Captivated by the Ruler of the Underworld

Big White's proud expression turned wary at the sight of the metallic chain in Master Sylvester's hand. He whimpered, backing away slowly.

His deep blue eyes locked onto the chain, tense and ready to leap and sever it.

Upon seeing this, Lela stepped in front of Master Sylvester, "Master Sylvester..."

With a smirk and mischievous glint in his eye, Sylvester playfully ruffled Lela's hair, "Sweetheart, if you want to take him with us, sometimes we have to be crafty. You have to play the game for real."

...

Eventually, in the backseat of the tour car, Big White sat with his legs bound by chains, looking impatient and sulking.

Driving away, Sylvester glanced at Big White in the rearview mirror, his face finally relaxing into a smile.

Little beast, daring to compete with me for affection.

This is just the beginning.

Mildred Gomez trailed behind, clutching a metal leash in one hand, trying to appease Big White, "Easy there, big fella. I had no choice, you know? Just lay off the biting, okay?" Truth was, Mildred was a bit of a chicken. He was scared stiff that the big guy would turn on him in a bad mood.

He really didn't want to take the fall for anything else.

After all, to think that the once-mighty king of beasts, who commanded awe and respect from all, was now willing to be harnessed and put in the back seat was honestly kind of a downer. Lela could sense Master Sylvester Gomez's irritation. She turned her head to steal a glance at his impeccably chiseled profile and murmured, "Master Sylvester, are you... jealous?"

The smile that had started to form on Master Sylvester Gomez's face faltered, and he coughed awkwardly, raising a hand in denial, "Jealous? Me? That's a laugh."

Lela bit her lip to suppress a giggle, "But I think you are."

Master Sylvester Gomez shot her a sidelong glare and remained in denial, "Cut it out, sweetheart. I'm a sophisticated guy. Would I really be jealous of an animal?" The very idea!

Lela looked back at Big White, who sat in the backseat with a look of sulking resignation, and softly contested, "Big White isn't just an animal."

He was her irreplaceable best friend.

Without a word, Master Sylvester Gomez drove one-handed, his piercing eyes focused on the road ahead, his hands expertly navigating the touring car around obstacles. Clearly peeved.

Lela sighed in defeat, reached over, and intertwined her fingers with Master Sylvester Gomez's. She lifted their clasped hands to her lips and kissed his gently.

The soft, moist sensation lingered on the back of Master Sylvester Gomez's hand and rippled through his heart.

"Fine!"

If the little lady insists he's not an animal, then... for now, he isn't.

Lela tilted her head and caught the subtle smile at the corner of Master Sylvester Gomez's eyes. His grip tightened momentarily, and for a fraction of a second, her gaze dropped to their hands, happiness brimming in her beautiful eyes. She thought to herself, Master Sylvester, you're really easy to placate.

In the back seat, Mildred Gomez caught the whole exchange and exhaled a weary sigh, exchanging disbelieving looks with Big White.

Talk about a love that was hard to witness!

Mildred needed a breather. He rolled down the window of the back seat, craving some fresh air...

...

The tour vehicle trundled from the wooded area towards the open plains, and before long, the viewing stand came into view.

Women with faint hearts, who had not dared to partake in the adventure, waited upon the stands.

From a distance, the first tour vehicle burst out from the trees.

The rear window was open, and when the women spotted a living, breathing, white lion seated inside, they let out shrieks of astonishment.

"Good heavens, the white lion's been captured alive!"

"Who did it? They must be pretty tough."

Everyone knew the fierce reputation of that white lion.

Somebody actually had the guts to capture it.

Epic!

Goy Gomez had opted out and was on the stand, waiting. Observing the expression on Mildred Gomez's face from the back seat, even his typically stony demeanor gave way to shock in that moment. Master Sylvester Gomez didn't stop; he drove straight out onto the plains.