Marked Twice by the Alpha King

Ava's POV

Lucas shook his head so hard his hair flew everywhere. "Okay with it? I've been hoping Dad would find someone he liked

forever!

Lucas continued, "Before you showed up, he was grumpy all the time and never smiled. Now he's actually happy! Plus ! already think of you as my mom anyway!"

Blake's hand found my shoulder, warm and steady. "Lucas, these things take time. But yes, Ava's gonna be part of our

family."

Lucas threw his arms around me. "So can I officially call you mom now?"

My throat went tight. "If you want to..."

"Of course I want to! Mom!" He beamed up at me.

I had to blink back tears. This kid was gonna be the death of me.

Training went perfectly. Lucas was focused and eager, showing off his improved balance and reflexes. But the best part was how Blake kept finding excuses to come "check on our progress." Really he just wanted to steal quick kisses when Lucas wasn't looking, or hold my hand while showing techniques.

“Dad,” Lucas said suddenly during a water break, “you don't have to sneak around anymore. I'm not gonna tell on you for kissing Ava."

Blake and I both went red while Lucas giggled. "I've been hoping you'd get together forever!"

The sweetness of it all-this careful, giddy new family thing we had going-made my heart feel too big for my chest.

We moved outside to the back training field for some real combat work. The afternoon sun felt warm on my skin, and it wasn't until Lucas's eyes went wide and he straightened up that I realized we had company.noveldrama

"Oh, hello, Priestess Starlight," Lucas said politely.

I turned to see Lyra walking toward us across the field. She was still drop-dead gorgeous. But something in her expression was different. Not hostile exactly, but complicated.

"Ava," she said when she reached us, "could we talk privately for a few minutes?" Blake looked at me, questioning. I nodded. "It's fine."

Lucas bounded over to his father. "Dad, wanna practice archery while they talk?"

Smart kid.

Lyra and I walked to a quiet corner of the garden, away from listening ears. She spoke first.

"I wanted to apologize," she said straight up. "If I'd known Blake had already marked a mate, I never would've gone after him. I hope you get that I'm not the type who knowingly messes with sacred bonds."

Chapter 183: A Little Healthy Fear Helps.

I was surprised by how direct she was. "You don't need to apologize. We were keeping things really quiet, You codde have known.

She shook her head. "No, I should've been more observant. Her gaze drifted to where Blake and Lucas were ueftion targets. "Watching you three together just now... I finally get what real family harmony looks like."

Her cheeks colored slightly. "At the signing ceremony, I was way too forward with Blake, I even... kissed him that night. I didn't know how deep your relationship already was, and I tend to go after what I want pretty aggressively. The werewolf world is focused on your love story now, but eventually someone's gonna dig deeper into those details, i know Blakes trying to control the story, but I'm worried this could mess with my reputation."

I remembered that kiss-it had nearly destroyed me at the time. But now I needed

to be gracious, Lata-like. World 1 thought this way.

"If it comes to that, I'll make it clear that our relationship was only recently confirmed," I said. "You had no way of knowing Blake already had a mate."

She looked genuinely surprised. "You'd do that for me?"

"Of course. It's the truth, and I don't want innocent people getting hurt because of our relationship.

Lyra studied Blake and Lucas in the distance, thoughtful. "I've always believed political marriages were the best way to keep pack stability. Matched status, mutual benefit-seemed like the safest bet."

She paused. “But watching you three together... I think I'm starting to get something I never understood before."

"What do you mean?"

"Real harmony," she said, those purple eyes holding depths I hadn't seen before. "It doesn't come from matching conditions-it comes from souls that actually fit together. Lucas's trust in you can't be faked, and the way Blake looks at you..." She shook her head. "I've seen too many political marriages that look perfect on paper but are cold as ice underneath. But you three have something I've never seen."

My face heated. "We're still figuring it out as we go..."

"That's exactly my point," Lyra said seriously. "You're working to become a family, not just going through the motions. It makes me rethink some things."

She straightened, all business again. “You should know the Northern Lights trade agreement won't be affected by any of this. Real diplomacy is built on mutual benefit, not personal feelings."

Relief flooded through me. "I was worried about that."

Lyra was quiet for a moment. "Honestly? I was disappointed at first. But seeing you together today... maybe Blake made the right choice. A truly happy Alpha King serves both our packs better than one who's miserable for duty's sake."

She held out her hand. "I'd like us to be friends, Ava. Not for political reasons, but because I genuinely respect you."

I shook her hand gladly. "I'd like that too."

A mischievous glint entered her eyes. "Besides, I'm curious how you managed to capture the Alpha King's heart. That man's famous for being logical and controlled, yet he made the most romantic public declaration I've ever witnessed. You'll have to share your secrets sometime."

Chapter 183: A Little Healthy Fear Helps.

If I knew how to capture an Alpha King, I wouldn't have been terrified this whole time.

My face went nuclear. "I honestly have no clue how it happened..."

"Look," Lyra's expression grew serious again, "I'm really sorry for any confusion I might've caused. I thought Blake's feelings for you were more casual. If I'd realized you'd formed such a deep bond, I never would've acted that way

"It's not your fault,” I assured her. "We were very private. You couldn't have known."

"As someone who's seen a lot of the world," Lyra said, "let me give you some advice.

"What advice?"

"Power brings a lot of temptations and challenges," she said carefully, "but real love is the most precious thing in this world. Hold tight to Blake, and don't let outside forces shake what you have."

She paused, then smiled. "Though don't make it too easy for him either. Sometimes a little healthy fear keeps men properly appreciative."

I couldn't help laughing. "I'll remember that."

"Good." Lyra glanced toward the manor. "I'll be heading north soon-delegation business is wrapped up." She turned back to me. "Oh, and Ava?"

"Yeah?"

Her eyes held genuine warmth. "Congratulations. You deserve this happiness. Blake's lucky to find a woman with both the strength to protect herself and the kindness to understand others. That's what a real Luna should have."

I was so moved I could barely speak. "Thank you, Lyra. Safe travels."

She nodded gracefully, silver hair flowing in the breeze. /"May the Moon Goddess bless your love. And maybe next time we meet, I should call you Luna." Chapter Comments