Chapter 5: The Fox's Temptation

Leo exhaled slowly, rubbing the dull ache in his neck where Zyra's mating mark still burned. The wolf queen has spent the entire night reminding him who he belonged to, but even as his body carried the signed of her possessiveness, he couldn't shake the lingering memory of Lira's golden eyes watching him with amusement.

The seductive fox had planted a dangerous seed, and the the system had wasted no time in throwing him into another impossible challenge.

[System Notification]

New Task: The Fox's Challenge

Objective: Resist Lira's temptations for 24 hours or give in completely.

Bonus: If successful, gain an additional skill.

Penalty: If failed, expect unforeseen consequences.

*******

Leo scowled. What kind of twisted game was this?

Zyra was already possessive enough—if she even suspected he was involved with another woman, she'd probably tear him apart and mount his bones as a trophy.

Yet, as if summoned by his thoughts, a seductive voice purred from the hut entrance.

"Well, well... You are up early, handsome.

Leo froze.

Standing in the doorway, wrapped in a sheer, barely-there silk robe, was Lira.

**********

The morning sunlight spilled through the entrance, illuminating her curves in all the right places. The thing silk clung to her body, offering glimpses of soft, flawless skin beneath, teasing without revealing too much.

Her nine crimson tails flicked behind her, each movement deliberate as if she she knew exactly what effect she had on him.

Leo swallowed hard.

Zyra was still asleep beside him, he arm draped across his chest in a silent declaration of ownership.

Lira's golden eyes gleamed as the flicked to Zyra before settling back on him.

"My, my...the wolf Queen wore you out, didn't she?" she teased, stepping inside.

Leo tensed . "What do you want, Lira?"

She polite, the movement exaggerating the fullness of her lips. "That's no way to greet a lady."

She moved closer, the scent of sweet flowers and something dangerously intoxicating filling his senses.

Leo gritted his teeth. This was bad.

"Careful," he warned. "If Zyra wakes up and sees you here—"

Lira giggled, leaning down until her lips were inches from his ear.

"That's what makes it exciting," she whispered.

Leo's pulse spiked.

This woman was playing with fire.

Lira reached out, her clawed fingers grazing over his bare chest, tracing the scars and bite mark that Zyra had left behind.

"A strong, healthy male...." she mused, her voice dripping with honey. "I can see why the Queen is obsessed with you."

Leo's muscles tensed beneath her touch, but he forced himself to remain still.

Don't react. Don't take the bait.

Lira's tails wrapped lightly around his wrist, tugging just enough to tempt but not enough to force.

"Tell me, male...." she murmured, tilting her head. "Do you like being claimed?"

Leo met her gaze, his smirk returning.

"Depends."

Lira's lips curled into a sly smile. "Oh? On what?"

Leo shifted slightly, making sure Zyra was still fast asleep before whispering, "On who's doing the claiming."

Lira shivered, her golden eyes flickering with intrigue.

"My, my... perhaps you are more dangerous than I thought."

She moved closer, pressing her soft, silk-covered breasts against his side.

Leo swallowed hard. He felt his willpower starting to crack.

The System's challenge wasn't just about resisting her physically—it was about resisting her entirely.

And right now?

That was feeling impossible.

Just as Lira's lips brushed against his jaw, a deep, throaty growl rumbled from beside him.

Leo barely had time to react before Zyra lunged.

Lira danced away just in time, her tails swishing playfully as Zyra landed in a crouch, her claws bared and lethal.

Zyra's blue eyes burned with fury.

"You have a death wish," she snarled.

Lira merely laughed, stepping just out of reach. "Oh, relax, Queenie. I was just saying good morning to your precious mate."

Zyra lunged again, but Leo grabbed her wrist, stopping her before she could rip Lira apart.

"Zyra, wait," he said quickly.

The wolf queen snapped her gaze to him, her tail bristling. "Wait? She was touching you."

Lira sighed dramatically. "Honestly, you wolves are so territorial."

Zyra's snarl deepened, but Leo squeezed her wrist, forcing her to look at him instead of the fox.

"She's just trying to get a reaction out of you," Leo murmured. "Don't give her the satisfaction."

Zyra's chest rose and fell rapidly, her fury still palpable, but Leo could see the gears turning in her mind.

If there was one thing Zyra hated more than a challenge, it was playing into someone else's game.

Finally, she exhaled sharply, releasing the tension in her stance.

Lira smirked. "That's more like it."

She turned her golden gaze back to Leo. "You have quite the way with women, don't you?"

Leo grinned. "You have no idea."

Lira laughed, the sound rich and knowing.

"I will be seeing you soon Leo." She said as she winked at Leo seductively.

Then, with a flick of her tail, she disappeared into the morning mist.

*******

The moment she was gone, Zyra turned on Leo, shoving him back onto the furs.

"What the hell was that?" she demanded.

Leo chuckled, resting his hands behind his head. "What? You jealous?"

Zyra's claws dug into his chest, her face hovering inches above his.

"You are mine," she growled. "No fox, no feline, no dragon or beast cns change that.

Leo's grin widened. "Then prove it."

Zyra's eyes darkened, her tail curling possessively around his waist.

"Oh, I will," she whispered.

Then she crashed her lips against his, taking what was hers all over again.