Page 54 of Mane Attraction
Forget the party. Lock the door. Keep her here all night.
The primal thought slammed through his mind with such intensity that his hands actually twitched toward her waist. His lion roared its approval, demanding he claim what belonged to him rather than parade her in front of hundreds of pride members.
Xelene’s laughter rang through the hallway, musical and knowing. “Didn’t you get fulfilled enough between last night and today’s three rounds? That look on your face suggests otherwise.”
Lev stepped closer. “I will never be completely fulfilled, sweetheart. I’ll always want to claim you any chance I can get.”
Her cheeks flushed pink, but she placed a firm hand against his chest. “Well, we’ll have plenty of time for that after the party. But right now, your pride is already gathering for the celebration you wanted to throw for them.”
She’s right.The rational part of his brain struggled to override the possessive instincts flooding his system.They’re counting on me to show them a good time.
“You’re going to be the death of me in that dress,” he murmured, but stepped back to offer her his arm.
The grand staircase soon stretched before them like something from a fairy tale, its marble steps polished to mirror perfection and lined with arrangements of Nova Aurora’s native purple blooms. Lev felt the weight of tradition as theydescended together, each step echoing through the vast space and announcing their arrival to the castle below.
This is what it means to be king,he realized as pride members began gathering at the base of the staircase to catch glimpses of their new royal couple.Not just ruling from a throne, but being the symbol they need to believe in.
The massive doors to the grand ballroom stood open before them, revealing a space transformed into something magical. Benjamin and Janice had outdone themselves—crystal chandeliers cast dancing shadows across walls draped in rich blue and gold fabric, while tables laden with the finest delicacies Nova Aurora could offer stretched across the polished floor. The air hummed with conversation and laughter, punctuated by the soft melody of traditional pride music.
But the moment Lev and Xelene stepped across the threshold, the room fell silent.
Hundreds of eyes turned toward them, but Lev felt none of the judgment or doubt that had plagued him during his reckless years. Instead, he saw recognition in their faces—acknowledgment of two strong leaders who would guide them through whatever challenges the future might bring. These weren’t subjects looking at a reformed playboy, but pride members seeing their rightful king and his chosen queen.
The silence broke into thunderous applause and cheers that seemed to shake the very foundations of the castle. Lev felt his chest swell with emotion he’d never expected to experience—the overwhelming love and support of his people, freely given and genuinely felt.
They actually believe in me.
Through their mate bond, he felt Xelene’s own amazement at the warmth of their reception, her composure cracking just enough to reveal genuine joy at being accepted so completely by his pride.
They made their way to the head table, Lev’s hand resting possessively on the small of Xelene’s back as pride members approached to offer congratulations and well-wishes. The meal that followed passed in a blur of rich flavors and easy conversation, the first time in a week that Lev had truly relaxed enough to enjoy food without tasting the bitter edge of grief or anxiety.
His plate sat nearly empty before him, his appetite finally returning after days of barely managing to eat. Beside him, Xelene had clearly enjoyed the feast as much as he had, her own plate cleared of everything but a few decorative garnishes.
“I need to freshen up before our first dance,” she said, leaning close enough that her breath tickled his ear.
Lev caught her hand as she started to rise, bringing it to his lips for a kiss that sent murmurs of approval through the nearby tables. “Don’t take too long. I’m eager to show off my queen.”
Her smile was radiant as she squeezed his fingers. “I’ll make it quick, I promise.”
Lev watched her glide through the crowd, accepting compliments and well-wishes from pride members as she made her way toward the ballroom’s exit. Even from across the room, he could feel her contentment through their bond—the satisfaction of a woman who had found her place in a world she’d never expected to call home.
He turned back to the conversation flowing around him, accepting congratulations from elders who had viewed him with skepticism mere days ago. For once, Lev felt the weight of the crown settling on his shoulders in a way that felt right rather than crushing.
But as the minutes ticked by, that contentment began shifting into something else.
She should have been back by now.
Lev glanced toward the ballroom entrance, expecting to see Xelene’s familiar silhouette appearing at any moment. The bond between them hummed with her usual steady presence, no spike of panic or distress to suggest anything was wrong. Still, something nagged at the edges of his consciousness.
Maybe she’s just taking extra time with her makeup,he reasoned, turning back to the pride member who was regaling him with tales of his father’s legendary hunts.Women do that sort of thing, don’t they?
But even as he nodded and smiled at the appropriate moments, Lev’s attention kept drifting toward the door.
THIRTY-FOUR
XELENE
The reflection staring back at Xelene from the ornate mirror in her guest suite barely resembled the controlled, composed woman who had arrived on Nova Aurora just over a week ago. Her green eyes sparkled with a warmth she’d never seen before, and her cheeks were flushed with the glow of a woman thoroughly loved and completely cherished. The black cocktail dress hugged her curves in ways that made her feel beautiful and desirable, but it was the radiance emanating from within that truly transformed her.
