Marked Twice by the Alpha King novel Chapter 74

Chapter 74

Ava’s POV

I was finishing up in the training yard, sweaty and satisfied after a solid session with Lucas, when Tyler appeared in the doorway, his usual stone face carrying something different.

Tyler appeared in the doorway, his usual stone–faced expression softened around the edges. Something was different.

“Got news,” he said, holding out a folded piece of parchment. “Alpha King wanted me to hand this to you personally.”

My fingers trembled slightly as I took it, recognizing the official seal before I even unfolded it–the intricate silver wolf head and moon symbol that only Blake could use.

“This is…?” I couldn’t finish the question, heart suddenly racing.

“Official modification of William Rivers‘ sentence, Tyler answered, watching my face carefully. “Death penalty’s been revoked, replaced with indefinite imprisonment pending further investigation.”

I had to take several deep breaths just to keep standing. “This is real? He’s not going to be executed?”

Tyler nodded, his eyes showing a rare glimpse of warmth. “Alpha King showed up at Shadow Creek himself. The Elders didn’t have much choice but to comply. Your father stays locked up, but the conditions will improve drastically. Regular visitation rights included.”

I clutched the document tightly, the parchment crinkling under my grip. This paper–this simple piece of paper meant my father would live.

“How did Blake–I mean, the Alpha King–manage this?” I asked, still processing the sudden shift in my world.

He has his ways, Tyler’s mouth curved in a small smile. “Authority, evidence, and a certain… persuasiveness that even the most stubborn Elders can’t ignore.

‘I need to thank him, I said, feeling overwhelmed by gratitude and shock.

“He’s back at the manor,” Tyler replied. “But I’d suggest you share this news with your mother first. After all, we both know what this means for her.”

I nodded, eager to get home. “Lucas’s training-

“Alpha King says pick it up tomorrow,” Tyler cut in. “Tonight is for family.”

I nearly sprinted all the way home, document clutched against my chest like a lifeline. When I pushed open our front door, Sarah was sitting by the window, staring vacantly at the moonlight outside. The same position I’d found her in countless times since Dad’s arrest.

“Mom!” I called out, my voice vibrating with barely contained excitement.

She turned, her face still etched with the weariness and worry that had become her constant companions. “Ava? What’s happened?”

I thrust the document toward her, barely able to control my voice. “Dad’s not going to be executed! The Alpha King intervened personally. The sentence has been changed to indefinite imprisonment!”

Sarah’s hands shook as she took the parchment, her eyes rapidly scanning its contents. With each line she read, her expression transformed–from disbelief to tentative hope, then to joy. By the time she finished, tears were streaming down her hollow cheeks.

“Is this real?” she whispered, her voice trembling. “William is really… not going to die?”

“It’s real,‘ I confirmed, kneeling beside her and taking her hands. “The Alpha King went to Shadow Creek himself. They had no choice but to accept it. Dad still has to stay in prison, but things will get better, and we can visit him regularly.”

Sarah gripped my hands tightly, her tears flowing freely now. But these were different from the tears of despair I’d grown accustomed to seeing. These were tears of relief.

“Thank the Moon Goddess,‘ she murmured. ‘And thank that Alpha King.”

We sat in silence for a few moments, sharing this sliver of hope that had broken through months of darkness. Then, suddenly, Sarah lifted her head, her eyes showing a spark of life I hadn’t seen in forever.

“I need to prepare some things,” she said, her voice carrying a determination I’d almost forgotten she possessed. “If we can visit your father, I want to bring him some moonlight herb tea. To help him recover.”