Mated To The Alpha King (Raven and Ethan) novel Chapter 261

Reven’s Pov

“It’s time to wake up, sweetheart,” I heard Derick’s deep voice say softly, pulling me out of the light nap I had taken.

My eyelids fluttered open, and for a moment I didn’t remember where I was.

Then it came rushing back the birthday celebration, the announcement, and the countless hours of preparation that had left me exhausted. I’d only meant to rest for a few minutes before the event started, but somehow, I’d drifted deeper into sleep.

The room was dimly lit, the soft golden glow from the bedside lamp casting shadows along the walls. Outside the large window, the sky was dark, night having already claimed the world.

I turned slightly and saw Derick standing near the dresser, already dressed in his suit a navy–blue one that clung perfectly to his broad shoulders and powerful frame.

The fabric hugged him in all the right places, outlining his strong chest and defined abs even beneath the fine material.

For a few seconds, I couldn’t look away.

He looked regal commanding, and confident like the Alpha every other alpha secretly envied.

A teasing smile curved his lips as he caught me staring. “Are you done checking me out, or should I turn around so you can get a better view?”

I rolled my eyes, heat rising to my cheeks. “You really should think highly of yourself, Derick,” I replied, sitting up and stretching slightly.

“Oh, I already do,” he said with a soft chuckle, straightening his cufflinks as his gaze lingered on me. “But I like when you do too.”

I shook my head, trying to hide the smile tugging at my lips as I slipped out of bed. “You’re impossible.”

The marble floor was cool beneath my feet as I walked into the bathroom.

My reflection in the mirror was a reminder that I had work to do the slightly smudged mascara from my nap, the faint crease from the pillow on my cheek. I sighed. Tonight was too important to look anything less than perfect.

I turned on the shower, and cold water cascaded out, hitting the tiled floor. Without hesitation, I stepped in. The chill of it spread across my skin, washing away the heaviness of sleep.

The cold felt good; it woke my senses, steadied my nerves.

But the moment my thoughts began to wander, the anxiety returned like an old friend.

How will the pack see me tonight? I thought, pressing my forehead lightly against the cool wall. Will they accept me as Derick’s Luna? Or will they whisper that I’m not fit for the title?

Even after all these months, there were still wolves who hadn’t truly warmed to me who looked at me with polite smiles but eyes that said otherwise.

I tried to push the thoughts away, reminding myself that I had Derick by my side. And he believed in me; that had to count for something.

“Raven, are you done in there?”

His voice snapped me out of my thoughts. I turned off the shower quickly, grabbed a towel, and wrapped it around my chest.

“Almost!” I called back, stepping out into the cool air of the bedroom.

To my surprise, a maid was waiting quietly near the vanity table, her head slightly bowed.

“Luna,” she greeted respectfully. “Alpha asked that I help you get ready.”

I frowned a little, clutching the towel tighter. “It’s fine. I can manage myself.”

The maid shook her head slightly, nervous but firm. “Please, Luna. Alpha’s orders.”

I turned toward Derick, who was now sitting on the edge of the bed, watching me with an amused glint in his

eyes.

“Derick,” I said, my voice a mix of disbelief and irritation. “You sent a maid to help me dress?”

He shrugged, completely unapologetic. “We’re short on time, and I know how you like things to be perfect. Let her help you.”

I sighed, rolling my eyes. “Fine.”

The maid moved efficiently, helping me into the carefully chosen gown that hung on the wardrobe door.

It was a deep navy–blue dress, matching Derick’s suit, made of satin that shimmered faintly under the light. The dress hugged my body beautifully modest at the front, with an open back that added a hint of allure.

Derick watched silently as I slipped into it, his gaze both proud and possessive.

Once I was dressed, another maid came in to do my hair and makeup. The quiet hum of the hairdryer filled the room, followed by the gentle brushes gliding over my skin. Bit by bit, the woman in the mirror transformed from a nervous bundle of emotions into someone who actually looked like the Luna she was supposed to be.

When they were done, I barely recognized myself.

My hair was styled in soft curls that framed my face, my lips painted a soft rose color, and a touch of shimmer on my eyelids made my eyes glow.

Derick stood and came closer, his gaze locking with mine in the mirror. “You look… breathtaking,” he murmured, placing a hand gently on my waist.

My chest fluttered.

“Thank you,” I said quietly, meeting his eyes through the mirror.

He leaned down and kissed my forehead softly. “You are just perfect,” he whispered.

Those words wrapped around me like a warm blanket.

“Ready?” he asked, extending his hand.

I nodded and took it. Together, we walked out of the room and down the long hallway.

Before leaving. I stopped by the kids‘ room. The soft glow of the nightlight revealed their small, peaceful faces. They were already fast asleep. I bent down, kissed each of them gently, and whispered, “Mommy loves you.”

“They’ll be fine,” Derick said behind me. “The nanny’s staying with them until we return.”

“I know,” I replied softly, brushing a stray curl from our daughter’s forehead before turning back.

When we stepped outside, the cool night air wrapped around us cool, carrying the faint scent of rain and pine. The pack house lights glowed beautifully against the darkness.

The hall where the celebration was to be held wasn’t far, but my heartbeat seemed to quicken with every step. I could already hear the faint rhythm of music, laughter, and clinking glasses. The celebration had begun.

As we reached the grand entrance, I caught sight of the decorations: silver and gold drapes cascading from the ceiling, crystal chandeliers reflecting the lights like stars, and tables beautifully arranged with fine glassware.

Everything was perfect.

Yet, my wolf was restless.

She stirred inside me, pacing and whining softly, as though sensing something my human side couldn’t grasp.

What’s wrong? I asked her silently, trying to soothe her.

But instead of calming down, she growled low and impatient.

“Are you nervous?” Derick asked, glancing at me with a soft smile. He must have noticed how tense my hand felt in his.

I forced a small laugh. “No. I just… feel weird, that’s all.”

He chuckled lightly. “You’ll be fine. You were made for this.”

I smiled

but inside, my wolf’s agitation was growing. Her energy pulsed through me, making my skin

prickle.

And then I smelled it.

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