Marked Twice by the Alpha King #Bad Husband 175 - Read Marked Twice by the Alpha King Bad Husband 175 Online - All Page

Bad Husband 175

Ava's POV

Blake ignored her, walking straight toward me. I could feel him bulling back his Alpha energy, making sure it wouldn't crush me.

"Ava," he said quietly. "What's wrong?"

No accusation. Just concern. It cooled some of my rage, but I'd already made an ass of myself in front of everyone.

"Nothing, I managed. "Just thought your meeting was over."

That's when Lyra glided over-and I mean glided. She moved like smoke. "Alpha King,” she smiled, but it felt cold. "Have we interrupted something important?" Blake's shoulders tensed. "Lyra, this is Ava Rivers. Lucas's combat instructor."

"Ah." Those purple eyes looked me up and down like I was something she might buy. "Little Morgan's trainer. How... interesting that the Alpha King would let ordinary warriors get so close to family. In Northern Lights, we're more selective about bloodlines."

Every word was wrapped in silk, but they cut deep. I clenched my fists, fighting to stay calm.

"Lucas is talented," I said, surprised my voice came out steady. "He's making great progress."

"I'm sure." She nodded, but her eyes said otherwise. "The Morgan bloodline is exceptional, after all." She turned to Blake with this intimate smile. "Isn't that right, Blake?"

Using his first name. Marking territory. My wolf snarled, but I held her back.

Blake's jaw tightened. "Lyra, mind heading back to the meeting room? I need to talk to Miss Rivers about training schedules."

Clear dismissal, but Lyra didn't budge. Those purple eyes flicked between us like she was solving a puzzle.

"Of course," she finally said. "Though perhaps I should mention these trade negotiations involve sensitive information. I'm sure the Alpha King knows what's appropriate to share... and with whom."

The message was crystal clear: I wasn't important enough to be here.

My hands curled into fists, but Blake beat me to it. "Thanks for the concern,

Priestess Starlight," he said, polite but firm." know exactly what information I share and with whom."

Her smile never wavered, but I caught the flash of annoyance. Of course, Alpha King. See you shortly."

She drifted away, all flowing robes and calculated grace.

Blake visibly relaxed once she was gone. He touched my elbow, guiding me to a quieter corner.

"You okay?" His blue eyes were full of genuine worry.

veryone's Here

I nodded, feeling guilty. "Sorry I crashed your meeting. Didn't know it was still going."

Not your fault. Should've made sure Sophia told you." He frowned. "But that reaction was pretty intense. What happened?"

"I bit my lip. Couldn't exactly say 'seeing her touch you made my wolf lose her shit.

"Just... my wolf doesn't like strangers, I guess."

He raised an eyebrow, clearly not buying it completely. "Lyra's... complicated. Northern Lights priestesses are used to getting whatever they want."

"She's definitely something," I said, trying to sound neutral instead of jealous. "Those purple eyes are wild."

"Yeah, it's considered a blessing up north. He paused, frowning "But listen, about that photo-

"Go handle your trade stuff, Alpha King." I forced a smile. "I won't bug you anymore."

He looked like he wanted to say more, but just nodded. "Later," he said softly, then headed back inside.

I watched him go, my chest tight. Since that damn photo, everything felt off between us. He said it was a setup, but...

Maybe Ella was right. Maybe I should trust my wolf instead of some picture.

I was heading out when a voice stopped me cold.

"That's how you're gonna let him walk away?"

Sophia stood on the stairs, arms crossed, smirking. "Disappointing, Rivers. Thought you'd have more fight."

I took a breath, trying to stay calm. "We got a problem, Sophia?

She came down slowly, blue eyes starting to shift gold. "Problem? What kind of problem would we have?"

"I dunno. Maybe you 'forgetting' to tell me about the meeting? Or sending me that photo?"

Her smile got bigger, colder. "Oh, that. My bad." Zero apology in her voice.

I turned to leave. Didn't want this fight, especially not here.

"They look perfect together, don't they?" she called after me. "Lyra and Dad. Both leaders, both pure bloodlines, both understand power and responsibility. Unlike some sword-swinging nobody."

I stopped. Turned around slowly. "What's your point, Sophia?"

"My point is you should know your place." She stepped closer, eyes fully gold now. "Stop pretending you could ever be something you're not."

"Which is?"

"Dad's mate," she hissed. "Luna. You think you're special? You're just some traitor's adopted kid. Someone even her own fated mate threw away."

Chapter 166: Everyone's Here

My blood turned to ice. How could she possibly know that?

"Oh yeah, she laughed at my expression. "I know everything. About you and Jackson. About how you were fated mates before he dumped you for something better."

"My heart hammered against my ribs. This was impossible.

"That's none of your business," I said, fighting to keep my voice level. "That's over."

"Over?" She tilted her head, fake innocent. "Fated mate bonds don't just disappear. Even if you're screwing my dad now, deep down you still belong to Jackson. That's why you'll never be Luna."

I almost laughed. "You really think I want that?"

She looked confused. "Every woman wants power."

"Maybe you do," I said calmly. "Doesn't mean everyone else doesnoveldrama

Her face twisted with rage. "Don't act like you're better than me You've been lying

to everyone! You never told Dad about Jackson, did you?"

"My past is my business."

"Not when it involves my family!" Her voice cracked. "I won't let you use Dad like you tried to manipulate Jackson!"

I couldn't help it-I laughed. That made her even madder. "Manipulate Jackson? Your fiancé's a grown man, Sophia. If he got manipulated, that's on him."

Her eyes went full wolf. "Shut up! You don't know anything!"

She lunged at me, grabbing my hair, yanking me down. I didn't want to hurt Blake's daughter, so I just tried to defend myself, block her wild swings.

We hit the floor hard, rolling around like idiots. This was pathetic-Alpha King's daughter and a trainer wrestling in the hallway.

Then the air changed.

Alpha power slammed into us like a freight train. Sophia stumbled back, protected

by blood relation. Me? I got the full hit My head exploded with pain, nose starting

to bleed from the pressure.

Blake stood there, eyes pure gold, power radiating off him in waves.

"Enough!" The command shook the walls.

Sophia let go, stepping back, but still glaring.

"She started it!" she sobbed. "She's been lying to everyone! Her and Jackson- they're fated mates!"

Blake released the pressure, and I could finally breathe. I stayed on the ground,