Marked Twice by the Alpha King novel Chapter 28

Chapter 28

Ava’s POV

Hunter positioned himself between us, sensing the tension crackling in the air.

“Dad, I asked for this,” Lucas piped up. “She taught me real stuff! Look!” He pointed to the board. “Alpha encirclement – for trapping bigger enemies with your best fighters.”

Surprise flickered across Blake’s face as he recognized the advanced formation.

Blake’s eyebrow ticked up just a fraction–the Alpha King equivalent of shock. He recognized the formation.

“Kids learn better when they’re having fun,” I shrugged. “Tactics sink in when they don’t feel like homework.

I snatched Lucas’s training notebook off the side table and held it out. “Check out today’s progress yourself.

Blake took the notebook, his fingers barely brushing mine. He flipped through pages of Lucas’s chicken–scratch diagrams and notes, his expression shifting subtly.

-You wrote all this?” he asked Lucas, genuine surprise coloring his voice.

I crossed my arms, weight on one hip. “Every last bit. Balance stone exercises, defensive stances, basic tactical study–the works.”

“You should’ve seen her, Dad!” Lucas jumped in, practically bouncing. “I can balance two stones while walking the whole circle! She said most kids need like a week to get that far!”

Blake moved toward the game board, studying the arrangement of pieces. His presence filled the room like thunder before a storm, but I planted my feet and didn’t budge.

“This is the Forest Shadow pattern,” Blake said to Lucas, his voice noticeably softer. “We don’t usually teach this until third–year tactical classes.”

Lucas nodded, his eyes lighting up. “Ava said this is one of your specialties! She’s been teaching me about your famous tactics.”

Blake turned to me, surprise flickering in his eyes. “You’re familiar with my tactical history?”

“I studied several of your major campaigns at Warrior Academy,” I admitted. “As a warrior, it’s smart to understand the fighting style of the strongest Alpha.”

Blake turned to Wilson, Alpha anger practically solidifying in the air.

“Wilson,” he said, each word clipped, “you told me Rivers wasn’t doing her job. Yet I find my son more engaged with his training than he’s been in months.”

Wilson’s head ducked so fast I thought he might get whiplash. His face went sheet–white.

‘I merely thought traditional methods might better-

“Enough.” Blake didn’t raise his voice. He didn’t need to. “Keep your ‘expert opinions‘ to yourself for the next month. Now get out.”

Wilson bowed like he was collapsing in on himself. “Yes, Alpha King.” He scurried out, practically leaving skid marks.

“Lucas, Blake’s tone shifted gears, pack up and get ready for tomorrow.”

Lucas nodded quickly. “Okay.” He glanced up at me, eyes bright. “More tactics tomorrow, right?”

“After you nail the basics,” I winked. “No shortcuts.”

Lucas grinned, scooped up Hunter, and bolted from the room, leaving me alone with Blake. The air suddenly felt thick enough to slice.

Blake stepped closer, his jaw tightening. His nose twitched twice, and his eyes narrowed.

“You smell like Hayes, he stated bluntly.

My stomach dropped. Didn’t expect his nose to be that good.

R

1/3

Chapter 28

“He showed up at my place last night, I admitted. “Wanted to talk to my mom about Dad.”

Blake’s eyes flashed gold for a heartbeat. “That scent says more than casual conversation.”

Heat crawled up my neck as I remembered Jackson trying to force himself on me. Blake had caught the scent markers but jumped to all the wrong conclusions.

“Trust me, it’s not what you’re thinking.” I said quietly.

But his influence was fading, and now it was overshadowed by Hayes’s scent. Who was Hayes to her, really? On second thought, it was probably better if he didn’t know.

“Why are you so mean sometimes?” Lucas asked, bringing Blake out of his thoughts.

“Yes, you were,” be murmured. “We were having a good day, and she left upset.”

Blake raised his eyebrows as he watched his son. For a moment, he wasn’t sure what to say. He sighed and decided to sit on the couch beside him.