Page 63 of Mane Attraction
“Ready?” her father asked softly.
Xelene squared her shoulders. “I’ve never been more ready for anything in my life.”
The first notes of the ceremonial music drifted across the castle gardens like a gentle caress, and Xelene felt her breath hitch. This was it. The moment that would transform her from a woman who’d spent her life running from love into a queen who’d chosen to embrace it completely.
Lev stood at the altar in his formal ceremonial jacket, the golden embroidery catching the light of Nova Aurora’s twinsuns. His thick blonde hair had been styled back, but she could already see strands beginning to escape—a detail that made her heart flutter with affection. His deep blue eyes were locked on hers with an intensity that sent heat spiraling through her body, and through their mate bond, she felt the overwhelming force of his love and desire crashing over her like a tidal wave.
You’re breathtaking,his voice whispered through their telepathic connection.I can’t believe you’re mine.
The raw honesty of his thoughts made her eyes well with tears of joy. This man—this incredible, powerful, devoted man—was hers. And she was his.
As they began their procession down the makeshift aisle, Xelene’s world narrowed to just Lev. The pride members who rose respectfully to their feet became a blur of faces. The elaborate floral arrangements that Benjamin and Janice had spent days perfecting faded into the background. Even the stunning castle gardens with their vibrant Nova Auroran blooms seemed to disappear.
There was only Lev.
With each step closer to the altar, the mate bond pulsed stronger, singing with a harmony that made her soul feel complete.
I love you,she projected, watching as his eyes flared with golden light at her words.
I love you, my queen,came his immediate response, so full of reverence and devotion that she nearly stumbled.
When they finally reached the altar, Elder Mason stepped forward with a warm smile. Her father turned to Lev, his expression more serious than Xelene had ever seen it.
“Take care of my little girl,” her father said, his voice roughened with emotion as he placed Xelene’s hand in Lev’s much larger one.
Lev’s fingers closed around hers with gentle strength. “I will protect her with my life,” he vowed. “She is everything to me.”
Xelene felt the truth of his words resonating in every fiber of her being, and her heart swelled with such profound love that she thought it might burst.
Elder Mason cleared his throat, his weathered face beaming as he addressed the gathered pride. “We are here today to witness something truly extraordinary—the union of two souls destined by fate itself. Lev and Xelene have proven that love can overcome any obstacle, that trust can be built, and that sometimes the most unexpected partnerships create the strongest foundations.”
He paused, his gaze moving between them with obvious approval. “I have no doubt that together, they will become one of the greatest king and queen pairs this pride has ever been blessed with.”
The crowd murmured their agreement, and Xelene felt a rush of warmth at their acceptance. These people—her people now—truly believed in what she and Lev could accomplish together.
“Lev,” Elder Mason continued, “please share your vows with your bride.”
Lev turned to face her fully. “Xelene,” he began, his voice thick with emotion, “six weeks ago, I was a man running from everything that truly mattered. I was so afraid of losing myself to duty that I nearly lost my soul instead. Then you walked into my life and showed me that love doesn’t destroy—it creates. It builds. It transforms.”
Tears began to slip down Xelene’s cheeks as his words washed over her.
“You saw the king in me when I couldn’t see it myself,” Lev continued, his thumbs gently brushing away her tears. “You challenged me to become better, to face my fears, to choosecourage over comfort. You are my strength, my anchor, my heart. I promise to love you fiercely, to protect you always, and to spend every day of our lives proving that I am worthy of the incredible gift of your love.”
His final words broke on a whisper, and Xelene felt her composure crumbling completely. Through their bond, she could feel the absolute sincerity of every promise and the depth of his commitment to their future together.
Elder Mason smiled warmly. “Xelene, your vows.”
She took a shaky breath, gathering herself as Lev squeezed her hands encouragingly. When she spoke, her voice was clear and strong despite her tears.
“Lev, I spent my entire life believing that love was chaos to be avoided. I built walls around my heart so high that I thought no one could ever breach them. Then you came along with your impossible charm and your stubborn determination to show me what real love looked like.”
A single tear rolled down Lev’s cheek, and she reached up to catch it with her thumb.
“You taught me that love isn’t about losing control—it’s about finding someone worth being vulnerable with. You are my safe harbor, my greatest adventure, my perfect match. I promise to stand beside you as we lead our pride, to trust in our bond, and to love you with everything I am for all the days of our lives.”
The garden fell completely silent as Elder Mason raised his hands. “By the ancient laws of the Marcan Pride and the sacred bond of fated mates, I now pronounce you husband and wife.” His voice boomed with authority. “Lev, you may kiss your bride.”
Lev pulled her close, and when their lips met, it was everything—tender and fierce, full of love and joy and infinite promise. The kiss spoke of all the battles they’d fought to reach this moment, all the trust they’d built, and all the dreams they would pursue together.
