Marked Twice by the Alpha King

The full moon had turned Silverpeak territory into something straight out of a fairy

tale. Ancient oaks wrapped in silver ribbons, glowing moonflower petals scattered

everywhere, air thick with pine and mint. Representatives from every pack formed

a massive circle in the sacred clearing-silver robes, deep blue Shadow Creek

traditional wear, and Silverpeak's black-and-gold formal gear all shimmering

under moonlight.

This was history in the making. The Alpha King's Luna ceremony. Two powerful

packs officially joining forces.

In the prep room, Ava stood before a full-length mirror while Sarah fastened the

traditional Luna headdress. Silver with embedded moonstones that caught the

light like captured starlight.

"You look like the Moon Goddess herself," Sarah whispered, tears threatening to

spill.

Ava took a deep breath, studying her reflection. The silver-blue gown fit perfectly,

Sophia's family necklace catching the light at her throat, emeralds matching her

eyes. She actually looked like a real Luna.

"I'm ready," she said quietly.

Meanwhile, Blake stood in another room getting his Alpha King formal wear

adjusted by Tyler. Black silk embroidered with golden wolf heads, shoulder

badges marking his ruler status.

"Boss, Tyler said, straightening a sleeve, "gotta say, never seen you this wound

up."

Blake chuckled, "Not wound up. Excited. Been waiting forever to tell the whole

world she's mine."

Lucas bounced around the room, carefully clutching the family necklace box.

"Dad, I won't drop it! I practiced like a million times!"

"I know you'll be perfect, son." Blake crouched down, adjusting Lucas's tiny formal

wear. "After tonight, Ava's officially your mom."

"She's already my mom!" Lucas said, practically vibrating with excitement. "Now

everyone else gets to know it!"

When the moon hit its peak, the ceremony began.

Ancient horn calls echoed through the forest. All chatter stopped. An elderly wolf

elder stepped onto the central stone platform, silver beard gleaming in moonlight,

voice carrying ancient authority.

"Tonight, under the Moon Goddess's witness, we gather to see the sacred union

of Alpha King Blake Morgan and Ava Rivers."

Blake stood center stage in full Alpha King regalia, moonlight making him look like

something from old legends. His eyes swept the crowd, but when the gates

opened, his attention locked completely.

William led Ava toward the platform. Her silver-blue Luna gown flowed like liquid

moonlight, every step graceful and regal. When their eyes met, the whole worldnoveldrama

seemed to hold its breath.

Gasps rippled through the crowd. Even folks who'd questioned her before had to

admit-she was born for this.

Lucas followed seriously behind, clutching that necklace box like his life

depended on it, face scrunched with concentration and pride.

"Who gives this woman to the Alpha King?" the wedding elder asked.

"I, William Rivers, Alpha of Shadow Creek, give my daughter Ava Rivers to Blake

Morgan," William's voice rang clear and strong. "May the Moon Goddess bless

their union."

Blake stepped forward, taking Ava's hand. Electric current shot through both of

them, their golden marks glowing bright enough for everyone to

see the sacred connection.

"Ava Rivers, Blake began the ancient vows, his voice carrying across the silent

night, 'before the Moon Goddess, before my people, I swear to you: I'll protect

you with my strength, guard you with my life, love you with my heart, until the

stars fall and the moon rises no more

Ava's eyes sparkled with tears, but her voice stayed rock-steady. "Blake Morgan,

before the Moon Goddess, before your people, I sweat to you. I'll stand beside

you in battle, share your joys and sorrows, be your strength and comfort, until the

stars fall and the moon rises no more.

The wedding elder raised an ancient silver cup filled with mixed blood symbolizing

the joining of two packs. "Drink this wine, let your fates be forever intertwined."

They took turns drinking, ancient magic flowing through the air.

Then came the most sacred moment. Since Blake had already marked Ava, the

elder was about to skip the marking part, but Blake suddenly spoke up.

"Wait." He turned to Ava, eyes full of love and request. "Ava, will you mark me?

Let everyone know I'm yours, just like you're mine?"

Moved gasps swept the crowd. Mutual marking meant complete equality-

incredibly rare in werewolf society.

Ava nodded, tears spilling over. She gently bit that special spot on Blake's neck,

leaving her own golden mark. When both marks glowed together, the entire

clearing lit up with golden light.

Magic pulled them into movement, guided by invisible forces. They began the

traditional werewolf bonding dance, moving in perfect sync like they'd been

dancing together for centuries.

At the celebration's peak, the wedding elder announced loudly, "Now I have the

honor of presenting Alpha King Blake Morgan and Luna Ava Morgan of

Silverpeak!"

Cheers shook the sky, startling wildlife deep in the forest.

But during the celebration, as Ava tasted the traditional foods, something felt off.

The honey cake had this weird metallic taste, and the wine didn't taste right either.

She figured it was nerves and excitement, but the feeling left her puzzled.

The celebration feast took over Blackwood Manor's great hall. Long tables loaded

with specialties from every pack, magical candlelight dancing in crystal glasses,

music and laughter filling every corner.

"Look at our Luna," Ella teased, walking up to Ava, "from training ground wild child

to this elegant thing. I barely recognize you!"

Ava shot back, "Don't laugh at me when you're about to run off to the human

world chasing artistic dreams!"

The girls' easy banter got everyone around them laughing, warm vibes spreading

through the room.

Sophia stood up, raising her glass. "I need to announce something," her voice

carried across the hall. "Soon, I'll be following Priestess Lyra to Northern Lights

to study ancient rituals and traditions."

Surprised murmurs swept through the crowd, but most people seemed impressed

by her courage.

Even with farewells coming, nobody felt sad. This was about new beginnings,

growth, finding their own path.

William, as Shadow Creek's new Alpha, was building connections with other pack

leaders, discussing future cooperation and development.

After the feast, Blake and Ava finally got some alone time. They walked into the

nanor gardens, moonlight casting silver halos around them.

"How's tonight feeling?" Blake asked, pulling her close.

"Like a dream," Avá answered softly, "But the most beautiful dream ever.

"You mentioned helping Lyra find Thomas," Ava brought up. "When do we start?"

"Already got Tyler doing preliminary investigation," Blake said. "But we need more

details. Just Thomas Wilson' is way too common.

"We could get the team involved," Ava said excitedly. "Ella could help before she

leaves, and Sophia could use her friendship with Lyra to get more details.

"Done deal," Blake kissed her forehead. "Tomorrow we start making detailed

plans."

They fell asleep in each other's arms, on this perfect night, at the beginning of

their new life together.