Marked Twice by the Alpha King novel Chapter 49

Chapter 49: Going To Be Family

Ava’s POV

Golden sunset light spilled through the training room windows, turning Blackwood Manor’s worn oak floor into a pool of honey. I wiped sweat from my forehead, watching Lucas’s small figure bounce down the hallway, all gangly limbs and endless energy.

“Hit the shower, kiddo!” I called after him. “Tomorrow I’ll show you how to flip someone twice your size.”

“Promise?” His eyes lit up like it was Christmas morning.

“Scouts honor. Now scrum.”

He shot me a gap–toothed grin before disappearing around the corner. The room fell quiet except for the soft clink of metal as I gathered scattered training daggers. My thoughts drifted to Sarah–probably still in bed, curtains drawn, lost in that dark fog that had swallowed her since Dad’s arrest. I needed to get home, make sure she at least drank some water. Jackson’s special herb soup had helped, I couldn’t deny that, but his games made my skin crawl.

The training room door creaked open just as I slid the last practice blade into its rack.

“There you are!” Sophia’s voice chimed like a bell. “Did Lucas master that defensive stance?”

I turned to find her standing there, golden hair catching the sunset, arm looped through Jackson’s like they’d stepped out of some fancy pack mating ceremony advertisement. Her face glowed with that soft happiness that made it impossible to hate her.

And then there was Jackson.

His eyes locked onto me like a predator sizing up wounded prey, his mouth curled in that barely there smirk that made me want to punch teeth. He tugged Sophia closer, nuzzling her neck before planting a lingering kiss just below her ear. She giggled, leaning into him.

“Kid’s a natural,” I said, keeping my voice casual while pretending I hadn’t seen their display. “Picked up in an hour what takes most beginners a week.”

“I knew you d click with him!” Sophia beamed, her fingers intertwined with Jacksons. “Dad has this crazy sixth sense about people.”

Jackson brushed his lips against her temple, eyes sliding to meet mine over her head. Your father certainly knows how to… pick the right person for the job.”

I busied myself with my gym bag, desperate for an escape route as lackson’s hand slid possessively down Sophia’s back, coming to rest against her hip.

Lucas just hit the shower,” I said. “Should be out soon.”

“Ill go check on him,” Sophia said, turning to face Jackson. He immediately cupped her face, kissing her deeply like I wasn’t even there. She melted against him, sighing softly when they broke apart. “Plus make sure Wilson isn’t terrorizing the kitchen staff again. Coming with?”

“You go ahead, babe,” Jackson said, thumb caressing her cheek. “I need a quick word with Ava about Lucas’s progress. know him more.”

We’re going to be family. I want to

Family. The word landed like a rock in my gut.

Sophia nodded and slipped out, but not before Jackson pulled her back for one more kiss. He whispered something in her ear that made her blush crimson before she hurried away. The moment the door clicked shut, the temperature in the room seemed to drop ten degrees.

‘Playing house pet for Blake suits you.” [ Jackson’s voice lost all its warmth. “Makes you almost respectable.”

1 slung my gym bag over my shoulder. “If you don’t have anything useful to say, I’m out. Sarah needs me.”

“Poor Sarah,” he said with exaggerated concern. “How’s she doing with those northern herbs I brought? Working their magic?

“Drop the concerned act,” I snapped. “We both know you only showed up to manipulate her, Make me the bad guy for not falling at your feet.”

He shrugged one shoulder, leaning against the equipment rack. “Can’t a guy worry about a wolf going through mate–separation? That pain’s no joke.”

“Spare me.” I rolled my eyes. “What’s next–paying Wilson to make my life hell? Oh wait, you already did that.”

own issues with you. Maybe he just sees what Sophia

Something flashed across his face–surprise?-before his mask slipped back into place. “Wilson has his own is dorin L

“A rejected mate playing both sides.” He stepped closer. “Getting cozy with Blake while your mark still carries my signature.”

I stood my ground. “You lost any right to that mark when you traded me for a political marriage.”

Speaking of trading up… His eyes narrowed. “Blakes got you wrapped around his finger, doesn’t he? Tell me, do you think of him when you’re alone at night?”

“Come on, Ava.” His voice dropped low. “Your mark is changing. Gold threads creeping through my silver. Only happens one way–another Alpha’s influence.

He laughed–a short, harsh sound. “Marks don’t lie, sweetheart. Especially fated mate marks. Your wolf knows who you belong to, even if you’re playing hard to get.

His hand shot out, grabbing my wrist and yanking me backward. Before I could react, he had me pinned against the wall, his body blocking any escaple

“Get your hands off me!” I growled, struggling against his grip

I twisted, trying to knee him where it counts, but he pressed closer, using his weight to immobilize me.

*Remember how it felt?” His lips brushed my ear, sending an unwanted shiver down my spine. “When I’d touch your mark and you’d melt? Let’s see if that connection’s still there.”