Curves And Claws: The Lycan King's Relentless Claim novel Chapter 48

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**Chapter 48**

Cassian,

For the very first time, I found myself offering my arms and chest to a she-wolf, an unexpected gesture meant to bring her solace. It was a strange sensation, holding her as if she were the most precious being in my world. She nestled against me, sleeping soundly like a child cradled in the safety of her mother’s embrace. The air was thick with her scent, wrapping around us like a warm blanket, marking the space as her territory, as if she had claimed it for herself.

Before long, the weight of sleep pulled us both under, and we drifted into dreams that felt deeper than any we had ever known.

Yet, when the first light of dawn broke through the curtains, I awoke to an unsettling emptiness beside me. My hand glided across the cold bedsheet, and an inexplicable chill ran through me.

“Roana?” I murmured, my voice barely a whisper, still heavy with sleep. She usually lingered in slumber far longer than I did. Had she left? Was she contemplating a return to Alexander? No, that couldn’t be right; she was not the type to abandon what we shared.

A low growl echoed in my mind, Cyrus’s voice cutting through my thoughts like a knife. “It will be your fault if our mate leaves us. You should have claimed her and marked her as ours.”

Ignoring his bitter words, I swung my legs over the side of the bed and pushed myself up. We were in the penthouse, a temporary haven, and perhaps she had simply chosen to sleep in another room.

As I stepped into the hallway, my instincts kicked in, urging me to trace her scent. But then, a sizzling sound caught my attention, halting me in my tracks. My feet moved of their own accord, eager to discover the source.

When I finally reached the kitchen, my breath caught in my throat. There she was, Roana, dancing lightly to the music that filled the air, her movements fluid and joyful as she prepared something on the stove. The rich aroma of meat and cheese wafted around me, tantalizing and mouthwatering.

I couldn’t tear my gaze away from her. She wore a radiant smile, her eyes sparkling as she hummed along with the melody, her spirit seemingly unburdened for the first time. It was as if the weight of the world had finally been lifted from her shoulders.

“Oh! You’re awake, Your Majesty!” Her cheerful voice jolted me from my reverie. She flashed a playful grin, holding up a plate adorned with perfectly cooked steaks.

“What are you doing?” I asked, moving closer, curiosity piqued.

“Hehehe—” She laughed mischievously, placing three plates on the counter with a flourish. “I’m throwing a feast! Come join me!”

“At this hour?” I raised an eyebrow, pulling out a chair to sit.

“Who cares? Let’s eat first, and then we’ll run miles to burn off the calories!” Her tone was light and carefree, a stark contrast to the usual walls she kept around her heart. It was as if the coldness had melted away, revealing a vibrant spirit I had longed to see.

“The smell is intoxicating,” I admitted, picking up one of the plates, my mouth watering at the sight of her culinary creations.

A glow of pride spread across her face. “Enjoy, Your Majesty! You won’t often get the chance to eat such an exclusive meal prepared by me!” She beamed, a satisfied huff escaping her lips.

I examined the steaks, each one cooked to perfection—rare, medium-rare, medium, and well-done—as if she were catering for a small army. The sizzling steak, adorned with truffle butter and fresh herbs, was a masterpiece, and the scent beckoned me to dig in.

“What are you waiting for?” She pulled out a chair but chose a spot that was far enough away to earn a frown from me.

“Don’t worry… I didn’t add poison!” she teased, her grin infectious.

I chuckled softly, “Are you planning to feed the entire pack?”

She cut a piece of steak and popped it into her mouth. “I didn’t know what to cook first! I saw them in the refrigerator and thought, why not try them all? Don’t worry, I’ll finish them!” Her carefree laughter rang through the kitchen, echoing like a bird that had just broken free from its cage.