Page 2 of Mane Attraction
The question should have triggered Xelene’s professional deflection mode—the polite smile and the carefully neutral response that revealed nothing while appearing cooperative. Instead, she found herself speaking with startling honesty.
“Not exactly. Clayton was our client. We came to support him and witness his success firsthand.”
Why did I just admit that?
The thought flickered through Xelene’s mind even as the words left her lips. She never revealed client relationships to strangers, yet something about this woman made honesty feel natural, almost compulsive.
The stranger’s expression shifted, sharp intelligence replacing casual curiosity. She studied Xelene with the intensityof someone solving a particularly intriguing puzzle, her blue eyes seeming to shift toward gold in the afternoon light.
“You’re Xelene Warren.” It wasn’t a question. “The premier reputation architect in the United States.”
Xelene’s composure never wavered, though surprise rippled beneath her professional mask. Recognition came with the territory, but this felt different—more personal, as if the woman knew far more than she was revealing.
“That’s correct. I’ve spent the last decade rehabilitating high-profile reputations. One hundred percent success rate.”
The woman’s laughter bubbled up like champagne, rich and genuine. “A perfect track record? How delightfully familiar. I maintain a one hundred percent success rate in my own career as well.” She extended her hand. “Gerri Wilder. It’s refreshing to meet a fellow successful woman who understands the value of excellence.”
Xelene accepted the handshake, noting the surprising strength in those small fingers. “What line of work are you in exactly?”
“Matchmaking.” Gerri’s smile turned positively wicked. “Though I suspect we’re about to become connected in a different capacity. I recently met with your boss, Trevor, about a rather unique opportunity that might interest you.”
Trevor hadn’t mentioned any new prospects.
Xelene’s analytical mind immediately began cataloging possibilities—politicians preparing for campaigns, celebrities recovering from scandals, or businessmen facing hostile takeovers.
“I’m listening,” Xelene replied as her pulse spiked unexpectedly.
“This goes far beyond anything you’ve handled before.” Gerri’s eyes practically danced with anticipation. “I need someone to rehabilitate a very important prince—a lion shifterfrom the planet Nova Aurora who desperately requires image reconstruction.”
TWO
XELENE
The words hit Xelene like a physical force.Alien planet. Shifter. Prince.Each concept should have triggered skepticism, yet excitement blazed through her veins instead.
“He’s about to ascend to the throne, you see,” Gerri continued, “but his current reputation as Nova Aurora’s most notorious playboy makes coronation impossible. His people won’t accept a king they can’t trust or respect.”
Xelene’s mind raced through the challenges such a case would present.Reputation management and optics protocol. Shifter politics. A realm she’d never encountered.The complexity was staggering and the potential for professional growth immense.
“What’s the timeline for this transformation?”
“Two weeks, perhaps less.” Gerri’s expression grew serious. “His father’s health is deteriorating. And the prince must complete a series of tests that demonstrate his character, wisdom, and worthiness to rule. Currently, he’s nowhere near ready to pass that trial.”
Two weeks to transform a literal royal disaster into a credible monarch.
The impossibility of it sent adrenaline surging through Xelene’s system. She’d built her career on accepting challenges others deemed hopeless, but this transcended anything she’d attempted.
“I’d want to bring backup.” Xelene glanced at Janice, whose hazel eyes had widened with a mixture of concern and fascination. “My associate here has invaluable experience with complex cases.”
“The more expertise, the better.” Gerri’s approval was immediate. “This prince requires significant work if he’s going to convince his people he’s worthy of their loyalty.”
Janice stepped closer, her voice carefully neutral. “When would this assignment begin?”
“Tomorrow morning would be ideal. We should leave first thing if you’re available.”
Xelene felt something shift inside her chest—a sensation she couldn’t quite identify.Excitement? Anticipation? Something deeper?For the first time in months, maybe years, she felt truly alive. The prospect of tackling something completely unprecedented, of expanding her reputation to another world, sent electricity through her veins.
“Can you handle an interplanetary assignment on short notice?” She caught Janice’s eye, silently communicating the weight of the decision.
