Mated To The Alpha King (Raven and Ethan) novel Chapter 171

Chapter 171

Chapter 171

Alpha Ethan’s POV

Two Months Later

1

It’s been two months now since Elisa was killed, and all the investigations haven’t given me any answers. No leads. Nothing. It’s like she vanished in thin air, leaving behind only blood and silence.

Every time I close my eyes, I see her smiling face. Elisa. My baby sister.

The only family I had left. She was the light in my darkness, the only one who could calm the storm inside me. And now she’s gone.

Raven.

I can’t bring myself to forgive her. Not after what she did. She betrayed me. She took away the only person I had in this world. At least, that’s what I keep telling myself. But deep inside, something feels off. Something tells me there’s more to the story. Yet, I push that thought away because the anger keeps me alive.

Without anger, I’d feel the pain. And I can’t handle that pain. Not now.

I stood in front of the mirror after my morning run, sweat dripping from my body, my chest heaving. My reflection stared back at me with cold eyes, a clenched jaw, scars that told stories no one else knew. I looked like a man who had everything under control. But the truth? I was falling apart.

I turned on the shower and stepped under the cold spray. The water ran down my skin, washing away the sweat, but not the memories.

They stuck to me like a curse. Elisa’s laughter. Her voice calling me “big brother” in that playful tone. Her promise that she would always stay by m

I slammed my fist against the wall. The pain shot through my knuckles, but it wasn’t enough to numb what I felt inside.

Two months. Two long months. And in those two months, Raven changed She’s been quiet, reserved. She doesn’t argue with me anymore. She doesn’t fight back. She doesn’t even look at me the way she used to. And that scares me.

Because I know Raven. She’s strong. Stubborn. The kind of woman who would rather die than bow down to someone. But now? Now she acts like a shadow of herself.

My wolf paces inside me. Something’s wrong, he whispers.

“What do you mean something’s wrong?” I mutter, gripping the edge of the sink.

She’s planning something, my wolf growls. She’s waiting for the right time to strike.

I shake my head. “No. She wouldn’t dare.”

Wouldn’t she?

I swallow hard. Maybe he’s right. Maybe Raven is planning something. Maybe she’s just pretending to be broken so she can destroy me when I least expect it.

“She already destroyed me,” I whisper to myself.

No. She destroyed Elisa. Not you.

A sharp pain shoots through my chest. I grab a towel and wrap it around my waist, my head pounding with thoughts I don’t want to have.

“Shut the fuck up,” I hiss to my wolf. “You don’t know what betrayal feels like. You didn’t lose her. I did.”

He goes quiet, but I can feel his anger simmering beneath the surface.

Chapter 171

I pull on my training pants and a black T-shirt before heading out. The sun is already up, casting a warm glow over the park grounds,

The air smells of fresh grass and sweat as warriors move across the training field, practicing their stances, sparring, and peilecting their meet

The training ground used to be my escape, the one place where I could drown everything out and just focus on the fight. But now, even here, i) follow me.

As I walk onto the field, the warriors immediately straighten up and bow their heads.

“Alpha,” they greet in unison.

“Get back to work,” I order, my voice cold and sharp.

They obey without question.

I move to the center of the field, taking in the sight of swords clashing, fists punching, and bodies moving with precision. For a moment, I let myself focus on the sound of metal against metal, the grunts, the rhythm of combat. It’s almost comforting.

Almost.

“Pair up!” I command. “I want full-contact sparring. No holding back. Push your limits, or don’t bother standing here!”

They move quickly, pairing off, ready for the challenge. I watch them for a while before deciding to join in. Maybe if I fight hard enough, I can silence the voices in my head.

I grab two warriors and order them to come at me. They hesitate for a second before charging forward. Good. At least they’re not cowards.

The first swings at me, and I block easily, twisting his arm until he drops to his knees with a grunt. The second comes at me from behind, butts elbow slamming into his ribs before sweeping his legs out from under him.

“Pathetic,” I growl. “Again!”

They attack again, harder this time, but I’m faster. Stronger. Angrier. And anger makes me unstoppable.

I keep going until sweat soaks through my shirt, until my muscles burn and my lungs ache. Blow after blow, kick after kick. I don’t stop until both warriors are lying on the ground, groaning in pain.

My chest heaves as I straighten, my fists still clenched. But the voice’s are still there. The memories are still there.

I order the rest of the warriors through drills, barking commands/until my throat feels raw. When I’m finally done, the sun is high, and the field is quiet except for the sound of heavy breathing and shifting feet.

“Dismissed,” I say, and they scatter like leaves in the wind.

Exhausted, I sink onto the grass, lying flat on my back. The sky stretches above me, blue and endless, mocking me with its calmness.

I close my eyes and let the silence wash over me. For a moment, I almost feel… at peace. Almost.

And then I hear it.

“Brother.”

The voice is soft, gentle, and so damn familiar that my heart stops.

No. No, it can’t be.

I sit up slowly, my pulse pounding in my ears. Did I imagine that?

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