Marked Twice by the Alpha King Chapter 98

**Ava's POV**

The moment Blake's lips left mine, reality hit me like a bucket of cold water. The Alpha King of Silverpeak, ruler of all packs, Lucas's father—had just kissed me under the moonlight. And I, the daughter of a Shadow Creek traitor, had melted into it completely, like I'd been dying of thirst my whole life. The way my heart raced scared me half to death.

My pulse went crazy, and the mark on my neck burned hot, each heartbeat sending waves of pain and pleasure through my body. What the hell was happening? Days ago in his bedroom at Blackwood, I'd told Blake we needed to keep our distance. Now here I was, kissing him under the moonlight like tomorrow might never come.

What was I doing? What about Lucas's training? What would Sophia think?

"Alpha King," a voice called out, interrupting us. A silver-haired elder stood a few feet away, stiff as a board. "The Northern Council is waiting. The border matters need your attention right away."

Blake's shoulders went rigid, his eyes flashing gold. He was clearly pissed, but duty called—story of an Alpha King's life.

"Don't leave," he whispered, just for my ears. It wasn't quite an order, not quite begging, but somewhere in between that made my heart skip. "I'll be back soon."

As the elder led him away, I stood frozen, my fingers touching my lips where I could still feel his kiss burning like a brand.

Alone on the moonlit terrace, my emotions swirled like a tornado. This was nuts. Blake was the most powerful Alpha in the world. I was just a nobody from Shadow Creek, a woman with someone else's fading mark, daughter of an accused traitor. We were worlds apart.

But why did his touch make me feel so safe, so whole? Why did his absence leave me feeling half-empty?

I touched the mark on my neck, feeling that weird warmth. Jackson's silver mark was fading away, replaced by gold threads that seemed to be weaving themselves into my skin. It heated up whenever Blake was nearby, like it was calling out to something I didn't understand. The feeling was strange but somehow familiar.

I adjusted my necklace to hide the mark, afraid someone might see it—especially the wolf elders who'd know exactly what it meant.

Lucas was my student, my job. Sophia had become my friend, still dealing with our kidnapping nightmare. Blake was their father, the freaking Alpha King. And me? Just an ordinary girl caught up in this mess, a Shadow Creek warrior. I had no right wanting more.

"There you are," Steven's voice snapped me back as he stepped onto the terrace. "Been looking all over for you."

I forced a smile, hoping the shadows hid my flushed face. "Just needed some air. The festival's amazing, but it's a bit much."

Steven looked me over, his eyes searching. "You look... different. Something happen?"

I looked away, scared he'd read too much in my eyes. "Nothing really. First festival and all—still getting used to so many Alphas in one place." The lie left a bad taste in my mouth.

He moved closer, reaching to tuck a loose strand of hair behind my ear. His fingers brushed against my neck by accident.

I couldn't help shivering when he touched near the mark. It felt wrong, uncomfortable—nothing like the warmth I felt when Blake touched me.

Steven noticed my reaction, his forehead creasing as suspicion and confusion crossed his face.

"Too many ears around here," he said, his tone changing. "Why don't we head over to Moonlight Lake? It's quieter there."

I hesitated, remembering Blake asked me to stay put. I felt guilty, like I was betraying him, but I didn't want Steven getting suspicious.

"Okay," I nodded. "But not too far."

As we left the terrace, I glanced back toward where Blake had disappeared, a bad feeling settling in my gut. Should I have stayed? Waited for Blake? But how would I explain that to Steven? Why did I suddenly feel torn in two different directions?

The Moonlight Lake spread out before us like a giant mirror kissed by moonlight, stars dancing on its surface. Tree shadows played across the water. It should have been the most romantic spot ever, but my heart wasn't in it.

"Look," Steven pointed toward a flower blooming in the middle of the lake, its petals glowing. "Legend says that flower only blooms during Moon Festival. Couples who see it together get the Moon Goddess's blessing and protection."

I gave a weak smile, my thoughts drifting to Blake and our moment on the terrace, that kiss that shook me to my core. "It's beautiful," I murmured, not talking about the flower at all.

*Why am I even here? With Steven? When everything in me is screaming for someone else. This isn't fair to him or to me.*

Steven took a deep breath and wrapped his tribal cloak around my shoulders. His fingers lingered on my skin. "Ever since I first saw you at Blackwood, I knew you were something special, Ava."

His eyes shone with sincerity in the moonlight. "You're not like other wolf women I've met. There's a strength in you... something independent and beautiful that I can't look away from."

Unease crept up my spine. "Steven..." My voice barely made it above a whisper. I had no idea how to handle his intensity.

He gently touched my face, and my body instinctively wanted to back away. "I want you to be my mate, Ava. Not just for tonight's festival, but for good. We could start fresh in the Northern Pack, away from all this political garbage."

*His words sound so good, so tempting. A clean slate, away from painful memories and responsibilities. But why does my heart feel nothing? Why don't his promises spark anything in me? Why, when he touches me, do I think of someone else?*

I gently pushed his hand away, needing room to breathe. "You're a great guy, Steven. But I can't accept." The words were tougher to say than I expected.

Hurt flashed in his eyes, like I'd physically wounded him. "Why? Is it because of Jackson? That mark will fade with time. I can help you through it."