Curves And Claws: The Lycan King's Relentless Claim novel Chapter 31

**Fireflies in Winter Rain — Neil A. Varma**
**Chapter 31**

“Do you live alone?” I inquired, pulling the blanket snugly around my shoulders, feeling the warmth seep into my chilled skin. My left hand, though still slow to respond, had begun to move, a small victory I cherished. I couldn’t help but feel a swell of gratitude towards Sean for tending to my injury; without his care, I shuddered to think how much worse my situation could have been.

“Nah,” he replied, a playful grin spreading across his face as he poured steaming coffee into a mug that seemed to radiate warmth. His gaze flickered momentarily to the baseball game flickering on the television, a hint of distraction in his eyes. “My sister’s just next door.”

He extended the mug toward me, a silent invitation. “Sit down. You don’t want that fever creeping back in.”

I nodded, allowing myself to sink into the couch, enveloped in its soft embrace. The house was simply furnished, yet the air was infused with a comforting mélange of scents—crops, fruits, and dried herbs—that instantly transported me back to my grandparents’ old countryside home. It was the kind of place that wrapped you in the warmth of nostalgia, a sanctuary of simpler times.

As I took a slow sip of the coffee, the rich warmth flowed down my throat, igniting a flicker of comfort within me. My eyes wandered to the TV screen, where hockey players glided across the ice with an effortless grace. “They look pretty good,” I murmured, my voice barely above a whisper, captivated by one of the more striking players.

Sean chuckled softly. “My sister’s got a crush on him too.”

Startled, I blinked and turned to him, realizing too late that he had caught my comment. “Understandable,” I replied with a shy smile, redirecting my gaze back to the game. Sports had never been my forte. In fact, I recalled the painful memory of trying to join a school team as a child, only to be met with laughter and ridicule for my chubby frame. That memory still stung, a faint ache that lingered beneath the surface.

“Want to go outside? The stars are incredible tonight,” Sean suggested, his smile inviting as he stood up.

“You like stargazing?” I asked, tilting my head in curiosity, intrigued by the prospect.

He glanced back over his shoulder, a half-smile gracing his lips. “What about you?”

“It’s… healing,” I replied softly, rising with deliberate care.

“I’d offer you a beer,” he teased, swinging the door open with a casual flourish, “but I think that would be unwise right now.”

As we stepped outside, the crisp night air enveloped me like a cool embrace. The farmhouse was nestled among towering mountains and dense woods, the gentle sound of a nearby stream weaving through the stillness of the night. It felt like stepping into a different realm altogether. A soft breeze brushed against my skin, the stars above twinkled like distant diamonds, and the soothing melody of the water added a tranquil rhythm to the atmosphere. Fireflies danced around us, their soft glow resembling tiny lanterns scattered in the darkness, mingling with the floral scent that wafted through the cold night air, creating an enchanting ambiance.

For a moment, I almost forgot Sean was beside me until he stretched out on the grass, folding his arms behind his head in a relaxed posture that seemed almost boyish.

“Are you cold?” he asked, his eyes glinting with a playful curiosity as they met mine.

I hugged the blanket tighter around me and settled onto the grass, feeling the cool earth beneath me. “No, this blanket’s enough,” I replied, my gaze drawn upward, captivated by the endless expanse of stars above.

For a while, silence enveloped us like a warm blanket. The night sky whispered its secrets in a language all its own. Then Sean shifted slightly, a small smile playing at the corners of his mouth as he turned his head to look at me. “You know, you’re kind of strange.”

His sudden remark made my heart sink, but I forced myself to meet his gaze. “Why do you say that?”

He raised his eyebrows, his expression shifting to one of genuine curiosity. “I mean… you’re so calm, sitting here with me alone in such a vulnerable moment. You don’t seem hesitant or on edge at all.”

I let out a soft chuckle, trying to brush off the weight of his words. “Should I be?”

“Don’t get me wrong,” he said quickly, his tone softening. “She-wolves are usually very sensitive. Sometimes, it can be dangerous. They often perceive people like me as threats.”

“Are you dangerous?” I asked, studying his face intently, searching for any hint of deception.

His expression froze for a heartbeat, then he met my gaze with a steady seriousness that sent a shiver down my spine. “No. Absolutely not. I respect people. Honestly… being with you feels comfortable.”

“Oh?” I replied, intrigued.

“I mean your presence. It’s comfortable. I don’t feel like a predator hunting down women.”

There was a weight behind his words, a hint of past experiences that lingered in the air between us. “Sounds like you’ve encountered situations like that before,” I said quietly, my curiosity piqued.

“It’s normal,” he replied, though I noticed his jaw tightened briefly as he spoke.

“No, it’s not. At least, not in my experience.” My laughter was tinged with bitterness as I recalled the girls who had clung to people like him. “I’ve seen girls attach themselves to men like you.”

“People like me?” His eyebrows lifted, curiosity sparking in his eyes.

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