Mated to Rival Kings의 모든 챕터: 챕터 21 - 챕터 30

Raven's POV Jumping over the wooden bars and ducking under the low-slung ropes felt surprisingly exhilarating. The wind whipped through my hair, and for a moment, I forgot I was stuck between two kingdoms. I felt free. My feet slapped steadily against the stone.By the second round, however, the free feeling was replaced by a dull ache in my thighs. The air was getting chilly now that the sun had gone down completely, but I was working up a heavy sweat. My lungs felt like they were shrinking. I had never had to run like this before—not for sport, anyway.As my pace slowed, I reached deep for the tenacity that had kept me alive as an Omega in the Inker pack. Back home, even if you were tired, you didn't stop. If the laundry wasn't finished or the floors weren't scrubbed, dinner was waived. I had learned to move even when my muscles screamed.I pressed on, refusing to look in Valen’s direction. I didn't want to see him judging me. Almost there, I told myself, my vision blurring slightl

Valen's POVIt was like an out-of-body experience for me. My entire life had been a series of battles, cold nights, and the crushing weight of a crown I never asked for. Because of that hard life and my own volatile personality, I had never really cared for women. In werewolf tradition, most of us waited for our mates. While some didn't care and slept around, multiple sexual activities between non-mates were usually frowned upon. I fell into the category of those who just couldn't be bothered.Technically, as a King, I could have had any woman I wanted. There were plenty who practically threw themselves at me, probably drawn to the dangerous aura I exuded or the power I held. But I wasn't interested. I had been consumed with rage and anger for so long that there was no room for lust.Since meeting Raven, that had changed. She was like a cooling balm on a burn. I was finally starting to feel some peace, but with that peace came a sudden awareness of my own desires. And man, they weren'

Raven's POV"Have a seat, Raven," Elder Fabian said, his voice as dry as old parchment.I didn't like the way they were all staring at me. I walked over to the corner, dumped my new library books in a pile, and sat down in the small space beside Darian. The tension in the room was so thick I felt like I could reach out and snap it.Elder Fabian looked between the three of us, his expression calm. "How have you all been?"Valen let out a low, irritated grunt that served as his response. Darian, ever the diplomat, gave a polite nod. "Good, Elder. We are adjusting."I didn't bother to answer. I just wanted them to get to the point. Why were they sitting in our lounge looking like they were about to tell us some bad news?Elder Matilda, whose blind-looking eyes still unnerved me, turned her head toward me. "And the bond, child? Is it still the same? No shifts? No leaning toward one side or the other?""It’s the same," I said quietly. I could feel both Darian and Valen stiffen beside me at

Valen's POVYou know, parties are usually my thing. I love anything that loosens inhibitions and actually looks like fun. I like loud music, strong drinks, and the kind of energy that makes your wolf want to howl at the ceiling. But as I looked around at the wolves milling about, trying to maintain stiff social interactions, my vibe died immediately. I knew this couldn’t be a raving party, but what was this bleak mess?The Alphas were standing around like they had sticks shoved up their spines. They didn't have to act so stuck up just to prove they were strict and domineering. Power should be felt, not performed like a bad stage play.I looked around for my companions. Darian and Raven had already gone in different directions. I spotted Raven across the room where she was surrounded by a group of female Alphas. They seemed quite taken with her, leaning in and discussing something in low, hushed tones. Knowing female Alphas, it was probably something about men or lineage—things I defin

Raven's POV The shock was still rushing through my veins. One moment I was being lectured by an older woman about handling a household, and the next, Darian was almost poisoned. A man was even killed right in front of me. I had seen violence before but the speed of it, the absolute lack of hesitation in Maddox’s hands, left me feeling strange.As much as my mind replayed the sound of that snap, my heart was focused on Valen.He looked terrible. After forcing that confession out of the rogue, the color had drained from his face, leaving him looking pale and haunted. He had practically stumbled toward the balcony. I followed him, my heels clicking softly on the stone as I stepped into the cool night air.The balcony was large, fitted with a padded bench meant for stargazing. Valen had dropped heavily into it, his head in his hands. I sat down beside him, the silence between us heavy with the distant sounds of voices in the far distance."Are you okay?" I asked softly.He looked up, but