Marked Twice by the Alpha King Chapter 149

**Ava's POV**

Ella's expression turned gentle. "Oh, Ava," she sighed, "you've always been the bravest person I know, but when it comes to feelings, you're more clueless than a wolf cub."

She tapped her spoon against her teacup thoughtfully. "If he makes you happy, if he respects you, then let yourself enjoy the moment. Not everyone finds an Alpha who's both powerful and not a jerk."

Her words made me chuckle despite myself. This is why I needed her—her straightforwardness and honesty, her ability to see through my pretenses, and her non-judgmental acceptance.

"How's Sarah?" she asked, shifting to another topic. "Is she still at Hayes territory?"

I nodded, feeling the familiar guilt wash over me. "She insisted on staying. Blake issued a clear warning to the Hayes family—if they harm her, they'll face the wrath of the entire Silverpeak pack."

"Sounds like one of those 'don't mess with my woman's people' Alpha declarations," Ella raised an eyebrow.

"It's not like that," I corrected her, though I wasn't entirely sure myself. "He just... respects my concern for my family."

Ella shot me a knowing smirk, as if I'd just confirmed her point. "Listen, whatever's happening between you and Morgan, I'm on your side. But promise me one thing—don't disappear again. I almost launched a pack-wide search for you."

"I promise," I squeezed her hand. No matter where life took me, no matter how my relationship with Blake developed, at least I knew one person would always have my back.

"Now," Ella's eyes suddenly sparkled with gossip, "tell me if the Alpha King is really as good in bed as the legends say..."

"Ella!" I exclaimed, feeling my cheeks instantly burst into flames.

She roared with laughter, that carefree sound echoing through the garden. "I'm kidding!" 

She paused, a mischievous smile playing on her lips, "But judging by your reaction, the answer is clearly yes."

"Can we please change the subject?" I groaned, though I couldn't stop the corners of my mouth from turning up.

"Fine, fine," she conceded, then suddenly leaned forward, her eyes sparkling. "But seriously, Ava—you've hit the werewolf lottery. From Hayes hell to the Alpha King's bed? That's what I call an upgrade." 

She winked dramatically. "And now I have a direct line to insider information. No more relying on drunk wolves at the bar for my gossip!"

I rolled my eyes. "Don't get your hopes up. Blake's not exactly the chatty type about pack business."

"Remember Operation Midnight Howl?" she asked suddenly, referencing our code name for sneaking out of academy during full moon nights. "You were always the careful one, making sure we didn't get caught. Now look at you—living dangerously with the most powerful wolf in the territory."

"Things change," I said softly, running my finger along the rim of my teacup.

Ella's expression turned serious as she reached across to squeeze my hand. "Listen, you know I'll support whatever makes you happy. But if that stupidly handsome Alpha King hurts you in any way, I'll personally spike his morning coffee with silver powder. I don't care if he can snap me like a twig."

The fierce loyalty in her voice made my throat tighten. "He's... different than I expected," I admitted quietly.

"Different good or different run-for-the-hills?" she asked, tilting her head.

"Good, I think." I traced the edge of my teacup, choosing my words carefully. "He treats his staff like family. Doesn't throw his weight around like most Alphas. And with me, he's..." I trailed off, unsure how to explain something I barely understood myself.

"Anyway," she cleared her throat, leaning in conspiratorially, "speaking of interesting wolves, has Blake told you about the big event happening next week?"

I furrowed my brow, shaking my head. "We've had so much going on, we haven't really discussed other topics. What's happening?"

"A delegation from the Northern Lights pack is visiting Silverpeak," she lowered her voice. "An entire delegation, including their priestess."

One benefit of working at Moonlight Lodge was access to all kinds of information. As neutral ground, the place gathered wolves from different packs, and Ella always collected every piece of gossip.

"That is significant," I acknowledged, considering what this meant. The Northern Lights pack was one of the most powerful wolf groups in the far north; establishing a trade alliance with them would be a major victory.

"Significant? It's historic!" she waved her hands dramatically. "But that's not even the best part. Their High Priestess Lyra Starlight is coming too!"

At that name, I nearly choked on my tea. "What? Really?"

"Yes!" she nodded excitedly. "And let me tell you, word around the Lodge is that she's drop-dead gorgeous. Like, supernaturally beautiful. They say Alphas from three different territories have tried to court her, and one even offered half his lands just for a chance."

I raised an eyebrow. "Ella, you're exaggerating again."

"Am I though?" she leaned forward conspiratorially. "Ryan from the eastern counter? His cousin visited Northern Lights last winter and said seeing her during the full moon ritual was like watching the moon goddess herself. Apparently, she never takes a mate—just dedicated to her craft." 

She took a dramatic sip of tea. "But the juiciest part? She's around Blake's age but has this otherworldly grace about her. Something in those Northern rituals must keep them looking good."

I couldn't help laughing at Ella's theatrical delivery. This was why conversations with her were never boring.

She continued without missing a beat. "She's a master of ancient moonlight rituals, and they say her herbal formulas make the shifting process smoother and painless. I heard they were originally scheduled to arrive in two months, but suddenly changed plans and are coming next week!"

"Next week?" I repeated, surprised by this sudden news. "That's so soon."

I suddenly remembered the documents on Blake's desk—he must have been handling arrangements for this visit. No wonder he needed to return to Blackwood Manor at night. Not just for Lucas, but for these important diplomatic matters requiring his attention.

"Ava?" Ella's voice brought me back to reality. "You look a bit... lost."

"Just thinking about what this means for Blake," I admitted honestly. "As Alpha King, these diplomatic responsibilities must be immense."

Ella raised one eyebrow, a knowing smile curling her lips. "Listen to you, moved in for a few days and already worried about 'our Alpha King.'"

"It's not like that," I protested, though my cheeks heated again.

"Of course not," she agreed with a laugh, obviously not believing my denial. "You know, when Jackson marked you, you were miserable for days. I've never seen a silver mark fade so quickly to gold." She tapped her own neck. "Maybe your wolf knew all along he wasn't the right one."

I touched my mark reflexively. "Maybe," I conceded softly.

"Anyway," Ella continued, swirling the last of her tea, "I've given you all the hot gossip. In exchange, I expect future details about your 'indoor activities' with the Alpha King."

"Ella!"

She laughed again, and I couldn't help joining in. Yes, this was Ella, my best friend. And in this ever-changing world, having such a friendship was one of my greatest treasures.