Marked Twice by the Alpha King Chapter 20

**Ava's POV**

The morning air carried a chill as I approached Blackwood Manor. My mark hummed with warmth the closer I got to Blake's territory.

I reached the massive oak doors before they swung open. Mr. Wilson stood there, his silver hair perfectly combed, his face set in professional neutrality that didn't quite hide his skepticism.

"Miss Rivers," he said coolly. "Punctual. At least there's that."

I offered a tight smile. "Morning."

Wilson closed the door behind me. "Light is not what's needed today, I'm afraid. Master Lucas has... created a situation."

"What kind of situation?"

Wilson's lips pressed into a thin line. "He's managed to get his hands on something he shouldn't have. A Moonstone Scroll."

I stiffened. Even in Shadow Creek, we knew about those—ancient texts containing forbidden wolf techniques passed down through the oldest bloodlines.

"How the hell did a seven-year-old get a Moonstone Scroll?" I asked, already moving toward the stairs.

"That's precisely what I'd like to know. The Alpha King keeps such items locked in his private study."

As we climbed the stairs, I felt the shift in the air—a crackling energy that made the hair on my arms stand up. 

"He's been in there since dawn," Wilson said, his voice dropping. "I heard chanting earlier. When I tried to enter, he..." The manager trailed off, and for the first time, I noticed the thin scratch along his jawline. Fresh.

"He shifted?" I asked, alarmed.

"Partially. His eyes, claws..." Wilson hesitated. "No child his age should be able to do that. The previous instructors fled the moment they saw his eyes change color."

We reached the second floor. The energy grew stronger as we approached Lucas's door—wild, untamed power pulsing from inside.

Wilson placed himself between me and the door. "Perhaps I should call for the Alpha King. Master Lucas in this state is... unpredictable."

I shook my head. "Blake hired me to handle Lucas. First day on the job isn't the time to prove I can't."

I stepped forward and knocked firmly on the door. "Lucas? It's Ava."

Silence answered me, but I could feel movement inside. He was listening.

"Lucas, I know you've got a Moonstone Scroll. Those aren't meant for cubs."

A small voice, defiant despite its youth, responded: "I'm not a cub! Go away!"

I tried again, gentler this time. "Lucas, your dad hired me to help you, remember? To teach you the fighting skills you want to learn."

"I don't need you anymore!" His voice cracked slightly. "I found something better!"

The doorknob rattled. I heard a thud against the door and a snarl—a young wolf's snarl, but with an edge that shouldn't be there in someone so young.

Wilson placed a hand on my shoulder. "Perhaps we should—"

I shrugged him off, my patience evaporating. "Lucas Morgan, open this door right now!"

When silence was my only answer, I made a split-second decision. I took three steps back, centered my weight, and kicked the door with enough force to crack the frame. The wood splintered, the door flying open and banging against the wall inside.

"Miss Rivers!" Wilson gasped, his professional mask cracking with shock.

Wilson's protests faded into background noise as I stepped through the broken doorway, fully committed to whatever consequences awaited on the other side.

**Third Person POV**

That same morning, Jackson stood in Mr. Wilson's office at Blackwood Manor, his expression carefully controlled despite the anger simmering beneath. He had come under the pretense of delivering wedding invitation details from Sophia, but his true purpose was far less innocent.

"We appreciate your attention to these matters," Wilson said, reviewing the paperwork Jackson had brought. "Miss Sophia has always had impeccable taste."

Jackson smiled, the picture of a devoted fiancé. "She's quite excited about the ceremony. By the way, I heard Blake hired a new combat instructor for Lucas."

Wilson nodded stiffly. "Indeed. Miss Rivers started this morning."

"Rivers?" Jackson feigned surprise, though he'd learned of Ava's employment days ago through his network of informants. "As in William Rivers' daughter? The traitor from Shadow Creek?"

Wilson's head snapped up. "The very same. Why do you ask?"

Jackson leaned forward conspiratorially. "I'm surprised Blake would allow someone with such... questionable connections near his son. Especially given her history."

"History?" Wilson's eyebrows rose with interest.

"I've known Ava for years," Jackson said smoothly. "She's quite troubled. Brilliant fighter, certainly, but unstable. She suffers from a serious learning disability that affects her judgment. She once confessed to me that she struggles with basic instructions and reading—hardly qualities you want in an instructor for the Alpha King's heir."

Wilson's frown deepened. "The Alpha King seemed confident in her abilities."

"Blake sees her combat skills, which are admittedly impressive," Jackson conceded with calculated reluctance. "But her impulsiveness makes her dangerous. I'd keep a very close eye on her interactions with Lucas. For the boy's safety, of course."

Wilson nodded slowly, doubt clearly taking root. "I appreciate your concern, Mr. Hayes."

"I should mention," Jackson added, lowering his voice further, "she has a history of... unconventional methods. At the Academy, she frequently disregarded established protocols. Claimed they were 'limiting' or some nonsense."

"Disregarded protocols?" Wilson looked genuinely alarmed now. "In what way?"

Jackson feigned hesitation. "Let's just say there were incidents. Training accidents. Nothing that could be definitively pinned on her, but patterns emerged. The Academy records would show it, if you have access."

"I'll speak with the Alpha King about obtaining those records," Wilson said, making a note in his leather-bound planner.

"I wouldn't," Jackson cautioned. "Blake might see it as overstepping. Perhaps it's better to watch her carefully first, gather your own evidence. If she behaves erratically or endangers Lucas in any way, then approach Blake with concrete concerns."

Wilson considered this, nodding slowly. "I'll document any concerning behavior."

"Perfect," Jackson said, rising from his seat. "And perhaps don't mention our conversation to anyone. I wouldn't want to interfere with Blake's decisions or appear biased due to my connection with Shadow Creek matters."

"Of course," Wilson agreed. "This conversation never happened."

As Wilson escorted him to the main entrance, Jackson spotted a maid carrying fresh linens toward the west wing. He made a mental note—Ava would be staying in the east wing, where all staff quarters were located. Perhaps he could arrange for some of his more loyal pack members to be hired at Blackwood Manor. Having eyes and ears within the household would prove useful.

"I'd better be going," Jackson said, shaking Wilson's hand firmly. "Sophia's expecting me for lunch. But please, if you notice anything concerning about Miss Rivers, don't hesitate to send word. For Lucas's sake."

"Certainly," Wilson replied. "The young master's safety is my primary concern."

As Jackson departed Blackwood Manor, satisfaction coursed through him. The more obstacles in Ava's path, the faster she'd fail and return to Shadow Creek... where she belonged.

And where she would have no choice but to accept his offer to save her father. The full moon—and William Rivers' execution date—drew ever closer. Time was on Jackson's side, and he knew exactly how to use it.