Mated To The Alpha King (Raven and Ethan) novel Chapter 195

Chapter 195

Reven’s Pov

“Am almost ready!” I yelled from the room as I rushed to wear the last piece of clothing.

Derick had been waiting for me, and I could hear his low sigh from outside the door.

Finally, I stepped out, my hair brushed and the dress he gave me fitting my body.

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His eyes moved from my head to my toes. For a moment, he just stood there, not saying anything.

Then his lips curved into a small smile.

“You look beautiful,” he said softly, his voice warm.

I blinked at him, my fingers playing with the edge of the dress.

“It wasn’t necessary for you to give me this to wear,” I said quickly.

“It’s just shopping, not a date.”

Derick’s smile did not fade. He stepped closer, his tall frame making me tilt my head up. “Even if it is shopping, you must look good,” he replied. “Stop asking too many questions, Raven.

Just wear it, and let’s go.”

I bit my lower lip, not wanting to argue. Sometimes, when he spoke in that tone, it was easier to just nod. “Alright,” I whispered, looking away.

We walked together through the hall, and I felt the weight of many eyes on me.

The servants glanced quickly, then turned their heads down, pretending not to see.

They knew better than to whisper or comment when Derick was around, but I could still feel their stares burning my skin.

I kept my face straight, but inside, I felt so uncomfortable.

Why did everyone have to look at me? Was it the dress? Or because I was with him?

When we reached outside, Derick went ahead and opened the car door for me.

“Get in,” he said simply.

I obeyed, sliding into the soft leather seat.

He leaned in, giving the driver instructions on where to take us.

As the car started moving, I turned my face to the window.

14:11 Fri, Sep 12 B..

Chapter 195

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The tall buildings, palm trees, and busy streets of California rushed past. I had been here for three months now, yet everything still felt new and strange. There were so many places I didn’t know, so many corners I hadn’t walked.

I sighed and rested my head against the cool glass. I didn’t want to talk.

Words felt heavy on my tongue. Silence was easier.

The ride was long, almost an hour. The sound of the car wheels humming against the road mixed with my thoughts. I wondered why he was doing all this for me. Clothes, jewelry, food… Why? What did he really want from me?

When the car stopped, I lifted my head and saw a tall building with shining glass walls.

A shopping mall. People walked in and out, holding bags and laughing.

Before Derick could step out, I opened my door quickly and got down by myself. I needed a moment of control, even if small.

“You could have waited for me,” Derick said, his brows pulling together.

I gave no answer, but then his hand caught mine, firm and sure. He didn’t let go as he led me toward the mall. His touch was steady, but my stomach twisted with nervousness.

Inside, the mall smelled of perfume, new clothes, and food. Bright lights sparkled overhead. Derick went straight to a saleswoman and gave an order. “Get her some nice clothes.”

The woman nodded quickly, her smile wide, and led me toward the fitting rooms. I tried dress after dress, shirt after shirt, and shoe after shoe. Each time I stepped out, Derick’s eyes studied me.

He said little, but I could see he was making choices in his head.

After an hour, I was tired. My legs ached. My feet hurt. I settled on a few clothes, no longer caring much. I just

wanted to sit down.

Derick handled the payment smoothly, his wallet never empty. He even bought jewelry and other small things I hadn’t asked for.

I felt a strange mix of guilt and unease. Why was he spending so much on me?

I thought we would finally leave, but he turned to me. “Let’s eat first.”

I opened my mouth to say I wasn’t hungry, but then I saw the firm look in his eyes. Saying no was useless. I nodded instead.

We went to the food section, where the smell of fried chicken, baked bread, and sweet desserts filled the air. We found a table near the corner, and I sank into my seat.

When the waiter came, I asked for something light. “Just a small meal,” I whispered to myself. Derick had already done so much; I didn’t want to be a burden.

14:12 Fri, Sep 12 B..

Chapter 195

55 vouchers

The tall buildings, palm trees, and busy streets of California rushed past. I had been here for three months now, yet everything still felt new and strange. There were so many places I didn’t know, so many corners I hadn’t walked.

I sighed and rested my head against the cool glass. I didn’t want to talk.

Words felt heavy on my tongue. Silence was easier.

The ride was long, almost an hour. The sound of the car wheels humming against the road mixed with my thoughts. I wondered why he was doing all this for me. Clothes, jewelry, food… Why? What did he really want from me?

When the car stopped, I lifted my head and saw a tall building with shining glass walls.

A shopping mall. People walked in and out, holding bags and laughing.

Before Derick could step out, I opened my door quickly and got down by myself. I needed a moment of control, even if small.

“You could have waited for me,” Derick said, his brows pulling together.

I gave no answer, but then his hand caught mine, firm and sure. He didn’t let go as he led me toward the mall. His touch was steady, but my stomach twisted with nervousness.

Inside, the mall smelled of perfume, new clothes, and food. Bright lights sparkled overhead. Derick went straight to a saleswoman and gave an order. “Get her some nice clothes.”

The woman nodded quickly, her smile wide, and led me toward the fitting rooms. I tried dress after dress, shirt after shirt, and shoe after shoe. Each time I stepped out, Derick’s eyes studied me.

He said little, but I could see he was making choices in his head.

After an hour, I was tired. My legs ached. My feet hurt. I settled on a few clothes, no longer caring much. I just wanted to sit down.

Derick handled the payment smoothly, his wallet never empty. He even bought jewelry and other small things I hadn’t asked for.

I felt a strange mix of guilt and unease. Why was he spending so much on me?

I thought we would finally leave, but he turned to me. “Let’s eat first.”

I opened my mouth to say I wasn’t hungry, but then I saw the firm look in his eyes. Saying no was useless. I nodded instead.

We went to the food section, where the smell of fried chicken, baked bread, and sweet desserts filled the air. We found a table near the corner, and I sank into my seat.

When the waiter came, I asked for something light. “Just a small meal,” I whispered to myself. Derick had already done so much; I didn’t want to be a burden.

14:12 Fri, Sep 12 B…

Chapter 195

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Derick ordered for himself, his voice strong and sure. Soon, the food arrived, and we began to eat.

Halfway through, he looked at me. “Do you want more?”

I shook my head quickly. “No.”

And then, it happened.

From behind, a pair of hands suddenly wrapped around Derick’s shoulders. A sweet, female voice sang. “Derick!”

I froze, my fork halfway to my mouth.

Derick turned around sharply, his calm face changing in an instant. His jaw tightened, his eyes darkened, and his whole body grew stiff.

“Vanessa,” he said, his voice deep with anger. “What are you doing here? I told you many time stay away from me!”

The woman, Vanessa, pulled back slightly, her smile fading. She turned her gaze toward me, her eyes scanning me from head to toe. Her lips curled into a bitter smirk.

“And who is this?” she asked, her voice sharp. “It’s only been a few weeks apart, and you already have another woman? Really, Derick?”

I sat frozen in my seat, my hands gripping the edge of the table.

People around us had turned their heads. Whispers began to spread. My chest tightened. I hated eyes on me.

Vanessa’s voice cut through the air again, this time louder. “And not only another woman, she’s pregnant?”

My breath caught.

Pregnant? I wanted to speak, to say something, but my voice died in my throat.

Derick shot up from his chair, his face stormy. “If you had not cheated first, Vanessa,” he spat, “I would not have gotten another woman.” You lost your place when you betrayed me.”

Gasps rose from nearby tables. The whispers grew louder.

Derick didn’t wait for her reply. He reached for my hand, gripping it tightly. “Let’s go,” he said, pulling me up from my seat.

My legs moved on their own, following his lead. The eyes of strangers burned into my skin as we walked. I could feel their stares, their judgment, and their curiosity.

It made my chest heavy and my steps shaky.

Vanessa’s voice called after us, but Derick didn’t turn. He just walked faster, dragging me along, until we were out of the food court, out of the mall, and into the open air again.

14:12 Fri, Sep 12 B…

Chapter 195

And still, I could feel all the stares behind me.

AD