Mated To The Alpha King (Raven and Ethan) novel Chapter 280

**TITLE: No More 280**

**Reven’s Pov**

After I dismissed the driver, instructing him to inform Alpha Ethan that I was not prepared to accompany him, I retreated to the sanctuary of my room. The nerve of him! Sending someone to summon me as if I were a mere servant, expected to leap at his command. If he truly desired my presence, he should have come himself, face-to-face, instead of hiding behind a messenger and a veil of authority.

Yet, despite my defiance, a heaviness settled in my heart, an unwelcome companion. I didn’t want to confront this truth, but fear gnawed at me—fear of returning to his side, fear of the life that awaited me there, and fear of the emotions I fought so desperately to suppress.

I shook my head, attempting to dismiss those thoughts. I needed to focus on packing. Perhaps if I immersed myself in the task, I could stave off the storm brewing within. I bent down, carefully folding the last shirt, smoothing the fabric with my fingers before placing it atop the small stack nestled in my suitcase.

My hands trembled slightly, but I brushed the sensation aside. I zipped the suitcase slowly, the sound of the zipper a distraction from the chaos swirling in my chest.

The children were already prepared, standing beside the bed, their little bags clutched in their hands, their faces alight with excitement.

“Mommy, when are we going?” my daughter chirped, her voice bubbling with anticipation as she bounced on her toes.

“And will the plane be big?” my son chimed in, his eyes sparkling with joy.

Their innocent enthusiasm twisted my heart painfully. They were blissfully unaware of the turmoil raging inside me. They didn’t grasp the conflict that tore me apart. All they knew was that they would soon be leaving with their father, the man they adored. I couldn’t fault them for their feelings; they missed him, they loved him, and that was a truth I had to accept.

I managed a weak smile, trying to mask my turmoil. “Soon, my darlings… very soon.”

But deep within, I was unprepared. I didn’t want to leave—not like this, not when Derick had been avoiding me since the council’s judgment day. Every attempt I made to reach out to him ended in silence, as if he had erected a wall between us, one he was determined not to let me breach. I couldn’t depart without at least saying goodbye, without acknowledging the bond we had formed.

He had stood by me when the world had turned its back, when I felt utterly alone. He had been my anchor, my protector, and even though our situation was fraught with complications, I owed him a farewell—a gesture to show that he mattered in my life.

With a resigned sigh, I reached for my phone. If he wouldn’t meet me in person, then I would send him a message. Perhaps he would read it later, perhaps he would finally see the struggle I was enduring.

I settled onto the edge of the bed, fingers hovering over the screen as I began to type, each word a piece of my heart.

**Derick,**

I know you don’t want to talk to me right now. I know you’re hurt and angry. But you deserve to hear this from me before I leave.

I never wanted things to turn out this way. Please understand, I’m not choosing Alpha Ethan over you.

I’m simply doing what’s best for our children. I cannot abandon them, and he won’t allow me to go without them.

You were my rock when I had no one else. You stood by me when the world seemed intent on tearing me apart. I will never forget that.

I want you to know that once I go with him and things settle down, I promise I will return. I won’t be gone forever.

Please don’t think I’m abandoning you.

**Reven**

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