Curves And Claws: The Lycan King's Relentless Claim novel Chapter 17

Chapter 17

Roana pressed herself against my chest, seeking comfort like a child finding refuge in a mother’s arms. Her golden hair cascaded down in waves, gleaming as if it belonged in a shampoo commercial—luminous and captivating. Yet, I was too stunned to utter a word.

“Your Majesty! I’ve missed you so much,” she whispered, her voice trembling slightly. “But… why is your chest so soft and not firm like I imagined? I always dreamed of feeling your hard muscles. How could—” Her words faltered as she finally lifted her gaze to meet mine. The shock in her stunning blue eyes deepened when she understood why my chest lacked the strength she expected.

“What the—!” she gasped, stumbling backward, her heel catching on the hem of her dress.

“Careful, Princess!” I caught her waist swiftly, pulling her close again. “A lady as beautiful as you should watch her step.”

I smiled, tucking a stray lock of hair behind her ear. “Truly, you are breathtaking.”

Her eyes blinked in confusion, darting around the room as if questioning whether she was in the right place or if this was some strange dream.

“What brings you here, Princess? You look pale,” I asked softly, concern lacing my voice.

“You… you… you—!” she stammered, unable to form a complete sentence.

“Yes? Speak, my Princess. May I know your name?” I prompted with a playful grin.

“Let me go!” she pushed weakly against me, turning her face away. Her voice cracked with frustration, but the blush coloring her cheeks betrayed her embarrassment.

Leaning casually against the doorframe, I called out loudly enough for Cassian to hear, “Honey! A stunning lady has come to see you. Could you come here, please?”

“What are you doing? Do you realize who you’re dealing with? Guards! Where are you? Who is this woman?” Veronica’s voice pierced the air, trembling with panic.

“Is something wrong?” Cassian’s voice came from behind me.

I turned to face him, grinning. “My love, the Princess is here. Do you know her? She’s absolutely gorgeous.” I stretched out my arm toward him.

As soon as his gaze fell on Veronica, his expression hardened into stone. His jaw clenched tightly, eyes cold enough to freeze everything around us. Instead of reaching for my hand, he wrapped his arm firmly around my waist, pulling me close with possessive strength.

“Oh, it’s Lady Veronica—Veronica Nightingale. One of my father’s friend’s daughters,” he said, his stare sharp and unyielding. I shivered under the weight of his gaze.

“I see,” I murmured, feeling heat rush to my face and my voice nearly breaking.

“What’s happening here, Your Majesty?” Veronica’s voice lost its usual confidence. Her throat bobbed as she swallowed hard, fingers twisting nervously in her skirt. “Father sent me to remind you about the internal pack affairs party. The Ocean Region leaders are attending. Why are you with another woman instead of being with me?” Her tone sharpened but wavered halfway through. “And I am your fiancée. How could you bring someone else here?” Though she tried to sound fierce, the tremor in her lips revealed her anger was tinged with fear.

My eyes narrowed. He already had a fiancée. Then why had he asked me to be part of this charade? My expression must have betrayed me because Cassian’s grip on my waist tightened, unyielding. His face grew stern, nostrils flaring as if daring me to question him further.

“First,” his voice dropped into a low growl, “I never acknowledged you as my fiancée. Second, who are you to enter my private chambers without permission? Third—” His eyes locked onto her, cold and merciless. “You will address her as Luna Queen. Never disrespect her again. If you do…” His lips curled into a dangerous smirk. “I promise you won’t live to regret it.”

His words hit the room like a thunderclap. Veronica’s knees wobbled slightly; her knuckles turned white as she gripped her dress tightly, trembling violently. Her lips parted, but no words came out.

“Alright! Alright!” I interrupted quickly, forcing a gentle smile. “Let’s not fight, okay?” I brushed my hand softly across Cassian’s chest before turning to Veronica, whose scent betrayed her true feelings—rage burning beneath a veil of fear.

“My apologies for my husband’s rude behavior. He shouldn’t have raised his voice in front of such a lovely lady. Anyway, let me clear the air and any confusion.” I grinned mischievously. “I am his mate—newly married. I don’t know what happened between you two, but I am fiercely possessive when it comes to my man. I hope you won’t cross the line.”

“What?” Veronica’s voice cracked, disbelief flooding her tone.

“And if you need a chest to hug, please use mine,” I teased, slipping my hand beneath his bathrobe. “My husband’s chest is reserved for me alone! His hard muscles belong to me!”

“What are you doing, my Luna?” Cassian caught my hand firmly, shooting me a sharp glare. His eyes flickered with warning.

“Oh, His Majesty is shy,” I teased back. “It’s okay. Everyone knows how shameless you can be.”

Cassian’s jaw tightened, his gaze scorching. The corner of his mouth twitched—an expression both amused and threatening. I smiled nervously, though deep down I knew I could never truly outmatch him.

“Impossible!” Veronica’s voice cracked, her body trembling uncontrollably as she pointed at me. “How could you, a woman like you, be his Luna? Your Majesty, what kind of woman did you choose? You’re lying, right? There’s no way—no way she could be your Luna!”

“What do you mean, ‘a woman like her’?” Cassian’s tone was icy steel. His eyes darkened, the atmosphere thickening with his intensity. “Lady Veronica, do you dare question me? Do you think anyone under my rule can look down on my Luna Queen?” His voice thundered with authority, and the sheer force of it made my chest tighten.

Veronica flinched violently. Her lips trembled as she avoided his gaze, staring at the floor as if his eyes alone could burn her alive. “I… I don’t… I don’t believe you. You’re lying. Both of you are lying to mock me.” Her voice broke as tears streamed down her face.

“My love, come closer to me,” I asked sweetly.

Surprisingly obedient, Cassian leaned in. “Yes, my Queen.”

“Since it’s inappropriate to cross certain lines in front of your admirer, I’ll allow you to give me a kiss on the lips instead!” I pouted.

Cassian froze. So did Veronica. She clasped her hands tightly, trembling, her face as pale as paper.

He hesitated for a moment before leaning in. “Why not?”

“Just pretend!” I winked. “No need for a real kiss.” I crossed my fingers behind my back.

But my breath caught when he suddenly pinned me against the door. His eyes gleamed with a fierce, predatory light as his lips crashed against mine. His grip on my waist tightened like iron.

“What are you doing, my Queen?” he murmured against my lips, voice thick with dominance. “I am the Lycan King. I don’t care about anyone else’s feelings. Believe it or not, you are my Luna.”

I swallowed hard as Veronica broke down completely, her trembling turning into sobs.

I tried to turn my face, but his hold and kiss only deepened.

“You… I will never forgive you!” she cried, voice shattering, before fleeing the room in tears.

“Pathetic,” he scoffed, jaw set like stone, kicking the door shut with a single, forceful motion.

“You don’t have to bully her. That girl seems to like you,” I said softly, my body still trembling from his scent and that unexpected kiss.

“Forget it, my Queen. Now it’s time for you to choose a servant,” his voice turned cold again, as if selecting a maid were a battle to be won.

“Remember, the ability to choose a servant also reflects one’s intellect and ability to read people. Ten highly educated and skilled servants await your choice—you must pick one,” he warned.

My eyes narrowed. Even choosing a servant felt like entering a battlefield.