Mated To The Alpha King (Raven and Ethan) novel Chapter 2

Raven’s POV

  “Mate,” my wolf howled again. 

  My heart stuttered, then raced as her words sank in. Could it be? Was my mate here, in the pack house?

  The thought sent a rush of excitement through me as my wolf urged me to go check. I shifted back into my human form, and this time, the pain wasn’t as unbearable. I quickly went to my closet, searching for a dress, as the one I wore had been torn during my shifting. I settled for a black dress that fell just below my knees. Taking one last glance at my reflection, I stepped out of my room, following the intoxicating scent that was pulling me forward.

  The scent was leading me toward the grand hall, where our coming-of-age ceremony was being held. My heart pounded in sync with my wolf’s excitement. Could it be that one of the guests was my mate? The closer I got, the stronger the scent became.

  As I stepped into the grand hall, my breath hitched. The air was thick with the scent of different wolves, laughter, and the sound of glasses clinking, but I barely noticed any of it.

  I was searching for him.

  Then, my gaze locked onto a figure and my entire world came to a halt.

  The moment his gaze met mine, everything around us blurred—the noise, the music, the people.

  “Mate,” my wolf purred, and I felt the undeniable pull toward him.

  His jaw clenched, his eyes narrowing as he inhaled deeply, his broad chest rising and falling. Did he feel it too? Did his wolf recognize me the way mine recognized him?

  I took a step forward, ready to go to him, when loud clapping and cheers erupted from the crowd. Confused, I tore my gaze away from him, turning toward the source of the noise.

  The crowd had parted, forming a path leading toward him. My eyes followed the movement, and my heart dropped.

  There, walking gracefully toward him, was Olivia.

  Her radiant smile was matched only by the joyful tears glistening in her eyes. She moved with an elegance that captivated everyone’s attention, including his. I watched in stunned silence as she approached him, her arms wrapping around his waist.

  My heart shattered as I saw him respond. His face softened, his arms encircling her protectively. He looked down at her, his eyes warm and tender. A loving smile graced his lips as he leaned down, his forehead touching hers.

  My entire body went numb. “What is happening?” I asked my wolf, but she didn’t respond. Desperation clawed at my chest, so I turned to a nearby maid.

  “What’s going on?” I asked, my voice tight and my brow furrowed.

  She blinked at me, surprised. “Oh, you don’t know? Your sister found her mate.”

  I frowned. “Mate?” I echoed, my voice trembling.

  The maid nodded, smiling. “Aren’t you happy for her?”

  I couldn’t reply. I couldn’t breathe.

  I was taken aback by what had just happened. Could it be that my wolf was mistaken? I turned back to look at Olivia and the Alpha King.

  My mate.

  I stumbled backward, my breath coming in short gasps as the weight of those words sank in.

  No.

  This couldn’t be happening.

  My wolf whimpered, but she remained eerily silent. The bond that had just ignited inside me felt like it was being strangled before it could fully form. My heart ached, and my hands trembled at my sides as I watched Olivia smile up at him—my mate.

  The Alpha King.

  His eyes found mine again, and for a brief, torturous moment, I saw the conflict swirling within them. His jaw tightened, his fingers twitching at his side as if he were fighting the urge to reach for me. But Olivia’s laughter pulled him back, she clung to him, her delicate fingers resting against his chest possessively.

  I wanted to scream. I wanted to demand answers. But I couldn’t. Not here. Not now.

  “Tell who?” he asked sharply.

  “The Alpha King, of course,” I snapped.

  His expression darkened. “You will do no such thing.”

  “Watch me,” I countered, turning to leave the room.

  But before I could take another step, my father grabbed my arm and yanked me back.

  His gaze hardened. “You were never meant to have him, Raven. Accept it and stay silent. You will not tell anyone what happened if you still want to live,” he warned. “And for the time being, you will be locked up.”

  I gasped as he turned on his heel and walked out, leaving me stunned.

  Soon I heard the click of the door lock.

  He knew all along.

  I sank to the floor, tears flowing freely as I whispered, “He knew all along.”

  Suddenly, a sharp pain struck my heart, and I clutched my chest, gasping as the pain intensified.

  “What’s happening?” I whimpered to no one in particular. I rolled onto the ground, the pain unbearable.

  “Mate,” my wolf howled inside me, her voice filled with anguish.

  Then I realized.

  He was mating with my sister.