Marked Twice by the Alpha King novel Chapter 142

Chapter 142

Blake’s POV

I paced outside Sophia’s door, my wolf crawling under my skin like an itch I couldn’t scratch. Ava’s words from last night kept playing on repeat: my family and I will always come second for you. Maybe that’s the truth about us.” Talk about a gut punch. I’d been playing favorites and couldn’t even admit it to myself.

My mouth tasted like I’d been chewing pennies. Some Alpha King I was–preaching fairness while protecting my kid and leaving Ava’s dad to rot.

I knocked twice. The silence stretched so long I almost walked away. Then the door creaked open, and there stood Sophia, eyes puffy and red–rimmed. My wolf surged up ready to hunt whoever hurt her, even as I mentally cursed both Jackson and my own chicken–shit indecision.

“We need to talk,‘ I said, the words rough around the edges.

Sophia let out a bone–tired sigh and stepped back. Her usually spotless room looked like a tornado hit it–clothes tossed everywhere, curtains drawn against the afternoon sun.

‘Make it quick. I’m wiped,” she said, drifting toward the window like a ghost.

I shut the door with a soft click. “It’s about Jackson.”

She whipped around, her body suddenly a live wire. “What about him?”

I dragged my hand through my hair. “Are you sure about marrying him? Because I’m not convinced he’s right for you.”

Her chin came up–classic Sophia defensiveness. “He makes me happy, Father. He’s the only one who’s made me feel like I belong since Mom died.”

I nodded toward her tearstained face. “That why you’re crying alone in your room?” I softened my voice. ‘I might suck at showing it, but I know when my kid’s hurting.”

She turned away, suddenly fascinated by something outside. “Just going through stuff… nothing to do with Jackson.” The scent of her lie hung sharp in the air, but instead of calling her on it, I tried something new.

“Sophia.” I stepped closer, keeping my hands loose at my sides. “I’ve been a crappy father. After your mom died, I buried myself in Alpha crap instead of being there for you and Lucas. That’s on me.” The confession felt like barbed wire coming up my throat. ‘But I do love you, and I just want to keep you safe.”

Something in her cracked open. “Now you want to be a dad?” The words shot out like bullets. “Since Mom died, you dumped us with staff while you played Alpha King! You only care about my life now because you’ve got the hots for Lucas’s trainer. I’m a grown woman! I don’t need you butting in!” She took a shaky breath. “I wanted you in my life for years, but it was always sorry, pack business.‘ You have no idea what it’s like living in your shadow. I’m tired.”

Each word landed like a punch to the gut. But instead of getting defensive, I felt something shift–like finally seeing a picture that had been blurry for years.

“You’re right,” I said quietly. “I failed you and Lucas. I put pack bullshit before my own kids, and that was wrong.” I took a step toward her. “I can’t undo that, but believe this one thing–I love you, and I don’t want to watch you get hurt.”

Tears welled in her eyes. “Your timing sucks. I finally found something good–why are you trying to ruin it?”

I took a deep breath and went for brutal honesty. “Because Jackson’s cheating on you. He’s using you to get his hands on Silverpeak power. I kept my voice level. “I won’t force you to do anything, but as your dad, I can’t watch this train wreck in silence.”

“That’s impossible,” she said, her voice cracking. “Jackson loves me.”

I didn’t push it, just gave a small nod. “I hope I’m wrong. But whatever you decide, I’ve got your back. Just… go in with your eyes open, I can’t make the same mistake twice–sacrificing people I love for some bullshit pack stability.“”

She stared at me, thrown by my candor. “You mean Ava’s father?”

I nodded, walking to the window. “Yeah, I’ve been dragging my feet on his case, playing it too safe. Shame crept into my voice. I can’t keep hiding behind ‘careful planning. I promised Ava I’d help her family, but I didn’t give them the same priority I’d give you. That wasn’t fair

Chapter 142

I turned back to face her. “I’m going to do better–be the dad you and Lucas deserve. And I’m done slow–walking William Rivers‘ case. Both matter

I headed for the door but stopped at the threshold. “One more thing. Jackson spent last night wasted at Moonlight Bar, all over some Northern Pack she wolf. Tyler dragged him back; he’s passed out in the guest wing.”

The color drained from Sophia’s face. I could practically hear her heart slamming against her ribs.