Mated To The Alpha King (Raven and Ethan) novel Chapter 279

**No More 279**

**Alpha Ethan’s POV**

Today marked the end of my time in California, a bittersweet farewell that stirred a tumultuous blend of emotions within me.

Relief washed over me like a gentle tide, for I had finally emerged victorious from the council’s judgment. But beneath that relief lurked an undercurrent of fear, gnawing at my insides. Despite my triumph, I was left questioning whether I had truly won back Reven’s heart or if I even still held a place in her life.

One undeniable truth anchored my thoughts:

I would not leave this country without my children and without Reven by my side.

My journey had never been solely for the kids; I had come for her, too.

No matter how much I tried to bury it, the truth blazed within me like an unquenchable fire—I still loved her.

Deeply.

Painfully.

Stubbornly.

Years ago, I had made a grave mistake, and in the aftermath, she had walked away, leaving my heart shattered in her hands. Yet, I held onto the belief that people could change, that love could withstand the weight of past errors. If only she could grant me one more chance, even the tiniest glimmer of hope, I was convinced we could mend what had been broken.

But that belief clashed violently with the reality I faced:

Reven had no intention of returning with me.

It wasn’t the distance that held her back.

It wasn’t even the kids.

It was the emotional scars I had inflicted upon her.

Still, surrender was not an option.

Not this time.

Not when the opportunity to reunite my family stood before me like a beacon of hope.

As I contemplated this, my phone erupted into a loud ring, shattering the silence in the room. I reached for it, my heart racing, and answered without glancing at the caller ID.

“Speak your mind,” I responded curtly, pressing the phone to my ear.

“Good morning, Alpha,” the pilot’s voice came through, crisp and professional. “The jet is ready and waiting for you.”

“Excellent. Stay put; I’m on my way,” I replied, ending the call swiftly.

No second-guessing.

No procrastination.

Today was the day everything would shift.

After a brief moment of gathering my thoughts, I dialed Matthew’s number. The phone rang only twice before he answered, his voice laced with fatigue yet familiar.

“Alpha? How far are you?” he asked, his concern evident.

“I’m returning today,” I stated matter-of-factly.

There was a pause on the line. “That’s good news. But you sound… different. Are you alright?”

“I’m not coming back alone,” I declared, ignoring his probing. “I’m bringing Reven and the kids with me.”

Matthew exhaled heavily, the sound echoing my own tension. “So, you won the council? You couldn’t have told me that sooner, Alpha?”

“I was preoccupied,” I admitted, rubbing my temples in frustration. “Things escalated quickly.”

“I see,” he responded, then hesitated, weighing his words. “But how is Reven handling the idea of leaving with you?”

I leaned back, letting out a frustrated sigh. “She’s not thrilled about it. But this time, she doesn’t have a choice. Her children can’t remain in one place while she’s somewhere else.”

“I understand,” Matthew replied softly. “Just… be gentle with her. She’s been through a lot.”

“And remember, take it slow. It’s going to be a challenge for both her and the kids, especially since you haven’t been part of their lives since birth.”

“I know,” I whispered, the weight of his words settling heavily on my heart.

“And Alpha…” Matthew added cautiously, “Zara. Should I inform her of your arrival?”

“No,” I interjected firmly. “Keep Zara in the dark for now. I want to surprise her.”

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