Kenneth's POV
The nerve of this girl! Who does she think she is to even imply that I've been weak? Me? A royal lion? A lion is the symbol of strength itself—let alone a royal one! And yet she had the audacity to suggest that a relationship could weaken me?
She was crazy.
I was livid. This was one of those moments I wished I were home, free to let loose, run into the woods, work out my anger… hunt. How dare this girl, knowing very well I'm a royal lion, still insinuate I was weak?
As werelions, we shift at the age of 18 and graduate at 21, by which time most of us have found our destined mates—though some get theirs a bit earlier or later. It used to be easier in the past, but in the modern world, it's become increasingly difficult. Some lions now wait until they're 27 or even 29 before they meet their destined mates, mainly because prides rarely interact anymore, for fear of territorial invasions. Many end up taking chosen mates, and some even choose humans.
To manage pride affairs and maintain peace, a council of elderly lions called the Senate was formed. They govern with the Leos—the royal rulers of all the prides in a region. I would soon become one myself.
Still, it was difficult to unite werelions. We are naturally territorial creatures, different from real lions in some ways, but still deeply bound to territory.
In a pride kingdom, each region is ruled by a Leo—a royal leader much like an Alpha in the werewolf world—along with his Royal Regina, the female counterpart, akin to a royal Luna. Each region contains smaller prides led by Rexes and their Reginas. The Rex is similar to an Alpha, but all Rexes answer to the Leo, who holds authority by blood or by challenge.
Each Leo or Rex has the two most trusted lieutenants: the Duobus and Tribus, second and third in command respectively. These roles are usually given to childhood friends—either inherited or earned through trials. They serve as both advisors and bodyguards.
A Regina is capable of leading if her mate dies. She is also entitled to two Enforcers, male bodyguards ranked as First and Second Enforcer. A Leonis is someone who challenges the Leo or Rex for leadership. Some are royal-born challengers, but most are simply ambitious lions seeking power. Challenges must be approved by the Senate and carried out legally—no weapons, only raw strength. A challenger must be ruthless, a proven leader.
Each pride also has a Malum, the designated executioner, and a Magician, who helps keep the pride neutral. Some call themselves witches or prophets. There are also Amors—females who train newly mated lionesses not to shift during intimacy—and their male counterparts, the Libidinems.
The Marshals maintain the physical well-being of the pride. They can sense physical injuries and often work closely with the Hunters, who track rogues and defend territory.
Lastly, there are Omegas, responsible for emotional well-being. They take care of everyone and are trained to detect emotional instability. Just like the Marshals, they have heightened senses.
As werelions, we are extremely organized and uphold the highest respect for authority.
I had never been this worked up since I came to university last year. Yes, I had already spent a year at this school before my angel arrived. That's why I was able to stand for student elections and win—I was already known and respected. My engineering degree spans four years, while hers is only three. Honestly, I'm glad. It means we get to finish together.
I wished she were here with me to calm me down, but I was afraid she would discover my real identity and leave me. I couldn't bear that. Life without her was unimaginable.
From the very moment I saw her, there was an unexplainable pull—a magnetic connection that I still feel. Knowing she's human never deterred me from loving her. But what scares me is the fact that I haven't yet told her the truth. I'm terrified of what she might think of me… of whether she'll still want me once she finds out I'm a lion in human form.
That's why I can't afford to let that self-entitled girl ruin things before Lucy hears the truth from me. I have a plan—but I need time to execute it.
At this rate, if that so-called friend of hers keeps spouting this "mate bond pull" nonsense, I'm afraid my truth might slip out too soon—and that wouldn't end well. I swear, I could crush that arrogant princess.
I had moved from the office to my dormitory, but I was afraid Lucy might come looking for me. She'd see me in this emotional state, and I'd be forced to either lie—which I hate—or confess everything before I'm ready.
I mind-linked Thomas and Malcolm, telling them I was going to take a walk in the woods behind the school walls. It used to be a forestry project where trees were planted along several kilometers of land. The project was later abandoned—for reasons I don't know. But it's a perfect place for me. I could even shift and run a little. Zeus has been nagging me to let him out. He can be such a headache sometimes.
The idea was good, but this place was crawling with humans. We risk being exposed. My friends can be annoyingly persuasive. I wanted to go alone, but they insisted on coming along.
"Yoh! Ken! We're here, let's go," Thomas said.
That hotheaded guy. He's always been impulsive—even as a kid—and got us into plenty of trouble. Malcolm, on the other hand, is the level-headed one. He always calms the fire in me—especially when Tom has already lit it.
I laughed at the irony.
Tom is the petrol to my fire. Mal is the water.
They've been with me since birth. One fuels me, the other calms me. A perfect balance.
The goddess pairs us Weres for a reason.
As we started walking off the school premises, Thomas asked me what had happened with that bitch of a princess. The mere mention of her made my blood boil again.
"I hate her, Tom. Who does she think she is, claiming to be my mate—and saying I couldn't feel the pull because I've fallen for a weak human?"
I was raging inside.