in the depths of his gaze. The mate bond sang, weaving them together with invisible threads that grew stronger by the moment. Part of her wanted to pull away, to maintain the professional distance. A larger part wanted to lean into him, to acknowledge what they both felt growing between them.
TWENTY-SIX
XELENE
The royal vehicle stopped, and Benjamin was the first to exit, turning to help Janice down with the kind of old-fashioned courtesy that made her smile. Lev followed, then turned to offer Xelene his hand with the same natural gallantry. The moment their skin touched, his pupils dilated slightly, the blue of his eyes taking on that golden edge.
Not here. Not now.
But Xelene’s body betrayed her, leaning into his warmth as he helped her from the vehicle. The simple gesture felt charged with meaning, a preview of the partnership they could have if she stopped fighting what fate had decreed.
Within minutes, the arena’s interior took her breath away. Tiers of seating rose in perfect circles around a central stage large enough for full-scale combat. Every seat was filled with pride members whose excited voices created a low roar of anticipation. Banners bearing the Marcan family crest fluttered from the rafters, and the air itself seemed to vibrate with the importance of what was about to unfold.
Lev’s hand remained firmly clasped in hers as they made their way through the crowd. Pride members bowed their heads respectfully as they passed, but Xelene didn’t miss thecurious glances directed her way. Whispers followed in their wake—speculation about the human woman who’d captured their prince’s attention, questions about whether she might be something more than a simple girlfriend.
If only they knew.
The mate mark on her hip seemed to pulse with awareness, a constant reminder of the bond she was trying so desperately to ignore. Through their connection, she felt Lev’s own awareness of the crowd’s attention, his protective instincts sharpening as they approached the stage where five figures waited in ceremonial robes.
Councilor Christoph stood at the center of the group, his ice-blue eyes missing nothing as they approached. The elder’s expression remained carefully neutral, but Xelene caught the slight tightening around his eyes as his gaze lingered on their joined hands.
Does he know about the bond?
“Your Highness.” Christoph’s voice carried easily across the space as they reached the stage. “Are you prepared to begin the first test?”
Lev squeezed Xelene’s hand once before releasing it, the loss of contact making her feel strangely alone. “I am.”
But before stepping onto the stage, he turned back to her. In full view of the assembled crowd, he cupped her face in his hands and kissed her with a passion that made her knees weak. The contact was brief but electric, sending shockwaves through her body and leaving her breathless.
“For luck,” he murmured against her lips.
