Chapter 33 Lev
THIRTY-THREE
LEV
Lev felt a surge of gratitude toward his friends—these two people who’d stood by him through the past few difficult days.
“You’d do that?” he asked. “Handle all the arrangements?”
“Of course,” Benjamin said, already pulling out his communicator. “You and Xelene have earned a day to just... be together. Let us handle the logistics.”
Perfect, Lev thought, his mind already spinning with possibilities for how he’d spend the day with his mate. His favorite private beach came to mind—the warm sand and the twin suns overhead.
“I owe you both,” he said, clasping Benjamin’s shoulder.
“Just promise me you’ll let me have a dance with Janice and not make me work the whole night away,” Benjamin said, his cheeks flushing slightly as he glanced at the human woman who’d clearly stolen his heart.
“Yes, I promise,” Lev said as he turned and headed to go find Xelene.
The afternoon passed in a haze of contentment and discovery.
Lev showed Xelene more of the pride territory, taking her to places he’d never shared with anyone—hidden groves where he’d gone as a child to escape the weight of expectations and overlooks that provided stunning views of the purple forests and pink ocean that made Nova Aurora so unique.
But it was the secluded beach that became their sanctuary.
Away from the castle, from responsibilities and the watchful eyes of the pride, they made love on the warm sand with an intensity that left them both breathless.
The mate bond sang so powerfully between them, stronger with each passing hour, until Lev couldn’t tell where he ended and Xelene began.
She’s changing me, he realized as they lay entwined afterward, her head pillowed on his chest while the twin suns painted the sky in shades of amber and crimson. Making me better, stronger. Making me the king I was always meant to be.
Now, as evening approached and the time for their celebration drew near, Lev stood before his wardrobe selecting his formal attire.
His backup ceremonial jacket hung waiting—deep blue with gold thread that caught the light, paired with perfectly tailored black trousers that emphasized his powerful frame.
He dressed with care, each piece of clothing a reminder of what tonight represented. Not just a party, but a statement. A declaration that the Marcan Pride had a king worthy of their loyalty, and that king had found his queen.
Time to show them what we’re made of, he thought, adjusting his collar one final time before heading toward the door to find Xelene. Time to collect my queen.
The thought sent a surge of possessive satisfaction through his chest as he strode down the corridor toward Xelene’s guest suite. Through their mate bond, he could sense her presence like a warm beacon, drawing him forward with an intensity that still amazed him.
He raised his hand to knock, but the door swung open before his knuckles could connect with the polished wood.
Lev’s breath caught in his throat.
Xelene stood framed in the doorway wearing a black cocktail dress that should have been declared illegal in all known galaxies.
The fabric hugged every curve of her body like liquid silk, the neckline plunging just enough to make his mouth go dry while leaving enough to his imagination to drive him wild.
Her dark hair cascaded over one shoulder in glossy waves, and her green eyes sparkled with amusement at his obvious reaction.
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 they descended 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.