Marked Twice by the Alpha King novel Chapter 16

Chapter 16

Ava’s POV

1 paced at the edge of Blackwood Manor’s training grounds, digging my nails into my palms to keep my wolf in check. Every pulse of anger threatened to push claws through my fingertips Jackson had won this round that smug display with the Eternal Loyalty ring was calculated to cut me where it hurt most.

The centuries–old tradition wasn t lost on me, Wolves only gave that ring once in their lifetime. Id watched my mother trace her finger over my father’s matching band countless times, the symbol of their unbreakable bond Now I’d have to stomach seeing it on Sophia’s hand at every pack gathering, a constant reminder that Jackson had saved it for someone worthier.”

I inhaled deeply, willing my claws to stay put. Shifting on Silverpeak territory out of rage? Not the smartest move,

‘You’re coming back tomorrow, right?”

Lucas voice yanked me back to reality. He stood a few feet away, Hunter shadowing him like a furry bodyguard, those golden eyes locked on me with unsettling focus.

I dropped to one knee, meeting him at eye level. “Course I am. If your dad’s cool with it.”

Will you show me how to talk to real wolves? His face lit up, practically vibrating with excitement. “Like you said?”

Something warm bloomed in my chest despite everything. This serious little kid with his desperate need to prove himself was worming his way into my heart at record speed.

“I will, I promised. “But basics first, remember? Your dad’s three month no fancy stuff rule is still on.”

Lucas scrunched his nose but nodded. ‘Fine. Just don’t bail like everyone else.”

“Not going anywhere, I said, surprised by how much I meant it.

“Lucas, Wilson’s looking for you.”

Blake’s voice carried across the yard without him needing to raise it just pure Alpha authority wrapped in those few words. His scent reached me before he did, that now–familiar mix of pine and storm clouds.

“But Dad Lucas started.

“Now, Lucas. Blake’s tone left zero wiggle room. Finish your studies. Ava will be back tomorrow.”

Lucas sighed dramatically in that universal kid language of protest. “Tomorrow?”

“Tomorrow, I confirmed with a firm nod.

“Yes, my warrior chief will escort her, Blake cut in, surprising me.

“Actually, I’ll take her myself, he added. “We have matters to discuss.”