Mated To The Alpha King (Raven and Ethan) novel Chapter 258

“Babe, I’m confused about which one to choose,” I told Derick, holding up two dresses in front of the mirror as I turned side to side.

One was a sleek blue gown that shimmered under the soft lighting of the boutique, the other a pale gold that glowed like liquid sunlight. Both were beautiful, but my heart couldn’t decide.

Derick leaned casually against the wall, arms crossed, that knowing smile playing on his lips. His dark hair fell slightly over his forehead, and his shirt clung to him in a way that made several female attendants steal glances his way.

He didn’t even notice them

—

– his eyes were all on me.

“You know,” he said finally, voice low and teasing, “anything you wear will be perfect on you.”

I rolled my eyes, trying to hide the smile tugging at my lips. “That’s not helping, Alpha Derick.”

“Oh, it wasn’t supposed to help,” he replied, walking toward me with that lazy confidence that always made my pulse quicken. “It’s the truth.”

Before I could react, he slipped his hands around my waist, his touch gentle but possessive. My breath caught as he lifted me effortlessly and set me down on the small table beside the mirror.

“Derick-“I gasped, eyes wide.

He silenced me with a soft kiss on my neck, the warmth of his breath sending tiny sparks down my skin. “You shouldn’t tempt me, Raven,” he murmured against my throat. “You look too damn good to be walking around in front of everyone like this.”

I felt a tremor rush through me. “Derick, stop,” I whispered, though my voice lacked conviction. “We’re at the mall… this isn’t a perfect place for this.”

He chuckled, lips brushing against my jawline. “I don’t care,” he said, his voice deep and filled with that Alpha authority that always made my heart flutter. “I’m the Alpha, and you’re my soon–to–be Luna after my father’s birthday party.

That means I can hold you, touch you, or kiss you wherever I want.”

I blushed, half flattered, half mortified. “You’re impossible.”

Before I could say more, the sound of a door creaking open froze us both.

A shop attendant stood at the doorway, her eyes widening in horror at the sight before her. She quickly bowed her head. “I’m so sorry, Alpha, Luna–I didn’t know anyone was in here.”

I immediately pushed Derick away, my cheeks burning. “It’s… it’s okay,” I managed, trying to sound calm.

Derick just smirked, leaning casually against the table as if nothing had happened. I shot him a glare that could have melted stone. “I’ll take the blue dress,” I said sharply to the attendant. “And the matching jewelry. Please pack them up.”

The girl nodded quickly and hurried out, nearly tripping over her own feet in her haste.

The moment the door closed, I turned to Derick, crossing my arms. “You need to get a grip of yourself until we get home.”

He raised an eyebrow, clearly amused. “How am I supposed to do that when your body is a walking temptation?”

“Derick-”

Before I could finish, he laughed and gave me a light slap on my backside, not hard but enough to make me gasp and glare harder. “Derick!” I hissed.

He only grinned. “Let’s go before I forget we’re in public.”

Still fuming and flustered, I hopped off the table and straightened my dress. We left the changing room together, and I went over to collect the neatly wrapped blue gown and jewelry box. Derick paid for everything without a second glance, his hand finding mine as we walked out of the mall.

–

The late afternoon sunlight hit my face, warm and soft. It felt good after the chill of the air–conditioned boutique. As we approached his car — sleek, black, and gleaming like polished obsidian — I couldn’t help but feel a mix of pride and unease. Pride, because being by his side meant something to the entire pack; unease, because deep down, a small part of me still trembled whenever I thought about Alpha Ethan.

It had been five years, and yet sometimes his memory still slipped into my thoughts uninvited, unwanted. I shoved the thought away as Derick opened the car door for me.

Once we were inside, the driver started the engine. The soft hum of it filled the silence between us as the city rolled by outside.

“Did you write the letters meant for the other Alphas?” I asked finally, turning to face him.

He nodded without looking at me, one hand on his phone and, the other resting lazily on my thigh. “Yeah, they’ve all been written and distributed. Most of them already confirmed attendance.”

“You didn’t wait for me?” I asked quietly.

He smiled. “Didn’t want to stress you. Besides, I know you’ve been busy with preparations. You deserve a little peace before the storm.”

His words made me smile. He was always thoughtful in his own way, even when he pretended not to be.

“I still wish you’d waited,” I murmured. “I like working with you on these things.”

He chuckled softly, glancing at me for a moment. “You’re too sweet. But don’t worry, after the birthday party, you won’t have to help me anymore.”

I frowned a little. “Why’s that?”

“Because I’ll be announcing you to the entire pack,” he said, his tone firm but tender. “As my Luna.”

The words hit me like a wave warm, breathtaking, and terrifying all at once. My fingers tightened slightly around his hand.

“Derick…”

He looked at me again, his eyes softening. “Hey, don’t cry. It’s supposed to make you happy.”

“I’m not crying,” I said quickly, blinking away the tears threatening to form. “It’s just-”

I paused, taking a deep breath. “I’m grateful, Derick. For everything. For you. If there’s ever another life, I’d ask the Moon Goddess to make us mates.”

For a moment, the car was silent. Then, to my surprise, Derick blushed actually blushed the corners of his lips twitching into

a bashful smile.

“Raven,” he said, shaking his head with a quiet laugh, “you’re turning me on with your words.”

I giggled softly, swatting his arm. “You’re unbelievable.”

“Unbelievable and madly in love with you,” he added, eyes flickering with a playful light.

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Before I could say anything, he suddenly asked the driver to steered the car toward a quieter lane, away from the main road. I frowned, glancing around. “Derick, where are we?“He didn’t answer. Instead, the driver parked the car by the side of the road. My heart started to race when he turned to face me fully.

“Derick…”

He leaned closer, his gaze darkening with something fierce and tender at once. I could feel the air between us shift, thick with unspoken emotion.

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