Marked Twice by the Alpha King novel Chapter 47

Chapter 47: Clearer Picture?

AV POV

I remembered Sophia mentioning Jackson was supposed to be with her tonight. for some event, Instead, he was here manipulating me while leaving the girl who adored him waiting alone, confused.

“I don’t owe you explanations for my actions,” he said coldly.

“No, you don 1.” I laughed without humor. But it gives me a clearer picture of who you really are. You betrayed me not for pack interests but for your own ambition. Now you’re doing the same to Sophia, At least she doesn’t know yet what kind of man she’s fallen for

Jackson’s eyes flashed with anger. “You don’t understand what’s between Sophia and me. Don’t pretend you care about her.”

“Maybe I do care,” I met his gaze directly. “She’s a good person, Jackson. She doesn’t deserve to be used any more than I deserved to be betrayed.”

Jackson’s expression turned dangerous as he stepped forward, voice dropping low. “You should understand, Awu, there are no innocents in this game. Not everyone has the luxury you do, clinging to ideas like tight and principles. Some of us have to make hard choices to protect the people we love.”

“Don’t dress up your selfishness as nobility.” I spat the words out. “Now get out of my house. I won’t ask again.”

Jackson didn’t leave immediately. Instead, he suddenly turned toward the door, then stopped with his back to me. “You still don’t get it, do you?” His voice was ice cold. “I’m your only hope, Ava. Only I can save your father.”

I didn’t respond, just stared at his back, trying to decode the threat behind his words.

turn to ashes. I could have helped you,

“The Honor Ceremony was just the beginning,” he continued, with disturbing certainty. “Your victory today will soon tu but you chose to trust a man who’s using you as a pawn

“Blake isn’t using me, I reflexively defended.

Jackson slowly turned around, a chilling smile spreading across his face. “Then prove it. Ask him about the progress on William’s case. Ask him why William is being held in a special cell with even basic visitation rights revoked. Ask him who ordered that you be kept away from your father.”

Those questions landed like punches to my gut. I didn’t have answers to any of them, and Blake had never volunteered the information.

Seeing my hesitation, Jackson walked back to me, his voice softening. I know you, Ava. Better than anyone. I know your heart aches, know your wolf is struggling. It’s not your fault. The bond between fated mates isn’t easily broken”

He raised his hand and lightly touched my cheek. I should have pulled away, but my body betrayed me, staying rooted to the spot. “Even with Sophia, I still feel you. Every night, my wolf calls your name. Yours calls for me too, doesn’t it?”

I wanted to deny it, but the mark suddenly flared hot, as if responding to his words. I gritted my teeth and forced myself to step

“Get out,” I said, my voice shaking.

back

He sighed and turned toward the door. Before opening it, he paused without looking back. “Think about what I said, Ava. And remember, whatever happens, I’ll be here. When everyone betrays you, when you discover the truth, I’ll be waiting.”

The door closed behind him, and I finally collapsed, sliding down to the floor. Tears slipped silently down my face as the mark burned on my neck, half agony, half longing.

Jackson’s words echoed in my mind. Was he lying? Or was I really being used by Blake? My fingers instinctively traced the mark on my neck, feeling those strange golden threads interwoven with the silver.

Deep inside, my wolf whimpered–confused, hurting, yet yearning. I didn’t know who to trust or where to turn, only that nothing mattered if I couldn’t save Dad.

Third Person POV

Jackson didn’t drive away immediately after leaving the Rivers house. He sat in the driver’s seat, fingers drumming against the steering wheel, mind racing Tonight’s plan hadn 1 gone perfectly, but he’d planted the seeds of doubt. Ava’s trust in Blake Morgan was beginning to waver–a good start.

The herbs still clinging to his clothes would help mask his scent trail, making it harder for anyone to track his movements tonight if they tried.

Just as he was about to start

car, another mindlink request pulsed through, stronger and more urgent than before. Sophia. The seventh time tonight

Jackson hesitated, then finally accepted the connection, Instantly, Sophia’s anxious voice filled his mind.

“Jackson! Thank the Moon Goddess you finally answered! Are you alright? I’ve been trying to reach you all night, I was

Jackson closed his eyes, quickly adjusting his emotional output, ensuring the link only conveyed what he wanted her to feel. “Sorry, love. Shadow Creek council meeting ran longer than expected, then I had to handle some urgent business.”

was so urgent you completely ignored my links?” Sophia’s voice held hurt, but mostly concern. “Dad asked about you tonight, wanted to know why you weren’t with me at the family dinner.”

Jackson’s grip tightened on the steering wheel. Ava hadn’t mentioned this–she’d had dinner at Blackwood Manor as part of a family gathering? That level of intimacy far exceeded a normal employee relationship. His suspicions were being confirmed.