Curves And Claws: The Lycan King's Relentless Claim novel Chapter 6

Roana,

Five weeks later.

"Miss Roana! Can you cover the evening shift today? Olivia has to attend an event tonight!" My manager rushed toward me, balancing a Mont Blanc dessert on a tray and wearing that same helpless expression I’d seen too many times before. "We’re short staffed again!"

I grinned, handing over the cappuccino I had been serving. "I don’t have plans. But in return, you owe me tomorrow evening off," I bargained, lifting an eyebrow playfully.

He smirked as he placed the cake down for a customer. "A break? For you? What for?"

"A self-date," I shot back, smirking. "I haven’t even watched the new movie yet."

He chuckled and sat briefly at one of the chairs. "I heard you sent divorce papers last week."

I froze mid-step. "Did Olivia tell you that?" I groaned. That girl had no filter—if it was in her head, it came out of her mouth.

"Well, it’s no secret now." He shrugged.

"Fine. Yes. As long as that jerk signs, I’ll finally be free. And if he doesn’t… I couldn’t care less anymore."

"You’re stronger than most, Roana." His tone softened. "Anyway, the shop’s in your care tonight. I won't return tonight"

"Got it, Boss."

He left, the door bell chiming faintly behind him. I watched the drizzle pick up outside the café windows. The place was small but warm, known for its croissants and hot chocolate. For five weeks I had been here, tucked away in this village. I had chosen myself when I walked out of the pack, and I hadn’t regretted it.

Life was simple now. A cheap studio apartment. A steady part-time job. Instant noodles for dinner. Candy—my stubborn little mare—happy with fresh grass in the open fields instead of expensive feed. It wasn’t luxury. But it was freedom.

And freedom tasted sweeter than anything else.

"Here’s your hot chocolate. Please enjoy!" I smiled at a customer, then headed back to the counter. My gaze flicked outside. The clouds had thickened, heavy and dark.

"It’s going to pour again," I muttered.

I didn’t hate the constant rain here, but I didn’t love it either. It simply was. Thankfully I didn't let Candy out.

As the storm gathered strength, I busied myself cleaning. The customers hurried through their meals and rushed out into the rain, leaving the café hollow and echoing. The lights hummed faintly. The air chilled as the temperature dropped.

It felt a bit lonely but I got used to it. The weather was more comforting than an actual therapy.

I took a deep breath when the first roll of thunder rattled the glass.

I stepped outside quickly, pulling in the banner before the storm tore it apart. Slamming the door shut, I frowned. There was no click.

My brows pinched. The door looked closed, snug against the frame. Still…

"Weird," I whispered, trying to shake it off. " Maybe the wind!"

I grabbed the banner and the broom to take them inside the kitchen.

But when I turnes, my heart skipped a beat. I froze, holding my breath.

There it was — A dark silhouette. He was standing at the counter.

A man, tall, broad-shouldered, as if he had always been there. Water trailed down from silver hair that clung to his forehead. His presence filled the space instantly, leaving no room for air, no room for me to breathe.

My eyes widened when I realized that I didn't even notice or smell anything when he entered the café. Perhaps, he was long before here but I didn't notice.

Right now, The storm outside became nothing but a backdrop. While my heart was pounding against my ribcage.

I gripped the tray tighter. "Wh—who are you?" My voice wavered against the heavy silence.

He didn’t answer right away. His gaze was fixed on me, sharp and unblinking. Those eyes were the color of deep crimson wine under the dim café lights.

When he finally spoke, his voice was low, steady, and commanding—like thunder speaking through a man. His tone held that authority to make me feel little.

I froze.

The contact was instant, unshakable. His grip was not crushing, yet it held me in place with an authority that felt stronger than chains. My body reacted before my mind could catch up. My chest tightened, my knees threatened to buckle. A surge shot through me, like lightning tearing down my veins, leaving a burn in its path.

My pulse hammered beneath his touch. The sound of the storm outside seemed to fade, swallowed by the silence between us.

I tried to pull back, but his hold did not waver. His thumb pressed lightly against my skin, deliberate, sending shivers up my arm. He leaned forward slightly, his eyes lowering to my trembling hand, then dragging back up to my face. The way he looked at me made my skin prickle, as if he could see straight through me.

Inside my head, Rye stirred, restless. The sound of my wolf’s purr startled me. She was not afraid. She was calling to him.

My heart stuttered violently. No. This could not be happening. My knees buckled with dread. The thunderstorm outside added more to make me tremble.

His head tilted, the corner of his lips tugging in something that was neither a smile nor a smirk, but a recognition I did not want to understand. His voice came low, steady, too sure of itself.

"Recognize me?" The words slid over me like a shadow. He paused, his thumb still brushing against my wrist. "Princess Roana."

Every drop of color drained from my face. My skin burned beneath his hand, as though he had branded me with fire. My chest constricted so tight I could hardly draw air.

Rye whispered again, louder this time, her voice filled with a yearning I wanted to deny. "Mate."

The word sank into me like a blade.

I tore my wrist free with a sharp jerk, stumbling backward. My breath came ragged, my heart pounding so hard it hurt.

Silver hair, Crimson eyes and An aura that felt heavier than the storm itself.

I knew him.

The cruel Lycan King I saved five weeks ago. The one who turned out to be my mate.

He had found me.