Curves And Claws: The Lycan King's Relentless Claim novel Chapter 105

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

**Chapter 105**

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Roana,

Earlier,

The morning greeted me with a relentless throbbing in my skull, a hangover that felt like a marching band had set up camp in my brain. My eyelids fluttered open, adjusting to the dim light of the room. As my vision sharpened, I caught sight of Cassian, his demeanor oddly chipper, radiating an almost unnerving sweetness that made my stomach twist. His smile was disarmingly gentle, and the memory of it tugged at my brow, deepening my frown.

Just moments before, he had leaned down and stolen a kiss from my lips, a spontaneous act that sent him darting out the door as if he were fleeing from an unseen threat. I was left in a whirl of confusion, my hand instinctively brushing against my forehead, pondering how many of those impulsive kisses he had claimed since the day began.

But as I swung my legs over the side of the bed, still unsteady and desperate for hydration to combat my throbbing headache, I came to a sudden halt.

To my utter astonishment, the entire room was transformed. Wrapped boxes of all sizes cluttered the space, a colorful array that seemed to mock my state of mind. I inhaled sharply, my breath hitching for a moment before I released it in a weary sigh.

With narrowed eyes, I leaned forward, curiosity piqued. My fingers brushed against one of the boxes perched on the nightstand, feeling the smooth, cold surface beneath my touch. It was a small package, adorned in a striking black and red wrapping that demanded attention even in the muted light of the room.

As I contemplated lifting it fully, my gaze fell upon a small note affixed to the top. My eyelashes fluttered in surprise as I read the words:

“Open it after opening all the boxes! Happy Birthday, My Luna!”

A rush of disbelief washed over me, my pupils dilating in shock. I turned my head slowly, surveying the room once more. There had to be at least twenty boxes, each one a silent sentinel, their bright colors contrasting sharply with the dullness of my hangover.

“Is he out of his mind?” I muttered under my breath, unable to suppress the small twitch of amusement at the corner of my mouth before I facepalmed myself in disbelief.

“Isn’t he just the most romantic?” Rye chimed in, her voice teasing and light. “Aww! I wish he would just give us a kiss and mark us!”

“Enough, Rye! Keep that tail of yours still!” I snapped, placing the gift back down as I fought to quell the flutter of embarrassment creeping up my cheeks. My fingers lingered on the box longer than intended. “I need a shower before I deal with this chaos!”

“Aww! You’re pretending not to be touched!” Rye teased again, her presence warm and playful, as if trying to lift my spirits.

Heat rushed to my face, my ears burning with embarrassment. I clenched my jaw, trying to regain my composure.

“Shut it. Have you forgotten everything? You shouldn’t have let me drink so much, Rye. If you hadn’t—” My voice trailed off, the weight of old fears creeping back in. “I would have never known that Cassian would never choose me!”

Rye fell silent, her breathing becoming shallow, the usual cheer in her voice replaced with a somber note. Her tail stilled, and I could feel the heaviness of her presence as she whispered softly, “Didn’t we know the real outcome of this relationship from the start, Roana?”

Her question pressed heavily against my chest as I opened the door, stepping out into the hallway.

“Still, I never asked you to do it!” I shot back, my voice trembling despite my efforts to sound steady.

“It was a mistake made in the haze of drunkenness, Roana. His scent always clouds my judgment. I just want to know what lies ahead for us.”

I pressed my lips together, rubbing the back of my neck as a dull ache spread across my shoulders. I closed the door behind me with a soft click. “It’s fine!” I insisted, though my voice felt fragile, barely holding together. “At least I can stop hoping for things to change.”

Rye purred softly, retreating deeper within me, sensing my need for a moment of solitude. I exhaled slowly, relishing the silence that enveloped me.

After a long, quiet shower, I dressed in something comfortable, the soft fabric soothing against my still-warm skin.

1/3

15.32

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