Marked Twice by the Alpha King novel Chapter 128

A POV

schel Sinh room wround the kitchen, her knife clicking against the cutting board like she was trai movements, excitement herred off her in waves.

to it speed record. Rehind her practiera

So,” she s4, chopping vegetables with forced casualnes. “Who invited you to Shadow Creek a inheritance ceremony again?”

I sipped my tea, playing along. “Sophia Morgan,”

Sarah’s knife fore mid–slim. “The Alpha King’s dighter? Personally? Her voice jumped an octave, “I thought you were just some courtesy list os Lucas’s

te went through some stuff together.” I said, not seanting to revisit our kidnapping hell.

She put down her knife and leaned forward, palms fat on the table. “Do you realize what this means? The Morgans are publicly supporting us. Calculation glittered in her eyes. This could change everything for William’s case.”

“It’s a Hayes ceremony, Sarah,” I reminded her. The same family that got Tad locked up.”

Sarah’s face burned serious. “Exactly why it matters. We need to show the Rivers women stand tall.”

She sat across from me, suddenly intense, ‘Look, I know you hate pack politics, but sometimes we have to play the game. Every powerful wolf in Shadow Creek will be there tomorrow. This is our chance to remind them we still matter.”

I got it. Since William’s arrest as a traitor, wed become pack pariahs. Former friends crossed streets to avoid us, like treason might be contagious

“Don’t read too much into it,” I cautioned. “It’s just a friend thing.”

Sarah shook her head, returning to her vegetables with renewed energy. “You’re so naive. In our world, there are no simple invitations from power players.” Her voice softened. Just use this opportunity. Not for me–for William.”

Her words landed like a punch. Of course I wanted to help my father, but not by exploiting Sophia’s friendship–and definitely not by revealing what was happening between me and Blake.

Tll wear my formal warrior pear,” I said, changing subjects. “Won’t embarrass you.”

Sarah smiled.

“That’s my girl.”

Later, I inspected my

my ceremonial outfit. Deep blue leather with silver Shadow Creek runes–the only thing I owned worth wearing to this circus. As I pulled it from my closet, something small clattered to the floor. A silver wolf pendant on a chain–Jackson’s gift from when we first met.

I hesitated before picking it up, the metal cold against my palm. He’d given it to me when things were new between is, before the mark, before he’d promised I was his destiny. Back when I believed him. Now he wore Sophia on his arm, political ambition shining brighter than any supposed fate.

I closed my fingers around it, the edges biting into my skin. How quickly “destiny” had become disposable. Now Blake’s mark was replacing his, and I a caught between my past and a fature I couldn’t openly claim.

I tossed the pendant into a drawer and slammed it shut. My fingers traced the warm gold mark on my neck instead. I’d need to hide it perfectly, especially in Hayes territory

I stared out the window, dread settling in my gut like a stone. The ceremony loomed ahead, a storm I couldn’t avoid. I adjusted my scarf, making sure it covered the evidence of Blake’s claim on me.

Sarah borrowed a decent carriage for the trip to Shadow Creek. My fingers kept fidgeting with my scarf, checking and rechecking its position.

“Relax,” Sarah squeezed my hand, misreading my anclety.“You’re our pack’s finest female warrior. Nobody can look down on you.”

I forced a smile. If she knew what really had me sweating, she’d faint dead away. The Alpha King’s golden mark, my history with another pack’s groom–to–be

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intructed. But if you get a chance to speak with Important mi

“Ten not hers to netik, Barch: I’m supporting Sophia,”

She sighed, “Sometimes I don’t understand you. Bach an apportunity right in front of yoni, and you won’t grab it.

The carriage slowed as we reached Shadow Creek’s main gates. Armed guards scrutinized each anival like they expected trouble. When we their faces hardened with contemjil.

“Rivers?‘ One guard sareed. Thought you’d have the sense to stay away from our retemonies.”

I straightened my spine, voice ice cold. “I’m Miss Morgan a personal

They exchanged looks before reluctantly waving us through, Inside, I felt eyes tracking our every move. Each step hrought whispers and stares.

“Ignore them,” Sarah murmured. “Head high.”

We approached the ceremony grounds, an open area decked with Shadow Creek emblems. In the distance, Sophia’s golden hair caught the light as she chatted with older women. When she spotted me, she waved, beaming,

I’d barely taken two steps toward her when a familiar voice

voice cut in..

“Well, look who showed up.” Jackson materialized beside us, his gaze sliding from me to Sarah. “Mrs. Rivers. What an unexpected surprise.”

Sarah instantly switched on her charm. “Mr. Hayes, congratulations on your inheritance ceremony. An important day for Shadow Creek.”

Jackson nodded, but his eyes returned to me, cold and threatening. “I hope all guests remember their manners and avoid any… inappropriate behavior.”