Curves And Claws: The Lycan King's Relentless Claim novel Chapter 25

Chapter 25

Roana,

“Commander Keane! I never expected you to come here. Did His Majesty send you?” Carolyn’s eyes flickered with a false warmth as she observed him handing me my phone. Yet, beneath that forced smile, her gaze betrayed a sharp edge, revealing her true feelings.

“Yes,” he replied curtly, his voice cold and clipped. Then, his eyes shifted from me to the plate I was holding. “Why are you cooking, Your Highness?”

The way he addressed me as “Your Highness” made Carolyn snort quietly. Her lips twitched into a smirk, and she quickly stepped between us, straightening her back as if she owned the entire room.

“Since she hasn’t proven herself worthy of being the Queen of the ten Packs under His Majesty’s rule, she doesn’t deserve royal treatment,” Carolyn stated in a calm, almost rehearsed tone—like a newsreader delivering headlines. But beneath that smooth surface, her words dripped with venom.

She ended her statement with a proud chuckle, lifting her chin as if expecting Commander Keane to nod in agreement.

I watched her perform this act, batting her lashes and tilting her head in that familiar way she used on every man she encountered, while I continued peeling the eggs quietly. Yet, my grip wavered, nearly dropping the plate when Commander Keane’s voice dropped dangerously low.

“Are you serious right now?”

Carolyn’s brow furrowed, clearly caught off guard as she stepped back. “What?”

“Even if she hasn’t yet proven her worth as Luna Queen, she is the daughter of a respected Alpha. She has held the Luna title for five years and holds a higher status than you, Ms. Carolyn,” Keane said, his eyes burning with restrained fury, as if he wanted to scorch her on the spot. “Are you insulting a guest that His Majesty brought home?” He leaned in, his voice sharp enough to slice through the tension, eyes narrowing with a predatory gleam. “Are you showing our guest that His Majesty’s household lacks respect?”

Carolyn stumbled backward, almost stepping on my feet. Before she could collide with me, Keane’s hand shot out, gripping my wrist firmly and pulling me aside protectively.

I was too stunned to respond. The sound of Carolyn tripping over herself echoed through the room, followed by a sharp hiss.

“Ouch!”

Instinctively, I crouched to help, catching her wrist, but she jerked it away with a snap.

“Don’t touch me!”

A soft chuckle escaped me as I remained crouched, muttering, “Let me give you some advice: a silent dog is more dangerous than the one who barks.” I winked before rising to my feet again.

“Thank you, Commander Keane, for bringing them back! I really needed them,” Carolyn said, her voice laced with forced gratitude.

“No worries,” he replied stiffly, though a faint blush colored his cheeks. “But… don’t you remember me?” He pointed to himself.

I narrowed my eyes in confusion. “Have we met before?” I wondered. The only occasions I recalled being in such company were during Alpha summit meetings when I accompanied Alexander.

His face fell instantly; the light in his eyes dimmed, and his smile vanished as if I had struck him. The sudden change puzzled me—I truly didn’t remember him.

“It’s alright,” he said, forcing a smile. The room seemed to ripple with gasps as nearby servants exchanged curious glances. Their widened eyes spoke volumes—Keane’s smile was rare, a sight they weren’t accustomed to.

Carolyn, still on the floor, seethed silently. The sight of Keane smiling so naturally seemed to fuel a deeper fire within her.

Suddenly, a voice cut through the tension like a knife—sharp and cold.

“What’s happening here?”

Cassian’s voice silenced everyone immediately. Even Keane straightened, his face hardening. No matter how commanding Keane appeared, Cassian’s presence dominated the room.

His footsteps were heavy and measured, each one carrying undeniable authority. The atmosphere thickened as he entered, and the servants scattered like startled birds. Carolyn suddenly broke down, tears streaming—not the fake, manipulative kind, but raw, humiliated sobs. Her flawless mask shattered the moment Cassian appeared.

Cassian’s gaze immediately settled on her. For a fleeting second, I thought I saw a crack in his stone-cold expression, but it vanished so quickly I wondered if I’d imagined it.

“What are you doing, Ms. Carolyn?” His voice was cold, yet his body leaned forward, steadying her with a firm hand.

My brows knit together. His tone and posture shifted the instant he touched her.

“Can’t you just stay out of trouble? Always caught up in some kind of war. Maybe I should send you to one of the borderlines to handle it!” His voice carried reprimand, but his arm reached out toward her.

I blinked in surprise when, instead of accepting his hand to stand, Carolyn wrapped her arms around his neck and buried her face against him, sobbing.

Cassian’s expression softened, if only slightly, and no one in the room seemed fazed by her boldness. It appeared everyone was used to such scenes.

But I caught Keane’s eyes flicking toward me. He stood rigid, jaw clenched, watching me with a strange, awkward expression, though he said nothing.

A tight knot formed in my chest. I didn’t want to linger any longer. Without a word, I gathered the eggs and started toward the kitchen door.

“Your Highness!” Keane called quietly, following me. “Where are you going? They’re best friends. Carolyn is a bit spoiled by—”

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