Chapter 698 I can’t wait to feel the mate bond with you

“Is that Alpha Ravyn? He’s looking so hot.”

The whisper came from somewhere in the crowd, a she-wolf’s voice dripping with appreciation. Her eyes traced over Ravyn’s form with the kind of hunger that came from seeing something forbidden and wanting it anyway.

“Indeed.” Another voice joined in, equally admiring. “But he already found a replacement for Daisy. Such a shame.”

Now that another Alpha was single, of course the she-wolves were hoping for an opportunity. A chance, a shot at catching the eye of a powerful, newly available man. Except—

“Goddess, she isn’t even a pack member.” The first she-wolf’s voice rose with disbelief. “Where did he find her?”

“I don’t know, and I don’t care.” The second she-wolf waved a dismissive hand. “But don’t you think his new haircut and new style of dressing makes him look a little like the Alpha King?”

“You’re right about that.”

The she-wolf’s gaze landed on Daisy. On her lowered head. On the way her shoulders curved inward, as if she was trying to make herself smaller. Invisible.

“Do you think he’ll get back with Daisy? She’s pregnant for him.”

“If he would, then he wouldn’t be with another she-wolf.” The second she-wolf shook her head, a flicker of something that might have been pity crossing her features. “I think Daisy is paying for what she did to Queen Sera.”

She paused, watching Daisy’s small frame tremble.

“Seeing the man you love getting cozy with another woman must be heartbreaking.”

As to whether the murmurs reached Ravyn, no one could tell. He wasn’t supposed to stand by Voren in public.

That was the plan. But in a matter of life and death, he had to reconsider. His mind raced, thoughts colliding like storm waves. His palms grew slick with sweat.

Just as he arrived at a decision, his phone beeped.

’Stick to the plan.’

It was from a strange number, but Ravyn knew it was Voren.

His expression hardened, the mask sliding into place. He faced Killian, his features carved from stone.

“You’re right.” His voice came out steady, betraying nothing. “King Voren should face the punishment for marrying my ex-wife.”

Gasps erupted as Ravyn looked around. “But we’ve been outnumbered.”

Killian looked around, his jaw tightened. His hands curled into fists at his sides.

Beta Gray and Riven’s replacement Alphas at their former packs had all joined the abolishment group. Only Brad, Curt, Ravyn, Dante, and two other Alphas remained in addition to Killian. The total number was seven.

Seven against twelve. “We’re outnumbered,” Killian spat, the words dripping with bitterness. “It’s okay, Alpha Ravyn.” His voice was smooth, but his eyes burned with barely contained fury. “King Voren won the majority. So we have to abolish the Alpha Code.”

He paused, his gaze sweeping the hall. Then his lips curled into something that was not quite a smile.

“But the Blood Moon is tomorrow.”

The words hung in the air like poison. “If any of us is mated to the Queen, we will not accept a rejection.”

The declaration echoed through the hall like a blade held to Voren’s throat.

Voren’s gaze had gone dark. Black as pitch. Bottomless as the void.

Bloodfang, who had been quiet, suddenly growled. ’I’d like to see you try.’

“In that case, Alpha Corvine.” Seraphine’s voice rang through the hall, calm and measured. “Will you handle the signing of the abolishing code for me?”

Corvine smiled. It was a dangerous thing, sharp and knowing. “Of course, my queen.”

He wasn’t surprised that Seraphine had already prepared the relevant documents. She was always three steps ahead. Even Voren was surprised, but he could not append his signature. He was no longer an Alpha.

Corvine passed the paper around.

The Alphas appended their signatures one by one. Some with trembling hands. Some with grim resignation. Some with barely concealed rage. When they were done, Voren rose from his throne.

“From this moment on, she-wolves must be treated with respect.”

His voice boomed through the hall, commanding and absolute. “Even a king like me can lose my queen if I treat her wrong. No she-wolf would carry the stigma of a divorcee from today.”

The number of sighs that rattled from the female guests was disbelieving. Shock rippled through the crowd like a wave. And now, most Alphas were nervous. It was clear that the Blood Moon Festival would cause a lot of problems.

However, most people kept their hopes on only one thing. Their wishes under the full moon.

Once those wishes were granted, everything else would be fine. Everything else would fall into place.

“You all can continue to enjoy the party.” Voren’s voice cut through the murmurs. “But my queen and I will take an early leave.”

He paused, his gaze sweeping the hall one final time.

“The pack gallery will be opened. Rare stones are on display, but none for sale. You can only watch for entertainment’s sake and must not touch anything.”

“Does it include the crown?” Jane, the friend of Candy, spoke up. Her voice was casual, but her eyes gleamed with something hungry, something predatory.

The corner of Voren’s lips twitched. But nobody saw it.

“Yes. Ancient jewelry is all on display. You can have a look, but no pictures should be taken. They are treasures of the Grimroot pack.”

That was Ravyn’s cue. He turned to Candy, his expression carefully blank. “I will go use the restroom.”

—

Seraphine left with Voren, their footsteps echoing through the empty corridors as they made their way to their suite.

The distant hum of the celebration faded behind them, swallowed by the quiet of the private wing. She wanted to rest for a while. Just long enough to gather herself before the real show began. The night was far from over, and the trap they had set was waiting to spring.

But Voren had other plans. “You cleaned up my mess without blood.”

His voice was low, intimate, curling around her like smoke. His fingers found the clasp of her royal attire, easing the heavy fabric from her shoulders. It pooled at her feet like liquid gold, leaving her bare before him.

He removed his own clothes with practiced efficiency, each piece falling away until there was nothing between them but heat and hunger and the weight of everything unspoken. “Babe, you amaze me.”

Seraphine smiled, the expression soft and knowing. “You know what they say. Love can make a woman a fool.”

She stepped closer, her hands finding his chest, her palms pressing flat against the warm skin over his heart.

“I was a fool for the wrong person once.” Her voice dropped, heavy with old pain. “This time, I fell in love with the right person. And I will do anything for you, Voren.”

Voren pulled her close, her head resting against his chest. The steady thrum of his heartbeat filled her ears, grounding her, anchoring her to this moment.

“It feels like a dream whenever I hold you like this.” His voice was rough, thick with emotion he rarely allowed himself to show. “I love you, babe. You have no idea.”

He pressed a kiss to the top of her head, his arms tightening around her.

“Honestly, I was ready to take whatever punishment out there for you. I don’t have the right words to explain it.”

Seraphine pulled away, her gaze finding his. She stared into his eyes, searching, reading, understanding. His love for her was pure. Unwavering. The kind of love that poets wrote about and fools died for.

“I can’t wait to feel the mate bond with you.”

“Neither can I.”

Voren took her lips, the kiss passionate and consuming, a collision of hunger and devotion. His hands roamed her back, pulling her closer, deepening the kiss until she was breathless.

Then Seraphine pulled away.

Her brow furrowed, her expression drifting from desire to something sharper. Something cautious.

“About Ravyn.” Her voice was steady, but her eyes searched his. “Are you sure the plan will work?”