Curves And Claws: The Lycan King's Relentless Claim novel Chapter 34

**Fireflies in Winter Rain — Neil A. Varma 34**

—

Roana lay in her bed, ensnared by a fever that raged within her, a relentless force that made even the slightest movement feel like an insurmountable task. The weight of her illness pressed down on her, yet her mind remained acutely aware, absorbing every whisper and shift in the atmosphere around her. It was a cacophony of emotions, each one more suffocating than the last.

Cyrus’s possessiveness enveloped the room like a heavy fog, palpable and suffocating, vibrating with an unspoken threat. Sean, ever the protector, attempted to shield her from the storm brewing around them, and though a flicker of gratitude sparked within her, it was quickly extinguished by the heavy ache in her chest. Lorenzo’s disapproval was etched into his features—a slight grimace, a tightening of his jaw that spoke volumes about his rejection of her presence. Confusion clouded their expressions, as if they couldn’t fathom how someone like her could embody Luna. And Carolyn… her disdain was a sharp blade, cutting through the tension with her narrowed eyes and that infuriatingly predictable smirk.

In that moment, Roana felt utterly invisible, a ghost haunting the edges of their lives. They could at least pretend to accept her, especially those who knew the truth of her identity. But no effort was made, and the silence around her was deafening.

As the IV drip neared its end, Roana’s eyelids fluttered open, heavy as lead. Her vision swam for a moment, and she thought she felt the warmth of her pillow beneath her head. But as she shifted slightly, her heart raced at the realization that what lay beneath her was not a pillow at all.

It was an enormous, fur-covered arm.

Startled, she jerked her head up, her breath catching in her throat as her eyes widened in disbelief. The colossal figure sprawled protectively around her was none other than Cassian in his Lycan form. He encircled her like a guardian, every inch of his vast body a fortress against the world outside.

A strange mix of vulnerability and safety enveloped her. She felt small in his presence, yet there was an inexplicable comfort in knowing he was there. Rye stirred within her, a low purr of discontent directed at everyone else, but oddly soothed by the memory of Cyrus’s earlier words.

Her gaze roamed over Cassian’s broad back, tracing the scars etched into his dark fur—reminders of battles fought and pain endured. A deep ache welled up inside her at the sight.

Without thinking, her hand moved, reaching out to touch his belly. His thick black fur was unexpectedly soft and warm against her fingertips. She traced one of the jagged scars, following the line that marked the beginning of everything that lay between them.

Then, in a flash, his massive paw lifted and cradled her face, and her breath hitched, her body jolting at the sudden contact.

His golden eyes locked onto hers, shimmering like molten metal, and the intensity of his gaze sent warmth flooding to her cheeks, igniting a fire within her.

“What…?” she whispered, her hand instinctively rising to touch her cheek, still tingling from his touch.

“You look fine,” he rumbled, his voice a deep, resonant growl that vibrated through her skin.

“I… I am alright,” she stammered, struggling to steady her voice, which trembled with the weight of their unspoken connection.

Without warning, he lowered his head, resting his heavy chin on her lap. The gentle weight felt oddly comforting, his breath a warm breeze against her thighs.

“Don’t worry,” he murmured, his voice soothing yet laced with an undercurrent of something deeper. “I didn’t let Cassian wake up. It’s just me.”

Her brows knitted together in confusion. “You can… shut your owner inside?” The words slipped from her lips, tinged with disbelief.

He let out a low rumble—not quite a laugh, not quite a growl. “We are Lycan. True Blood Superior Werewolves. We possess the power to control each other when the need arises.”

She couldn’t tear her gaze away from him. His head remained nestled in her lap, golden eyes unwavering. Every word he spoke resonated within her, echoing like distant thunder.

“Why are you being so kind to me?” she asked, her fingers trembling as they brushed over his fur. “We’re just… temporarily—”

“You are my mate. Destined.” His voice deepened, resonating like the very earth beneath her. “Lycans rarely find their mates. No ordinary werewolf can match our strength. Being a mate to a Lycan is not easy, but you’ve proven yourself worthy.”

“Worthy?” His words puzzled her, yet the thought of her mate recognizing her worth stirred something unfamiliar within her.

“How?” she whispered, her fingers moving almost unconsciously through the thick fur on his neck.

“You are indifferent to us,” he said, his eyes narrowing slightly. “Mates can be each other’s strength—and also their greatest weakness. They become easily swayed, distracted, consumed by one another. But you…” His gaze flicked to her lips for a moment before returning to her eyes. “You haven’t shown any reaction. As if love and trust matter more to you than the bond itself.”

He was perceptive, she realized. The thought that both Cassian and Cyrus might share these sentiments flickered in her mind.

“I see.” She swallowed hard, the weight of his words settling heavily in her heart. “That’s true. I built my heart that way. I still feel drawn to your scent, yes. I still crave the love of my mate. But we both know the truth. I don’t trust you enough to love you. And once your lover returns, you won’t need me. That truth keeps me within my boundaries.”

A shadow flickered in his eyes, but his massive paw merely moved to her wrist, carefully retracting his claws. He gently removed the needle from her arm, noticing the IV had finished.

“Why did you never ask about Cassian’s first love?” he inquired quietly, his voice softer now.

“I don’t want to be tangled in your personal life,” she replied, her tone gentle yet firm. “And I don’t think it’s my place to question. We both know the boundaries.” Her fingers traced slow circles on his back. “All I want is a place where I can live in peace. No strings attached.”

His head dipped slightly, golden eyes dimming with understanding. “I know.” His voice was barely a whisper now. “Cassian is foolish.”

A small, humorless laugh escaped her lips. “Rye calls me foolish too.”

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify