Marked Twice by the Alpha King novel Chapter 12

Chapter 12

Ava’s POV

Lucas bounced like he’d chugged ten energy drinks, yanking his dad’s sleeve while his eyes lit up. “Dad! She has to stay! She’s the only one who doesn’t treat me like I’m five!” He shot me a quick grin before locking those pleading eyes on his father.

1 bit my lip to keep from smirking. The kid had game.

Blake’s hard edges softened when he looked at his son, then sharpened again when his eyes cut to me. “My son usually sends instructors packing within days. Seems you’ve made quite the impression.”

My neck tingled where Jackson’s mark sat, warm instead of its usual burn. Not exactly roses and chocolates from the Alpha King, but I’d take it.

“Just doing my job,” I said with a casual shrug, though my wolf preened like she’d been handed a steak.

Lucas’s fingers dug into Blake’s sleeve. “Dad? Just one word, but packed with all the worry a seven–year–old could muster.

Blake ruffled his son’s hair. “Go with Wilson. I need to talk to Miss Rivers.”

The boy’s eyes darted between us like he was watching a tennis match. He nodded reluctantly and trudged after the stiff–backed manager, throwing one last “don’t–mess–this–up” glance my way.

The moment we were alone, my wolf practically rolled over. Ridiculous. I’d faced down feral rogues without flinching, but one look from this guy and my inner wolf turned to mush.

My mark hummed warm against my skin–not the usual ice–pick–to–the–neck pain, but something almost… pleasant. I couldn’t stop noticing the little things about him–the muscle that jumped in his jaw when he clenched his teeth, the way his shoulders filled out his shirt, hands that could probably snap trees in half.

Why this man? Why freaking now? The universe is laughing its ass off.

My wolf clawed to get closer while my brain screamed to run in the opposite direction. Focus, Ava. Dad. Prison. Execution. Not tall, dark and Alpha.

“You can keep the job, Blake said, crossing his arms. “Lucas needs someone who won’t quit when he gets difficult.”

Relief hit me like a cool breeze. “Thanks. That’s- I stuck my hand out like an idiot before remembering who I was talking to.

Blake just stared at my offered hand. One dark eyebrow ticked up as his Alpha presence leaked into the space between us, subtle as a sledgehammer.

Way to look desperate, Ava.

I dropped my hand and shoved it in my pocket.

“Ground rules,” he finally said, breaking the awkward silence.

“Let me guess–no fun allowed?”

His mouth twitched. Almost a smile? Nah.

Stay in the training grounds and common areas,” he said. “The west wing and second floor are off–limits. Period.”

A smart person would’ve nodded and shut up. Instead, I heard myself say, “Worried I’ll sneak into your bedroom, Alpha King?”

Jesus Christ, what’s wrong with me?

Heat flashed up my neck as Blake’s eyes darkened to thundercloud gray.

“Careful,‘ he said softly. “You’re an employee now. Not a guest.”

The razor edge in his voice snapped me back to reality. I needed this job. Dad needed this job.

I forced my face into neutral territory. “You’re right. Sorry. I’ll stick to the training areas and wear the Silverpeak gear.”

1/3

450 PM d