Mated To Rival Kings

CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN

Raven's POV

"You look gorgeous, Raven," Darian said, his voice dropping into that smooth, cool tone that always made my heart skip.

"Absolutely stunning," Valen added, his eyes raking over me with a bluntness that would have made me shrink away days ago. Now, it just made me feel seen.

I felt the heat rising to my cheeks. "Thank you," I whispered, smoothing the midnight-blue fabric of my gown. "I actually feel pretty. You both look... well, you look like Kings."

It wasn't an exaggeration. Darian in his white and gold looked like the embodiment of the sun, while Valen in his dark furs and silver looked like the king of the winter itself. I stepped between them, and together we left the quiet sanctuary of our lounge.

The ball was being held in the same massive space where we had all been addressed on our first day at the mansion. Walking toward it now felt strange. It felt like that first day had happened months ago, even though it had only been a few weeks. Back then, I was a serving Omega hiding just trying to do my job well. Now, I was walking between the two most powerful men in the world.

As we reached the heavy oak doors of the hall, I peered inside nervously. The space had been completely transformed. The casual vibe was gone, replaced by elegant banners, shimmering lights, and long tables lined against the walls. The tables were piled high with every dessert imaginable and crystal decanters filled with colorful drinks.

The Kings stopped just outside the entrance. It seemed they were waiting for someone. Moments later, two men emerged from the crowd inside, each heading toward their respective ruler.

I was still looking inside the hall when an insanely deep, unique voice pierced through the air. I turned my head to the left and froze.

Standing beside Darian was a… one-eyed Alpha. This must be Diane's mate.

He was striking in a way that was almost frightening. His hair was a strange, pale silver that caught the light of the chandeliers, looking like spun moonlight. I wondered if he dyed it; surely nobody could have that color naturally. A dark leather patch covered his left eye, held in place by straps tied firmly at the back of his head.

I couldn't stop staring. What in the Goddess’s name had happened to his eye? But the more I looked at him, the more a sense of wrongness began to crawl up my spine.

Suddenly, my vision flickered. In a flash, I saw streaks of glowing purple light pulsing all over his body, visible beneath his skin and clothes. I blinked hard, my breath catching in my throat, and just as quickly as it appeared, it was gone.

Everything returned to normal. I shivered, a cold sweat breaking out on my neck. What was that? Was I finally losing my mind? First the vanishing book in the library, and now Alpha Storm looking like... like something foreign.

My gaze roved over him again, settling on his face, only to find that he was already looking directly at me. I jumped, my heart beating fast, and looked away immediately. I felt the heat of a flush creeping up my neck at being caught staring.

I took a deep breath and glanced back cautiously. He was still looking. His single dark eye was like a bottomless pit, absorbing everything and giving nothing back. I squared my shoulders and held his intense gaze. I wouldn't be intimidated by the infamous, barbaric Alpha.

Darian seemed to notice the silent exchange. He reached out and motioned for me to come. "Raven, come here."

I walked over, careful not to trip on my hem. Falling flat on my face in front of the werewolf elite would be a humiliation I’d never recover from.

"Brother," Darian said, his voice relaxed. "This is Raven, my mate."

Brother. So the rumors were true. They were related.

I looked up at Alpha Storm, trying to keep my voice steady. "It’s a pleasure to meet you, Alpha Storm."

"Likewise, Lady Raven," he said. His voice was rough yet strangely melodic.

I looked at him and couldn't help but think of Diane. Oh, poor girl. He looked like pure bad news. I instinctively moved closer to Darian’s warm, sturdy frame, my hand gripping his bicep. Darian seemed to sense my discomfort immediately.

"You may return to the party, Storm," Darian said, his tone turning a bit more formal. "I'll be in shortly."

The Alpha gave a sharp nod and walked away, his movements brisk and fluid. I shivered again, physically trying to shake off the lingering unease.

I turned my attention to Valen. He looked like he was about to punch the living daylights out of the man he was talking to—the ginger Alpha who had anchored the Peace Summit. Valen’s jaw was set so tight I thought his teeth might crack.

Darian reached out, his palm cupping my cheek. "Everything okay?"

I nodded, leaning into his touch to reassure him. "I'm fine. Just a bit nervous."

We walked over to Valen just as he was dismissing the other Alpha with an obnoxious wave of his hand. Valen looked beyond irritated, his citrusy scent was getting stronger and oppressive.

"Come now," Darian said, his voice laced with a bit of a tease. "We managed to keep you in an okay mood these past few days. Don't ruin it now."

Valen turned his glare on Darian. "Spare me the bullshit. Ruin it? Is that what I do? Just ruin things?"

The anger was rolling off him in waves. Before Darian could snap back and start a scene right in the doorway, I stepped forward. I placed my palm flat against Valen’s chest, right over his heart. I could feel the rapid thudding beneath his ribs.

He looked down at me, his wild dark eyes burning with a fire that usually made people run for cover. Both he and Alpha Storm had dark eyes, but Valen’s felt different. They felt safe.

"Calm now," I said softly, rubbing my hand in a slow circle against his chest.

Valen’s shoulders dropped comically. He let out a low sound in his chest that sounded far too much like a contented whine.

I heard Darian choke out a sudden laugh before he quickly cleared his throat and composed himself. Goddess forbid someone catches King Darian laughing at his rival’s expense. I removed my hand, satisfied that everything was calm for now.”

"Shall we?" I asked.

The Kings flanked me, and we moved toward the wide-open doors. As we crossed the threshold, a stunning female werewolf standing on a raised dais announced our arrival. Her voice was somehow amplified, ringing through the hall.

"Presenting King Darian of the Southern lands, the bringer of warmth and order," she proclaimed. "King Valen of the Northern lands, the valiant destroyer..."

She paused, her eyes landing on me. She looked stuck for a second, her lips parting as she searched for a title for an Omega who didn't fit into the usual hierarchy of power.

"...and Lady Raven," she finally finished.

The tips of my ears burned. I felt a sudden, crushing weight of unworthiness. Who was I to stand beside these great men? I was an Omega from a simple pack. But before the doubt could swallow me, Valen reached out and slid his hand firmly around my waist, pulling me forward.

"Head up," he murmured.

We began to walk. The crowd of Alphas, Betas, and high-ranking wolves parted seamlessly, creating a wide path for us. I looked around at the hundreds of faces and took a deep breath, clutching the fabric of my gown.

This ball better go without any hitches, I prayed.