Marked Twice by the Alpha King novel Chapter 210

Ava’s POV

Ruth had outdone herself–herb–crusted lamb, roasted vegetables, and fresh bread that made my mouth water. The candlelit dining room fele perfect for tonight.

Lucas bounced in his chair like he had springs for legs, barely able to contain himself as we settled around the table. The second Dad took his first bite, the kid pounced.

‘Grandpa, what did you eat in prison? It was gross, right?”

This kid has zero filter. I couldn’t help but smile at his bluntness, and Dad just chuckled, reaching over to ruffle Lucas’s dark hair.

‘Pretty terrible stuff,” Dad admitted with a smile. “But bearable. Right now, eating Ruth’s cooking, I feel like the luckiest man alive.”

The genuine happiness in his voice made my chest warm. Six months of prison food, and he was just grateful to be here.

Blake cleared his throat, his expression turning serious as he looked across the table at Dad. “William, you need to know the whole truth. Jackson didn’t just frame you…”

Sarah’s hands trembled slightly as she set down her water glass. “I heard Jackson and Richard talking. They admitted to framing you, but…” Her voice caught. “They also planned for the entire patrol to die.”

I watched Dad’s face change–shock, then anger, then something like grief. His fork clattered against his plate.

“The entire patrol?” His voice came out rough, barely above a whisper.

Blake nodded grimly. “You were supposed to die with them. The fact that you survived became their biggest problem–the only witness who could expose their conspiracy.”

Dad’s head dropped. He trusted Jackson like a son.

The silence stretched uncomfortably until Lucas, trying to

“Right,” I said softly, reaching over to squeeze Dad’s shoulder. “He’s

o lighten the mood, said quietly, “At least Jackson can’t hurt anyone anymore, right?”

I up where

he

belongs.”

When Dad looked up again, his eyes were distant, lost in memories. At the mention of Alpha Carter’s name during Blake’s explanation, he suddenly stopped eating altogether, staring at something only he could see.

“Dad?” I touched his arm gently. “You okay?”

He blinked, coming back to us, “Just thinking about Carter and the others. If they knew the truth…”

“They’d be proud you survived to expose it,” I said firmly, covering his hand with mine. “You living was the only way justice could happen.”

Sarah’s voice was barely audible when she added, “In prison, William recited their names every night. All the fallen warriors. He said he couldn’t let them die for nothing.”

Sophia looked up from her plate, her eyes soft with understanding. “That must have been so hard, carrying all that guilt when it wasn’t even your fault.

All that pain he carried alone. Damn Jackson for what he put Dad through.

The conversation gradually shifted to lighter topics as we worked through Ruth’s amazing meal. Dad asked about Lucas’s training, Sorah wasted to hear about my time at Warrior Academy, and slowly the heavy atmosphere lifted.

That’s when Dad turned to Blake with that measuring look fathers get when sizing up their daughter’s boyfriend.

“She’s always been independent,” Dad said, cutting his lamb with deliberate precision. “Never liked depending on anyone.

Blake’s response made heat flood my cheeks. “That’s one of the reasons I love her.”

Sophia let out a small laugh, shaking her head. “You two are so obvious,

Lucas figured it out months ago.”

Wait, is she actually teasing us? In a good way? The warmth in her voice was something I hadn’t heard in so long.

After dessert, Blake stood and extended his hand toward Dad. “William, could we talk

privately?”

My heart started racing. This is it. He’s asking for Dad’s blessing.

I tried to look casual as they disappeared into Blake’s study, but

my hands

literally shaking as I helped Sarah clear the table.

“Relax, sweetheart,” Sarah said gently, noticing my jitters. “Your father likes him. I can tell.”

“But what if-

“Mom!” Lucas appeared at my elbow, eyes wide with curiosity. “Why do you look scared? What are Dad and Grandpa talking about?”

“Nothing scary,” I managed, though my voice sounded strained even to me. “Just… guy stuff.”

Sophia settled beside me on the couch. “He’s asking for Grandpa’s blessing,” she said simply. “And he’s going to say yes.”

“How can you be so sure?”

“Because Dad’s already made up his mind about you.” Her voice was gentle. “William can tell.”

“Grandpa will say yes,” Lucas announced. “Dad’s the best!”

The wait felt endless. Finally, the study door opened. Both men emerged smiling, and relief washed over me.

Dad’s voice carried across the room with formal dignity: “I give my blessing to Blake and Ava’s union.”

Yes. Happy tears sprang to my eyes as Blake crossed to me, pulling me into his arms for a kiss that tasted like joy and promises.

Lucas immediately started bouncing. “Does this mean we get cake?”

Sophia crouched down beside him, holding up her hand. “High five, little brother. We’re officially getting a new mom.”

Their palms smacked together with a satisfying sound, and Lucas’s whole face lit

up

with joy.

“Thank you, William,” Blake said over my head, his voice thick with emotion.

This moment–I want to remember this forever.

“One week,” Blake murmured in my ear. “One week and we’ll make it official.”

The conversation naturally turned to ceremony planning. Blake mentioned the Luna ritual would happen in seven days, and suddenly everyone was talking at once–Sarah excitedly discussing flowers and decorations, Dad asking about guest lists, even Sophia chiming in with suggestions about traditional ceremonial elements.

That’s when Blake brought up Shadow Creek’s future, his expression turning serious again.

“The territory needs leadership,” he said, looking directly at Dad. “Someone the people can trust to rebuild after Jackson’s corruption.”

I watched Dad process this, seeing the internal debate play out across his features. He’s considering going back. After everything they did to him.

“If the people need me,” Dad said slowly, “I’m willing to take on that responsibility.”

That’s Dad. Even aftef betrayal and prison, he’d still choose service over comfort.

“What about staying here?” I asked, suddenly not wanting him to leave again. “You just got free.”

“Shadow Creek is only a few hours away,” Dad pointed out gently. “And those people… they deserve better than what Jackson would have given them.”

The evening wound down with easy conversation flowing between ceremony plans and pack politics. I watched Blake discussing rebuilding with Dad, Sarah making Lucas laugh with my childhood stories, Sophia finally relaxed.

Blake reached for my hand under the table. “There’ll be more challenges ahead, but we’ll face them together.”

Moonlight streamed through the windows as I looked up at the familiar orb.

Thank you, Moon Goddess. For bringing my family back together. For giving me Blake and Lucas. For this second chance at happiness.

Whatever tomorrow brought, I was ready to face it. We were ready to face it. Together.