Marked Twice by the Alpha King novel Chapter 191

Ava’s POV

I couldn’t wipe the stupid grin off my face as I pushed through the café door. Yesterday still felt surreal–Blake standing there in front of all those Northern Lights delegates, telling the entire werewolf world I was his fated mate and future

Luna.

The morning crowd filled their usual spots, but I kept catching bits of conversation that made my pulse jump. “…Alpha King’s declaration…” “…Shadow Creek girl…” “…like something out of a story…”

Were they actually talking about me?

“Ava!” Ella’s voice cut through the chatter. She was practically vibrating in her seat at our corner table. “Get your butt over here right now!”

I dropped into the chair across from her, trying to play it cool while my heart hammered away. “Hey, you seem-

“Have you heard what’s going on out there?” She leaned forward so fast she nearly took out her coffee. “The whole damn werewolf world is losing their minds over what happened yesterday! Everyone’s calling it the love story of the century!”

Heat crept up my neck. “Come on, don’t go crazy. It was just making things official.”

“Official?” Ella’s eyes went huge. “Girl, he stood in front of the entire Northern Lights delegationt and said ‘I’ve found my Luna, my fated mate‘! That wasn’t paperwork—that was straight–up fairy tale stuff!”

I bit down on my lip, trying to keep the happy bubbles in my chest from floating away. “You really think people are cool with it? I keep worrying someone’s gonna say I don’t belong with him.”

Ella actually snorted. “Belong with him? Are you nuts?” She grabbed my hands. “The entire werewolf world is throwing a party for you two! You know how many girls would sell their soul to be where you are? You went from regular Shadow Creek warrior to future freaking Luna!”

The barista–some young wolf with curious eyes–kept sneaking glances our way. When she caught me looking back, she actually smiled and gave me a little wave. My stomach did a flip.

“No joke,” Ella dropped her voice like she was sharing pack secrets, “the trade caravans are eating this up. They’re saying it proves love beats politics every single time!”

“Seriously?” I scooted closer, hooked despite myself.

“Seriously!” Her whole face lit up. “And get this–you know what they’re calling you? ‘The Brave Luna.‘ They’re saying you’ve got serious fighting skills and the guts to follow your heart!”

My face got hot. “That’s way over the top…”

“No way.” Ella’s voice went serious. “Aya, regular warriors everywhere are saying Blake picking you gives them hope. Shows that what you can do and who you are matters more than what family you come from.”

Something warm spread through my chest, but worry crept in too. “What about Lyra? Think she hates my guts?”

I couldn’t help stressing about it. That woman was gorgeous as moonlight and had enough status to make kingdoms bow.

1/3

Chapter 182: Better Get Used To It

Me? I was just some adopted kid who got lucky.

Ella shook her head hard. “A real High Priestess doesn’t hold grudges over stuff like this. Besides, Blake never promised her anything. His heart was yours the whole time.”

Relief washed over me. “I just don’t want this screwing up things between the packs.”

“Stop overthinking it.” Ella reached over and squeezed my arm. “Right now you just need to soak up this feeling of having the whole world rooting for you.”

The door chimed, and Tyler walked in. He spotted me and came over wearing a smile.

“Afternoon, future Luna,” he said, and I swear there was amusement in his voice. “Alpha sent me to bring you home.”

My face went tomato red. “Don’t call me that…”

Tyler chuckled. “Better get used to it. The whole pack’s been buzzing about yesterday. Everyone’s pretty stoked to have a

new Luna.”

Ella bounced in her chair. “See? I told you! Even Tyler’s saying it!”

“Alright, alright.” I stood up, grabbing my stuff. “Guess I should go.”

Ella pulled me into a tight hug. “Enjoy every second of this, okay? You earned it.”

In Tyler’s car, I watched the familiar forest roads roll by. Everything looked the same, but somehow felt completely

different.

“So,” Tyler caught my eye in the rearview mirror, “Alpha’s been in the best mood I’ve ever seen. Haven’t watched him this relaxed in… well, ever.”

“Really?” I couldn’t keep the smile out of my voice.

“Really. He spent all morning dealing with questions from other packs, but didn’t get annoyed once. Even had the kitchen prepare your favorite dinner.” Tyler paused, then added carefully, “Look Ava, I know this whole identity thing might feel crazy, but you should know–Alpha picked you for a reason. You’re gonna be an amazing Luna.”

The Manor showed up ahead, all those stone towers looking majestic against the mountains. As Tyler pulled up front, I saw a familiar figure step out of the main doors.

Blake.

My heart did that ridiculous fluttering thing it always did when I saw him. He’d obviously been waiting–probably watching for Tyler’s car. The second our eyes met through the windshield, his whole face lit up.

“Looks like someone missed you,” Tyler/said with a knowing grin. “I’ll go set up Lucas’s training stuff.”

Blake was already walking toward the car before I even got my seatbelt off. When I stepped out, he was right there, eyes drinking me in like he’d been starving.

“Finally,” he said, voice rough in a way that made my knees weak. “I’ve been going crazy waiting for you.”