Marked Twice by the Alpha King novel Chapter 135

Chapter 135

de Sip of my drink. Tout entailing all guests are treated with respect, Romething the Hayes faintly jenis to love

Manha dide1 flach, but I caught the slight tightening at the corners of her eyes. Unlike most woftes, she didn’t immediately bow her bed. Instead, the eljastre her posture in some subtle way that acknowledged my stated while aintaining her dignity.

1 deeply apologize for any… misunderstandings,” the swil, fingers absently touching her family rest. The women can be a hit territorial at these events, but it’s nothing personal. We value your support of my son’s manage far too much to allow such petty behavior,t

“Odd,” I remarked casually. “It seemed extremely personal from where I stood.”

Martha’s perfect facade slipped for just a seconil. “Women’s squabbles,”

wave. “You know how they get.”

“What I know,” I said, letting my voice drop to that register that made other wolves‘ knees go wesk, “is that if my daughter is marrying into your family. I’m very interested in how you treat those with less power than yourselves. Shows character, don’t you think?”

The message landed. Martha didn’t outwardly react, but a Hash of fear sparked in her eyes before she could hide it. As the true puppet master of the clan, she understood better than anyone that I could destroy their entire family’s standing with a word,

“You can trust us completely, Alpha King,” she assured me, leaning slightly forward. The movement wafted her designer perfume toward me–a calculated gesture meant to distract and disarm. “Il personally ensure it.”

“Good,” I said, letting my gaze dritt

pointedly to where Jackson stood across the room with his father. “I’d hate to be disappointed.”

Martha’s smile remained fixed in place, but her pulse jumped at her throat. “You absolutely won’t be, Alpha King”

Hours later, as the celebration began to wind down, I spotted Sarah Rivers making her way toward Axa.

“I’m heading home, she said, exhaustion etched into the lines of her face. “You coming with

Ava glanced my way, just for a heartbeat, before turning back to her foster mother. “I need to get back to Blackwood tonight. Lucas has an early session tomorrow, and I still need to prep.”

Sarah nodded, pulling Ava into a tight hug. “Think about what we talked about,” she whispered, voice so low even my enhanced hearing barely caught it. “Your father needs you.”

Something complicated flashed across Ava’s face, but she just nodded, watching Sarah merge into the departing crowd.

I stood and turned to Richard, who’d been hovering nearby. “The ceremony was… educational”

“Thank you for attending, Alpha King,” he said, struggling to hide his relief that I was finally leaving. “Your p

presence honored our family greatly.”

“Honor isn’t shown in ceremonies,” I told him, holding his gaze until he looked away. “It’s proven in how you act when no one important is watching.”

The lesson clearly made him uncomfortable. Good.

I turned to Ava, keeping my expression carefully neutral. Ava, I’m heading back to Blackwood. Would you care for a ride? It’s on my way.”

I saw her hesitate, weighing options as Martha materialized at Richard’s side.

1 can range for a pack car to take her back, Martha interjected smoothly, her tone pleasant but her eyes hard as river stones. “No need to trouble yourself, Alpha King.”

Ava lifted her chin slightly. “I appreciate the offer, Alpha King. I do need to get back to prepare for tomorrow’s training.”

Martha’s perfect brows drew together “What work do you do at Blackwood, exactly?” The question seemed innocent, but I caught the disbelief in her voice-

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‘1 dee. Well then, good night in you both.” He grze 15d between nu, searching for anything the could ose.

Taubat getve han time to find it. With a curt and, I turned to leave, Ava falling into step beside me. As we walked toward the exit, I noticed her the Strop about an Inch—a tiny tell that she was fearing tension behind

Thank gooform that’s over,” she muttried under her breath.

“You took the words right out of

my mouth.

Tyler was waiting, his massive frame half hidden among the pines. His eyes constantly scanned our

We reached the edge of the celebration area where Ty surroundings, missing nothing.

“All clear?” he asked quietly, looking between i