Marked Twice by the Alpha King novel Chapter 82

Chapter 82

Ava’s POV

“Dance with me?” Steven’s voice was more command than question, his hand extended toward me with confidence.

I hesitated. Dancing meant closer contact–something I’d been actively avoiding all evening. But the information he’d shared about Dad was valuable, and abruptly ending our meeting might cut off future insights.

“I don’t really dance,” I admitted. “I didn’t realize wolves indulged in such human entertainment.”

“Northern wolves believe combat and dancing share the same soul,” he insisted, hand still extended. “Consider it warrior training.”

I sighed and took his offered hand. “One dance. Then I need to head back.”

He guided me to the small dance floor where other couples moved to the soft strings of a quartet. His hand settled at my waist, firm but careful, as if testing boundaries.

“Just follow my lead,” he murmured, pulling me closer than necessary. “Like fighting, but with rhythm.”

To my surprise, my body responded naturally to his movements. Years of combat had taught me balance and quick adaptation. Steven’s eyebrows raised slightly as I kept pace with him.

“A natural,” he commented, eyes never leaving mine.

“Training transfers,” I replied, keeping my tone neutral despite our proximity.

As he turned me in a slow circle, my gaze drifted across the room–and froze on two familiar faces.

Sophia and Jackson sat at a table near the far wall. She was laughing at something he’d said, her golden hair catching the candlelight. He was leaning close to her, the picture of devoted fiancé.

My spine stiffened. Of all the places, all the nights… what were they doing here?

“I need to go,” I said abruptly, pulling away from Steven.

“What’s wrong?” His eyes followed my gaze. “Ah. The happy couple.”

Before I could retreat, Sophia looked up and spotted us. Her eyes widened in recognition, and she lifted her hand in greeting.

“Too late, Steven murmured. “They’ve seen us.”

I forced my feet to move as Steven guided me toward their table, his hand resting lightly at the small of my back. My mind raced for explanations. This wasn’t supposed to happen.

“Ava?” Sophia’s voice held surprise. “I didn’t expect to see you here.”

I managed a tight smile. “Just discussing some… training matters.”

Her eyes flickered between Steven and me, curiosity evident. “At Moon Lake?”

*Best salmon in three territories, Steven interjected smoothly, his arm sliding around my shoulders with casual possessiveness. Thought I’d show Ava some northern hospitality.”

Sophia nodded politely. “I see. Her expression was carefully neutral, though something knowing flickered in her eyes.

Jackson remained silent, his gaze steady on me. Nothing in his expression betrayed his thoughts, but the slight tension in his shoulders told me enough.

I wouldn’t call it – I began.

“We’re enjoying each other’s company, Steven cut in. “Sometimes the most interesting wolves appear when you least expect them.”

I wanted to correct him, to clarify this was purely about getting information, but something about the situation made me hold my tongue.

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Chapter 82

“Well, don’t let us interrupt your evening.” Sophia said diplomatically. ‘It’s nice to see you both.”

Jackson finally spoke, his voice measured. “Interesting choice of venue for discussing training.”

The subtle implication hung in the air, but his tone remained conversational.

“We should let you enjoy your meal,” I said, eager to escape this awkward encounter. “We were just leaving, actually.”

Third Person POV

She paused, watching Jackson’s face with unexpected attentiveness. “You seem unusually interested in her. Is there something I should know about you two?”

Jackson nearly choked on his wine, quickly recovering with a practiced smile. “Of course not. I’m simply concerned about who influences Lucas’s training.”

“Hmm, Sophia hummed noncommittally, clearly not entirely convinced. “It’s just that whenever we see her, you get this look. Almost like you knew her before.”

*Shadow Creek isn’t that big,” Jackson deflected smoothly. “Most wolves cross paths eventually.”

Sophia seemed to accept this explanation, but a seed of doubt had clearly been planted.

Jackson merely nodded, not trusting himself to speak further on the subject. His wolf stirred restlessly beneath his skin, unsettled by the evening’s unexpected turn.

It shouldn’t matter. He’d made his choice when he’d accepted Sophia’s hand in marriage. The path to Alpha statos required sacrifice.

But he’d never intended for Ava to move on. She was meant to remain available–waiting–for when he eventually claimed her. Having her appear with a Morgan wolf complicated matters considerably.

Later, as their carriage rolled through moonlit forests, Jackson found himself planning his next moves. Ava belonged in his future plans–on his terms. And nothing, not even a Morgan wolf, would stand in his way.

Meanwhile, on the road back to Ava’s home, Steven sat silently in the carriage, watching her profile in the moonlight. Seeing Jackson’s reaction to Ava had raised questions–the possessiveness in the other wolf’s eyes seemed excessive for someone who was merely his fiancée’s father’s employee.

There was history there. Something unspoken.

While Ava gazed out the window, lost in thought, Steven opened a mindlink with his Beta.

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Chapter 82

“Dom, I need you to find out everything about Ava and Jackson,” he sent through the link. “Their connection seems… complicated.”

“On it, came the immediate response. “Anything specific I should look for?”

“The way he looked at her tonight–like she belonged to him. Find out why.”

“Consider it done. By the way, your uncle’s going to have your hide for this.”

Steven closed the link with a slight smile. “Some things are worth the risk.”

He turned his attention back to Ava, studying her thoughtful expression. Whatever secrets lay between her and Jackson, he intended to uncover them all. Not just for his historical records, but because the woman herself had captured his interest in a way few ever had.

Blake’s disapproval was merely an obstacle to overcome. And Steven had never been one to back down from a challenge.

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