Mated To Rival Kings

CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE

Raven's POV

I woke up feeling like my head had been stuffed with cotton and my throat was lined with sandpaper. Usually, werewolves are hardy creatures. We heal fast and rarely catch the common bugs that plague humans. But as an Omega, my body was always a bit more fragile. The previous night’s antics in the rain had finally caught up with me.

I groaned and pulled the duvet tighter around my shoulders. I didn't feel like moving, let alone getting out of bed. I just wanted to sink into the mattress and disappear.

A soft knock sounded at the door. "Enter," I croaked.

The door swung open and Darian stepped in. He was already dressed for the day in a crisp, charcoal-grey shirt that made his amber eyes pop. He stopped at the foot of my bed, frowning. "It’s already eight in the morning, Raven. You’re usually up by now."

"I'm... I'm a bit down today," I said. My voice cracked mid-sentence, sounding like a rusted hinge.

Darian didn't hesitate. He dashed to my side, his cool palm finding my forehead. His touch felt like ice against my skin, which told me exactly how high my temperature was.

"You’re burning up," he said, his voice laced with concern. "This is exactly what happens when you spend an hour playing in the rain. I should have been firmer with you." He shook his head, though his eyes were soft. "Stay right there. I’m going to get some hot water to massage your joints. It'll help with the aching."

I nodded weakly. As he left, I could hear him speaking to someone in the lounge. His tone was urgent, and a moment later, I heard Valen’s deep voice in response.

A few minutes later, Darian returned carrying a basin of steaming hot water and a soft cloth. Valen followed close behind, looking strangely focused as he carried a tray with a bowl of chicken soup. The savory scent hit me immediately, making my stomach rumble despite the nausea.

Watching them fuss over me, I felt a sudden, overwhelming wave of emotion. My eyes started to water, and I had to look away toward the window to hide the tears.

"What’s wrong?" Valen asked, his voice uncharacteristically gentle. He sat on the edge of the bed, his weight dipping the mattress. "Are you in pain? Do I need to call a healer?"

I shook my head, wiping my eyes with the back of my hand. "No, it’s not that. I just... I never had my own people before."

They both went quiet, watching me.

"Growing up in the Inker pack, I was just… there," I whispered. "I had no parents, no siblings. I didn't know what it felt like to have people who were for me, no matter what. And now, I have two mates who are treating me so nicely. I don't know how I got this lucky."

Darian took my hand, his thumb grazing my knuckles. "It isn't luck, Raven. It’s fate. And I, for one, am glad to be your mate."

I glanced at Valen. His eyes were rimmed with red, and he looked like he was fighting to keep a stoic expression, but the way he gripped the edge of the tray told me he was moved.

"Now, stop talking and drink the soup," Darian commanded gently. "It’ll warm you up from the inside and give you some strength back."

They helped me sit up, propping pillows behind my back. Darian began to massage my neck and shoulders with the warm cloth while Valen actually took the spoon and started feeding me the soup. It was surreal. Two powerful Kings, who usually spent their time glaring at each other, were working in perfect harmony to nurse me back to health.

I noticed the lack of angry emotions between them today. There was no bickering, no posturing. I decided to lean into it and enjoy the peace while it lasted.

After the bowl was empty, I spoke up. "You both should go. You have duties. Valen, you haven't finished those reports from the North, have you?"

Valen grumbled something under his breath but didn't deny it.

"I'll just sleep it off," I said, trying to offer them a reassuring smile.

They both nodded. Valen stood up and tucked the duvet firmly around my chin. They walked out together, closing the door softly behind them. The soup must have had some kind of magic in it, because not long after they left, a comfortable warmth spread through my limbs and I drifted into a deep, dreamless sleep.

********

When I woke up again, I glanced at the bedside clock: 1:00 PM.

The fever had broken. I felt much stronger, though my joints were still a little stiff. I climbed out of bed and headed for the wardrobe. I decided to dress warmly since I was technically still recovering, picking out a thick, cream-colored knitted sweater and dark leggings.

One thing I was incredibly grateful for lately was the array of clothes I now had access to. I didn't know how they got there or who had originally intended for them to be in this suite, but they were all of high quality and fit me perfectly. It was a total change from the rags I’d worn for years in the pack house.

I finished dressing and debated looking for the Kings, but I figured they were probably deep in one work or the other. I didn't want to disturb them. Instead, I wandered out of the suite and found my way to the mansion’s library.

I was excited to explore. The library was massive, smelling of old paper. I spent a while just browsing the shelves, picking out four books on history and folklore that looked interesting.

Eventually, I wandered toward the very back of the room, near a dusty, dimly lit section. It was clear that people didn't come to this part often. Cobwebs hung in the corners, and the air was filled with the scent of stagnant dust.

I started pulling books out, scanning the titles. My hands were covered in grey soot by the time I reached the end of the final bookcase. As I bent down to scoop up my finds, my eyes caught on something strange.

A massive, leather-bound book was wedged tightly between two heavy book cases, shoved into the narrow gap where they met.

That’s weird, I thought. Why would someone hide a book like that?

I walked toward it, reaching into the gap. As my fingers brushed the leather, I jumped back. The book felt warm, almost hot, to the touch. Curiosity won out over fear. I gripped the spine and pulled. It didn't budge. I planted my feet and gave a hard yank. Slowly, the book started to slide out. It was almost completely free when a voice startled me.

"My lady?"

I shrieked, and the book slipped from my fingers, hitting the floor loudly. I spun around, my heart hammering against my ribs.

Standing there was a young girl. She smelt human, which was a surprise. She was the first one I’d seen in the mansion. She had bright eyes and a shy smile.

"I'm sorry! I didn't mean to scare you," she said.

"It’s okay," I panted, trying to calm my breathing. "Who are you? I haven't seen you around."

"My sister’s mate is a wolf," the girl explained. "I followed her to his pack when they moved, and eventually, I ended up working here. The pay is good, and the Elders are mostly quiet."

Then, her eyes widened as she realized where we were. She hit her forehead with her palm. "Oh! I forgot. I wanted to say... you shouldn't be back here, my lady. The Elders don't allow anyone this far into the library. It's off-limits."

"Oh," I said, feeling a prickle of nerves. I didn't want to offend the Elders. I quickly picked up the big book and placed it on a nearby shelf. "I was just looking. That book was wedged so tightly between the cases, I thought it might get damaged."

The girl frowned, looking at the shelf. "That’s not possible. I clean this section once every few weeks, and I make sure all the books are properly placed. Nothing is ever wedged in the gaps."

"Well, it's right there," I said, turning back to point at the shelf where I’d just set it.

My heart stopped. The shelf was empty.

The leather-bound book was gone.

I looked again, scanning the floor and the surrounding shelves. Nothing. It was like it had vanished into thin air. I rubbed my eyes, wondering if the fever was still messing with my head. Had I hallucinated the whole thing?

The girl was looking at me expectantly, her head tilted.

"Never mind," I said, shaking my head. "I must still be a bit tired. Go ahead with your cleaning."

I gave the dusty corner one last look, a cold shiver running down my spine, before gathering my other books and walking away.

I returned to the lounge, feeling a bit unsettled. As I pushed open the door, I found both Kings seated on the sofas. They looked slightly tense, but they weren't alone.

The three Elders were sitting opposite them. Their faces were as unreadable as ever. As I entered, all five of them turned their heads to look at me in perfect, eerie unison.

What now? I groaned internally.