Page 12 of Mane Attraction
Because with that kind of love came vulnerability. The same vulnerability that had destroyed his father when Lev’s mother died, leaving the king a hollow shell of the man he’d once been.
What if I lose her?The fear that had driven him for decades clawed at his chest.What if I’m not enough to keep her?
“Why don’t you just give Xelene a chance?” Gerri suggested, her tone deceptively casual. “I know you only have six days before the Trial, but I’ve seen shifters figure it out in much less time than that.”
“This is absurd,” Lev snapped, running his hands through his hair. “I don’t want to figure it out. I want to keep my current lifestyle.”
“You know that’s not possible anymore.” Gerri’s voice carried an edge of steel beneath its gentle tone. “The crown won’t wait for you to grow up, Lev. Your father’s health is failing, your pride needs leadership, and whether you like it or not, everything is about to change. Maybe Xelene will be able to help you navigate that transition.”
Lev stared at the matchmaker, his mind racing. Everything she said was true—he’d known this day was coming, and had felt the weight of destiny pressing down on him for months. He’d told Benjamin just that morning that he would prove everyone wrong, that he could handle whatever challenges came his way.
Before I knew my reputation consultant was my fated mate,he thought desperately.Before everything became so complicated.
But he had made that promise. He’d sworn he would be a good student, that he would listen and try to become the man his pride needed. The irony wasn’t lost on him that the woman meant to fix his reputation might be the very person destined to claim his heart.
“Fine,” he said finally, the word torn from his throat like a confession. “I’ll go back in there. But this doesn’t mean I’m accepting anything beyond professional consultation.”
Gerri’s smile was pure satisfaction. “Of course, dear. Whatever you say.”
“And I want it known that I think this entire situation is manipulative and underhanded.”
“Duly noted.” She waved a dismissive hand. “Now, I’m going to check on your father while you get acquainted with Xelene and Janice. Try not to run away again—it’s rather undignified for a future king.”
Lev watched her walk away, her small frame radiating smugness that made his teeth grind. He stood alone in the corridor for a long moment, steeling himself for what came next. Behind that office door waited his fated mate—a human woman who had no idea what she’d walked into, who probably thought he was nothing more than a spoiled prince with image problems.
She has no idea that everything just changed,he thought grimly.For both of us.
EIGHT
LEV
Lev squared his shoulders and pushed through the oak door, the dark green henley stretching across his chest as he forced himself to move with deliberate calm. The fabric whispered against his skin, a stark reminder that he’d chosen comfort over formality this morning—a decision that felt both rebellious and foolish now that his fated mate sat across from his father’s mahogany desk.
His fated mate.
The words still sent a jolt of panic and desire through his system, his lion pacing restlessly beneath his skin as Xelene’s lavender scent filled his nostrils again.
She looked up as he entered, those sharp green eyes studying him with the precision of a surgeon examining a patient. Beside her, Janice shifted in her chair, her auburn hair catching the afternoon light filtering through the tall windows. Both women wore expressions of polite confusion mixed with professional concern—the kind of look he’d seen on the elders’ faces when they thought he’d finally lost his mind completely.
“Sorry about that.” Lev gave them his best smile as he settled into the leather chair behind his father’s desk, grateful for the solid wood barrier between him and the woman who’d justturned his world upside down. “I got a bit overwhelmed by the situation. But I’m better now and ready to focus.”
Xelene’s eyebrows rose slightly, skepticism flickering across her elegant features. She leaned forward, her posture radiating the kind of controlled authority that made his lion sit up and take notice despite his human brain’s protests.
“Are you going to take this seriously and listen to our advice?” Her voice carried an edge. “Because if you’re not, I’m not going to waste my time.”
Damn.
The woman didn’t pull punches. Most people—especially women—melted under his smile and easy charisma. Xelene Warren looked like she’d rather dissect him and push him than swoon over him.
And somehow, that made her infinitely more attractive.
His lion rumbled with approval, recognizing strength when he saw it. This wasn’t some simpering female looking to attach herself to a prince. This was a predator in her own right, and the challenge she presented made every primal instinct he possessed sharpen with interest.
“I won’t play games with you or Janice.” He met her gaze directly, allowing some of his natural authority to bleed through the casual facade. “I’m ready to clean up my rebellious behavior because my father is depending on me, along with my people. I want to prove myself.”
Something shifted in Xelene’s expression—a flicker of surprise, perhaps, or approval. She nodded once, crisp and businesslike.
“Good. Then we can get to work. But I’m not going to go easy on you just because you’re a prince or because you’re a lion shifter.”
