Marked Twice by the Alpha King novel Chapter 79

Chapter 79

Ava’s POV

Blake’s voice cut through the air like a knife, turning the training yard’s atmosphere heavy as lead. I scrambled up from the mat as Steven got to his feet, brushing off dust with a half–smile that walked the line between friendly and challenging.

“Hey, long time no see, Uncle. Just-

Blake crossed the yard in three powerful strides, his Alpha presence rolling off him in waves that made the nearby trees tremble. I backed away instinctively, putting space between myself and the two wolves.

“I let you onto my territory as family,” Blake growled, voice dropping to a dangerous rumble, “not so you could put your hands on my fighter!”

Steven held up his palms. “Whoa, easy. Just sharing some moves. North and south have different styles–thought Ava might want to see what we do up north.”

“Wait!” Lucas’s voice piped up from the sidelines where he, Sophia, and Jackson had been watching. “Steven wasn’t being mean, Dad! He was teaching Ava cool moves. If he hadn’t surprised her, she would’ve totally kicked his butt!”

Steven glanced my way, one eyebrow raised. “That sure of yourself? Won’t be that simple next time.”

Steven

That casual challenge lit Blake’s eyes with fury. He stepped forward, his Alpha pressure hitting Steven like a brick wall. The younger wolf’s breathing hitched as Blake’s hands curled into fists, veins standing out along his forearms.

C

“You’re on my land, each word dropped like stone, “touching someone under my protection. Don’t forget who keeps Dark Moon in the Alphas‘ good graces.”

Steven’s face drained of color as he bent forward, fighting against Blake’s dominance. I’d never seen Blake lose control like this–this wasn’t just anger but something wild and primal.

“Hey, calm down,” I said, stepping forward without thinking. “It was just practice. Nothing serious.”

Blake’s burning gaze snapped to me, his jaw clenched tight.

“From now on,” he pointed at me, voice winter–cold, “you focus on Lucas. Nothing else.” Then to Steven, Alpha energy surging, “And you–keep your distance

from her.”

When Blake pulled back his power, Steven gasped like he’d been underwater. I moved to check on him, but Sophia caught my arm with a slight head shake–a clear warning not to make things worse.

“Training’s done,” Blake declared. “Tyler will get you all home.”

With that, he stormed toward the manor, his cloak snapping behind him like a flag in a gale.

The yard fell quiet except for Steven’s ragged breathing.

“What’s his problem?” Steven finally asked, rubbing his neck..

I stared at the ground, feeling heat creep up my neck. “Just Alpha stuff. They get territorial.”

“That wasn’t just territorial,” Sophia said with meaning in her voice.

‘What do you mean?” I looked up at her.

A knowing smile touched her lips. “Dad never cares how warriors train. But with you… this is different.”

“Yeah, Lucas nodded like he understood adult things, ‘last time Tyler’s group was training, there was blood everywhere, and Dad just told the healers to be ready. Never seen him go nuclear like that.”

I caught Sophia and Lucas trading a look that said they knew something I didn’t. It made my skin itch with weird irritation.

“You’re reading too much into it,” I said flatly. “Probably just because I’m teaching Lucas so well.”

“We should go, Lucas,” Sophia said, taking her brother’s hand and reaching for Jackson with her other. But Jackson’s eyes were locked on me, that dangerous look I knew all too well flashing across his face.

Jackson’s mouth tightened, his stare still fixed on me. I knew exactly what was happening–he could smell Steven’s scent on me, and for a marked wolf, that was practically a slap in the face.

Before Jackson could answer, Sophia pulled Lucas away. Jackson’s face fell as he realized his mistake and hurried after them.