Marked Twice by the Alpha King novel Chapter 148

Chapter 148

Ava’s POV

Vanessa let out a cold laugh. “Instructor? You? A traitor’s daughter? Start from the bottom and work your way up–if you live long enough to prove yourself.”

Without hesitation, I spun around and marched back toward the main house to confront Martha. This wasn’t what we’d agreed to.

I found her leisurely sipping tea in one of the formal sitting rooms. She merely raised an eyebrow as I stormed in.

“You lied to us,” I said bluntly. “Where’s the Chief Combat Instructor position? Why am I being housed in dilapidated warrior quarters and assigned the lowest patrol duties?”

Martha set down her teacup with deliberate slowness. “My dear, I did not lie. You can indeed become an instructor, but you must start from the bottom. The council discussed it and decided this was best.” Her voice carried calculated sympathy. “Given your father’s… situation, this is the best arrangement we could

offer for now.

My wolf detected the scent of deception instantly. “You knew Sarah would interpret that as an immediate instructor position. This was your plan all along. wasn’t it? Sell our house first, cut off our escape, then slowly reveal the truth.”

Martha rose elegantly, fingertips drumming lightly on the table. “Ava, don’t be so ungrateful. We’ve provided housing, given you a chance to rejoin the pack.” Her gaze sharpened. “Think about William’s situation in that prison. Without our help, he’ll remain there indefinitely.”

I clenched my fists, anger and defeat warring inside me. I had nowhere to go, and neither did Sarah. Martha had weaponized our love for William, engineering this trap perfectly.

“So the Blood Protection Rights were lies too?” I asked through gritted teeth.

“Of course not,” Martha said, her voice terrifyingly calm. “Once you become a proper instructor, you’ll qualify to apply. It’s just a matter of time… perhaps months, perhaps years.”

Years? By then, Dad could be… I couldn’t finish the thought.

“You knew we had no other options,” I said, my voice low. “Because you made sure of it.”

Martha smiled slightly. “Clever girl. Now go settle into your room. Training begins tomorrow.”

When I silently returned to the dismal room, Sarah was pacing anxiously. She rushed forward when she saw me.

“How did it go?” she asked, hope filling her eyes. “Did Martha clear things up?”

I couldn’t tell her the truth. I took a deep breath and forced a smile. “Yes, just a minor misunderstanding. We need to start from the basics, but the instructor position will eventually be mine.”

Sarah exhaled in relief, her face brightening. “Wonderful. I knew Martha would keep her word. She squeezed my hand. “I know this is hard, but we have to

endure for William’s sake.”

I looked at Sarah’s hopeful expression and couldn’t bring myself to shatter it with the truth–that we were trapped in an expertly woven net with no escape in sight. The Hayes family didn’t want my combat skills; they wanted control over me. Blake had warned me, but it was too late now.

Sarah studied my face. “What are you thinking about, Ava?”

‘Nothing,” I lied. “Just planning for tomorrow’s training.”

“Everything will be all right,” Sarah said, her eyes shining with a hope I couldn’t bear to break. “We finally have a chance to save William.”

I nodded, swallowing all the bitter truths. I had to find a way to save my father, whatever the cost. Even if it meant temporarily bowing to the Hayes family, even if it meant cutting all ties with Blake and Lucas forever.

Even if it meant permanent separation from my soul mate.

1/2

Chapter 148

Blake’s POV

“Lucas is recovering well, Alpha King. He should be able to return to his room tomorrow morning. I’d like to observe him for one more night, Amber Collins said, closing her examination records and efficiently organizing her healing supplies.

Lucas had been in the medical wing for a week, requiring special bloodline stabilization treatments. Fortunately, he was recovering, seemingly back to normal.

Amber Collins was undeniably one of the top healers in the werewolf world, skilled in herbal remedies and bloodline stabilization techniques. As Elizabeth’s sister, she’d never hidden her interest in me, deliberately seeking every opportunity to get closer.

“Thank you, Amber,” I said, maintaining a polite but distant tone. “Your healing skills saved him.”

Amber stepped closer, deliberately invading my personal space, her perfume overwhelmingly strong. “Serving the Morgan family is my duty,” her hand suggestively touched my arm, “after all, we’re practically family, aren’t we?”

‘Practically, I emphasized, politely stepping back.

Her gaze became more direct. “Lucas will need several follow–up treatments. We could discuss the details in your private office… perhaps after dinner tonight?” Her tone suggested less of a question and more of an established fact.

“I’m afraid not,” I refused clearly, my voice carrying unmistakable Alpha command. “Any matters regarding Lucas’s treatment can be relayed through Tyler, or you can write me a report.”

Amber’s expression cooled momentarily before recovering her confident smile. “Someday you’ll realize, Blake,” her voice, soft but determined, “Elizabeth has been gone for too long. You need a real mate… someone to care for you and the children. No one is more suitable than me.”

“I respect your professional abilities, Amber,” I said, my tone becoming official, but remember your place.”

“I know my place very well,” she didn’t back down, looking even more pleased with herself, “right in the position Elizabeth left vacant. You’ll admit it sooner or later.”

“Can we focus on Lucas’s condition?” I changed the subject, refusing to be led by her comments.

However, I noticed something off about Lucas emotionally. He seemed somewhat depressed, and I couldn’t pinpoint why; since waking up a few days ago, he’d barely spoken to me.