The Lycan’s Curse
Chapter 8

Cassius

I never meant for Larissa to replace out that I was feeding her my blood to strengthen her, but I can't deny that it being out in the open is preferable. Her beautiful green eyes are wide with shock and if I could feel anything, I am certain right now would be joy or amusement.

"Before you say anything, hear me out. Lycans are not bound to the same mating bond that shiften are, we are able to choose our mates as we desire. That being said, we are nearly as possessive and jealous of our mates as dragons are of theirs and their families. I would be forced to take a mate in the last years of my rule solely to attempt to create an heir. Something that is impossible and that I do not wish to be widely known."

"I understand that," she whispers behind my finger. Her soft lips pressing against it are slightly wet, and beyond anything, I wish it possible to feel desire. Even if I could not do anything to sate it, just feeling it would be enough. Her touch to my cheek and my finger to her lips would undoubtedly create it.

"I have learnt to fake feelings in the appropriate situation, I believe that we could portray an appropriate...possessiveness for one another in public. As I already am determined to protect you, having you as my mate, would be the easiest way to get around the potential issue of people demanding an heir."

Her eyes grow larger still and her jaw drops, wetting the tip of my finger. "I would never survive childbirth if I could even carry a child. Lycan are stronger than normal shiften, to carry one would be beyond my capability."

"Yes, and while Lycans are able to choose their mates, the stars do play a part in it. They cast a specific person in our lives at the right time to create the strongest unity possible. Who's to say that isn't what we are?" I add because every time I have learnt things about her, the determination to keep her safe has grown. "Perhaps not in ways that others can be, but to help each other through this life. My claim should override any bond towards that trash as well, you will never have to worry that it might make you feel that you have to go to him."

"I didn't feel it leading up to my birthday at all, and I barely feel anything now, only that he's still wasting away. If we break that bond, will he recover?" she asks and I shake my head no, wondering if it was just her weakness that kept her from feeling any of the bond. Her healing is as slow as a human's almost which could mean the mating bond pull was as soft as theirs until directly in front of their mates.

"No, it breaks your bond to him, but not his to you because he felt it entirely. If you were able to avoid it, then claiming you will sever it. As my mate, you will be safely guarded in the palace, treasured, and given everything you desire. What do you say now, little wolf? Be my mate, let me protect you?" I ask, stroking her bottom lip, watching her eyes darken a hint.

"What about Kai and the others? Will I be able to see them still?"

"If they will come to see you, yes, you can see them whenever you wish. Only if I have the time to get away from the palace will you be able to return to the camp. I could not dare you being away from me for that long. No one would believe that I would allow it and I would not believe it to be safe. Others would not try to harm you, but my father would, even knowing that we can't be together as other mates might be, he'd still desire someone more advantageous than an orphan without a pack."

"Okay, I will agree then, to be your mate," she says softly, and I nod, before lowering my mouth to hers in a brief kiss.

"Shh, it's alright. I cannot harm you," I remind her when she lets out a little gasp. "Before we greet the public, we need to become the perfectly mated couple they will expect if they are to believe that I would rather have you as my mate, than have an heir." "I wasn't expecting...I've never..."

"Never had a kiss?" I guess seeing the color in her cheeks. "I'll be gentle with you, I promise."

My lips cover hers this time, testing different pressures as her hand holds onto my arm. It tightens when I press too hard, clinging when I let up, teasing against her lips, opening them a bit. Her eyes are slightly dazed when I pull back and I'm certain most would be fooled into thinking that she was just waking after a long, blissful night together seeing her like this.

"Are you okay? Larissa?" I add when her lips remain parted, her eyes wide as she stares at me. "Little wolf, are you okay?"

Her eyes finally blink, and she nods, shutting the green gaze from me for a moment before returning to me. "I'm fine. Just a bit shocked still, I guess. A little sore as well," she adds rubbing her side where her ribs were broken the worst.

"I likely did not help them when I grabbed you earlier. Will you still accept the drink?" I need to keep her healthy and strong for us to get to the coronation.

"You didn't hurt them, you kept me from falling the down the stairs, Cassius. That kept me from a lot of harm. And yes, I will take the drink still. I'm sorry about my reaction..."

"Do not apologize to me, little wolf. You have nothing to apologize for," I state, pressing a kiss to her forehead before getting up, the smile on her lips what I want to be there for the coming future.

Downstairs Dominic and Kai are sitting outside the kitchen doors on the patio. They both get up as I reach them, Kai's eyes narrowing at the amount of Larissa's scent on me. I can taste the sweetness of it on my lips still and my Lycan, awake solely thanks to Larissa's presence, approves of it as well.

I look to Dominic first, knowing that will be faster than settling Kai and tell him, "I need rooms prepared at the palace for Larissa, and if he wishes to come as well, for Kai. She has consented to be my mate and I would like her to finish her recovery close at hand." "What did you do to her?" Kai demands, lunging for me. His hands stop only millimeters from my neck hearing Larissa calling for him. "If you touched her..."

"I assure you, Kai, I only have Larissa's best interest in mind by taking her as my mate. There will be no threat to her safety or health. Go speak to her, tell her she may tell you everything that I told her," I add seeing Dominic's brow rise but there is no way around this dragon when it comes to Larissa. I know that well by now.

"To her safety and your father's head exploding," Dominic says with a chuckle as we both down a drink as I prepare Larissa's. I wouldn't argue that happening, or the trash dying the moment I claim Larissa as mine.