Chapter 638 - She hates me

Chapter 638: Chapter 638 - She hates me

Ravyn had grown tired of the long hair that had become his signature, the wild mane that had once made him look untamed and powerful. He’d gone for a haircut before making an appearance at the Silver Moon pack, a clean, sharp cut that framed his face and made him look years younger.

Well, he also changed his wardrobe from his usual informal wear to something somehow semi-formal for his usual pack rounds. Formal would be for special occasions, and now, informal would only be when he decides to rest.

He didn’t know what warranted this change, perhaps the desire to leave behind the man he used to be, but he was amazed by the stares he got from both his parents and even his two betas, Riven and Gray.

Arriving at the Silver Moon Pack, he didn’t expect to turn heads as well. The stunned look on the face of the Alpha King made Ravyn a bit shy, his hand instinctively rising to touch his freshly cut hair.

"King Jaron, it’s just a haircut." He shrugged, a self-deprecating smile tugging at his lips. "Nothing extra ordinary."

His gaze settled on Corvine, who had a small smile on his face, his eyes warm with recognition. "Corvine, you good?" Ravyn asked, his voice carrying a note of genuine concern.

Corvine nodded, his posture relaxed despite the tension in the room. "Yeah."

Their exchange was brief, and it was purely understandable because the two had worked together for almost a decade. There was a familiarity between them that didn’t require words, an understanding forged through years of shared history.

Ravyn greeted the other Alphas with polite nods, his demeanor calm and collected, before Jaron asked him, his voice hopeful. "So, you agreed to contest?"

Ravyn smiled, though his eyes told a different story, one of exhaustion and resignation. "King Jaron, anyone who knows my story would understand that I’m not fit to marry your daughter." He paused, letting the weight of his words settle. "She hates me because of Daisy, and it’s no secret that Daisy is still carrying my pup."

King Jaron’s face dulled, his expression falling with disappointment. "I thought you’d banish her. I heard all the evil she’s done."

"Indeed." Ravyn’s voice was flat, devoid of emotion. "But that would be after she births the pup." He added, his tone everchanging to something more businesslike. "I’m here for the other business."

"Oh." Jaron sighed with relief, his shoulders relaxing. "Then I hope you won’t mind staying a little over a week to give me a hand with the contest. We can talk about the business alongside."

"I don’t mind." Ravyn agreed, seizing the opportunity to stay long enough to know what Jaron was up to. The longer he stayed, the more he could learn.

"Good." King Jaron clapped his hands together. "We were talking about the deposit. It’s refundable and the rules are simple. If you pull out before the contest ends, you lose all the deposit. But if you complete to the end, you get back your money less 5% to cover your expenses as well as administrative charges."

A sigh of relief escaped the four Alphas as they began making the transfer. The numbers were steep, but the prize was worth it. King Jaron confirmed receipt before saying, his voice taking on a commanding edge.

"The second rule is simple. I have the right to bring in new contestants as I feel like. But the last Alpha standing will indeed marry my daughter and have the title of Alpha King with all authority and power."

"What if your daughter doesn’t like the winner?" Ravyn asked before apologizing, his hand rising in a placating gesture. "Sorry, I was just curious."

King Jaron’s expression hardened, his eyes cold. "Well, she doesn’t have a choice in this matter." His voice was heartless, dismissive. "Liah doesn’t even know what’s good for her."

"I beg to differ." Corvine interrupted, his voice sharp and clear. Liah and the crown was his only reason for being there, and the only things he planned on speaking about. "I think you don’t even know your daughter." His gaze was unwavering, his tone respectful but firm. "She is one of the strongest women I’ve ever met intellectually, socially, and financially."

Jaron’s eyes narrowed. "Then you should also know that she has a weak wolf."

Corvine did not accept that, shaking his head firmly. "Her wolf is special."

A wicked smile curved Jaron’s lips before he spoke again, his voice dripping with false pleasantry. "Let’s all have dinner, and Jasper will show you to your rooms. No one must have any contact with my daughter throughout this session." His gaze swept across them, cold and commanding. "And all your phones must be switched off and dropped in that basket."

A servant appeared with a basket before he even finished speaking, the woven container held out expectantly. This time, Corvine was reluctant. "I have businesses that need my attention." His voice was tight, his jaw clenched.

Jaron smirked, his eyes glittering with cruel amusement. "I suppose you should go take care of your businesses and forget about the contest then."

Corvine took deep breaths, the struggle visible on his face. But finally, he switched off his phone and dropped it in the basket. All the other four contestants did the same, their faces a mixture of resignation and frustration.

During dinner, it was extremely quiet, the clink of cutlery against plates, the soft rustle of napkins, the occasional murmur of thanks. No one dared to speak.

Jaron let them off the hook for the first night before dragging Ravyn to his study. The door closed behind them, sealing them in privacy. "Alpha Ravyn, you know that I won’t mind if you still want to compete." Jaron’s voice was persuasive, almost pleading. "My daughter doesn’t have a choice."

Ravyn smiled, though it didn’t reach his eyes. The last thing on his mind was marriage, the thought of binding himself to another woman when he was still drowning in the wreckage of his past. "No." He shook his head slowly. "She’ll only taunt me, and my pack is still not in the best shape. She’s a princess after all."

"But she’ll be queen, and you the Alpha King." Jaron leaned forward, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "That power of the crown can make you better than Alpha Voren. Besides, he already stole your woman."

Ravyn only sighed, the sound heavy with exhaustion. "King Jaron." His voice was calm, measured. "Voren was my best friend for decades. And trust me, not even the crown or my awakened power can make me stronger than him with that woman by his side."

He tactfully refused to mention Seraphine’s name, the syllables too painful to form. "Why do you think he easily shared his title with Corvine? Voren isn’t intimidated by the crown because he knows his worth."

King Jaron forced a smile, though his eyes betrayed his frustration. "I think we should talk about business."