Marked Twice by the Alpha King Chapter 151

She watched Blake rejoin the cozy scene, catching fragments about tomorrow's delegation. Ava's face lit up as he spoke, all eager interest and warmth.

"Lucas's reflexes are way better today," Blake told Ava, obvious pride warming his voice. "Guess that time off did him good."

"Kid's got raw talent," Ava replied, ruffling Lucas's hair. "Today we went over pack diplomacy, focusing on Northern Lights customs. You should've caught his Silver Moon greeting. Spot on."

Lucas bounced up, sweeping into an exaggerated ceremonial bow. "The great Alpha King Morgan welcomes the Moon Guardians with open arms!" His tiny voice dropped comically low, making Ava snort with laughter.

Blake watched them, the corner of his mouth lifting in that rare, genuine smile Sophia barely recognized. "So you're a combat trainer and diplomatic coach now? Rivers, you're full of surprises."

Sophia's nails pierced her palm hard enough to draw blood. It was so obvious it made her sick—her father was totally into Rivers, and worse, Rivers was eating it up. How had that scrappy warrior crawled under everyone's skin so fast?

Then it clicked. Lyra Starlight... the legendary priestess rumored to leave Alphas speechless with her beauty... maybe it was time Blake saw there were options way above Rivers' league. Someone truly worthy of standing beside the Alpha King.

If she could just spark some interest between her father and the priestess, it might be enough to make him forget about his little warrior crush. And once Ava lost Blake's protection...

The plan crystallized in Sophia's mind, making her lips curl into a cold smile. Tomorrow couldn't come fast enough. She slipped away from the door, shadows swallowing her as she retreated down the hall.

**Ava's POV**

Three days without seeing Blake.

Seventy-two hours, four thousand three hundred and twenty minutes. I lay on the luxurious bed in the northern house, fingers absently tracing the mark on my neck that was gradually turning pure gold. Since the Northern Lights delegation's visit was moved up, Blake had barely returned to the northern territory. I could imagine how he looked now: heavy dark circles, that deep crease between his eyebrows, and the back of his neck he unconsciously massaged when irritated.

Every time I closed my eyes, my mind conjured his storm-blue eyes, those strong hands covered in scars, and that expression that usually remained stern but occasionally softened for me. God, I was even starting to miss the way he frowned at paperwork.

"Don't be stupid, Ava," I muttered, rolling over to bury my face in the pillow. "He's a damn Alpha King, not your personal lover."

But he had marked me, and we both knew what that meant. My fingers traced the warm golden imprint again, which had almost completely covered Jackson's silver mark. Even though we'd talked about marks and relationships, that deep feeling of insecurity never completely vanished. After all, this was Blake Morgan, Alpha King of Silverpeak, the most powerful man in the werewolf world—while I was just William Rivers' daughter, the adopted daughter of a banished former councilman. He chose me, but there would always be countless women more suitable to stand beside him.

My wolf paced restlessly inside me, craving Blake's scent, touch, and presence. She was far more honest than me, directly admitting: this wasn't just desire, I missed him, missed the jerk who always made me feel safe and important.

"It’s not like a few nights together suddenly means commitment, girl. You’re not some lovestruck teenage wolf cub," I tried to tell myself, but I couldn’t ignore the hesitation on Ruth’s face when she walked in this morning. She definitely noticed how on edge I was.

Honestly, I wasn't thinking entirely of myself. Blake must be exhausted, busy preparing for that damn Northern Lights trade alliance, and the memory of his tired face made my heart ache. When an Alpha King had to consider not just one pack but the entire werewolf world, who took care of him?

At this thought, I suddenly sat up, making a decision. I was definitely not the kind of girl who sat around waiting for a man's favor. Never was, never would be. I believed Blake craved me just as much as I craved him. If Mr. Busy couldn't make time to see me, I'd go find him.

I rushed to the bathroom, turned on the shower, letting hot water cascade over my skin while organizing a plan in my head. I didn't want to seem too deliberate or too childish; I was a warrior, an independent warrior, who happened to want to see her... Alpha? Lover? God, what exactly were we?

Hot water slid down my body, and I closed my eyes imagining it was Blake's fingers—rough fingertips, firm pressure. My wolf whimpered, craving more.

After drying off, I stood hesitating before the closet. Standard warrior outfit? Too businesslike. Normal clothes? Too plain. Suddenly, a bold idea entered my mind, making my cheeks burn—nothing at all. Just a cloak, a pair of boots, and nothing but my own skin in between.

"This is insane, Ava," I whispered to my reflection in the mirror, but couldn't stop my lips from curving upward. "He'll think you've lost your mind." But a voice deep inside insisted: he'll love it.

I grabbed the deep blue traditional werewolf cloak, soft yet thick enough to conceal my secret. I spent considerable time grooming: pine wood shampoo with its forest scent, light makeup accentuating my features, long hair braided in a complex warrior plait hanging down my back. Honestly, the feeling without underwear was strange—my nipples sensitively brushed against the cloak's inner lining, each friction making me gasp.

When I emerged from my room, Ruth met me at the hallway corner, raising one eyebrow.

"Going out?" she asked, eyes scanning my well-fastened cloak.

"To Blackwood council hall," I answered as calmly as possible, hoping she couldn't detect the nervousness in my voice. "Blake's been there handling Northern Lights business, right?"

She nodded, her expression subtle, and I was certain she suspected something. "Want me to arrange a car for you?"

"No need," I quickly replied, imagining how embarrassing it would be with a driver in the front seat. "I want to walk, clear my head."

Ruth's eyes flashed with understanding, but she was considerate enough not to pry. "Be careful. Alpha King might not be in the best mood today—preparations for the delegation have everyone on edge."

I resisted telling her that improving his mood was precisely part of my plan.

Walking through the forest path, countless images flashed through my mind: Blake's expression seeing me naked before him, would he immediately push me against the wall, or pretend to have self-control like last time? Did he miss me as much as I missed him? Or was I overinterpreting his mark and those few passionate nights?

Reaching Blackwood council hall, I took a deep breath, confirmed the cloak was tied securely, then pushed open the heavy oak door.

Entering the hall, the familiar scent of power engulfed me—expensive pine floors, solemn tribal tapestries on walls, silver pine wood burning in corners giving the entire space a mysterious atmosphere.