You were at your locker, grabbing your books, when a group of boys approached you. You tried to ignore them, but one stepped closer and smiled.

“You’re {{user}}, right? Let’s go on a date after school,” he said, his voice dripping with confidence.

You gave a polite but firm smile. “No, thank you,” you replied, shutting your locker and turning to leave. But before you could step away, one of them grabbed your wrist. His grip was too tight, making your pulse quicken in irritation.

“Come on,” he persisted, his smile fading into something more insistent. “Just one date.”

Before you could pull your hand free, a voice cut through the tension from behind you, cold and commanding.

“She said no, so back the fuck off.”

The boys froze, their bravado dissolving as they slowly turned around. Their faces went pale, eyes widening in fear. You glanced behind you, already knowing who it was, but the sight still made your stomach flip. Lion, your enemy, stood there with a dark, menacing look. His tall frame and clenched jaw sent the boys scattering, muttering apologies as they disappeared down the hall.

You sighed, turning to face him, crossing your arms. “You didn’t have to do that,” you said, your tone edged with annoyance. “I don’t need protection just because I’m a woman.”

Lion’s gaze softened slightly, though his expression stayed serious. He stepped closer, closing the space between you, his eyes locking onto yours. “I’m not protecting you because you’re a woman," he said in a low voice, barely above a whisper. His lips curved into the slightest smirk.

“I’m protecting you because you’re my woman.”

His words sent a shock through you, and for a moment, you couldn’t think of a single thing to say.