Marked Twice by the Alpha King novel Chapter 41

Ava’s POV

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to dinner, Blake snapped his fingers at Wilson, “Set a place for our fourth guest. Right at my side.”

The second I said

So much for having a choice. Where I’d sit apparently wasn’t up for debate.

“Yes, Alpha King.” Wilson howed so low I thought he might kiss the floor. When he straightened, his eyes caught mine–pure disapproval thinly masked behind servant neutrality.

My fingers brushed the mark on my neck, the damn thing warming up like a hot penny whenever Blake got within ten feet. This dinner ambush wasn’t exactly on my to–do list, but Lucas had turned those poppy–dog eyes on me, and–well, shit. Here I was.

‘She’s staying! For real!” Lucas bounced like he’d mainlined sugar, grinning so hard it looked painful. “This is gonna be awesome!”

Blake watched him, face locked down tighter than a silver vault. Just another Tuesday in Alpha–land,

Finally someone interesting at our dreary table. Sophia hip–checked her brother playfully. “Come on, squirt. Let’s go terrorize

e the for extra food.”

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Lucas tore off down the hall with Hunter hot on his heels. Sophia followed with that effortless grace, leaving me alone with the human glacier.

The silence stretched between us like taffy, thick and uncomfortable. I suddenly found my boots fascinating.

“Miss Rivers.” His voice cut through the quiet.

I looked up to find those storm gray eyes nailing me to the spot. Predator eyes.

“That seat is reserved for guests of honor,” he said flatly.

“I’m just Lucas’s combat coach.” I Fidgeted with my collar. “Not exactly royal material.”

Blake stepped closer, and the air instantly went thick with Alpha energy, making my knews waver. “In my house, I decide who deserves respect.”

My mark flared hot, gold threads pulsing under my skin. My wolf wanted to roll over and show throat. I told it to shut up.

“You’ve done more for my son than anyone, be continued, voice cool and even “That earns you a place.”

I stood there blinking, caught off–guard. “Just doing what you’re paying me for.”

His eyes narrowed slightly. “No. You’re not.

Something in his tone sent my pulse skittering. Not exactly praise, but… recognition?

My heart hammered against my ribs. Why did he affect me like this? What sick cosmic joke made my mate–rejection mark respond to this man?

“Don I overthink dinner,” Blake said, eyes still locked on mine. Lucas wants you

The mention of Lucas reset my brain. The kid deserved a few hours of normal. If that meant surviving a meal with his ice–block father, so be it.

“Fine,” I muttered, “Next time, ask first.”

“I don’t ask, Miss Rivers. I decide. He jerked his head toward the dining room. “This way.”

I bit back a retort and followed him, focusing on keeping my breathing steady as his scent–pine and rain and something untamed–wrapped around me.

The dining room knocked the wind right out of me. Actual moonlight crystals dripped from chandeliers overhead, their glow casting silver shadows across the kind of table that could seat a small army. Generations of Morgan Alphas stared down from portraits, their eyes following me like I was trespassing. Which, honestly, I was.

Lucas and Sophia were already seated, twin expressions of anticipation as we entered. Blake took his Alpha–throne at the head, and my spot–sure enough- waited at his right hand.

Chapter 41 Right Al My Side

“Come on!” Lucas smacked the chair next to him. “Hurry up! Wilson said we’re getting ribs tonight and they’re gonna be bloody!”

I slid into my seat, hyperaware of Blake watching my every move with those unreadable yes. When I finally settled, he sank into his chair with that fluid power that came so naturally to him–like he was born knowing how to intimidate just by existing.

Wilson materialized with a pack of servers in tow, First came some fancy soup that smelled like a midnight forest–Moonlight Herb, apparently. One whiff and my senses sharpened to knife–point, picking up heartbeats and breathing patterns I’d never have noticed before.

“Fresh picked three days before full moon, Sophia explained, taking a delicate sip. “Our harvesters track the lunar cycle religiously.”

Blake watched me over his spoon. “First time?”

“Shadow Creek’s more salt–of–the–earth,” I tasted the soup, fighting to keep my face neutral as flavors exploded across my tongue. “We’re not big on fancy herbs,

“Morgan bloodlines have traded with the North for centuries,” he said, voice flat but eyes tracking my every reaction. These herbs don’t grow in our territory.”

Main course arrived–ribs so rare they practically mood, glistening red and smelling of iron and earth, Vegetables on the side shimmered with silver leaf oil that made my skin tingle just being near it.

paused, then glanced at me, “Want some?”

Lucas piped up, mouth already smeared with rib sauce. “Dad, can we go hiking this weekend? You promised ages ago!” Blake’s knife paused mid–cut, his face giving nothing away. “We’ll see.”

“You have your own place in Shadow Creek, right?” Sophia asked, expertly changing the subject.

“Yeah,” I nodded. “With my foster mons. Shes… struggling since Dad was locked up.”

The air thickened. Blake set his glass down, face entirely unreadable.

“Your father’s case isn’t closed,” he said, voice low but clear. “The investigation continues. Nothing is final.”

His words hit me like a physical blow. A tiny thread of hope I hadn’t allowed myself to feel. Was he actually looking into Dad’s case?

“Thank you,” I managed, voice embarrassingly tight. “That means everything.

single, sharp nod, Lucas started drooping despite his best efforts to keep his eyes open.