Mated To The Alpha King (Raven and Ethan) novel Chapter 197

Chapter 197

Alpha Ethan’s Pov

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I sat quietly beside Ava, my soon–to–be wife, as the priest conducted the marital rites. The candles burned steadily, their flames flickering against the decorated walls of the hall, while the murmurs of gathered guests hushed into silence. All eyes were on us, yet my gaze kept wandering inward, into places no one else could

see.

I sighed, the sound muffled beneath the weight of tradition and responsibility. This moment, this sacred day, should have been one I anticipated with joy. Once, long ago, I had pictured it differently. I had envisioned Reven by my side, her soft hand trembling inside mine as we spoke our vows.

I had imagined a bond born not of duty but of fate, of a fire neither time nor anger could quench.

But my pride had destroyed that possibility. My anger, had pushed her further and further from me until she was nothing more than a memory that still clawed at the back of my mind.

Now, instead of Reven, it was Ava seated beside me, her face radiant, her eyes filled with hope.

The priest’s voice rose, solemn and steady, invoking the blessings of the Moon Goddess. I tried to focus, but the words blurred into a drone, background noise against the louder voice in my head.

Where is Raven now?

Is she thinking of me? Has she moved on?

The questions pierced through me like needles.

“Are you okay?” Ava’s voice broke through the storm of my thoughts, soft but edged with concern. Her hand brushed mine lightly, a gentle tether pulling me back to the present.

I forced a noise of reassurance, a short hum meant to pacify her.

I did not trust myself to speak more, afraid my voice would betray the turmoil inside me. She smiled faintly, satisfied, and returned her attention to the priest.

We were called forward to take our vows. My heart pounded as I faced Ava.

Her eyes shimmered with unshed tears of happiness, and her lips trembled with the weight of emotion. I repeated the priest’s words, my voice strong, practiced, but hollow. The crowd heard commitment; only I knew the truth behind my tone.

Then came the rings. Cold metal pressed against my skin as Ava slid the band onto my finger. I did the same for her, my hands steady though my heart was anything but. And as the final blessing was spoken, I made a silent vow that no one else could hear:

I will not repeat the mistake I made before. I will not let pride ruin me again. If fate has closed one door, then I will walk through this one. Even if my heart bleeds for another, I will not let Ava suffer for sins she did not commit.

10:43 Mon, Sep 15

Chapter 197

The hall erupted in clapping, the sound echoing like distant thunder. I took Ava’s hand, guiding her back tõ our seats as the ceremony rolled on. The rest blurred together–congratulations, embraces, laughter that did not reach my soul. My lips smiled, but my thoughts remained chained to Raven.

Night eventually came, and with it, the dispersal of guests. The pack house grew quieter, save for the lingering footsteps of servants tidying up after the grand celebration. My body was weary, but my mind refused to rest.

I led Ava to the room that was now ours. The word itself felt heavy, unfamiliar. The chamber was lavish, prepared for the occasion with white linens, scattered petals, and the faint scent of roses. It should have felt like a dream, yet for me, it was a reminder of everything I had lost.

Ava moved with careful grace, her hands finding the buttons of my jacket. She helped me out of it, her touch tentative yet affectionate. I said nothing, merely watching her, allowing her to ease me into this new role of husband. She smiled up at me, her eyes glimmering with something I could not name–devotion, maybe, or longing.

“I’ll take a bath,” I murmured, moving toward the adjoining chamber.

But Ava followed.

When I turned to her, her fingers already brushing the strap of her gown, I frowned. “Wait for me. I’ll come back for you.”

She shook her head, her expression firm though softened by a small smile. “No, Ethan. We’re married now. We should start this night together.”

Her words struck something deep inside me. She wasn’t wrong. Marriage was union, a binding of lives, not just names. Still, my chest tightened, panic fluttering like wings inside me. I had bathed with Reven once, had felt her skin slick against mine, had lost myself in her warmth. Those memories resurfaced with violent clarity, threatening to choke me.

But I saw the determination in Ava’s eyes, the vulnerable plea beneath her bravery. To deny her now would be cruel. And so, reluctantly, I nodded.

Steam rose quickly as we stepped into the shower. The water cascaded over us, washing away the remnants of the day’s ceremony. I stood still at first, letting the heat soothe my tense muscles. Ava moved closer, her hand sliding over my arm, her body pressing tentatively against mine.

And suddenly, I was elsewhere.

I remembered Reven The way her laughter had echoed softly in moments like this. The way she had traced circles on my chest with careless fingers, teasing me without words. The way she had leaned into me, her wet hair clinging to her shoulders, her eyes glowing with something I had never found in anyone else.

My breath caught. The ache in my chest swelled until it was almost unbearable. I shook my head violently, as if to dislodge the memory. Ava was here. Ava was real.

Reven was gone.

I turned, gripping Ava’s waist and pulling her closer, forcing myself to see her, to feel her. Her eyes widened briefly, then softened as she wrapped her arms around me.

10:43 Mon, Sep 15

Chapter 197

“I can’t walk,” I whispered roughly, the words slipping out, born of truth I seldom admitted. My legs stiff carried their old weakness, scars from battles fought long ago. “But that doesn’t mean I can’t satisfy my

woman.”

Her lips parted in surprise, then curved into a smile that melted her nervousness. She leaned into me, her forehead resting against mine as the water streamed around us.

I stroked her check softly as my other hand rested on her waist, her scent hitting my nose–it smelled like vanilla. Without asking for her permission, I locked my lips with hers, giving her a passionate kiss as her moans filled the bathroom. As I gently stroked her exposed ass, I pulled out, leaving her breathless and wet.

“Go lie on the bed,” I told her, which she happily obeyed.

I wheeled myself out of the bathroom, arriving at the room. Ava was already on her knees, her full breasts on display. I growled as I approached her.

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