Marked Twice by the Alpha King

Chapter 31: Old Enough to Be Her Father

Blake's POV

I stepped closer, my eyes turning golden as my wolf fought for control. "Last warning, Maxwell. Put her down, or you lose your Alpha status tonight, and Moonstone Pack gets new leadership by morning."

Maxwell's entire body began to tremble as my Alpha King aura crushed against him. His knees started to buckle under the weight of my authority. I watched with savage satisfaction as the arrogant prick instinctively lowered his head in submission–his body recognizing the hierarchy even if his mind resisted

"L... I was just...

Maxwell stammered, his grip on Ava loosening.

I closed the distance in one fluid stride and pulled Ava from his arms, cradling her protectively against my chest. The smell of the drug mingled with her natural scent-forest rain and wildflowers with an undercurrent of steel. Even contaminated by the drug, her scent called to something primal in me.

Against my chest, Ava stirred slightly, her face pressing into my shirt as if seeking safety. I could feel the mark on her neck heating in response to my proximity, the golden threads within it pulsing with each of her heartbeats.

Maxwell lowered himself further, practically groveling now. "Alpha King, I... I deeply apologize... I didn't realize she was under your protection

ice like ice. "Now get out of my sight."

The Council will deal with you, I cut him off, voice

He retreated backward, never turning his back on me-smart enough to show proper deference to an apex predator ready to strike. The crowd parted silently as I carried Ava toward the exit, her slight weight almost nothing in my arms.

Tyler materialized at my side, reading the situation instantly. "Your carriage is waiting, Alpha."

Outside, the night air hit us with crisp coldness, making Ava shiver against me, I tightened my hold instinctively, drawing her closer to my warmth. Her breathing was uneven, her skin flushed with unnatural heat. What the hell did Morwell give her? Standard Mone Whisper shouldy't cause this much disorientation.

The Silverpeak royal carriage waited by the curb, door already open. I climbed in carefully, settling Ava onto the plush seat before taking my place beside her. Tyler gave me a knowing look before closing the door.

"Her home," I ordered through the window. "Fastest route"

As the carriage moved away, I looked at Ava's face in the moonlight coming through the window. Her cheeks were flushed, her breathing shallow. The drug was hitting her hard now. Even like this, she kept a warrior's dignity-her hand had moved to where a weapon would normally be, her body ready to defend even while unconscious.

She's too young for you, my rational mind argued. Barely older than Sophia. And she's been drugged, I forced myself to look away, disgusted that any part of me could be attracted to someone in such a vulnerable state. I was old enough to be her father, for Moon's sake

The carriage hit a bump, and Ava tumbled sideways, her body pressing against mine. Her eyes uttered open, unfocused and dilated, but somehow finding mine with laser precision.

"Alpha," she whispered, the word slipping from her lips like honey.

Before I could react, she'd twisted toward me, her hands suddenly alive and exploring my chest with drugged fascination. The scent of her arousal hit me like

physical blow, my wolf howling in response. I could smell the drug in her system, but beneath it lay genuine desire-her body's honest reaction to mine.

I grabbed her wrists gently but firmly, "Ava, stop. You don't know what you're doing."

She looked up at me through half lidded eyes, a sultry smile curving her lips. "I know exactly what I'm doing."

One hand broke free, trailing up my chest to the silver wolf emblem at my collar. Her lingers worked at the clasp with surprising dexterity for someone so intoxicated.

"Axa," I warned, voire rougher than intended. "You've been drugged."

He other hand freed itself and found my face, thumb tracing along my jaw. The contact sent electricity racing down my spine, my control fraying at the

need you," she breathed, voice husky and unfamiliar yet undeniably hers. "I know ant me too, My Alpha....

you

My eyes shifted instantly to wolf gold at the possessive claims in her words. My control balanced on a knifes edge, my wolf surging forward, demanding I claim what it already considered mine.

Just as her face tilted up toward mine, lips parted in invitation, my mother's mindlink slammed into my consciousness with all the subtlety of a haltering

Blake? Why havent you responded to my links?

1 terked back from Ava, forcing myself to focus on the intrusion while she continued to trail her fingers along my thigh, each touch threatening what remained of my restraint.noveldrama

What on it. Mother? I managed, my mental voice strained.

on my thigh, dangerously close to proving past

Ava shifted closer, nestling her head against my neck, her breath hot against my

skin. Her hand slat higher on my how affected I was by her proximity.

Is that how you address your mother? Victoria's disapproving tone cut through my distraction. Such disrespect.

I'm handling an urgent matter, I replied, attempting to keep my thoughts clear while gently removing Ava's wandering hand from my chest.

my links, my mother continued, blind to my situation. You're neglecting your pack duries.

Ava pressed herself against my side, her lips finding the sensitive spot beneath my jaw. I nearly severed the link there and then, my control splintering-

do you need. Mother Lasked, struggling to keep the frustration from bleeding into the link..

I'm simply reminding you about tomorrow's quarterly pack meeting, she replied primily. All the elders will be present. Its important.

Ava's mouth moved lower, her teeth grazing my collarbone as her hands resumed their exploration. My breathing became ragged, my thoughts fragmenting.

... know. Fil... be there, I managed, the words disjointed even in my mind.

You should bring Amber, my mother continued, shifting topics with practiced ease. She's returned specifically to see you,

Why would I do that? I asked, distracted as Ava's nimble fingers began working on my shirt buttons, I captured her wrist, holding it firmly away from me

She Elizabeth's sister, and you re well-suited, my mother pressed. The pack needs a new Luna, and your children need a mother, Amber has impeccable bloodlines.

tional healing skill-she's the perfect choice.

Amber Collins. My late wife's sister. Victoria had been trying to push us together for years, never accepting that I had no romantic interest in the woman who looked so much like my departed mate

Ava broke free of my grip and pressed her lips against my throat, a soft moan escaping her that nearly shattered my restraint. My wolf was howling. demanding I stop fighting the inevitable.

won't bring her, I replied, my mental voice hardening. I don't feel that way about her.

Elsbeth has been our for seven years, my mother's voice grew stern. It's time you considered the pack's needs and found a new mate

"Alpha... Ava whispered against my ear, the single word loaded with need. My

wolf nearly broke through, ready to answer her call.

My personal life is my decision. I'll see you tomorrow, I cut across my mother's

next thought, severing the mindlink with more force than necessary.

The carriage slowed to a stop. Through my desire-fogged mind, I realized we had reached her home.

Chapter Commenta