Marked Twice by the Alpha King Chapter 146

**Ava's POV**

When I woke up and stepped into the dining room, Blake was already sitting there, several documents spread before him, a coffee mug cradled in his hand. He wore a simple dark shirt with sleeves rolled up, exposing muscular forearms. Seeing him so focused on work, so different from the man who'd breathed heavily beneath me last night, created a contrast that inexplicably made my heart race.

He sensed my presence, looked up, and his mouth curved into a smile. "Afternoon, sleeping beauty," he teased, closing his files. "I was starting to think you'd sleep until tomorrow."

I rolled my eyes, pulling out the chair across from him. "Mocking an exhausted warrior. Very Alpha King of you," I shot back, though there was no real anger in my tone. "I wonder whose fault it is that I'm so tired?"

Ruth appeared from nowhere, setting down a plate of the most mouth-watering brunch I'd seen in ages. She winked at me, clearly having caught every word of our exchange. My cheeks warmed, but she simply smiled and left, showing no sign of embarrassment.

"So," I began after tasting the perfectly scrambled eggs, "I've been thinking..."

"Sounds dangerous," Blake remarked, setting down his coffee mug with a smirk playing on his lips.

"I need to contact Ella," I said directly, not wanting to beat around the bush. "She's my best friend and literally the only person in this messed-up world I can completely trust." I paused, deliberately keeping my tone casual despite my heart racing with nervousness. "I haven't reached out since leaving Hayes territory. She must be worried sick."

Blake studied me silently, with that soul-piercing gaze that automatically made me tense. Many Alphas would forbid outside contact, especially when there might be sensitive relations between packs.

"The waitress from Moonlight Lodge," he finally spoke, not a question but a confirmation.

I nodded, oddly feeling a sting of jealousy. Why did he remember her? Because she was pretty? Or because as Alpha King, he was in the habit of remembering every potential information point?

"Yes," I confirmed slowly. "Ella West. We grew up together, shared every secret. She probably thinks I've disappeared, or worse..." I left the sentence hanging, but we both understood what rumors the Hayes family might spread.

Blake focused on cutting the steak on his plate, his expression unreadable. I held my breath, waiting for his response, prepared for debate or even argument.

"So contact her," he finally said, his tone casual, as if we were discussing the weather.

I blinked, making sure I hadn't misheard. "Just like that?"

He looked up, apparently amused by my surprise. "What did you expect me to say? That I forbid you from seeing friends? That I'm keeping you locked in a tower?"

"Well, no," I shifted uncomfortably, "it's just... most Alphas would worry about information leaks or inter-pack..."

"I'm not most Alphas," he interrupted, a hint of pride in his voice. "You're not a prisoner here, Ava. See whoever you want, as long as they're not trying to hurt you or drag you back to Hayes territory."

I felt warmth spreading through my chest, alongside a flicker of unease. His attitude was so open-minded, so... unlike a typical Alpha. I'd heard Alpha Kings thought differently than regular Alphas, but experiencing it firsthand still surprised me.

"So... can I tell her about us?" I asked cautiously, suddenly feeling foolish. I wasn't some newly-turned teen wolf, yet here I was asking if I could tell my friend about my relationship, like I was back in the academy.

Blake's eyes glinted mischievously. "That depends on what you want to tell her," he said deliberately, clearly teasing me. "About how you screamed yourself hoarse on top of me last night, or about moving onto my territory?"

I nearly choked on my juice. "You know that's not what I meant!" I protested in a low voice, checking for any staff within earshot.

He laughed, that genuine laugh without Alpha pressure that made him look years younger. "Tell her whatever you want to tell her, Ava. I won't restrict your freedom."

I was about to say something, perhaps thank him or tease him about his magnanimity, but Scott chose that moment to enter the dining room and start clearing some dishes. The timing was too coincidental, making me wonder if the head of security had some supernatural "awkward moment radar."

Morning sunlight filtered through the curtain gaps, falling across the bed as I stretched lazily, every muscle in my body reminding me of last night's intensity. Blake was no longer beside me; his side of the bed had long gone cold, only his scent lingering on the pillow to remind me it wasn't a dream.

He'd had to return to Blackwood Manor last night for some urgent matters, promising to be back soon. I hadn't shown disappointment, understanding the weight of responsibility—both his duty as Alpha King and his obligation to Lucas as a father.

But now, in the quiet morning, I allowed myself to feel a twinge of longing. The feeling almost frightened me—when had I become so dependent on someone else's company? When Jackson left me, I felt anger and betrayal; yet when Blake left, even temporarily, I felt this strange emptiness.

I shook my head, dispelling these overly soft thoughts. Sunlight illuminated the distant forest, gilding the towering pines with gold. Silverpeak territory was dramatically different from Shadow Creek where I grew up—more vast, more primal, yet oddly, it gave me a sense of belonging.

My wolf stretched inside me, eager to run through this new territory. Perhaps today I could explore the surroundings, familiarize myself with this temporary... home?