Marked Twice by the Alpha King Chapter 97

**Blake's POV**

I ended the elders' council meeting with a firm command about border security. As the pack leaders filed out, Tyler fell into step beside me.

"You seemed a million miles away in there," he said, studying my face. "That vein in your forehead's been doing the cha-cha all night."

I ignored him, my focus already on what waited outside.

My eyes scanned the crowd automatically, searching for silver—both the dress and that distinctive shade of moonlight caught in dark hair.

"The elders are waiting for you at the big table," Tyler reminded me, nodding toward a raised platform where pack leaders gathered.

I changed direction, heading toward the refreshment area instead. "In a minute."

Near the drink stations, I spotted Steven selecting beverages. The sight of my nephew reminded me instantly of his festival companion—Ava. My jaw tightened.

I followed Steven's gaze and found her instantly. She stood alone near the edge of the gathering, wrapped in that silver ceremonial dress that hugged every curve of her warrior body. Unlike the other females with their fancy hairstyles and too much jewelry, Ava wore her hair in a simple updo with just a single silver necklace—positioned perfectly to hide her mark.

Steven spotted me before I could slip away, his face lighting up as he approached, drinks in hand.

"Uncle! Didn't think you'd be rubbing elbows with regular folks tonight," he joked, though I caught the nervous edge in his voice.

I acknowledged him with a short nod, not trusting myself to sound normal.

"About Ava..." He shifted his weight slightly. "I hope inviting her hasn't stepped on any toes. She's an amazing warrior, and I really admire her."

I arched an eyebrow.

"She's different," he continued, words tumbling out faster. "Not just her looks—though she's gorgeous—but her spirit. I think I might actually be falling for her."

*This kid falls for a new she-wolf every full moon,* I thought, recalling his passionate declarations about a tracker from the western packs just weeks ago.

"She's Lucas's trainer," I answered evenly, hiding the possessiveness raging inside. "Her choices are her own."

Steven's shoulders relaxed slightly. "I'll treat her right," he assured me. "She's special."

*You have no idea how special,* my wolf growled silently as Steven excused himself, heading back toward Ava with his drinks.

I watched him go, shaking my head. Steven's "true feelings" changed direction faster than a rabbit in a fox chase.

"Alpha King," a sultry voice called from behind me. "Finally found you alone."

I didn't need to turn to recognize that voice, but I did anyway. Amber stood there in a gold dress that left little to imagination, the neckline diving way too low while the back showed more skin than it covered. The medical team emblem hung from her neck—her only ticket to this gathering.

"All by yourself?" she asked, moving closer than necessary. "I thought the Alpha King would have a date tonight."

"The festival is pack business," I replied, already looking for an escape route.

Amber laughed lightly, her fingers brushing my arm. "Not even that little Shadow Creek warrior at your side? I've heard she's quite... special. Special enough to score a room at Blackwood Manor."

My expression hardened. "I don't explain my decisions."

"Of course not," she purred, pressing against my arm. "Grab me some moon nectar? We could drink and... talk."

I mechanically retrieved two drinks, my attention already elsewhere. Across the clearing, Steven had returned to Ava's side. The sight of his hand resting on her lower back sent a surge of anger through me that I barely contained.

Amber accepted her drink with a practiced smile. "I've been thinking," she began, swirling the glowing liquid, "you need someone proper by your side. A medical family joined with the Alpha line—it's traditional, right?"

She leaned closer, her voice dropping. "The moon dance is starting. Dance with me?"

I was about to say no when I spotted Steven leading Ava toward the dance area, his hand guiding her with casual familiarity. Something hot and possessive flared in my chest.

"Fine," I agreed shortly, allowing Amber to pull me toward the edge of the dance floor.

In the center of the clearing, Ava moved with natural grace that made my mouth go dry. The tribal drums set a primal rhythm that seemed to reach into the wildest parts of our wolf souls. She kept careful distance from Steven, I noted with satisfaction—no unnecessary touching, no pressing bodies together.

Her movements were both powerful and fluid, the warrior's strength showing in every controlled motion. Other wolves were noticing too, male gazes following her with obvious interest.

Amber practically glued herself to me, her scent deliberately sweetened to attract, her body moving suggestively with the music. I barely noticed her, my attention locked entirely on Ava.

"They say the moon dance shows true feelings," Amber whispered. "That's why unmated wolves should be careful who they dance with."

I nodded automatically, watching as the music slowed and Steven leaned down to whisper something in Ava's ear. She nodded, and he pressed a quick kiss to her hand before saying something and walking away.

The relief in Ava's posture was obvious. She waited until Steven disappeared into the crowd before slipping away toward the quiet terrace overlooking the forest.

"Gotta go," I said abruptly, pulling away from Amber's grip.

"Blake?" Confusion filled her voice. "The dance isn't even over!"

I was already moving, following Ava's path, my wolf practically howling beneath my skin. Every step away from the crowd eased something tight in my chest, every inch closer to her feeling increasingly right.

I found her alone on the moonlit terrace, her face tilted upward to drink in the silver light. The moon transformed her dress into something magical, highlighting the strength in her shoulders and the curve of her neck where my mark waited beneath that strategic necklace.

Moving silently, I approached until I stood directly behind her, close enough to catch her scent—pine and wild berries and something uniquely Ava.

She sensed someone but didn't turn. "Finally back?" she murmured, still gazing up. "This moonlight is beautiful..."

She thought I was Steven. The mistake sent a thrill through me. Instead of correcting her, I let my fingers brush lightly against her bare shoulder, trailing down to her arm.

The instant my skin touched hers, electricity sparked between us, the mark connection flaring hot and demanding.

Ava spun around, eyes widening when she saw me instead of my nephew. "Blake?"

Before she could say another word, I pulled her against me, one hand settling at her waist while the other cupped her cheek.

From the moment we touched, our wolves recognized each other, fighting to get closer. I could feel her mark burning beneath the silver pendant, gold threads pulsing with her racing heart.

"I thought you were Steven..." she whispered, eyes darkening with confusion and want.

"Forget him," I growled, voice dropping low, revealing how close my wolf was to taking over.

And then I was kissing her, claiming her mouth with all the hunger I'd been holding back.