**Chapter 296**
**Alpha Ethan’s POV**
As Reven stormed out of the room, I felt an overwhelming urge to chase after her, to demand answers, to confront her about the chaos she had just unleashed. But my body betrayed me; my wheelchair was too far away, and moving without it was an impossible endeavor.
My hands tingled with frustration, and deep within, my wolf growled in agitation. Every fiber of my being screamed for action, to pursue her and demand clarity. Yet, I knew I had to remain calm, at least on the surface.
Turning my attention back to the woman who claimed to be my mate, I found her standing there, her hands clasped in front of her, attempting to project an air of calmness. But her eyes told a different story; they sparkled with a mix of hope and determination. She wanted this—she wanted me—and that eagerness was palpable.
“Please, have a seat,” I gestured, my voice steady despite the storm brewing inside me. She obliged, gracefully sliding into the chair, and I felt a tightening in my stomach. This was the moment I needed her to be truthful, to lay everything bare. “I need you to answer me honestly,” I said, my tone firm yet measured, my mind racing with confusion and anger.
“I will,” she replied, a faint smile gracing her lips, but I wasn’t ready to let my guard down just yet.
I scrutinized her, searching for any hint of deception. “What is your name?” I inquired, keeping my tone neutral.
“Vera Richard,” she answered, her voice soft yet imbued with confidence.
“Are you certain that you are my mate?” I asked, my words deliberate as I studied her reaction.
Her gaze lifted, a spark igniting in her eyes. “Yes. I’m sure. That’s why I didn’t complete the mission the Rough King assigned to me. I know he’ll come for me, but I don’t care. All that matters now is that I’ve found my mate, the one I’ve been searching for all this time. I’m ready to protect him, no matter what.”
I absorbed her words in silence, my heart pounding as I processed the weight of her declaration.
Then, curiosity mixed with caution flickered across her face. “Is what Reven said about being the mother of your children true?”
“Yes, it is,” I confirmed, my voice steady.
A pause hung in the air, thick with unspoken thoughts. Her gaze remained unwavering. “Do you… have a problem with that?” she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
I took a moment to consider her question, my chest tightening with the implications. “No. I don’t. As long as Reven keeps her distance from me, there’s no issue.”
A flicker of relief washed over her features, and she smiled faintly. “Perfect.”
But I knew I had to establish boundaries. “For now, you’ll need to stay in your room,” I stated, my tone calm yet firm.
“Why?” she asked, her voice rising slightly as she stood and approached me. Her hands found their way to my chest, warmth radiating from her touch, challenging my resolve.
“I am your mate. Mates share the same room,” I replied, feeling the heat of her hands against my skin as they traced a line down my chest. My heart raced, and I swallowed hard, grappling with my emotions.
“I understand, Vera,” I said, my voice dropping to a low murmur. “But we need to learn about each other first before we can share a space. I’m not rejecting you, but we need some time apart for now.”
She nodded slowly, her expression softening, but just as I thought the moment was settling, a sharp knock interrupted us.
“What is it?” I asked, my voice sharper than I intended.
A maid’s voice floated through the door. “Dinner is ready, Alpha Ethan. The rest of the family is waiting for you.”
“Are Reven and the kids there?” I asked quickly, urgency creeping into my tone.
Reven’s gaze locked onto mine, defiant and unyielding. “Excuse me? I am not moving. If your pretending mate doesn’t want to sit in the available seat, she can sit on the floor.”
I stared at Reven, momentarily at a loss for words. “Vacate the seat. Now,” I said again, my voice firm.
She glared at me, and then, to my surprise, slowly rose, a smirk playing at the corners of her lips. I thought she might finally relent and let Vera take the seat, but instead, she took a deep breath and said, “Vera, come sit. I’m sorry for taking the seat first.”
Vera’s eyes lit up with gratitude, but just as she began to settle in, Reven yanked the chair away from her. Vera fell to the ground with a soft thud, and the room fell silent. Gasps echoed throughout the dining room.
“Now you have a seat,” Reven said coolly, a victorious smile gracing her lips. She gathered the children and walked out of the room, leaving behind an atmosphere thick with tension.
I exhaled slowly, watching Reven disappear, my mind racing. I wanted to follow her, to ensure she was alright, but I was trapped here, limited by this chair. Vera, my mate, sat there, her expression a mix of shock and humiliation. I knew this was only the beginning of a tumultuous journey.
The tension in the room was palpable, with eyes darting between me and Vera, sensing the undercurrents of power, anger, and unresolved emotions.
This situation was far from settled, and the battle lines were already drawn.
As I wheeled myself silently, I fought to keep my turmoil hidden. My thoughts swirled chaotically—how to manage Vera, how to restore the peace that had been shattered in my home.
Every nerve in my body was on high alert, every instinct screaming that this was merely the beginning of a much larger storm.
I glanced at Vera, sitting quietly, attempting to regain her composure after the unexpected fall.
**Chapter 297**

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