Mated To The Alpha King (Raven and Ethan) novel Chapter 216

Chapter 216

Reven’s Pov

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I sat still in the kitchen, my chin resting on my palms, as I watched Derick move from one corner to another.

The way he arranged the dishes with so much care made me smile.

He was serious about the picnic,

more serious than I had expected. He checked the basket twice, making sure everything was in place

the fruits, the drinks, the sandwiches, even the blanket.

I tilted my head, watching the way his brow furrowed in concentration. It was almost funny to see him fuss over little details.

He looked like a man on a mission, as though the whole world depended on this picnic being perfect.

I could not help but ask softly, “Do you need help?”

He turned, his lips twitching into that small grin of his, the one that always made me blush no matter how many times I saw it.

“No,” he said, his voice calm but firm. “You just sit still and wait for me. I’ll handle this.”

I raised a brow at him, pretending to pout. “So you don’t want me to help at all?”

He shook his head as he wiped his hands on a clean towel. “Not today. Today, I’m the one taking care of you.

You’ve been through too much already, Raven. Just sit, relax, and let me spoil you a little.”

His words warmed my heart. It was rare to feel this kind of peace, this kind of safety.

For a long time, my days had been filled with pain, confusion, and memories that haunted me.

But with Derick, even the air around me felt different.

Softer. Lighter. Almost like I could breathe again.

I leaned back against the chair, watching him pack. “Do you even have friends?” I asked, teasing.

“Why don’t you invite them to join us? A picnic with more people would be fun.”

He paused, looked at me, then shook his head slowly. “I don’t make many friends apart from my beta and a few others.”

“Then why not invite them?” I pushed gently.

He walked closer, resting one hand on the counter as his eyes locked with mine.

11:54 Mon, Sep 29

Chapter 216

“Because I don’t want them here. I just want this moment with you.”

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My cheeks burned instantly. I quickly turned my face away, pretending to focus on the basket instead of his

eyes.

It was impossible to hide how much those words touched me. He always knew how to make me feel special even without trying too hard.

I mumbled, “You’re impossible,” and busied myself with adjusting the edge of the blanket he had folded.

When the packing was done, I excused myself and went to my room. A warm shower was exactly what I needed.

As the water ran down my skin, I let my mind wander back to Derick’s words. He wanted the day just for us.

The thought made me blush all over again. By the time I stepped out of the shower, my heart was already fluttering.

I picked up my phone and called Derick to come help me choose what to wear.

He came in, shaking his head with a small laugh. “You’re always so indecisive.”

“Don’t blame me,” I said, opening the wardrobe wide. “I want to look perfect.”

Together we went through several dresses. I tried on a soft blue one, then a plain white one,

but nothing seemed right.

At last, after what felt like forever, we settled on a flower dress that

made me look fresh and simple. I slipped on a pair of comfortable slippers, brushed my hair gently,

and decided that was enough.

Derick gave a small nod of approval, and that was all I needed.

When I was ready, I walked out to the living room. Derick was already loading the basket and games into the

car.

I waited, playing with the edge of my dress nervously, until he returned. Soon we were driving to the location,

and I realized it wasn’t far from the house at all.

The place was beautiful. A hidden garden with soft grass covering the ground and tall trees swaying gently in the breeze.

The sunlight filtered through the leaves, leaving little patterns on the floor. Birds chirped in the distance,

their voices blending with the soft hum of the wind.

It felt private, almost magical, like the world itself wanted to give us peace for the day.

11:54 Mon, Sep 29

Chapter 216

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As soon as we stepped out of the car, Derick carried the mat and went over to spread it under one of the trees.

I sat down, brushing my fingers over the grass, enjoying its coolness, while he began unloading the food, drinks, and games.

When everything was ready, he finally sat down beside me. “Shall we start with a game?” he asked, holding up

a bottle.

I raised my brow. “Truth or dare?”

He nodded, mischief dancing in his eyes. “Yes. Let’s see how brave you are today.”

He spun the bottle, and it pointed at him first. Without hesitation, he chose truth.

I thought for a moment, then asked the question that had been hidden in my heart.

“What if you find your mate? Will you leave me and the kids?”

For a moment, silence fell between us. My chest tightened as I waited for his answer.

But then his eyes softened, and he reached out to touch my hand.

“No, Raven. I won’t leave. We are already a family. You, me, and the kids–we’re spending the rest of our years together.

That’s all that matters.”

Heat rushed to my face. I quickly looked away, but I couldn’t hide my smile.

The way he said it, so firmly, so sure, made my heart dance. I couldn’t remember the last time I felt this much. certainty from anyone.

It was my turn. He spun the bottle, and it landed on me. My heart skipped. I chose dare, thinking it would be something simple.

But Derick smirked. “I dare you to kiss me.”

My eyes widened. “You’re such a spoiled brat,” I said quickly, trying to hide my nervousness.

He leaned back, folding his arms as if he had all the time in the world. “I’m waiting,” he teased.

My heart raced so fast I thought it might burst. Slowly, nervously, I leaned closer.

His eyes never left mine.

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