Mated To The Alpha King (Raven and Ethan) novel Chapter 31

Chapter 31

Raven’s POV

I woke up to a banging headache and a sore throat Hind potting up, but a sharp pain hit my back like fire tearing through my spice, Shit. I winced and laid back down, gritting my teeth. Every inch of me felt battered and bruised.

Ishifted slightly, letting my eyes roam the space. It wasn’t familiar. The walls were made of smooth stone, a little too rustic and earthy to be part of the pack house. There were herbs hanging from the salters and glass jars neatly lined up on wooden shelves. The air smelled like mint, lavender, and something more medicinal, was in a healer’s hut–though I had no memory of getting here.

Panic coiled in my chest as fragments of my last memory surfaced. The party. The accusation. Olivia’s cold voice echoing through the hall as the accused me of stealing a bracelet. The guests‘ eyes judging me. The way Alpha Ethan–my own mate- had looked at me with disappointment and ordered punishment without even hearing my side.

The memory hit like a stap. My throat tightened, tears pricking the comers of my eyes. I bit down on my lip until I tasted blood, refusing to let them fall. Not again. Not now.

Footsteps echoed from the hallway, getting closer. I quickly wiped my face, trying to mask any sign of weakness. The last thing I needed was more pity or judgment.

The door creaked open, and a woman stepped into view. She looked to be in her early fifties, with soft brown skin, braid, and kind eyes that immediately made me feel small and broken.

ar–streaked haired in a neat

“Oh, you’re awake,” she said with a gentle smile, walking toward me. I’m Mirella, the healer. Beta Matthew brought you here. You were unconscious for nearly two days.”

I blinked at her, my lips parting to speak, but no sound came out.

She leaned in and placed a cool hand on my forehead. “Don’t strain yourself, You’re safe now.” Then she turned slightly and called over her shoulder, *Matthew! She’s awake!”

I tensed. Beta Matthew? Why would he help me?

She turned back to me, gently lihing my arm and rubbing a pungent herb–infused salve on the bruises near my elbow. “You’ve got bruises all over. Cracked ribs, and deep lashes on your back. Whoever did this.. “Her voice trailed off, shaking her head. “You didn’t deserve it. No one does.”

Tears sprang to my eyes a

s again. I looked away, biting the inside of my cheek to keep them from falling.

“I’m giving you a mixture of pain–relieving herbs. Drink slowly,” she said, handing me a warm cup. “It will ease the soreness in your throat and body. You’ve been through something terrible, child.”

The tea was bitter, but I didn’t protest. It soothed my throat, the warmth settling in r

A knock at the door was followed by a familiar voice. “Is she awake?”

my stomach.

I turned my head to see Beta Matthew step inside. His usually stern face was shadowed with concern. He wore a simple white shirt, sleeves rolled up, and there were dark circles under his eyes like he hadn’t slept in days.

He came closer and sat at the chair beside my bed, “Hey,” he said softly, his voice losing its usual command. “How are you feeling?”

My lips trembled. I couldn’t stop it this time. “I didn’t steal anything,” I whispered hoarsely, my voice breaking on the last word. “I swear I didn’t.”

The tears poured freely now, and I covered my face with my hands. My body shook from the weight of it all–the pain, the humiliation, the betrayal. I sobbed uncontrollably, wishing the ground would swallow me whole

“I believe you,” Matthew said firmly, vonice cutting through my storm of emotion like a line, “That’s why I saved you.”

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Chapter 31

My breath caught,

He leaned forward, his eyes serious. “I knew something was wrong the second heard the accusation. Olisia was too calm, Too ready. And than ha was blinded, tried to speak up, but he was too far gone in his anger.

“I know,” Matthew sakl, jaw tightening. “And it wasn’t right”

I locked away, wiping at the tears staining my cheeks. My heart clenched at the memory of Alpha Ethan’s eyes cold, unrecognizing, as if I were nothing to him. I swallowed, hard

There was so much I couldn’t say out loud.

No one knew he was my mate.

Except from that witch that took him away from ne

Not even him… How could I call someone mine when he didn’t see me… didn’t feel me?

Matthew sat still for a moment, watching me quietly, almost as if he could read my thoughts but knew better than to pry

“He didn’t even care,” he said suddenly, his voice laced with quiet anger. “Not once did he ask how you were doing. Not once. After the punishment. after seeing what Olivia had orchestrated… he just walked away like none of it mattered. Like you didn’t matter.”

His words hit harder than I expected. I gripped the edge of the blanket, my knuckles whitening.

“Olivia’s reach is growing,” he continued. “She knows how to twist the narrative. But Ethan… he should’ve seen through it. The Alpha I knew he wouldn’t have stood by and watched someone suffer without just cause. And yet he did.”

I opened my mouth to respond, but a sharp buzz interrupted us. Matthew sighed and pulled out his phone, glancing at the screen. His brows drew together.

“What is it?” I asked, voice hoarse again.

He hesitated for a moment, thumb hovering over the screen before answering, “It’s Ethan.”

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