Marked Twice by the Alpha King novel Chapter 152

Chapter 152

Blake’s POV

“Ah, of course. Richard’s eyes darted sideways–classic tell of an incoming lie. “Unfortunately, she’s on patrol duty. Won’t be back until late.”

1 caught the sour note of deception instantly. Ava was here–I could feel it, like a compass needle drawn north. My wolf paced impatiently, catching traces of her scent carried on the evening breeze.

I’m happy to wait,” I replied with a thin smile. “Perhaps you could offer dinner while I do? It would give us a chance to discuss pack matters.”

Richard shifted uncomfortably, recognizing the trap for what it was. “We’d be… honored. Please, come in.”

The Hayes mansion felt cold despite its opulence–all show, no substance. Marble floors gleamed beneath chandeliers dripping with crystals, but nothing could mask the emptiness. This wasn’t a home; it was a monument to power.

Our preparations are modest tonight, Richard led me toward the dining room. “If we’d known you were coming…

I tuned out the excuses, focusing instead on scanning every corner, every hallway. My senses were on high alert, searching for any trace of Ava.

In the dining room, Martha sat like a queen holding court, daughter Vanessa preening beside her. But what caught my attention was the hunched figure in the corner–Sarah, looking like she’d aged a decade in just days.

Martha stood, her smile tight and practiced. “Alpha King, what a delightful surprise.”

I nodded, my eyes still on Sarah. When she noticed me, hope flickered briefly in her eyes before fear extinguished it.

“Sarah,” Martha’s voice cut through the room like a whip, “you may go. This is pack business.”

Sarah immediately began to rise, shoulders curved inward protectively.

“Actually,” I said, voice deceptively soft, “I’d prefer Mrs. Rivers stay. This concerns her daughter, after all.”

Martha’s mask slipped for just a heartbeat before she recovered. “Of course, whatever you prefer.”

Dinner was an exercise in restraint. Richard droned on about Shadow Creek’s ‘prosperity” and the upcoming alliance through Jackson and Sophia’s marriage. Martha punctuated his monologue with sycophantic comments, while Vanessa couldn’t have been more obvious in her attempts to catch my eye if she’d stripped naked and danced on the table.

“And how is Sophia?” Martha asked, her voice dripping honey. “The wedding plans must be keeping everyone busy.”

I noticed Sarah flinch at the mention, her fork trembling slightly.

“She’s well,” I answered simply. The less said about that mess, the better.

My eyes drifted to Sarah, who kept her gaze fixed firmly on her barely–touched food. “You seem uncomfortable. Are you finding your accommodation satisfactory?”

Sarah’s head jerked up, panic flashing across her face/ “Everything is fine, Alpha King. Thank you for asking.”

‘Sarah assists in our medical division, Martha interjected smoothly. “Moving is always an adjustment period.”

“The medical division?” I raised an eyebrow. “That’s fitting, given your renowned healing abilities.”

“Yes,” Sarah whispered, the word tight with hidden meaning. “The Hayes family has been very… generous.”

I caught the barely concealed venom in her tone. Something was seriously wrong here–beyond even what Tyler had uncovered.

*About Ava,” I steered the conversation back. “I want her to know Lucas has recovered completely, and we’ve identified and punished the real culprit.

1/3

Chapter 152

Richard and Martha exchanged a look that set my teeth on edge.

‘We’ll make sure she’s informed, Richard said vaguely. “Though I must say, I’m puzzled by your interest in a… traitor’s daughter.”

I felt my control slipping, my wolf snarling beneath my skin. “Every warrior deserves justice, Hayes. Especially those wrongly accused.”

The rest of dinner passed in a blur of meaningless conversation and growing impatience. When Richard finally suggested a tour of the grounds, I seized the opportunity.

I’d particularly like to see your warrior training facilities,” I said. “I hear you’ve made changes recently.”

Richard’s smile strained at the edges. ‘Indeed. Right this way.”

The facilities were a far cry from Blackwood’s state–of–the–art training grounds. Warriors stumbled through basic drills, their form sloppy, their movements uncoordinated. No wonder Shadow Creek had been declining in power.

“This is our main training area,” Richard gestured broadly. “Miller here is our Chief Combat Instructor.”

An older warrior jogged over, bowing deeply. “Alpha King, an honor.”

I noticed immediately that Miller wore the Chief Combat Instructor insignia–the exact position Martha had promised to Ava. My jaw tightened at the blatant deception.

“Where’s Ava?” I asked directly, done with the charade. “I was told she’d been appointed as Chief Combat Instructor here.

Miller’s eyes widened, darting to Richard with obvious confusion. “Sir, I’ve held this position for eight years. There’s been no mention of a replacement.”

Richard cleared his throat, composure slipping. “There must be some misunderstanding. Ava is a new recruit, still learning our protocols. Miller is and has always been our Chief Combat Instructor.”

So Martha lied,” I stated flatly. “There never was a position for Ava.”

‘She’s very new,‘ Richard stammered, discomfort radiating from him in waves. “Starting from the basics is standard procedure for all newcomers, regardless of prior experience.”

I nearly laughed at the blatant deception. Ava had graduated at the top of her class at Warrior Academy–qualified to train even elite fighters–yet here they had her scrubbing floors and running basic patrols while a position that was promised to her was already filled? The scam was so transparent it was insulting to both of us.

When Richard tried steering me back toward the mansion, I glanced toward a cluster of dilapidated buildings in the distance.

“What’s over there?”

Richard tensed. “Just warrior quarters. Basic accommodations, nothing worth seeing.”

I’m curious about all aspects of pack life,” I insisted. “Lead the way.”