Marked Twice by the Alpha King novel Chapter 75

Chapter 75

Blake’s POV

I drummed my fingers against the smooth oak desk, weighing the next steps. Rivers didn’t deserve to die, but he wasn’t exactly innocent either. No matter how you sliced it, Shadow Creek had every right to keep him locked up until the whole truth came to light.

“How much are you planning to tell Ava?” Tyler asked, concern threading through his usually neutral tone.

“The rough truth,” I replied, stretching my shoulders against the tension building there. “Her father shouldn’t die, but he’s not blameless. He knew things- kept secrets that landed him in this mess.”

“She’s scheduled to see him this afternoon,” Tyler reminded me. “First visit since your intervention.”

I nodded, already mapping contingencies in my head. “Have Gamma guards keep a distant watch. Make sure she’s safe. Shadow Creek won’t appreciate us meddling in their affairs.”

“Already got word that Sarah Rivers has improved dramatically,” Tyler added, shifting his weight. “Almost a different person now that she knows her husband’s temporarily safe.”

“Good,” I said, my mind already racing ahead. “Keep the moonlight remedy deliveries flowing. Enough to help, not enough to raise eyebrows.”

Tyler gathered the evidence container, preparing to leave, but paused at the doorway. “Normally an Alpha King wouldn’t risk challenging another pack for an ordinary wolf from outside his tribe.”

I raised an eyebrow. “Your point?”

“No point,” he said with a quiet laugh. “Just an observation.marin.n

After Tyler left, I stood alone by the window, watching raindrops hammer against the glass. How would Ava take this news? Her father escaped execution, but the truth might be messier than she imagined.

Before sunset, a border patrol alert came through. Unknown wolves had been spotted along the northern boundary–likely scouts testing our defenses. As Alpha King, I couldn’t ignore any potential threat.

Before heading out, I found Ava in the training yard with Lucas, her voice carrying clear across the space.

“When you’re in close combat, keep your center of gravity low,” she corrected Lucas’s stance, her hands confidently adjusting his posture. “Don’t put all your weight on your front foot. You’ll topple with the first good hit.”

Lucas adjusted with serious concentration, focused on every detail. His progress was undeniable–far beyond anything previous instructors had achieved.

“Ava,” I called softly, not wanting to interrupt their rhythm. “Got a minute?”

She turned, sweat beading her forehead in the sunlight. “Sure, Alpha King. Lucas, practice that defensive stance–I’ll be right back.”

We walked to the edge of the yard where shade from ancient oaks cooled the air. Her scent carried sunshine and the vibrance of combat training–a strange, magnetic pull tugging at something in my chest.

‘I need to leave for a few days,” I said without preamble. “Situation on the northern border requires my personal attention.”

She nodded, unsurprised. ‘Should Lucas’s training continue, or do you have other arrangements?”

‘Keep training,” I confirmed. “Tyler’s staying behind. Contact him if anything comes up.”

Her gaze drifted toward the distance. “I have clearance to see my father today.”

‘I know, I said. “I’ve arranged guards to watch from a distance, ensure your safety.”

She looked back at me, surprise flickering across her face. “Didn’t expect you to think of that.”

Post–rain sunlight broke through the clouds, spilling across the training yard. Lucas practiced the moves she’d taught him, each position executed with determination. Watching my son so engaged sent an odd surge of pride and gratitude through me.