Mated To The Alpha King (Raven and Ethan) novel Chapter 25

Chapter 25

I stood up facing him directly as I pulled off the capre

grof my hoodie.

“Good morning, Alpha, greeted, my voice rough and worn from the night’s tears. Every word scraped out of me le it had to crawl through glass.

He didn’t answer.

Instead, his sharp gaze locked on my hoodie–specifically, the smudge of pale cream hosting on my sleeve. His eyes narrowed, his lips curling slightly at the corner in something between a sesert and a smirk,

Seems someone is mourning,” be

g.” he said, almost mockingly.

My breath caught, I knew what he saw what he thought he saw. He thought it was indulgence, maybe a sign of carelessness. But he didn’t understand, None of them did.

That flavor… it wasn’t something I’d been sneaking for myself. I wasn’t mourning the loss of luxury or wallowing in self–pity

I was mourning my mother.

That frosting–simple vanila almond with lavender cream–was my mother’s favorite. As my father told me Every year on this day, I made a small batch

in secret. I’d whisper her name as I mixed the ingredients, remembering her.” even though we spent just a minute before she left.

But Ethan wouldn’t know that. He didn’t want to know me.

My throat tightened, but I stayed silent.

“just came here to remind you that today is the deadline,” he said, cutting through the silence.

His voice was a knife, and his eyes held no sympathy.

I bowed my head as my eyes stung, but blinked quickly, willing the tears away before they could fail. “Alpha…..I didn’t do anything to your wolf. I’m innocent,” I whispered, praying that something in him might shift–soften–just a little.

But no. He didn’t flinch. His expression stayed cold.

“You always have an excuse,” he said. “But I’m not interested in stories.”

My jaw clenched “It’s not a story. I’d never harm your wolf –“I paused, lowering my voice. “I know what loss feels like, I wouldn’t wish it on anyone.”

Something in his eyes flickered for halla

If a second. Then it was gone

“Since today is my mate’s birthday,” he said finally, stepping back, “I’ll let it slide. For today. But don’t think I’ve forgotten. Or forgiven.”

With that, he turned and walked away, his boots echoing on the stone floor:

I stood there, my shoulders trembling. The hoodie quddenly felt too heavy, the scent of lavender and sugar clinging to it like a ghost. I pulled it off, cradling it in my arms for a second longer than I needed to.

Then I turned and made my way back to my quarters

Today was Luna Olivia’s birthday

Her seventh, as the pack’s Luna

Seven years of being paraded like royalty through the same halls where I now walked unseen.

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Chapter 25

Seven years of watching from the shadows while she lived in my place.

Because yes- I could have been Luna

I should have been.

Put she took it from me. Just like she took.

My mate

She marked him first, stole him from me before the bond between us had

chance to blossom

And now she wore the crown. And I wore an apron.

I changed into my maid’s uniform, tying it lightly around my waist. The white apron against the black fabric felt like a surrender flag–ke I had accepted

this life.

Butt hadn’t.

Not truly.

I walked to the grand hall, where servants buzzed like worker bees, setting up for the Luna’s celebration. The chandeliers sparkled, golden light catching on the crystal glasses and silverware, Silk runners draped the tables, and fresh flowers–white and crimson–lined the walls like offerings

The room glittered with elegance, but to me,

it fait like a cage.

My role was clear: blend in. Be silent, Be useful. Be nothing

temple

I moved to the dessert table and carefully unbound the birthday cake. Five layers. Cream and gold frosting, Fresh roses. Perfection. I would never sabotage it, no matter how much my soul screamed in pain,

I reached into my apron pocket and touched the small container tucked there–the last spoonful of the lavender–vanilla frosting rd made the night before, breath, before tucking it away again.

A sharp, measured voice cut through the hall.

“Red on the left. More white roses on the right came Olivia’s commanding tone.

I didn’t turn. I didn’t need to. I could feel her presence like a gust of cold air against my neck.

She approached slowly, deliberately. “Raven,” she said, all honey and knives. “So nice to see you working hard.”

“Luna,” I replied coolly, offering her the barest ned of acknowledgment.

Her lips curved. “You were always good with cakes. Especially that lavender one. What was it again?” She tapped her chin mockingly. “Oh right. Your mother’s favorite”

froze.

She know

Of course, she knew.

I turned slowly. “Just doing my job, Luna”

“Oh, I know,” she said sweetly. “And you’re doing it so

I stared at her, jaw light.

git so well, especially for someone who used to think this would be her lile.”

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Chapter 25

She leaned in just a little, her voice low. “Tell me, Raven Does it hurt? Watcht

live your dream?”

I met her gaze, my voice steady. “Not as much as it’ll hurt when the truth finally comes out.”

Her smile faltered.

Just for a second.

Then she turned and walked away, her laughter echoing in the grand hall.

But I didn’t shake this time.

Because I knew who I was.

And I knew I wasn’t going to stay in the shadows forever

I turned back to the cake, hands slightly trembling from the encounter, but my spine straightened. No more shrinking. No more flinching. Let her walk away with her polished smile and empty throne. I had work to do.

My fingers moved quickly as I inspected the cake display. One of the gold–trimmed trays was slightly off center, and 1 adjusted it, aligning it perfectly with the silk runner. It was a minor detail, but details mattered. Especially today. Especially when all eyes would be on her and none on me.

The other servants milled around, rushing with bouquets, drink trays, or polishing last–minute decor. A junior maid dropped a stack of napkins in her haste. I didn’t hesitate. I crouched beside her, helping gather the fine linen cloths.

“T–thank you,” she whispered, not meeting my eyes.

I gave a small nod. No words needed. We all knew our places here.

Next, I moved toward the seating arrangements, where the name cards had fallen out of order. I picked up each one and read the delicate calligraphy, reshuffling them into their proper places. I knew the hierarchy well–who had to sit near the Luna, who demanded the best wine, who would complain if placed too close to the kitchen doors.

By the time I was done, the long banquet table gleamed, perfect down to the last silver knife. I stepped back, hands on my hips, studying it with a critical

Still, something was missing,

The flowers.

A few arrangements had toppled in the corner, probably knocked over during the flurry of preparations. I knelt and carefully reassembled them–white roses for purity, crimson for power. Olivia had likely chosen them to represent herself Of course.

As I placed the final arrangement near the end of the table, the scent of the roses mingled with the lingering sweetness from the cake. My head swam slightly, overwhelmed by it all–sugar and steel, memories and rage

I took a deep breath and let it out slowly.

Just a little longer.

“Raven,” called the steward from across the room, clipboard in hand. “We need you in the kitchen. They’re behind on the appetizers.”

“On my way.” I answered, already untying my apron from the waist and folding it into a neat square tucked it under my arm and made my way toward the wide doors that led to the kitchen but as I was about to open the door I tripped on something and was about to fall when a strong arm held me.

Chapter 26

Chapter 26