Mated To The Alpha King (Raven and Ethan) novel Chapter 264

Chapter 264

Reven’s Perspective

Derick pivoted to face the newcomer, and instinctively, I followed suit.

But I couldn’t bring myself to meet his gaze directly.

My heart raced wildly, pounding so fiercely I feared it might burst from my chest.

Alpha Ethan. Even hearing his name echo in my mind twisted my stomach into knots. I tried to steady my breathing, taking slow, measured inhales and exhales, but my hands betrayed me—they trembled just slightly. Hastily, I hid them behind my back, praying Derick wouldn’t notice.

“Alpha Ethan,” Derick greeted warmly, extending his hand with a smile. “It’s good to have you here. I wasn’t aware you’d be attending.”

Ethan’s voice rumbled through the room like distant thunder after a storm. “Thank you for inviting me, Alpha Derick,” he replied evenly, his tone courteous yet icy. Then, his eyes shifted toward me, and in that instant, time seemed to freeze.

I felt the tug—the silent, unbreakable thread that bound us, no matter the distance. My wolf stirred deep inside, her howl filled with yearning.

Mate, she breathed softly, her voice trembling. He’s here. Our mate.

“Shut up,” I hissed beneath my breath, barely audible. Forcing a tight smile, I averted my eyes and pretended to adjust my dress.

For a fleeting moment, Ethan’s gaze softened, as though trying to grasp a distant memory, but then he blinked, and the tenderness vanished. My chest tightened painfully.

“You’ve got yourself a stunning Luna,” Ethan remarked to Derick, a faint curve touching his lips as his eyes flicked back to me.

Derick beamed with pride and gently clasped my hand, giving it a reassuring squeeze. “Thank you, Alpha Ethan. I’m aware of my fortune.”

His warmth should have comforted me, yet all I could feel was the weight of Ethan’s stare—heavy, insistent, a reminder of the past I’d desperately tried to bury.

My wolf’s whisper persisted, relentless: He’s ours. He’s here.

No, I retorted silently. He doesn’t know. He doesn’t remember. And he never will.

I forced a strained smile at Derick as he resumed conversation with Ethan about the event.

Inside, my mind churned like a tempest. Why had the moon goddess chosen this moment to intervene? Why bring him back now, just as I’d begun to heal?

Now, when I had children.

Now, when I finally had a chance to move forward.

Ethan’s voice pulled me back from my spiraling thoughts. “I actually came for the ceremony, but my jet encountered some mechanical issues,” he explained casually.

“If you don’t mind, I’d like to stay the night here in your pack. I’ll leave by noon tomorrow once it’s repaired.”

My eyes widened before I could stop myself. “What?” I blurted, my voice sharper than intended.

Derick turned toward me, surprise flickering across his face. “What’s wrong, love?”

I swallowed hard, forcing my voice to steady. “I just don’t think it’s a good idea for him to stay here,” I said quickly.

Derick frowned, concern knitting his brow. “Why not?”

“I just… I don’t like him,” I admitted softly, my voice barely above a whisper. “He makes me uncomfortable.”

Ethan raised a brow, but remained silent. Instead, he studied me quietly, his expression unreadable. That only made the tension worse.

Derick sighed, running a hand through his hair in frustration. “Babe, he’s a guest. Just one night.”

“And besides, the guest quarters are far from our rooms. You won’t even cross paths.”

I wanted to protest, to scream that he couldn’t stay—that everything would unravel if he did—but what excuse could I offer? That he was my second chance at love? That the father of my children stood here, pretending not to know me?

“Fine,” I relented, forcing a small, reluctant smile. “If you say so.”

Derick called to a passing maid, “Please escort Alpha Ethan to one of the guest rooms and ensure he’s comfortable.”

“Yes, Alpha,” she replied with a slight bow, motioning for Ethan to follow. As he turned his wheelchair, his eyes locked with mine.

That single glance stole my breath away.

The bond pulled at my heart with a sharp ache.

My wolf whimpered softly inside my mind.

He feels it too. He just doesn’t understand yet.

I tore my gaze away and gripped Derick’s hand tightly, as if holding onto him would keep me from drowning in my emotions. He smiled gently and led me out of the hall.

I dared not look back, but I could sense Ethan’s eyes trailing me until the door closed behind us.

The walk to my room felt unbearably long. A heavy silence settled between Derick and me. My heart still hammered, my thoughts a chaotic swirl.

When we reached my door, Derick turned to me. “Let’s rest. It’s been a long day,” he murmured, brushing his fingers tenderly over my cheek.

“I think I just need some time alone tonight,” I replied quickly.

He frowned. “Why? You’ve been quiet since we left the hall. Did something happen?”

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