Curves And Claws: The Lycan King's Relentless Claim novel Chapter 8

Chapter 8

Roana,

The phrase “contracted Luna” hit me like a sharp slap across the face. A brief, tight laugh escaped my lips, more out of disbelief than amusement.

“So, you want me to pretend to be your Luna, not actually be her?” I tilted my head, watching as his silver hair fell carelessly over his eyes. A strange mix of hurt, humiliation, and insult churned inside me—as if he was too ashamed to claim me as his true Luna.

My words froze him in place. He stared at me silently for a few moments before straightening up and releasing his grip on my chin.

“Actual Luna?” he echoed, as if the idea amused him. “Princess Roana, you just said you want freedom. Being the real Luna—or the mate of the Lycan King—would only mean more responsibilities and enemies. Is that something you want?”

I narrowed my eyes, feeling a flicker of defiance. Despite being abandoned by so many, I still sensed there was something deeper, something more tangled beneath the surface.

“I don’t understand, Your Majesty,” I said, sitting down and watching him lean casually against the counter. “Why me? You could find someone strong, beautiful, and obviously devoted to you!”

His brow arched, a hint of challenge in his voice. “You can’t love me?”

I flinched, surprised by the question. “You skipped over the first two options, didn’t you?”

“Well, both those qualities already exist in you. So why bother?” he said flatly.

His words left me speechless. Both options… in me? What exactly did he mean by that?

“Besides,” he added, his tone suddenly cold and distant, “right now, all I need is a contracted Luna. Neither of us is interested in marriage, love, or any of that nonsense.” He shrugged, but there was a hollow edge to his voice, as if he was speaking more to himself than me.

“So, be my contracted Luna.”

“No!” I shook my head firmly. “I need a reason. Why do you need a Luna now? And why me? Is it because of the mate-bond?” A prickling unease crawled over my skin. “I don’t like lies. So please, give me a real reason why I should accept.”

My words seemed to catch him off guard. He shoved his hands deep into his pockets and stared at me with an empty, unreadable expression.

“The Alpha Council of the Northern Region has been eyeing my throne for years—long before I even took it,” he said quietly. “Right now, they’re holding someone very important to me hostage. They’re using her to test whether I’ll take a Luna or not.”

So, someone else was already caught in this dangerous game. He needed a replacement—someone to protect his throne, and probably the Southern Region as well.

“Given our situation, you’re clearly not interested in power or falling for me. But considering what Alexander and your parents have done these past weeks, it seems they’re determined to bring you back.”

I flinched at that. If this was true, then my parents would stop at nothing to control me.

“I won’t take you away or disrupt your new life,” he assured me. “But I need you as my Luna when I attend important meetings with international packs.”

“Wait—wait a minute! People will mock you for having someone like me by your side. You’re not blind. Look at me. This would be humiliating and—”

“Stop belittling yourself,” he cut in sharply, his voice suddenly cold and commanding. “I’ve been hearing this constant self-deprecation since the beginning.”

“Self-deprecation?” I snapped back, feeling a surge of anger. “This is my reality, Your Majesty. My identity. Ever since I understood who I was, I’ve known my worth. And I refuse to ignore it. I am fat, ugly, and pathetic. I know that. But I won’t put myself in a position where people will laugh at me. And if they do, I’ll tear them apart!”

“Do you really think being with me will put you in that position?” His eyes darkened with irritation.

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