Mated To The Alpha King (Raven and Ethan) novel Chapter 297

**TITLE: No More 297**
**CONTENT: Chapter 297**

**Reven’s POV**

Fifty-five vouchers.

As I made my way back to my room, the children scampered behind me, their laughter echoing like a soothing balm against the chaos that had enveloped our lives. I had asked a maid to prepare something for us to eat, hoping that a warm meal would distract us from the storm brewing both outside and within our home. My body felt heavy and weary, each muscle aching from the burdens of the day, while my mind raced, tangled in thoughts of Ethan, Vera, and the turbulent emotions that refused to settle.

Once inside, I settled the kids on the floor, arranging them like a protective circle around me. Zara, my sweet little girl, peered up at me, her brow furrowed in concern. “Are you fine, Mama?” she asked in a voice so soft it almost broke my heart.

I managed a smile, though it felt like a mask over the weight in my chest. Even though I was not her biological mother, my love for her ran deep, as if she were my own flesh and blood. They were my joy, my strength, and my anchor amidst the chaos that swirled around us. I nodded reassuringly at Zara.

“Yes, darling, I’m fine,” I replied, my voice steady despite the exhaustion that clung to me like a second skin.

Her eyes sparkled with relief, and she wrapped her tiny arms around me, her warmth enveloping me. “I love you so much,” she whispered, her sincerity washing over me like a gentle tide. I hugged her back tightly, savoring the moment, feeling the warmth of her small body against mine. “I love you too, Zara. I love all of you so much,” I murmured, my voice thick with emotion, the words spilling from my heart.

I encouraged the children to gather their toys, suggesting we play together while we waited for our meal. They sprang into action, their laughter filling the room, a melody that warmed the heavy air and lifted the shadows that clung to my spirit.

For a brief moment, the tension that had weighed on me all day dissipated, replaced by the pure joy radiating from their innocent faces. I joined them on the floor, laughter bubbling up as we played, allowing myself to bask in this fleeting moment of peace.

Before long, the maid entered, her arms laden with trays of food. She set them down before the children and served me as well. I watched them eat, their little hands eagerly reaching for the food, eyes sparkling with delight at every bite.

They were my heart, my reason for being, and I would do anything to shield them from the storms that raged beyond these walls.

Once they had finished, I guided them to their beds, my heart swelling with love as I sang a soft lullaby. My voice trembled slightly, the words flowing like a soothing river, wrapping us all in comfort.

One by one, their eyelids grew heavy, their breaths evening out until they were fast asleep. I felt a pang of longing the moment I stepped away, wishing I could freeze this moment in time, holding onto this peace forever.

Quietly, I turned off the lights, leaving the room bathed in the gentle glow of moonlight filtering through the curtains. My feet moved almost as if they had a mind of their own, guiding me to my own room. I opened the door and halted, my breath catching in my throat.

“Ethan?” I exclaimed, shock lacing my voice. It trembled with a mixture of anger and disbelief.

He stood there, leaning casually against the wall, as if he had been waiting for this precise moment for hours. My chest tightened, my wolf stirred restlessly within me, and my heart raced in response to his presence. “What… what are you doing here? Weren’t you supposed to be with your mate?” I demanded, my voice sharper than I intended, the words spilling out like a defensive shield.

Ethan didn’t respond right away. Instead, he held my gaze, his eyes steady and unwavering. The silence between us was thick, almost suffocating. I took a step back, instinctively wanting to distance myself. “Leave, Ethan. I don’t want you near me or the kids. Go play with your mate like a lovesick puppy,” I said, trying to mask the tremor in my voice.

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