Marked Twice by the Alpha King novel Chapter 212

Ava’s POV

Blackwood Manor buzzed like a kicked beehive the day before the ceremony. Delegates from different packs kept rolling in–carriage bells ringing, voices chattering since dawn.

Tomorrow, I’d officially become Blake’s Luna. For real this time. Forever.

“Ready for this, dear?” Victoria’s voice came from behind me. Blake’s mother glided into the room carrying some fancy box, all grace and polish.

Honestly? Not sure I’ll ever be.” I turned to face her, trying to keep the shake out of my voice. “Feels like I’m dreaming.”

Victoria moved closer with that born–and–bred nobility thing she had going. “Being Luna’s not just about wearing a pretty crown,” she said, polite but clearly sizing me up. “It’s serious business. I’ll be watching to see if you can actually handle it.”

She said that, but something flickered in her eyes–like she’d already made up her mind and just wasn’t ready to admit it yet. Blake had told me she knew the whole Jackson story now. Same look he’d described.

She popped open the box. Inside was this gorgeous silver–blue dress that caught the light like captured starlight. “Traditional Luna ceremony gown. Had it specially designed for you. Every Morgan Luna has worn some version of this dress.” She paused. “Including me.”

I touched the silk, feeling the weight of all that history. “Victoria, I’m scared I’m not good enough for all this tradition. Not good enough for Blake’s choice.”

“Hmm.” She studied me like I was a puzzle. “That remains to be seen. But…” Her voice softened just a hair. “Blake’s never been one to rush into things. If he picked you, there’s got to be a good reason.”

The door burst open. Sophia and Ella walked in, arms full of wrapped gifts.

“My girl’s about to be Luna!” Ella shouted, bouncing on her toes. “From scrappy little fighter to Alpha Queen. Look at you go!”

I couldn’t help laughing. “Keep talking like that, and I’ll stick you in the back row tomorrow.”

“Like hell you will! I’m sitting front and center to watch this whole thing!” Ella dumped her gifts on the table and wrapped me in a bear hug. “Seriously though, Ava. I’m so proud of you.”

Sophia stepped forward with a small velvet box. “I’ve got something for you.”

I opened it and nearly choked. Inside was this incredible necklace–silver chain with emeralds that matched my eyes perfectly.

“Sophia, this is way too much…”

“It’s the Morgan family necklace,” Sophia explained, her voice going all serious. “Every Morgan woman wears it on her wedding day. Dad was gonna give it to me for the Jackson wedding, but… She paused, then smiled. “I had it redesigned with the emeralds. It belongs to the real Morgan Luna now.”

My throat closed up. “Sophia…”

“My choice,” she said firmly. “You saved my life. Now you’re marrying my dad, becoming Lucas’s mom. This necklace is yours.”

Ella was tearing up beside us. “Damn it, you two are gonna make me ruin my makeup.”

The three of us hugged tight. Six months ago, I never would’ve imagined this moment.

“Speaking of changes,” Ella’s voice got wobbly, “I need to tell you guys something. After the wedding, I’m heading to the human world with my

sister. Her modeling career needs an assistant, and I want to see what’s out there.”

My heart dropped. “Ella…”

“Hey, don’t get all weepy oit me,” Ella said warmly. “It’s not forever. Just an adventure.”

I’ve got news too,” Sophia jumped in. I’m going to Northern Lights to study with Lyra. She invited me to be her apprentice, leam priestess work. I’ve always been curious about those old rituals.”

“So after tomorrow, we’re all splitting up?” I asked.

“Just for now,” Ella said firmly. “We’ll always be friends, no matter where we end up.”

Late afternoon brought the Northern Lights delegation. Lyra swept into the manor with that signature grace, silver hair catching the sunset like spun moonbeams.

“Ava.” She approached carrying a tiny crystal bottle. “Moonlight blessing. Northern Lights tradition. Use this during tomorrow’s ceremony for extra protection from the Moon Goddess.”

“Thanks, Lyra.” I took the bottle, noticing something sad in her purple eyes. “You okay?”

She went quiet for a bit, then said, “Ava, did you know I had a fated mate once? An older man, like yours.”

I stared at her. “You had a fated mate? Everyone says you never found one.”

Lyra’s laugh came out bitter. “Found him. Rejected him.”

“Why?” I asked softly.

“He was human,” Lyra’s voice got distant. “Back then–before cars and phones became common–werewolves barely tolerated humans. I thought our worlds were too different.” She sighed. “If I’d just waited twenty years… times changed. Wish I’d had more guts back then.”

I felt the pain in her words. “Is it too late now?”

“Who knows?” she said quietly. “Maybe. Maybe some mistakes can’t be fixed.”

Blake’s POV

Men’s prep work was usually simple, but tonight felt different. I stood in my study with Lucas, Tyler, and William, going over tomorrow’s ceremony details one last time.

“Dad, I’m so excited!” Lucas bounced on his toes, practically vibrating. “I get to carry the family necklace, right? The

Ava?”

ophia redesigned for

“That’s right, little wolf.” I ruffled his dark hair,

William clapped my shoulder. “Blake, I still don’t know how to thank you for everything. Not just clearing my name, but welcoming Ava into your family. Giving her the love she deserves.”

“She chose me too,” I replied. “I’m the lucky one here.”

Tyler cleared his throat. “Boss, latest report on the Hayes cleanup. Remaining family members are cooperating. Most claim they knew nothing about the conspiracy.”

‘Keep monitoring, but treat them fairly, I instructed. “We’re not looking for revenge, just security,‘

When night fell, I found myself on the balcony overlooking the manor grounds. Tomorrow would change everything–not just for bla

but for both our packs. The alliance between Silverpeak and Shadow Creek would be sealed through our bond.

“Nervous?”

I turned to find Ava walking up, glowing in the moonlight. My chest tightened with love and anticipation.

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