Mated To The Alpha King (Raven and Ethan) novel Chapter 181

Chapter 181

Raven’s Pov

“Here we are,” the cab driver announced as the vehicle slowed to a halt in front of a tall, elegant building. Its sleek glass walls reflected the soft glow of the evening sun, and for the first time in what felt like forever, something stirred in my chest a fragile flicker of hope.

I stared at the structure for a long moment before turning to the driver.

“Thank you,” I murmured, my voice barely above a whisper as I handed him the fare with trembling hands.

Stepping out of the cab, the evening air brushed against my skin, cool and gentle, unlike the suffocating heaviness I had left behind at the pack house.

My fingers tightened around the handle of my small suitcase, the one that carried everything I owned, everything I could salvage of myself.

The sound of my boots clicking against the paved pathway echoed faintly as I walked toward the main entrance.

My heart raced when I reached the tall glass doors. I pulled out the key Beta Matthew had given me, the small metallic object glinting in my palm under the streetlight.

Matthew…

Even thinking his name brought a mix of emotions: gratitude, guilt, and something deeper I didn’t want to name.

He had done more than anyone ever had for me, risking his position, his safety, and maybe even his life, just to help me escape that hell, Without him, I wouldn’t be here. Without him, I might not even be alive.

As the lock clicked open, I stepped inside the building. The interior smelled faintly of lavender and polished wood, the walls painted in soft, calming tones.

My footsteps echoed in the empty hallway as I took the elevator to the fourth floor, counting the seconds until the metallic doors slid open with a soft ding.

Apartment 406.

I stopped in front of the door and stared at the number plate for a long moment before inserting the key.

The door opened into a warm, softly lit space that stole my breath away.

It wasn’t a mansion, but to me, it felt like heaven.

A small living area with a plush sofa, a neat kitchenette, and a large window overlooking the city lights it was more than I had imagined.

For a second, I stood there frozen, the weight of everything crashing into me.

The past weeks of pain, humiliation, and torment seemed so far away now, yet close enough to suffocate me if I let my

mind wander.

1/4

11:12 Mon, Sept

Chapter 181

26%

Dropping my suitcase by the door, I closed it behind me and pressed my back against the cool wood, exhaling shakily. “You made it,” I whispered to myself, my voice breaking. “You’re finally out.”

But was I really free? The question lingered, heavy and cruel, in the back of my mind.

Shaking the thought off, I pushed myself away from the door and headed to the bedroom.

A small, cozy space with a neatly made bed and crisp white sheets awaited me. For the first time in months, I felt safe.

Almost.

The first thing I needed was a shower. My body ached, and I wanted to wash away every trace of my old life, every memory that clung to me like poison.

I stepped into the bathroom and turned on the shower, letting the warm water cascade over me. My skin prickled as the heat sank in, loosening the tension knotted in my muscles.

For a long time, I just stood there, letting the water drown out everything my fears, my doubts, my wolf’s restless murmurs. She had been quiet since we left, but I could feel her pacing inside me, worried.

You’re not okay, she whispered faintly. You’ve been feeling this way for weeks. You should listen to me.

“It’s nothing,” I muttered, cutting her off. “Just stress.”

She growled softly, unconvinced, but I ignored her. I had enough problems without adding imaginary ones.

When I was done, I wrapped myself in a towel and walked back into the bedroom. My suitcase lay on the floor where I’d dropped it earlier.

I dug out a simple dress and slipped it on before picking up the phone Matthew had given me.

The screen lit up with his name the moment I dialed. It rang twice before his deep voice came through.

“Raven?”

A small smile tugged at my lips. “I’m here,” I said softly. “I… I just wanted to let you know I arrived safely.”

A sharp breath of relief echoed on the other end. “Thank the Goddess,” he muttered. “You have no idea how worried I’ve been. Do you… like the place?”

My eyes swept over the room, drinking in every detail the soft curtains, the warm lighting, and the sense of peace I hadn’t felt in forever. “It’s perfect,” I whispered..“More than I could ever hope for. Matthew, I… I really appreciate this. I couldn’t have done this without you.”

His voice softened. “You don’t have to thank me. I just want you to be safe. Promise me you’ll be careful, especially at

work.”

“I will,” I assured him, even though a part of me wasn’t sure how long I could keep that promise.

“Good. Call me if anything happens. And, Raven…” His voice dipped lower, almost hesitant. “Don’t shut me out, okay?”

My throat tightened. “Okay,” I whispered before hanging up.

2/4

11:12 Mon, 1 Sept

Chapter 181

¥26%售

The silence that followed was deafening. I sat on the edge of the bed, staring at the phone for a long moment before

setting it aside.

My stomach grumbled, reminding me that I hadn’t eaten all day. I dragged myself to the kitchen, fixed a quick meal nothing fancy, just something to quiet the hunger clawing at me and ate in silence.

By the time I returned to the bedroom, exhaustion weighed me down like chains. I set the alarm on my phone and laid down, promising myself I’d only rest for an hour before work.

The shrill sound of the alarm ripped through my dreams, dragging me back to reality. I groaned and sat up, rubbing my eyes. The clock on the nightstand glowed in angry red numbers. Time to go.

I dressed quickly in the black uniform provided by the club, a sleek dress paired with low heels, and pulled my hair into a

neat bun.

Matthew had secured the job for me, a waitressing position at a high–end club known for its “exclusive clientele.” He said it was the safest option for now. I didn’t know if I believed that, but I had no choice. I needed the money. I needed a new

start.

The cab ride to the club was short. The building loomed ahead like a beast in the night, all flashing lights and throbbing music. The air smelled of expensive liquor and something darker, something I couldn’t name.

I checked in at the staff entrance, picked up my tray, and plastered a polite smile on my face. It felt strange, pretending everything was fine when inside, I was anything but.

“First day, huh?” One of the senior waitresses smirked at me. “Good luck. You’ll need it.”

I didn’t respond. I just nodded and walked onto the floor, weaving through the sea of bodies swaying to the music. The club pulsed with life, a chaotic rhythm that made my head spin.

I started taking orders, moving from table to table; keeping my voice steady and my hands from trembling. But it didn’t take long before the whispers started.

“Hey, sweetheart.” A tall man with cold, sharp eyes leaned toward me as I set down his drink. “You’d make a perfect little sub. What do you say?”

My stomach twisted. I forced a tight smile. “I’m not here for that,” I said, my voice firm. “Just drinks.”

He chuckled darkly, his gaze lingering a moment too long before I walked away. Others tried too, men and women alike, but I shut them all down with the same line. I wasn’t here to be anyone’s anything. I was here to survive.

Verify captcha to read the contentVerify