Mated to the Alpha: Sold to the King novel Chapter 14

Chapter 14: 0014

Jaxen POV

"Repeat after me," the elder intoned, holding the ceremonial crown above my head. "I, Jaxen Reed, Alpha of the Silver Fang Pack, do solemnly swear—"

"I, Jaxen Reed, Alpha of the Silver Fang Pack, do solemnly swear—" I repeated.

"—to protect this pack with my life, to put its needs above my own, and to honor the Moon Goddess’s will in all things."

"—to protect this pack with my life, to put its needs above my own, and to honor the Moon Goddess’s will in all things."

The crown descended onto my head.

The same ritual was then performed for Callista, who stood beside me in a radiant gown of white and gold, with one hand pressed delicately against her growing belly.

The second her coronation was completed, the great hall erupted into thunderous cheers.

And when she slipped her hand into mine, the crowd roared even louder in approval.

Finally.

After years of trying to prove my worth, I had finally become Alpha.

My smile stretched wider as I instinctively pulled Callista closer against my side.

The ceremony continued afterward with one handshake after another and endless congratulations.

Elders I had known my whole life alongside warriors I had trained beside all wished me well. Diplomats from allied packs who had traveled for days to witness the coronation.

"Congratulations, Alpha."

"Blessings upon your union."

"May the Moon Goddess favor your reign."

The reception was later held in the grand ballroom, where lovely music played while champagne flowed endlessly as the pack celebrated and made toast after toast to my future.

"Where is Lady Raven?" one of the elders suddenly asked while glancing around the crowded ballroom. "I haven’t seen her all day."

"She left," my father answered calmly from across the table, though I still noticed the slight shift in his expression. "You know how busy my daughter is. Always coming and going. Can’t stay in one place even if tied to a post. She gave her congratulations and went on her way."

The elder nodded easily, accepting the explanation.

But I didn’t.

I knew exactly why Raven had left, and it was because of the sentencing.

She hadn’t taken it well at all.

Actually, that was putting it mildly.

She had practically cursed everyone in the council chamber before storming out afterward.

The execution was scheduled to happen after the coronation ceremony, so I guessed she could no longer bear staying here knowing exactly what was waiting for Lorelei.

Honestly...

I didn’t blame her.

A part of me didn’t want to be here for it either.

But as Alpha, my duty came before my personal feelings.

And as my father always said, it was simply the reality of leadership.

"Do you think it’s because of me?"

Callista spoke softly so only I could hear as she nervously fidgeted with her napkin.

"I really thought my sister-in-law and I would get along, but it seems she doesn’t like me."

"Raven has always been like that," I reassured gently. "She doesn’t get along with most people. As you’ve seen, even my father doesn’t escape the heat." I let out a small amused breath. "But she’ll come around. She always does."

"Really?"

Callista’s eyes brightened slightly, and the corner of my lips curled upward.

"Really," I said before reaching forward to gently pinch the bridge of her nose. "Now stop overthinking. The doctor said stress would affect the baby’s health."

"What a lovely couple."

A visiting dignitary approached our table with a warm smile.

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