Mated To The Alpha King (Raven and Ethan) novel Chapter 249

Reven’s Pov

Shifted back into my wolf as I ran toward the pack border.

Running in wolf form was faster, and speed was exactly what I needed. It was already late, and in my weakened state physically drained and emotionally shattered I couldn’t risk a wolf attacking me.

The cold wind whipped through my fur as I sprinted through the night, each stride fueled by anger, fear, and heartbreak.

After what felt like only moments but must have been at least half an hour, I reached the pack border.

My paws slowed until I came to a halt at the thick bushes where I had left my clothes earlier.

I glanced around, making sure no one was nearby. Then, with a deep breath, I shifted back. The sudden exposure to the night’s chill made goosebumps rise across my skin.

I crouched quickly, grabbing my clothes with shaking hands.

My fingers fumbled with the fabric as I dressed, still feeling vulnerable and raw beneath the quiet moonlight.

When I finally got the last button done, I stood still, closing my eyes as the breeze brushed my face.

I inhaled deeply, wishing it could calm the storm inside me, but the storm only felt bigger.

Every step I took back toward the pack house felt heavier and louder than the one before it. The moon above seemed too bright, casting judgment on my foolishness. I wrapped my arms around myself tightly, trying to keep the pieces of me from falling apart.

Why did I run?

Because pain makes you reckless.

Because betrayal makes you blind.

Because love… love makes you stupid.

Just as I reached the main gate, I froze.

Three silhouettes stood there.

Two small…

One tall.

My heart sank.

Lyra. Liam. And Derrick.

Even under the pale moonlight, I could see the panic dripping off Derrick’s stance. His phone was pressed to his ear, and his jaw was clenched so tightly it might shatter. Lyra sobbed loudly, her little shoulders trembling

as Lucian

rubbed her back, trying to be strong even though his own eyes were red.

The sight of them, the fear on their tiny faces, broke something in me.

Lyra’s cry sliced through the night.

“Mummy!”

She didn’t wait. She bolted toward me, stumbling but determined, her tiny legs barely keeping up with the desperation in her heart. I crouched and caught her just in time as she crashed into me, burying her face in my chest.

Her sobs shook both of us.

“It’s okay… I’m here,” I whispered, kissing her hair as my own tears threatened to spill. She clung to me like if she let go, I would disappear again.

Lucian

joined us slower, but the moment he reached me, his brave mask fell apart.

“Mummy, why did you leave?” he choked out. “Daddy thought you… you were in danger.”

His little voice shattered me more than any accusation earlier had.

“I’m sorry,” I whispered, caressing his cheek gently. “I’m so sorry. I’m right here now. I won’t leave again.”

I placed Lyra back down lovingly and stood just as Derrick ended his call. His gaze slammed into mine. No words. Just hurt, fear, anger.

He looked like a man walking the edge of breaking apart.

“Come with me,” he said finally, his voice low- too calm.

I nodded.

There was no fight left in me.

His hand wrapped around mine tight. Too tight. His grip wasn’t just a hold it was a plea. A warning. A claim. The air between us burned with everything we weren’t ready to say.

We walked in silence, the kids following behind. Their nanny appeared immediately, worry etched on her face. Derrick released the children into her care without even glancing up.

Lyra reached for me again, whimpering.

I kneeled, kissed her forehead and Liam’s too.

Chapter 249

“I promise, I’ll tuck you in soon,” I said softly.

They nodded, one last look of fear in their eyes before the nanny led them away.

Derrick turned back to me. His eyes were darker than the night.

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His grip found my wrist once more as he guided me down the hallway not roughly, but with a desperation he didn’t hide well. He opened his door, waited for me to enter, then shut it softly behind us.

Suddenly, the quiet felt suffocating.

We stood facing each other, only a few feet apart, but it felt like a battlefield between us. My heart pounded so loudly I could hear it echoing in my ears.

He was the first to speak.

“Can you explain why you ran away, Raven?”

His voice… it wasn’t angry. It was wounded.

That was worse.

I swallowed the lump in my throat. “Why would I run?” I snapped bitterly.

“Maybe because of what happened earlier? Because you let them treat me like I was filth? Because you stood there and let them tear me down?”

He stepped closer, hands gripping my shoulders firm, but trembling.

“I know I messed up,” he said quietly. “I know the situation was complicated, but if you were in my position, you would react too.”

“Maybe,” I admitted, my voice sharp as glass. “But I wouldn’t accuse you of betrayal without listening first. I wouldn’t make you feel worthless in front of everyone.”

His grip loosened as guilt flickered in his eyes.

“And let’s be honest, Derrick…”

My voice cracked.

“I don’t think you still love me.”

His breath hitched, but I pushed through.

“You’ve changed since we moved to California. You’re distant. Cold. And I’m scared scared that I’m holding onto a love that’s already dead.”

Before the next word left my mouth…

His lips were on mine.

His hand slid around my waist and pulled me against him with all the emotion he never says out loud. I pushed weakly against his chest but my body betrayed me. It remembered him. It missed him. It needed him.

His kiss wasn’t gentle.

It was hungry.

Desperate,

A plea and a punishment all at once.

His fingers tangled in my hair, angling my head just right as his lips claimed me deeper.

My knees buckled, but he held me firm, grounding me in a moment that felt like fire and thunder.

By the time he pulled back, both of us were breathless.

Foreheads resting together.

His thumb brushed my swollen lower lip.

Heat radiated between us like the air itself wanted us to burn.

His voice dropped darker, deeper than before.

“By the time I’m done with you,” he whispered,

“I doubt you’ll ever question my love again.”

My heart stopped.

I searched his eyes and what I saw there wasn’t just desire.

It was possession.

Fear.

Passion.

Love is twisted and raw and terrifying.