Marked Twice by the Alpha King Chapter 110

**Ava's POV**

I watched my mom zoom around the kitchen, her knife clicking against the cutting board like she was trying to set a speed record. Behind her practiced movements, excitement buzzed off her in waves.

"So," she said, chopping vegetables with forced casualness. "Who invited you to Shadow Creek's inheritance ceremony again?"

I sipped my tea, playing along. "Sophia Morgan."

Her knife froze mid-slice. "The Alpha King's daughter? Personally?" Her voice jumped an octave. "I thought you were just on some courtesy list as Lucas's trainer."

"We went through some stuff together," I said, not wanting to revisit our kidnapping hell.

She put down her knife and leaned forward, palms flat on the table. "Do you realize what this means? The Morgans are publicly supporting us." Calculation glittered in her eyes. "This could change everything for William's case."

"It's a Hayes ceremony, mom," I reminded her. "The same family that got Dad locked up."

Sarah's face turned serious. "Exactly why it matters. We need to show them Rivers women stand tall."

She sat across from me, suddenly intense. "Look, I know you hate pack politics, but sometimes we have to play the game. Every powerful wolf in Shadow Creek will be there tomorrow. This is our chance to remind them we still matter."

I got it. Since William's arrest as a traitor, we'd become pack pariahs. Former friends crossed streets to avoid us, like treason might be contagious.

"Don't read too much into it," I cautioned. "It's just a friend thing."

Sarah shook her head, returning to her vegetables with renewed energy. "You're so naive. In our world, there are no simple invitations from power players." Her voice softened. "Just use this opportunity. Not for me—for William."

Her words landed like a punch. Of course I wanted to help my father, but not by exploiting Sophia's friendship—and definitely not by revealing what was happening between me and Blake.

"I'll wear my formal warrior gear," I said, changing subjects. "Won't embarrass you."

Sarah smiled. "That's my girl."

Later, I inspected my ceremonial outfit. Deep blue leather with silver Shadow Creek runes—the only thing I owned worth wearing to this circus. As I pulled it from my closet, something small clattered to the floor. A silver wolf pendant on a chain—Jackson's gift from when we first met.

I hesitated before picking it up, the metal cold against my palm. He'd given it to me when things were new between us, before the mark, before he'd promised I was his destiny. Back when I believed him. Now he wore Sophia on his arm, political ambition shining brighter than any supposed fate.

I closed my fingers around it, the edges biting into my skin. How quickly "destiny" had become disposable. Now Blake's mark was replacing his, and I was caught between my past and a future I couldn't openly claim.

I tossed the pendant into a drawer and slammed it shut. My fingers traced the warm gold mark on my neck instead. I'd need to hide it perfectly, especially in Hayes territory. 

I stared out the window, dread settling in my gut like a stone. The ceremony loomed ahead, a storm I couldn't avoid. I adjusted my scarf, making sure it covered the evidence of Blake's claim on me.

Sarah borrowed a decent carriage for the trip to Shadow Creek. My fingers kept fidgeting with my scarf, checking and rechecking its position.

"Relax," Sarah squeezed my hand, misreading my anxiety. "You're our pack's finest female warrior. Nobody can look down on you."

I forced a smile. If she knew what really had me sweating, she'd faint dead away. The Alpha King's golden mark, my history with another pack's groom-to-be—all of it a powder keg waiting for a spark.

"Stick close to Sophia when we arrive," Sarah instructed. "But if you get a chance to speak with important families, take it. Especially the elders."

"I'm not here to network, Sarah. I'm supporting Sophia."

She sighed. "Sometimes I don't understand you. Such an opportunity right in front of you, and you won't grab it."

The carriage slowed as we reached Shadow Creek's main gates. Armed guards scrutinized each arrival like they expected trouble. When we gave our names, their faces hardened with contempt.

"Rivers?" One guard sneered. "Thought you'd have the sense to stay away from our ceremonies."

I straightened my spine, voice ice-cold. "I'm Miss Morgan's personal guest."

They exchanged looks before reluctantly waving us through. Inside, I felt eyes tracking our every move. Each step brought whispers and stares.

"Ignore them," Sarah murmured. "Head high."

We approached the ceremony grounds, an open area decked with Shadow Creek emblems. In the distance, Sophia's golden hair caught the light as she chatted with older women. When she spotted me, she waved, beaming.

I'd barely taken two steps toward her when a familiar voice cut in.

"Well, look who showed up," Jackson materialized beside us, his gaze sliding from me to Sarah. "Mrs. Rivers. What an unexpected surprise."

Sarah instantly switched on her charm. "Mr. Hayes, congratulations on your inheritance ceremony. An important day for Shadow Creek."

Jackson nodded, but his eyes returned to me, cold and threatening. "I hope all guests remember their manners and avoid any... inappropriate behavior."

I met his stare, keeping my voice steady. "I'm here as Sophia's invited friend, Hayes."

"Friend," he repeated, his smile never reaching his eyes. "Interesting choice of words."

Before things could get uglier, Sophia glided over. "Ava! Finally!" She hugged me, the embrace slightly stiffer than usual.

She turned to Jackson. "Darling, the ceremony's about to start. You should prepare."

Jackson shot me one final warning look before leaving.

Sophia looped her arm through mine, pulling me toward the crowd. "Come, I need to introduce you to some people." Her voice was honey-sweet, but underneath ran a chill I'd never felt from her before.

In that moment, I sensed Blake through our mark. He hadn't appeared yet, but he was nearby, watching. The knowledge comforted and terrified me in equal measure.

As Sophia led me deeper into the ceremony grounds, I couldn't shake the feeling I was walking straight into a carefully laid trap. And there was nothing to do but face whatever storm was coming.