Kenneth's POV
It had been two years since I met my angel. Sure, our relationship hadn't been the easiest, especially with the arrival of that self-entitled princess, but we had bonded in a tremendous way. I prayed nothing would ever break us.
Pat had tried planting seeds of doubt in my angel's mind, but I worked hard to erase them. Thank the goddess, Lucy listened to my strange explanations—even though I only told her half-truths. I still hadn't revealed my real identity, so I had to be careful not to mention mates, bonds, or anything of that sort.
I told her Pat was simply attracted to me and thought I felt the same—that was why she insisted I should "tell Lucy the truth." I begged Lucy never to believe anything that came from that witch's mouth, because her only goal was to separate us. Thankfully, Lucy believed me, and that was a huge relief.
Since exposing my truth would mean exposing hers as well, I just hoped Pat wouldn't dare dream of such a thing.
I sighed in exasperation. Keeping something this important from the love of your life—the only person you care about 24/7, 365 days a year—was exhausting. Patricia hadn't stopped making advances, but I had crushed every single one. Above all, I had finally convinced my babe to stay away from her, and she agreed.
We had one year left before finishing our degrees—mine in engineering, hers in pharmacy. After that, I would return home, while Lucy remained in the South. That is, if she rejected me after learning my truth. My heart shuttered at the thought.
I had two options: secure an internship in the city so I could stay close to my angel, or return home to the Western Kingdom and fulfill my duties immediately, as was expected of me.
But what if Lucy didn't accept me? What if she rejected the reality that I'm a lion—that my race isn't confined to fiction books or myths?
I contemplated how to break the news to her. Eventually, I decided to take her with me for the holidays at the end of the semester. Soon, I would be crowned Leo of my Pride, and I needed a Regina. I had already made up my mind about who that would be. Human or not, she was mine.
'Beep, beep!'
Just as I was sinking deeper into my thoughts, my phone buzzed on the desk beside me. I grabbed it quickly.
"Hello," I answered.
"Hello, my son. How have you been?" my father's husky voice came through.
"I'm doing good, Dad. How are you and Mom?"
"Your mom and I are well. So is Deven," he replied.
"That's great. I'll see you all in a month. I'll be bringing some friends along—they want to see my part of the country," I said carefully, not quite ready to admit I planned to bring my human girlfriend to introduce as my chosen mate.
My kind didn't take kindly to humans stepping into our territories. Humans dismissed us as myths and legends, and it was safer to keep it that way. My father, in particular, hated exposing our kind, though he allowed exceptions since we had blended somewhat in the East and South.
Silence stretched on the other end. If not for his steady breathing, I would have thought he'd hung up.
"Dad? Is it okay if I bring them?" I asked again.
He sighed. "Fine, son. But don't expose our identity to humans. And be ready for the big announcement we'll make when you come home."
My heart leapt at his words. I wished he would tell me more, but I knew he wouldn't.
"Any clue what it's about?" I tried my luck.
He chuckled. "Nope. That's for you to find out when you get here."
"Is it good news or bad?" I pressed.
"That depends on how you take it when you hear it," he said cryptically.
I let out a heavy sigh. "Okay, Dad. I know you won't say more, so I'll let it go."
He chuckled again, and we exchanged our goodbyes.
But unease gnawed at me. What could this announcement be about?
As if sensing my mood, Tom and Mal walked into my room. For once, Tom didn't tease me.
"I wouldn't want to be in your place, pal. With that worried face, something must be bothering you. Is it that witch again?" he asked.
I cleared my throat as they sat down on either side of me.
"Dad just called," I began, pausing to gauge their expressions.
"Yes? And?" Tom asked impatiently, throwing up his arms.
"He says I should prepare for a big announcement."
"That got you worried because…?" Mal prompted.
I rubbed my temples. "I don't know, man. He wouldn't give me a clue, and that's what's bothering me. I don't like not knowing."
They both looked at me as if I'd grown horns.
"Man, you stress too much. Isn't it obvious? It's about your coronation as the next King and Leo. What else could it be?" Tom said.
"I don't know… it just doesn't sit right. Of course I'm anticipating the handover, but would he really be so sneaky about something so obvious?" I asked.
"I think you're overthinking, man. Tell you what—let's hit the gym and sweat out that tension," Mal suggested.
I changed clothes, and we headed to their dorm to gear up. Training was vital, whether at the Pride or away.
After a good workout, I felt lighter. Later, I took Lucy out for an afternoon snack at a cozy Thai restaurant near campus. Her excitement over the simple gesture made me smile. Seeing her happy brought me joy like nothing else.
As we left, I kissed her soft lips. Zeus, my lion, purred in satisfaction.