Marked Twice by the Alpha King novel Chapter 80

Chapter 80

Ava’s POV

I kicked off my boots and flopped onto my bed, Blake’s fury and that crushing Alpha presence still buzzing in my head. After the whole Steven showdown,

Tyler had barely dropped me off before I was already thinking about a hot shower to wash away the day’s chaos.

*Planning for tonight already, Miss Rivers?”

I bolted upright. Steven’s voice slid into my thoughts uninvited, using mindlink without permission.

“Who said you could pop into my head?” I fired back.

*Uncle Blake said we couldn’t meet in person,” his voice carried a smirk I could practically feel, but he never mentioned mind–talking. How about I send a car at eight?”

I massaged my temples. I’d agreed to hear about Dad’s case, but Blake’s warning complicated everything.

“Can’t you just tell me what you know now?” I asked. “Why the dinner date?”

Some things shouldn’t be shared through mindlink,” his tone suddenly dropped serious. “Shadow Creek’s power games run deeper than you think. I’ve got proof, but you need to see it yourself.”

That caught my interest. Since Blake stepped in to stop Dad’s execution, Shadow Creek’s elders had been fuming but nobody dared challenge the Alpha King openly. If Steven really knew something…

“Fine. Moon Lake it is, I agreed, remembering his earlier suggestion about neutral ground.

“Perfect, he sounded pleased. “Though they’re sticklers about dress code. Got anything suitable?”

I glanced at my closet – training gear, combat pants, and exactly zero fancy dresses.

“That might be a problem,” I admitted.

“I could help, he offered. “Brought some designers with me-

“No thanks,” I cut in. “I’ll figure it out.”

“Eight o’clock then, he recovered smoothly. “My car will come by.”

“Nothing flashy,” I warned. “Don’t need all of Shadow Creek gossiping.”

“Morgans aren’t known for subtle, he laughed. “But I’ll try. See you tonight, Miss Rivers.”

After he dropped the connection, I weighed my options. As much as I hated to admit it, I needed help looking like something other than a fighter ready for battle.

I closed my eyes and concentrated on another mindlink.

“Ella?” I called out to my best friend.

“Ava using mindlink?” Her bright voice bounced back. ‘Is the apocalypse happening?”

“Emergency situation,” I said bluntly. “Can you bring… dresses to my place? Like, now?”

The connection went quiet before Ella burst out laughing. “Say that again? Did you just ask for dresses?”

“Don’t start,” I growled. “Going to Moon Lake tonight. Need to look non–lethal for once.”

“Moon Lake?!” Her voice shot up. “With who? What’s going on?”

*Steven Morgan. Says he has information about Dad’s case.”

‘Holy crap! She nearly squealed. “Dark Moon’s heir? The walking werewolf history book?”

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Chapter 80

“Purely business,” I stressed. “He’s picking me up at eight. Need to not look like I just stepped off a battlefield.”

“Fifteen minutes, she promised. “Don’t touch anything. I’m on my way!”

Twenty minutes later, Ella burst through my door juggling bags and covered hangers.

“So,” she dumped everything on my bed, eyes sparkling with mischief, “a date with Steven Morgan? Mr. Collects–Every–Pack–Secret?”

“Not a date, I corrected. “He knows stuff about Shadow Creek politics that might help Dad.”

“And just happened to pick the most romantic spot in three territories?” She raised an eyebrow.

“It’s neutral ground,” I shrugged. “Safe for cross–pack talk.”

“Right, she grinned while unpacking. “Nothing to do with getting you alone under mood lighting.”

“Ella, I warned with a glare.

“Fine, fine,” she pulled out the first dress. “But think about it – Blake’s been great, but Steven’s another ally. One with serious connections and information.”

didn’t answer right away. My feelings about Blake were a tangle I wasn’t ready to sort through. He’d helped Dad when he didn’t have to, and sometimes the way he looked at me made my skin tingle… but that wasn’t today’s problem.

“What’d you bring?” I asked, changing subjects.

*This,” she held up a sleek emerald dress, “will make every wolf’s jaw hit the floor.”

Before I could answer, she suddenly tossed both aside and dug into another bag. “Actually, this is perfect for you.

I stepped closer, surprised to find it surprisingly practical. Sturdy fabric, freedom of movement, and

best part hidden pockets for weapons.

Thirty minutes later, I hardly recognized myself in the mirror. The dress fit perfectly, showing off my strength while still looking elegant. The color made my eyes pop.

“See?” Ella said proudly. “Badass can be beautiful.”

I turned slowly, actually liking how I looked. Not frilly or fussy, just clean, powerful lines.

“One final touch,” she added a black leather jacket with silver accents. “So you keep some edge.”

I slipped it on, discovering more hidden pockets inside. “You modified this?”

“Know you too well,” she winked. “Never unarmed, right?”

She styled my hair halfway between warrior braid and elegant updo, adding small moonstone clips that matched my new earrings, Her makeup touch was light – just enough to brighten my eyes and lips without making me feel like a stranger.

“Remember,” she warned while making final adjustments, “charming doesn’t mean trustworthy. Northern wolves play by different rules.”

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“I can handle myself,” I reminded her.