Curves And Claws: The Lycan King's Relentless Claim novel Chapter 42

**Fireflies in Winter Rain — Neil A. Varma**
**Chapter 42**

Roana.

“I completely forgot to grab the scent blocker! Just a moment!” Sienna exclaimed, her voice bubbling with urgency and excitement as she dashed away, leaving me precariously balanced on my high heels. The moment she left, I felt a wave of instability wash over me, my wobbling frame barely managing to keep upright. My toes were already protesting the cruel confines of my pointed shoes, and I clenched my jaw, willing myself to stand tall despite the discomfort. High heels were never my go-to; I was far more comfortable in the practicality of sneakers—much better for running and defending myself if the situation called for it.

“Damn it! Why do I even bother with these heels? Sneakers would suit me perfectly right now!” I muttered under my breath, taking tentative steps forward. Each click of my heels echoed like a drumbeat, louder than I wished, and I winced, gripping the hem of my dress tightly to steady myself.

“Should I order a pair of sneakers for you?” Cassian’s voice sliced through the tension, calm and reassuring, yet it sent an unexpected warmth coursing down my spine, like a gentle stream of heat.

I froze mid-step, my foot hovering just above the floor, caught in the gravitational pull of his presence.

“Be careful!” Cassian’s arm shot out with surprising swiftness, his palm pressing firmly against my waist. He pulled me back against his chest, the heat radiating from him seeping through the fabric of my dress, enveloping me in an unexpected cocoon of warmth. “You don’t have to force yourself to wear those if they’re uncomfortable.” His breath brushed against the nape of my neck, sending shivers down my spine as he leaned in just a fraction closer.

“Goddamn it, Your Majesty! You startled me! And this is exactly why—” I began to snap at him, but my words faltered, evaporating into the air like mist. My head tilted involuntarily, and our eyes locked—a jolt of electricity sparking between us, igniting something deep within me.

His golden eyes sparkled like molten amber, narrowing slightly as they held my gaze. It was more than just a look; it was a binding force that rendered me momentarily speechless. I swallowed hard, feeling my pulse race at the base of my throat. My fingers twitched uncertainly at my sides, torn between the instinct to push him away or to hold on tightly.

His warmth pressed against my back, and his breath fanned over my skin, igniting a warmth that spread through me like wildfire. His scent enveloped me, curling around me like smoke, and deep within, Rye stirred, a low, content purr vibrating through my chest.

I forced myself to look away, but his hold remained unyielding. My breath hitched when he suddenly spun me around, catching me off guard.

“What—!” I gasped, my palms flattening against his chest. His body felt solid, tense beneath my fingertips, the fitted waistcoat over his black shirt accentuating his strong frame, exuding an aura of confidence that was hard to ignore. The cologne he wore was sharp and earthy, laced with a unique undertone that was unmistakably his—customized just for him.

“You look stunning in that dress,” Cassian murmured, lowering his face until it hovered tantalizingly close to mine. “And your hairstyle? It’s absolutely perfect.”

My eyes widened in disbelief, my lips parted, but no sound emerged. I blinked, once, then twice, struggling to comprehend the reality of the moment.

Before I could gather my thoughts, his thumb brushed against my bottom lip, lingering there, his gaze darkening with an intensity that made my heart race.

“I adore this scent. Damn it, how could I not be drawn to you?”

A cold wave of realization washed over me—something was amiss. Very amiss. But before I could react, his lips crashed against mine with an urgency that stole my breath away.

My mind went blank as his tongue pressed past my lips with a slow, deliberate insistence. I froze, my thoughts muddled. Each gentle nibble tugged at something deep within me, brushing against the mate-bond like a ghostly caress that sent shivers down my spine.

My knees weakened, and my fingers curled into the fabric of his shirt, my heart racing wildly in my chest. I knew this was wrong. Cassian would never overstep boundaries without consent.

So why couldn’t I push him away? My strength felt sapped, as if my body belonged to someone else entirely. His hands gripped my waist, anchoring me in place as his mouth moved over mine with an intensity that left me breathless.

Finally, he pulled back, his breathing heavy against my lips. I opened my eyes, startled to find his gaze still fixed on me, molten and unyielding.

“Your Majesty?” My voice trembled, my chest rising and falling rapidly.

“Yes, my Luna,” he rumbled, the words resonating deep within me, almost primal. A shiver coursed up my spine at the sound.

“Wait—Cyrus?” I gasped, my jaw dropping in shock.

He smirked, brushing his lips against mine in a fleeting peck. “You got it.”

“Wait… Why are you taking such a risk? You can’t neglect your soul. His Majesty won’t approve—” Panic bubbled in my voice, the danger of the situation dawning on me.

“It’s fine. I knew I shouldn’t have done this. Our souls are at stake. But seeing you like this, I couldn’t help myself. You truly look beautiful today.”

Heat flooded my cheeks, but I couldn’t let him continue down this path. We only allowed our wolves to take control in the most desperate of situations; otherwise, it threatened the very essence of our souls.

“Please, return to your position. Don’t do this. We both know it isn’t right. The one your human chooses is your ultimate mate.”

“But I want you. You are my mate,” he insisted, his voice dropping into an icy finality that sent chills down my spine.

“I’m sorry, but nothing will change. If you push your human too hard, we’ll all suffer. So please… go back.”

I stroked his face gently, my thumb tracing the line of his cheekbone. He needed calmness, not confrontation. I believed he would be fine once Cassian marked his true mate. Wolves could be possessive, but once bonded, they became fiercely loyal.

I smiled faintly as he nuzzled his face into my palm, a strange sight—this cold, stoic man acting like a lost pup.

Warmth crept up my neck, settling hotly on my cheeks as he rubbed his face against my hand. A soft chuckle escaped me, brushing his cheek until his eyes snapped open, startled.

“What? Still hesitating?” I teased, pinching his cheek lightly. “Be a good boy, alright?”

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify