Marked Twice by the Alpha King Chapter 104

**Ava's POV**

Inside the car heading back to Blackwood, I felt the shift from our dreamlike encounter back to harsh reality.

Blake held my hand but maintained some distance. I could feel him mentally preparing for what came next.

*The mark is permanent. Even if we wanted to hide our relationship, the golden imprint on my neck will silently announce to every wolf who sees it—I am the Alpha King's mate. But it also means I no longer belong to Shadow Creek. My allegiance has shifted...*

I gazed at the moon through the window, thoughts turning to my father and mother. *How will this affect my father's situation? Will my position as the Alpha King's mate help him, or will our secretive relationship only complicate things?*

My fingers absently traced the warm mark. *This is just the beginning, isn't it? Not the end.*

The car pulled up to a side entrance at Blackwood Manor, avoiding the main doors where we might be noticed.

"Wilson will only appear if necessary," Blake said quietly. "He won't ask questions or speak of what he sees."

We entered the mansion like thieves, creeping through hallways I'd walked freely before. Everything felt different now.

*Hours ago, I was Lucas's combat trainer, Blake's employee. Now I'm sneaking into this house bearing his mark, like some dirty secret that can't see the light of day...*

As we carefully navigated the corridors, I realized this hiding might become the norm for our relationship.

*Is this what I've chosen? To be the mate the Alpha King can't publicly acknowledge? Hidden away like something shameful?*

At a corner, Wilson appeared suddenly, startling me. His expression remained impeccably neutral.

"Alpha King, everything is arranged," he said in a hushed tone. "Young Master Lucas is asleep, and Miss Sophia has just returned to her room."

When his gaze shifted to me, I instinctively adjusted Blake's coat to cover my mark, though his eyes told me he'd already noticed.

"I've prepared hot water and a late supper for Miss Rivers, as instructed," Wilson continued without missing a beat.

I felt a jolt of surprise. Blake had arranged this beforehand? As if he'd been certain of tonight's outcome.

Blake nodded briefly. "Thank you, Wilson. About tonight..."

Wilson cut him off. "Nothing I need to know, sir. I serve only you." His words carried the weight of ancient loyalty.

We reached the fork in the hallway—one path leading to my room, the other to Blake's master suite. Both of us hesitated.

*After marking, wolf mates typically crave close contact to let the bond stabilize. Separation creates an unnatural pulling sensation. But it seems we can't follow the normal path...*

Blake caressed my cheek. "You need rest. A lot happened tonight." His voice was low and gentle.

I nodded, despite the disappointment rising in my chest. "You're right. We both need to think about what happens next."

His fingertips traced my mark one last time, sending a warm shiver through me. "Tomorrow we need to talk. About everything."

Alone in my room, I stood before the full-length mirror, finally getting a clear view of my neck. Jackson's silver mark had completely transformed into brilliant gold, more intricate and beautiful than before.

I touched it gently, feeling the connection to Blake. If I concentrated, I could sense his presence and emotions, as if he were in the room with me.

*It's so beautiful... and so dangerous. This mark changes everything—my identity, status, responsibilities... it could even affect my father's situation and Lucas's training.*

I slipped out of the silver dress, seeing evidence of our passionate encounter—light bruises from Blake's kisses and grass stains on my skin. Tangible proof of tonight's reckless decision.

Steam rose from the bath that had been prepared. I sank into the warm water, letting it envelop me, though it couldn't wash away my racing thoughts.

I closed my eyes, feeling the warmth and pull of the mark, knowing Blake was feeling the same connection in his room.

After my bath, I put on a nightgown and sat in the window alcove, staring at the moonlight while my mind cataloged potential consequences.

*How will Lucas react? Learning his combat trainer has become his father's mate? Will Sophia accept me as her... stepmother? God, that word sounds bizarre...*

I considered what this meant for my career. *Can I still be Lucas's trainer? Can I return to Shadow Creek to fulfill my warrior duties? The Alpha King's mate typically has her own responsibilities and position...*

Most importantly, I thought about my father. *Blake promised to help free him. But will our relationship make this easier or more complicated? Will people think he's showing favoritism for personal reasons, or will my connection to him lead to a reevaluation of my father's case?*

A sense of responsibility and pressure unlike anything I'd felt before settled on my shoulders. *I'm no longer accountable just for myself. My decisions affect Blake's rule, the relationship between two packs.*

My fingers traced the mark again. *Yet despite all these complications and challenges... I can't bring myself to regret tonight's decision.*

A soft knock at my door broke through my thoughts. I opened it to find Blake standing there, his expression solemn.

"We need to talk," he said directly. "About us, and how to handle this."

He sat across from me and explained his thoughts. "The marking is done, but we can keep a low profile for now. Only a few trusted people need to know."

Blake carefully outlined his suggestion. "Making our relationship public might cause unnecessary political turbulence right now. Enemies could use it to attack me or harm you. I want to protect you from that."

He continued, "This isn't permanent. Just time to resolve your father's situation, stabilize things, let Lucas and Sophia adjust."

I listened, emotions churning. "So you're suggesting we... see each other secretly? At least temporarily?"

Blake nodded, his face serious. "I won't risk making you a target. Once things are stable, once your father is safe, I'll announce to everyone that you're my mate."

I considered his proposal, weighing the possibilities. "This means keeping our distance in public, pretending to be just employer and employee?"

His expression softened. "Yes, in front of outsiders. But with trusted people, in private, you are my mate, my equal."

I took a deep breath and made my decision. "Alright. For my father's safety, for Lucas and Sophia to have time to adjust, I'll agree to this arrangement. But it's not permanent, Blake. I won't be your secret forever."

"The world won't easily accept us," Blake said, his voice tight with tension.

I met his eyes, understanding the implications—an Alpha King and a Shadow Creek warrior would face countless obstacles and opposition.

Blake touched my cheek. "We need to be careful. At least for now." His words held both protection and regret.

I nodded, complex emotions swirling inside me. "I understand. You have so many responsibilities, so many people depending on you."

Blake made a solemn promise. "I swear to you, Ava Rivers. When the time is right, I will announce to the entire world that you are my mate, the Luna of Silverpeak Pack."