Curves And Claws: The Lycan King's Relentless Claim novel Chapter 21

Chapter 21

Roana’s intuition, sharp and unfailing, never led her astray—especially when it came to reading a woman’s true feelings in front of someone she loved. Carolyn McKinney was no stranger; she was Cassian’s childhood best friend, a fact that immediately cleared up the confusion swirling in Roana’s mind about Carolyn’s earlier expression. There had been no flicker of revulsion in Carolyn’s eyes when she looked at Roana, no subtle curl of her lips questioning Roana’s worthiness. Instead, Carolyn’s tightened jaw, the quick dart of her gaze, and the faint tremble in her brows all spoke volumes—they were directed at Cassian, silently demanding answers.

Cassian’s reaction mirrored Carolyn’s silent interrogation perfectly. His shoulders tensed, eyes narrowing for just a fleeting moment before he masked his feelings once again. Roana already knew that the Lycan King despised being questioned or challenged, especially when it came to decisions he had made.

Yet Carolyn didn’t hesitate. She met his gaze boldly, her accusations hanging heavy in the air. Cassian’s lips pressed into a thin, controlled line, his voice laced with restrained displeasure, but he never let that sharp edge slip free. His silence, however, felt weightier than any words could have been.

What was the real story between them? Was this some kind of love triangle?

Carolyn was the sister of Cassian’s former fiancée, Veronica—the woman he had once loved. Her gaze held a complicated mix of emotions: longing, softness, and then a sudden sharpening again. She was clearly in love with Cassian, yet he had fallen for her sister. But then, why was she pushing Veronica to be his fiancée instead of claiming that place herself?

The swirl of thoughts made Roana’s temples throb painfully. She rubbed her forehead and muttered under her breath, “This is so complicated! My head’s about to explode!” She exhaled sharply, trying to clear her mind.

Carolyn’s sharp voice cut through the tension like a knife, her chin lifted defiantly, lips curled with scorn. “What’s so complicated about it? It’s simple—you’re not allowed to have an exclusive Elite Servant until you prove yourself worthy!”

Ah, so they were talking about servants. Roana felt a wave of boredom wash over her as the conversation dragged on. Carolyn’s eyes sparkled triumphantly, as if she had just thrown a verbal dagger, but Roana only yawned, stretching lazily before standing up.

“Do whatever you want, Miss Carolyn,” she said with a casual shrug. “I don’t need one right now—I’m still figuring out what kind of household I’m going to run. Besides—” she smiled slowly, deliberately, “I might just ask for your help next time, since you’ve been doing all the work anyway.”

Carolyn’s cheeks flamed a deep crimson, her throat bobbing as if swallowing back the sting of humiliation. Her fingers clenched into tight fists at her sides. Roana hadn’t meant to humiliate her—it was just painful to be stripped of a position you once held.

Cassian’s jaw flexed before he spoke in a low, measured voice. “It’s getting late. Carolyn, go to your chamber. Whatever deal you made with my Queen doesn’t change the fact that she is already the Luna.” His grip tightened on Roana’s wrist—rough but controlled—as he pulled her toward the staircase.

“Your Majesty! You can’t just—!” Carolyn’s voice cracked, her eyes glistening with a fierce emotion she refused to show.

Cassian halted, his broad shoulders rigid, and his head turned slightly toward her. “Don’t push me, Carolyn. I hate when you cross the line.” The golden sparks in his eyes darkened dangerously.

Could anyone else feel the tension crackling between them? The air thickened, as if they were holding back something unspoken—like old lovers locked in a battle over wounds that refused to heal.

“Can you stop being weird right now? Rou!” Rye hissed inside Roana’s mind, punctuated by a wide yawn. “You’re enjoying this, aren’t you?” Her scoff echoed as Roana followed Cassian, who finally loosened his grip and released her wrist once they climbed higher.

“Being a romance detective does have its perks,” Roana murmured with a soft laugh, savoring the thought.

“And don’t forget—you’re literally Carolyn’s target. The love rival, dumbhead!” Rye sneered.

“So what? I’m only here temporarily. Besides, it’s her own fault for letting others claim her man. She doesn’t fight for him—it’s her stupidity!” Roana’s steps felt light, almost like a dance, as she savored the unfolding drama—who would win Cassian’s heart in the end: Carolyn or her sister?

“What if neither of them wins?” Rye’s calm voice stopped Roana mid-step.

“Stop it, Rye.” Roana’s voice dropped, a warning edge threading through her words. “You promised you wouldn’t do this again.” The smile vanished from her face, replaced by a hard line pressed tightly between her lips.

“I’m interested in my mate—” Rye began hesitantly, reluctant.

“The mate we’ll reject the moment he brings his woman home. Don’t make me relive the same mistakes you made before. You let me suffer through hell.”

“Do you blame me for the marriage’s failure?” Rye’s voice cracked, a raw wound exposed. Shock trembled in her tone.

“Yeah, later. Right now, I just want to sleep.” Roana rolled onto her side, facing the backrest. A pang of worry slipped in—her phone wasn’t with her. Were her friends or her boss trying to reach her? The thought lingered briefly before fading into the background.

Sleep finally claimed her, dragging her under until she suddenly felt movement. Her eyes snapped open, breath catching as she realized Cassian’s arms had wrapped around her, his expression unreadable but his hold firm and steady. How could he carry her so effortlessly? How strong was he?

“You’re awake?” His voice was calm as he gently shifted her onto her side of the bed. “As part of our agreement, you must sleep in the bed.” He lay down beside her, eyes half-lidded with exhaustion.

This arrogant man. Roana wanted to snap at him, maybe even hit him, but her body stilled when he smirked faintly and muttered, “Stop thinking about beating me.”

Her mouth fell open in shock, hand flying up to cover it. “How did you—!”

“It’s written all over your face. Believe it or not, Ms. Roana, you’re so easy to read.”

Her eyes widened in disbelief. Easy to read? What a liar. She rolled her eyes and turned away, yet her heart pounded fiercely in her chest. This was the first time she would share a bed with another man since Alexander.

“Don’t block your scent, Ms. Roana,” he murmured softly, eyes already closed, voice quieter now, as if he hadn’t truly slept in ages.

Obediently, she let her scent flow freely before closing her eyes. The exhaustion finally overwhelmed her. Today had drained her completely—too many confrontations, too many tangled thoughts.

Tomorrow’s looming deal cast a long shadow over her, and though she couldn’t explain why, something deep inside whispered that she had every reason to fear what was coming.

Carolyn certainly didn’t seem like the kind of woman who would back down easily. But in the end, Roana decided she wouldn’t waste her time overthinking it.