Marked Twice by the Alpha King Chapter 30

**Ava's POV**

I stepped into the grand reception hall with my medal still clutched in my palm, the weight of it somehow both lighter and heavier than before. The buzz of conversation dropped to a hush as I entered, then sparked back up twice as loud.

After the shitstorm in the Director's office, the last thing I wanted was to parade around a room full of wolves who'd just watched my public humiliation. But here I was, the girl who'd been accused of cheating, cleared by the Alpha King himself, and now expected to mingle like nothing had happened.

"Did she really cheat?"

"Alpha King got involved personally..."

"Just like her father—Rivers blood is tainted..."

The whispers sliced through the crowd like silver knives. I straightened my shoulders and kept my chin up, refusing to show weakness.

Before I could decide whether to bolt or face the music, Ella's voice rang out across the hall.

"Since the Alpha King himself has proven the truth," she announced, raising her glass high, "maybe you all could shut your traps and enjoy the free booze!"

Shocked faces turned toward her, but Ella just grinned wider, daring anyone to challenge her. After a moment of uncomfortable silence, conversations slowly resumed, though the side-glances my way didn't stop.

Ella crossed the room and pulled me into a crushing hug.

"Those bastards didn't mess with you, did they?" she whispered fiercely, her protective rage barely contained.

I shook my head, feeling a burn behind my eyes that I refused to let turn into tears. Not here. Not in front of these wolves.

"I'm fine. Blake and Tyler proved Serena was lying," I said quietly.

Ella pulled back, eyebrows shooting up. "Blake personally defended you? The biggest, baddest Alpha using all his resources for little old you?"

"He was just doing the right thing," I replied, surprised by her emphasis.

Ella's eyes danced with mischief. "The Alpha King personally investigating an Academy cheating case? His warrior chief tracking scent trails? Oh honey, he was basically licking you from head to toe with those storm-cloud eyes. Someone likes how your neck smells."

Though she was joking, her implication sent my mark into an inferno under my collar. The gold threads pulsed with heat that wasn't entirely unpleasant.

"Shut up!" I hissed. "I'm just Lucas's instructor. He did it because... because he hates deception."

Ella snickered under her breath. "Uh-huh, and I bet he looks at you like a wolf eyeing prey on a full moon night also because of 'justice.' Whatever you say, my lucky little she-wolf."

A server in crisp Silverpeak livery approached with two glasses of blood wine on a silver tray. I grabbed one and downed half in one go, wincing at the strong taste. The burn down my throat was exactly what I needed to steady my nerves.

"Come on," Ella said, linking her arm with mine. "Since your name's been cleared, enjoy the privileges you earned."

She squeezed my arm. "They didn't revoke your exchange rights, right? That's the key to saving William."

I shook my head. "No, but I didn't get to give my speech. That part sucks."

"That bitch ruined your moment," Ella said sympathetically. "But the Moon Goddess will make her pay."

I drained the rest of my glass. "I need something stronger."

"Open bar courtesy of Blake himself," Ella smirked. "He's sponsoring the entire ceremony."

"Really?" I raised an eyebrow.

"Word is the Blake family's the main benefactor of Warrior Academy," she added casually. "They basically own the place."

My mind spun with this information as I excused myself to get another drink. As I approached the bar, I noticed a man with a Northern pack emblem—Alpha Maxwell Stone from Moonstone Pack—nursing a drink in the corner. I remembered the Northern packs might know something useful. This could be my chance.

"Alpha Stone?" I approached with practiced respect. "I'm Ava Rivers, the warrior who just received the honor medal."

"I know exactly who you are," he smiled, his eyes traveling over me with too much interest. "Hard for a Moonstone Alpha to miss such an exceptional warrior."

I cut to the chase. "I wanted to ask about Northern pack relations with Shadow Creek, specifically regarding the recent border disputes—"

Maxwell's gaze wandered down my body. "Politics are too heavy for a celebration. Let's toast your victory first."

He waved a server over. "How about some Moonlight Wolf? A Northern specialty."

I hesitated, then decided to play nice first, ask questions later. "Thanks. I could use a drink."

Maxwell leaned closer, invading my personal space. "We offer much more than drinks to talented warriors like you. Someone with your skills would receive... special treatment in Moonstone territory."

His fingers brushed my wrist, his eyes heating in a way that made my skin crawl.

"I notice your mark is changing," he said, staring at my neck. "Rejected marks are painful, but there are solutions."

I downed the specialty drink in one gulp, hoping it would steady my nerves. Instead, a wave of dizziness hit me immediately, far stronger than normal alcohol would cause. My vision blurred at the edges as I tried to stand, but my legs felt disconnected from my body.

Maxwell caught me with an arm around my waist, his hand roaming too freely across my back. "Looks like someone needs looking after."

My wolf howled in panic, rejecting his scent and touch, but my body wouldn't respond to my commands.

"Silverpeak clearly doesn't appreciate treasures like you," he whispered against my ear. "My pack would treat you right."

I tried pushing him away, but my lips were numb, my arms useless. I could only manage slurred protests.

"I'll take care of you," Maxwell said, his voice dripping with possession. "Your scent tells me your mark is in flux. No Alpha can resist that challenge."

He half-carried, half-dragged me toward the exit as my wolf whimpered in terror. I desperately searched the crowd for Ella, but couldn't find her.

As we neared the door, Maxwell pulled me closer. "You know, that mark issue? I could give you a better one."

He suddenly lifted me into his arms like a trophy. My head lolled helplessly against his shoulder as my fingers struggled to reach the mark on my neck, seeking its protection.

Maxwell's laugh vibrated through his chest. "Don't worry. Soon you'll forget Jackson Hayes and everyone else. A real Alpha will show you what a true marking feels like."

We were nearly at the exit when a woman in Academy uniform blocked our path.

"Alpha Stone, put her down immediately!" Her voice was stern, authoritative.

Through my drug-induced haze, I recognized one of the Academy's female instructors.

"She's clearly been drugged!" the instructor demanded. "Release her now or I'll report this to the Council!"

Maxwell smirked. "She's coming willingly to my territory. This is a personal matter between us."

Suddenly, the temperature in the hallway seemed to plummet. An overwhelming Alpha presence washed over us like a tidal wave, almost forcing everyone present to their knees.

"Put. Her. Down. Before I tear your throat out myself." The voice was low as thunder but crystal clear.