Curves And Claws: The Lycan King's Relentless Claim novel Chapter 22

Chapter 22

Cassian,

I slowly stirred awake, sensing something resting lightly on my chest. At first, I wasn’t sure what it was until my fingers brushed through soft, silky strands of hair. That’s when I fully snapped to attention.

There she was—Ms. Roana—curled up against me, her head nestled like a bird seeking shelter. I found myself unable to tear my eyes away from her peaceful face.

Was she truly my mate? Or was it simply the calming aura she carried, one that didn’t awaken my usual aversion toward women? Watching her sleep so soundly, especially after everything that had transpired, after she had invaded my personal space, something deep and sharp stirred within me.

—

I couldn’t suppress a low, dark chuckle. This woman never ceased to surprise me. She seemed utterly unfazed by it all. Completely at ease sharing a bed with her Lycan mate, without a hint of hesitation. She hadn’t flinched when I released my scent, nor had she objected when I asked her not to block it.

So why, then, did the Moon Priests say that when you draw closer to your mate, the Moon Goddess’s blessing awakens within you a powerful desire—to hold them, claim them, and love them forever?

“Doesn’t she feel the same?” I whispered, my fingers weaving gently through her hair. She had used my shampoo—I could still catch the faint trace of myself.

“Why not just claim her already? I want to sink my teeth into that soft neck of hers. Imagine the mark she’ll bear on her wrist once we do!” Cyrus licked his lips eagerly, his possessiveness bubbling to the surface.

“We don’t,” I said firmly. “Not yet.” A small smirk tugged at the corner of my mouth.

My fingers continued their slow, possessive journey through her hair. Since she’d come into my life, I’d been sleeping better than I had in years. How could I let her slip away so easily?

As I closed my eyes, surrendering my soul to the comforting sea of her presence, a sharp voice shattered the quiet.

“Your Majesty! Are you awake?” It was Lorenzo. My eyes snapped open and darted to the clock.

Five in the morning. No wonder I had slept a solid seven hours.

“Yes,” I responded curtly. “What is it?”

“We’ve found suspicious individuals near the borderline. Your presence is required to investigate.” His tone was urgent, tightening my jaw.

“Understood. I’ll be there shortly. You go ahead without me.”

“Yes, Your Majesty!”

The mind-link went silent. Carefully, I lifted her head to move. She clung to my waist, sliding up against me, her leg locking with mine.

“Stop moving, Alex!” she pouted, wrapping me in a warm embrace.

A sudden chill ran through me at the use of that name. Did she really believe she was sleeping beside her unfaithful husband?

Cyrus hissed in disappointment. Rather than soften, I shook her—gently, not harshly—just enough to rouse her.

—

“Ms. Roana! Wake up!” I said, raising my voice slightly, though it remained cold and unyielding.

“Stop it!” she whispered, burrowing her face deeper into my chest.

“Ms. Roana! You’re invading someone else’s space. Not your ex-husband’s!” I said, each word clipped, sharp as flint.

Her eyes opened slowly. Instead of confusion, I saw fierce, red-rimmed eyes locking onto me. She growled, “You ruined my goddamn sleep, Mister!”

Mister?

She rolled onto her side, as if that single word had offended her. For a moment, I thought she was still half-asleep. Then she turned back and whispered, “Sorry, Your Majesty! Your chest is way comfier than any pillow. Good night!” She grinned mischievously before closing her eyes again.

“He’s with the captives, in the dungeon, Your Majesty.”

I went straight to the dungeon. Lorenzo stood outside, speaking quietly with a guard. When he noticed me, his expression tightened.

“Your Majesty! They nearly destroyed two villages last night. Thankfully, we evacuated those areas three days ago.”

“They attacked civilians?” My voice dropped, colder and sharper.

“Yes. But the worst part is that they’re all under some kind of influence. They behave just like those we captured yesterday.”

“The ones controlled by the Omega?”

“Exactly. But the problem is, that woman just gave birth. She can’t be controlling them from miles away.”

“So someone within our territory is controlling them? Right under my nose?” My eyes narrowed, fury simmering at the thought of witchcraft being practiced here.

“I’m afraid so. We can’t extract the truth from them. Once the influence fades, they’ll forget everything. For now, they act like mindless zombies.”

I rubbed my forehead, feeling the weight of the situation. If a traitor lurked within the pack, the royal family could be next.

“Lorenzo, tighten security around all royal packhouses. Move into one of our apartments with your family. If the spy is here, they’ll know how to bring more rogues.”

“Are you worried they’ll attack—?” Lorenzo began.

“It’s possible.” I felt the connection to every pack member like a taut wire. “But I don’t know who the traitor is. Announcing an alert would only warn them. Send a search party to those villages. We might find a lead.”

—

Whoever the traitor was, they weren’t truly one of us. Either they hid behind loyal faces, or someone was shielding them. But who?