Curves And Claws: The Lycan King's Relentless Claim novel Chapter 36

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

Roana found herself momentarily frozen, grappling with the startling transformation in Carolyn’s demeanor. It was as if a mask had slipped, revealing a different person entirely. The change was unsettling, and she couldn’t help but wonder what lay behind it. What scheme could Carolyn be hatching? The thought gnawed at Roana, but she knew better than to let it consume her. One thing was certain: Carolyn’s newfound attitude was all about winning Cassian’s approval.

As Roana stood there, her thoughts swirling, her attention was suddenly seized by an unfamiliar number lighting up her phone screen. Curiosity piqued, she squinted at the name that accompanied it—Lorenzo. A shiver of wariness coursed through her. Lorenzo had always been vocally opposed to the contract binding Cassian and her. Receiving a message from him felt like stepping into a trap, a potential prank that could unravel her already precarious situation.

“What are you doing here?” Cassian’s voice sliced through her reverie, sharp and commanding. She raised her gaze to meet his intense scrutiny. “Are you feeling dizzy or something?”

“No!” she retorted, perhaps too quickly, her eyes darting toward the front door. “I think I just need some fresh air, if you don’t mind.” Her voice came out softer than she intended, almost a whisper.

“You know I’m not trying to cage you,” he replied, frustration lacing his concern. “So why do you still seem upset?”

A bitter laugh escaped her lips, short and humorless, as she turned toward the door. Her gaze flickered to Carolyn, who stood rigidly in the dining room, her eyes fixated on the bowl of soup she had served Roana. The expression on Carolyn’s face was inscrutable, and a chill crept up Roana’s spine. Was there a chance, however slim, that Carolyn would go so far as to poison her?

Just then, another message pinged on her phone, pulling her from her anxious thoughts. As she read it, a soft smile broke across her face, almost in relief. Of course, Lorenzo had reached out; his animosity was well-known, so a message from him that lacked ulterior motives felt like a rare beacon of light in her otherwise shadowy life.

Stepping outside, she spotted Lorenzo alongside Sean, who was awkwardly returning her pet Candy. “Hey!” Sean exclaimed, then stumbled over his words, clearly flustered. “Sorry—Hello, Your Highness!” He rubbed the back of his neck, a gesture that only added to his discomfort.

“Sean, please, just call me by my name,” she urged, hoping to ease the tension that hung in the air.

He chuckled nervously. “I came to return Candy. How are you feeling? Any pain?”

Roana glanced at the fresh bandage that Healer Asroh had applied. “A little sting here and there, but it’s healing nicely. Thank you for your help last night.”

“It’s my fault. I should have been—”

“Let’s talk in the garden, Sean. I don’t want to disrupt everyone’s work here.” The last thing she needed was for Cassian to find out that Sean had been involved in her injury—his reaction would likely be explosive.

As they moved, the servants around them cast curious, almost suspicious glances. Roana felt a pang of guilt; she didn’t want Sean to suffer any repercussions because of her.

After a moment of hesitation, Sean agreed, and they sent a servant for coffee before settling on a secluded bench surrounded by the gentle rustle of leaves and the soft chirping of birds. Sean seemed on edge, his eyes flitting around nervously, as if he feared eavesdroppers lurking in the shadows.

“Honestly, I never thought you’d be the Luna,” Sean finally admitted, his voice cautious. “Everyone knows the Lycan King has always resisted accepting anyone in that role.”

“I know,” Roana replied, taking a sip of her tea to steady her nerves. “He’s my mate, and we’re legally married now. So it makes sense.”

“You’re his mate?” Sean’s voice rose in surprise, then he quickly lowered it, glancing around as if he feared being overheard. “Really?”

She nodded, her heart racing. “It’s true.”

He hesitated, leaning in closer, lowering his voice further. “About that message from Lorenzo… don’t be too shocked.”

Her hand froze mid-air, the cup just before her lips. “I expected it. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have messaged me at all. But I didn’t realize he was close to you.”

Sean nodded, a hint of guilt flashing across his face. “We’ve been friends for a while. I come here every day.”

Roana narrowed her eyes, her curiosity piqued. “You what?”

“Oh, I forgot to mention. The vegetables and poultry you eat come from my farmhouse. We supply most of the ingredients here.”

That revelation made everything click into place. No wonder Lorenzo had been sending her those messages—he was your friend,” she said flatly, leaning back on the bench, a mixture of irritation and understanding swirling within her.

“Why? Are you worried I’d put my friendship with Lorenzo before you?” Sean chuckled, trying to lighten the mood. “Don’t worry, I won’t betray our friendship. Well, if you still consider me a friend, Your Highness!”

Her jaw tightened at the formality. “That’s enough, Sean. You don’t need to act like that. Just don’t betray me—that’s all I ask. I don’t care about your relationship with Lorenzo.” Her tone was calm but firm, the weight of her words hanging in the air.

“I won’t betray you. Honestly, I’m surprised Lorenzo hates you so much. He used to think the Lycan King might change his mind if he met his mate. He was eager to find his own!” Sean laughed bitterly. “I can’t believe he’s acting like such a jerk now.”

His straightforwardness left Roana momentarily speechless, her mind racing with the implications of his words.

After a long silence, she murmured, “So, you’re saying Lorenzo wasn’t against the King’s remarriage or accepting his mate?”

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