Mated To The Alpha King (Raven and Ethan) novel Chapter 25

Chapter 25

I stood up facing him directly as I pulled off the capre

grof my hoodie.

“Good morning, Alpha, greeted, my voice rough and worn from the night’s tears. Every word scraped out of me le it had to crawl through glass.

He didn’t answer.

Instead, his sharp gaze locked on my hoodie–specifically, the smudge of pale cream hosting on my sleeve. His eyes narrowed, his lips curling slightly at the corner in something between a sesert and a smirk,

Seems someone is mourning,” be

g.” he said, almost mockingly.

My breath caught, I knew what he saw what he thought he saw. He thought it was indulgence, maybe a sign of carelessness. But he didn’t understand, None of them did.

That flavor… it wasn’t something I’d been sneaking for myself. I wasn’t mourning the loss of luxury or wallowing in self–pity

I was mourning my mother.

That frosting–simple vanila almond with lavender cream–was my mother’s favorite. As my father told me Every year on this day, I made a small batch

in secret. I’d whisper her name as I mixed the ingredients, remembering her.” even though we spent just a minute before she left.

But Ethan wouldn’t know that. He didn’t want to know me.

My throat tightened, but I stayed silent.

“just came here to remind you that today is the deadline,” he said, cutting through the silence.

His voice was a knife, and his eyes held no sympathy.

I bowed my head as my eyes stung, but blinked quickly, willing the tears away before they could fail. “Alpha…..I didn’t do anything to your wolf. I’m innocent,” I whispered, praying that something in him might shift–soften–just a little.

But no. He didn’t flinch. His expression stayed cold.

“You always have an excuse,” he said. “But I’m not interested in stories.”

My jaw clenched “It’s not a story. I’d never harm your wolf –“I paused, lowering my voice. “I know what loss feels like, I wouldn’t wish it on anyone.”

Something in his eyes flickered for halla

If a second. Then it was gone

“Since today is my mate’s birthday,” he said finally, stepping back, “I’ll let it slide. For today. But don’t think I’ve forgotten. Or forgiven.”

With that, he turned and walked away, his boots echoing on the stone floor:

I stood there, my shoulders trembling. The hoodie quddenly felt too heavy, the scent of lavender and sugar clinging to it like a ghost. I pulled it off, cradling it in my arms for a second longer than I needed to.

Then I turned and made my way back to my quarters

Today was Luna Olivia’s birthday

Her seventh, as the pack’s Luna

Seven years of being paraded like royalty through the same halls where I now walked unseen.

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Chapter 25

Seven years of watching from the shadows while she lived in my place.

Because yes- I could have been Luna

I should have been.

Put she took it from me. Just like she took.

My mate

She marked him first, stole him from me before the bond between us had

chance to blossom

And now she wore the crown. And I wore an apron.

I changed into my maid’s uniform, tying it lightly around my waist. The white apron against the black fabric felt like a surrender flag–ke I had accepted

this life.

Butt hadn’t.

Not truly.

I walked to the grand hall, where servants buzzed like worker bees, setting up for the Luna’s celebration. The chandeliers sparkled, golden light catching on the crystal glasses and silverware, Silk runners draped the tables, and fresh flowers–white and crimson–lined the walls like offerings

The room glittered with elegance, but to me,

it fait like a cage.

My role was clear: blend in. Be silent, Be useful. Be nothing

temple

I moved to the dessert table and carefully unbound the birthday cake. Five layers. Cream and gold frosting, Fresh roses. Perfection. I would never sabotage it, no matter how much my soul screamed in pain,

I reached into my apron pocket and touched the small container tucked there–the last spoonful of the lavender–vanilla frosting rd made the night before, breath, before tucking it away again.

A sharp, measured voice cut through the hall.

“Red on the left. More white roses on the right came Olivia’s commanding tone.

I didn’t turn. I didn’t need to. I could feel her presence like a gust of cold air against my neck.

She approached slowly, deliberately. “Raven,” she said, all honey and knives. “So nice to see you working hard.”

“Luna,” I replied coolly, offering her the barest ned of acknowledgment.

Her lips curved. “You were always good with cakes. Especially that lavender one. What was it again?” She tapped her chin mockingly. “Oh right. Your mother’s favorite”

froze.

She know

Of course, she knew.

I turned slowly. “Just doing my job, Luna”

“Oh, I know,” she said sweetly. “And you’re doing it so

I stared at her, jaw light.

git so well, especially for someone who used to think this would be her lile.”

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Chapter 25

She leaned in just a little, her voice low. “Tell me, Raven Does it hurt? Watcht

live your dream?”

I met her gaze, my voice steady. “Not as much as it’ll hurt when the truth finally comes out.”

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