Marked Twice by the Alpha King Chapter 96

**Ava's POV**

Blue flames lined the path to the festival grounds, dancing shadows across ancient wolf statues. My heart raced as Steven's wooden carriage, carved with northern pack symbols, rolled to a stop. I'd gone toe-to-toe with rogue wolves and survived, but being surrounded by hundreds of wolves in fancy getups had me sweating bullets.

"You're a knockout," Steven whispered, his hand resting on my back as we walked in.

I stood taller, feeling eyes on us from every direction. The silver dress fit perfectly, but I stuck out like a sore thumb among these born-with-a-silver-spoon wolves.

Two older guards stepped in our way, sizing me up.

"Who's this?" one asked, suspicious but not hostile.

Before I could open my mouth, Sophia appeared out of nowhere, grabbing my hand with a smile.

"Just smile and nod," she whispered. "Old traditions. Don't overthink it."

I relaxed a bit with her beside me. Then Jackson showed up behind her, and my gut twisted. He flashed some fancy emblem, and the guards practically fell over themselves clearing the way.

Steven showed his northern pack token, and they bowed even deeper. They looked curious about me, but not mean. Still, I couldn't shake feeling like I didn't belong.

Inside the main plaza, I couldn't help but stare. A huge blue bonfire lit up wolves dancing to drum beats that seemed to vibrate in my bones. Something in the air made my wolf stir, like she wanted to break free and join them.

"Wow," I breathed, looking up at the moon hanging impossibly close. "Feels like you could reach out and touch it."

Steven gently rubbed my hand. "First festival, huh?"

"Is it that obvious?" I laughed, feeling like a rookie.

He nodded toward the dancers. "Don't sweat it. This is about cutting loose, not following rules."

All around us, wolves from different packs mingled in outfits that told stories I couldn't read.

"Packs get together to make deals, catch up with old friends, sometimes find mates," Steven explained, watching everyone with practiced ease.

I looked around, feeling lost. "I don't know the first thing about how this works."

"It's not rocket science," he smiled. "Want a drink?"

"Anything but that blue glowing stuff," I said, eyeing some weird liquid going around.

Steven grinned. "Moon nectar? Not your thing?"

"Last time I tried it, couldn't feel my tongue for hours," I admitted.

He laughed and gave my hand a squeeze. "I'll grab something tamer. Hang tight."

Alone in the crowd, I tried not to look as out of place as I felt. I focused on the decorations—wolf symbols carved in stone, lanterns hanging everywhere, strange flowers that seemed to glow.

"Ava!" Sophia's voice snapped me back as she headed over, Jackson in tow. "There you are! Having fun?"

I straightened up, feeling Jackson's eyes all over me. His smile seemed friendly enough, but something in his look made my skin crawl.

"It's great," I lied. "Steven's getting drinks."

"That dress is amazing on you," Sophia gushed. "Silver's totally your color!"

Jackson nodded. "You wear it well. Not many warriors could pull it off."

His words sounded nice, but I caught the dig underneath. Every syllable from him was salt in old wounds.

"You guys look great together," I managed, the words bitter in my mouth. "Congrats again."

Jackson pulled Sophia closer. "Thanks. Luckiest guy in the world."

Sophia beamed, snuggling against him. "We're still figuring out wedding stuff. You have to come!"

Guilt hit me like a truck. Here was Sophia, no clue about my history with Jackson—or worse, with her dad. Some friend I was.

Steven showed up with drinks, saving me from my thoughts.

"Hope I didn't take too long," he said with a nod. "Hayes, Sophia."

Jackson nodded back. "Morgan. Heard your northern festival was killer this year."

"Maybe you'll see it next time," Steven said smoothly.

The drums got louder, catching Sophia's attention. "Look! The moon dance!" She tugged Jackson's arm. "Come on, babe!"

She turned to me with a smile. "Need anything, just holler, okay?"

As they walked off, Jackson looked back at me a beat too long, sending chills down my spine despite the warm night.

Steven handed me my drink. "They look happy."

I nodded stiffly, not trusting myself to talk about Jackson. The drink was sweet, and I hoped it might wash away the bad taste in my mouth.

**Blake's POV**

The crowd parted as I walked in, which only annoyed me more. Guards bowed low, like I might bite their heads off if they didn't.

"Morgan Alpha! Special seat?" The head guard bowed so low I thought he might fall over.

"Other Alphas waiting," another added, voice dripping with respect.

I waved them off without stopping. My dark blue robes with silver threading told everyone who I was better than any introduction.

Tyler stuck close, watching for trouble. "Something's off tonight. Too many packs in one spot always spells drama."

"You say that every month," I muttered. "Just keep your eyes open."

Young unmated females tilted their heads as I passed, their scents purposely sweetened. I ignored them all, just wanting to get through this and head home.

"You could fake a smile," Tyler said under his breath. "Looking like you'd rather be getting a root canal."

I grunted. "These things are all politics. Nobody's having fun."

As we neared the elders' area, a scent hit me that stopped me dead. My head snapped up, eyes finding her instantly, like she had some kind of homing beacon.

Ava stood there in that silver dress, showing off every curve of her warrior body. Among all the overdressed pack royalty, she looked real—dangerous and beautiful without trying.

I stopped walking, caught off guard. "What the hell is she doing here?"

Tyler followed my gaze. "Looks like your nephew brought your warrior girl."

My eyes narrowed. "When did he invite her? Why didn't I know?"

"You signed off on it," Tyler reminded me, eyebrow raised. "He asked you directly last week."

The memory clicked as soon as the words left my mouth. I had approved it, distracted by work and determined to keep my distance after that night.

I looked from Steven at her side to Jackson watching her from across the plaza, his eyes fixed on her like a predator.

"Has that kid forgotten he's marrying my daughter?" I growled, fist clenching.

Tyler shrugged. "Young wolves. Thinking with the wrong brain."

"Sophia should be the only woman he sees," I said through gritted teeth. "Or else..."

I didn't finish, but Tyler got it. So did my wolf, pacing inside me, wanting to cross that plaza and show everyone who was in charge.

And who Ava belonged with.