Chapter 8 Lev
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 just turned 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.”
Lev felt his mouth curve into the kind of smile that had gotten him into trouble since he was sixteen. The grin was pure confidence and challenge, the expression of a man who’d never backed down from anything in his life.
“I wouldn’t expect you to.”
Her lips tightened, annoyance flashing across her features. But underneath that irritation, he caught something else—a flutter of awareness. She sensed it too, the inexorable pull of the mate bond, even if she didn’t understand it.
His lion settled slightly as he watched her try to deny the attraction crackling between them. Every minute in her presence made him more intrigued, more invested in this impossible situation. She was tough and direct, completely unimpressed by him—something he’d never known he wanted in a woman.
A good challenge, he thought, leaning back in his chair. Xelene Warren might be the strongest, most appealing, most infuriating woman I’ve ever met.
That realization should have bothered him. Instead, it made him pay attention in a way he rarely did with anyone.
Xelene reached into her sleek portfolio folder, her movements precise and efficient. She withdrew a single sheet of paper and slid it across the desk toward him, her fingers not quite brushing his as he reached for it.
“I need you to answer these questions honestly and thoughtfully so I can get a clear picture of who you are and what we need to work on.”
Lev glanced down at the page and felt his eyebrows climb toward his hairline. The paper was covered in neat, professional font—fifty questions that ranged from basic personality assessments to deeply personal inquiries about his fears, motivations, and relationships.
Thorough didn’t begin to cover it.
“This is pretty private stuff you’re asking me to reveal.” He looked up to find her watching him with unwavering intensity, those green eyes missing nothing.
“That’s the only way we’re going to get to the bottom of why your life is so chaotic.”
Her casual judgment about his life sent a spike of irritation through him. “My life isn’t chaotic. It’s just not the way others think I should be living.”
“Well, what others think about you—especially since you need to become king soon—matters more than what you think about your life at this point.”
The blunt assessment hit him like a slap, and Lev felt his jaw clench. Everyone wanted to tell him how to live, what to prioritize, who to become.
She’s not wrong, his lion pointed out unhelpfully. The pride needs stability. They need to trust their future king.
Lev pushed that thought aside and focused on the immediate problem. If Xelene wanted him to bare his soul on paper, she could damn well give him something in return.
“Fine.” He set the questionnaire aside and leaned forward, fixing her with his most intense stare. “I’ll fill this out and give it to you—but only if you have dinner with me tonight.”
Janice’s face lit up with delight, a knowing smile spreading across her features. “That’s probably a good idea, Xelene. It will help you get to know him better.”
I like this woman already, Lev thought, shooting Janice a grateful look. She clearly understood the value of strategic alliances.
“Janice.” Lev stood, his height allowing him to project the kind of presence that made people listen. “Could I have a minute alone with you? There’s something I’d like to discuss.”
Xelene’s confusion was almost comical. She glanced between them, clearly trying to figure out what possible business he could have with her assistant that didn’t involve her directly.
“I’ll give you two a moment then,” Xelene said slowly, rising from her chair with fluid grace.
The moment the door clicked shut behind her, Lev moved around the desk and leaned against it, crossing his arms over his chest. Janice watched him with bright, curious eyes, her expression expectant.
“I didn’t want to spook Xelene,” he began, deciding that honesty was his best strategy, “but the reason I fled the office so fast is that Xelene is my fated mate.”
Janice’s eyes widened, and then her face broke into a grin that could have powered the entire castle. “Oh, this is too good!”
“You know about fated mates?”
“I did some preliminary research last night on shifters. A fated mate is like a soulmate but more intense in the shifter world, right?” She practically bounced in her seat.
“Xelene has been refusing to settle down for years. I’ve been trying to get her to find a guy and stop with the one-night stands, but she insists she doesn’t want commitment. ”
“Well, I can relate to that too well.” Lev’s mouth twisted wryly. “But I need your help with Xelene. I need to know what makes her tick, ways to win her over.”
Janice’s expression grew more serious, though her eyes still sparkled with mischief. “It’s going to be harder than it looks. Xelene is secretive even with me, and she’s incredibly guarded emotionally. I know some ways to crack her open, but she’s built some serious walls over the years.”
Lev smiled, the expression sharp and determined. “Well, if you ladies want to fix me, then you’ll find a way to help me get closer to Xelene.”
“I’ll help you,” Janice said slowly, “but only if you help me get a date with Benjamin.”
Lev’s laugh was genuine and delighted. “That will be easy enough. Benjamin is a softie, and he’s been looking for a decent woman. I have a good feeling about you.”
They shook hands, and Lev felt some of the tension in his shoulders ease. This wasn’t so bad. Maybe he could navigate this impossible situation after all—with the right allies and a little strategic thinking.
“See?” He straightened, his confidence returning in full force. “Things are shaping up nicely.”
He moved toward the door, then paused and looked back at Janice with a grin that promised trouble and adventure in equal measure.
“Let me take you ladies to your guest suites before dinner.”