Marked Twice by the Alpha King novel Chapter 108

Chapter 108

Steven’s q

uestion puncheil me in the gut, though I didn’t let it shows. The Full Moon Festival wasn’t just some dater—it was o where pack alliances shifted. potential mates were publicly claimed.

Him taking he would be like putting a neon sign ever her head Mine

My well clawed beneath my skin, demanding i stake my claim first. I swallowed the growl building in my thent,

“That’s up to her,” I managed, my voler eroder than I deİL

“Right,” Steven nodded, eyes searching my face. Just wanted to check It woulds … ruffle pour fur

1 kept my expression blank–a skill mastered through

our most sacred gathering.

́alplus polition–but my hands betrayed me, curling into fists at my sides. “Why the hell would

“Because

Steven shifted his weight, watching me like I was a bomb he might accidentally trigger, Tve seen how you look at her. Not the way you look at Tyler or Wilson or any other person who works for you.

The hallway suddenly felt too small for two alphas dancing around an unspoken challenge. Moonlight cut shadows between us, itching our silhouette against the stone wall.

“You’ve got it wrong.” I said, words sharp enough to cut. “Rivers trains my son. That’s it. Who she spends time with in my business”

Steven studied me, head slightly tilted. I could practically hear him sorting truth from bullshit. Finally, his shoulders relaxed a fraction. “Glad to hear it. Thanks for being straight with me, Uncle.”

As he headed toward the dining room, I stayed frozen, my wolf raging against my ribs, howling trainor with every heartbeat. The logical part of my brain tried to justify it–Awa deserved someone uncomplicated. Someone whose life wasnt a political minefield. Someone like Steven, with his northern pack

inheritance and easy smile.

But logic couldn’t touch the raw ache spreading through my chest at the thought of her beside him, wearing his colors, carrying his scent.

I dragged myself toward dinner, each step heavier than hauling a boulder uphill.

By the time I walked in, the dining hall glowed with finelight that softened the edges of a brutal day. Lacas bounced in his chair like hed chugged ten sodas while Sophia and Steven huddled together whispering something that made them both smile. Tyler stood nearby, his stance casual bat eyes alent—always th protector, even during family time.

‘Look what the wind blew in, Sophia teased, tossing her hair over one shoulder. “We were about to send a search party.”

I dropped into my chair, breathing in the small slice of normal life around me: “Got caught up with festival stall.”

Wilson appeared with servers carrying steaming platters. The rich smell of coasted meat cut through the tension I’d carried in from the hallway

“How’d the rate you today?” I asked Lucas, carefully avoiding her name as I grabbed my wine glass.

Lucas beamed, practically vibrating with excitement/She said I nailed my defensive stancet And Hunter found all three hidden targets without any help!”

That dog follows her around like she’s made of baron,” Sophia laughed. “Been that way since day one. Makes someone jealous.”

“Does not!” Lucas protested, his ears turning the color of fire truck.

“Animals can spot the real deal,” Steven remarked, twirling his wine glass. “They don’t fall for fake

I stabbed my venison harder than necessary, focusing on the plate instead of the hot spike of irritations at Steven’s obvious admiration.

Festival prep going okay?” I changed subjects, glancing around the table,

erd Lucas playfully

Chapter 108

“All set. Sephia nodded, sening down her silverware. My

fummit in years. Pretty much may pork that matten i showing up

“We’re bringing our vignature moonlight wine. Nesen added with a hint of pride. Chalybeaks for special occasiona

Thought this year’s theme la Wall

(7o Tyler chimed in, inching closer to the conversation.

Sophia’s Ener lit up. “Each pack gets to show off their traditions and strengths. There’ll be rintal fights and bloodline ceremonies. She leaned forward, Inwering her visie. Words Said that it’s the biggest festival in forever could shake up who stands where in the pack order:

1 caught Steven watching me, measuring my reactions. The conversation difted through pack politics and ceremonial detail, with Lucas jumping in about possibly demonstrating his tracking skills with Hunter.

I mostly pushed food around my plate, my dad stuck on an image of Ava in traditional festival clothes, her fence green eyes standing out against ceremonial paint. If she went with Steven, everyone would see it as a pairing announcement. The thought burned worse then silver against skin.

As Wilson cleared dessert plates, Tyler bent near move, she might not be there anymore.”

chair, his voice harely a whisper. “Some doors don’t stay open forever, boss. By the time you make a

I shot him a glare that would make most wolves piss themselves, but he just raised an eyebrow, thirty years of friendship making him immune to my alpha

After dinner wrapped, I escaped to the terrace alone. The forest stretched dark and silent under a half–moon, smelling of pine and earth and fallen leaves. The scent reminded me of her skin, of how it felt under my hands that night when everything changed.

For just a moment, I let the Alpha King mask slip. No politics, no responsibilities, no centuries of tradition weighing me down, hast a man facing the truth he’d been dodging for weeks

“Maybe some things matter more than duty.” I whispered to the night air, tasting the dangerous freedom of those words.