Marked Twice by the Alpha King

Chapter 42: What matters more

Sophia's POV

When Dad and Ava left the dining room, they didn't notice Lucas and I watching their retreating forms with matching expressions. There was something about the way my father moved in Awa's presence-a slight change in his pasture, a different rhythm to his step-that caught my attention immediately.

I couldn't help being curious about Ava Rivers. Lucas obviously adored her, the first time he'd ever felt that way about any instructor. It made me wonder what made her special. What was it about Ava that set her apart?

Truthfully, even with our limited interactions, Ed started to like her too. There was something refreshingly direct about her-no pretense, no ulterior motives. But I sensed she was hiding something, a secret I couldn't quite unravel.

During dinner, I'd noticed Dad's gaze repeatedly drifting to Ava while he ate. He probably didn't even realize he was doing it. In that moment, I suddenly understood what Ava was hiding-there was definitely something between her and my father. Some kind of connection neither of them was ready to acknowledge.

Watching them leave, I felt my lips curve into a small smile. I turned to Lucas and found his eyes sparkling with hope. When he looked my way, we shared identical knowing expressions. No words needed.

Hours later, I curled up on the plush sofa in Blackwood Manor's grand hall, nervously twisting the wolf ring on my finger-Jackson's engagement gift. "Hed promised to mindlink with me at moonrise, but the moon had already painted the windowsill silver, and still nothing.

Half an hour ago, I'd attempted to reach him several times, calling his name in my mind, but received only suffocating silence in return. This wasn't normal. He'd never cut our connection for this long before. A sharp ache spread through my chest, my stomach churning with unease.

I wished I had someone to talk to, but I didn't have real friends. Sometimes I joined other female wolves from our tribe for ceremonies, but I was smart enough to know when I was being used. Most people wanted to be around me because I was Blake Morgan's daughter-either seeking power or trying to get closer to my father

Ironically, the person I felt closest to right now might be Ava, but I didn't have her mindlink Frequency, and I wasn't even sure if she wanted to be friends with me.

I hugged myself tightly, as if that could keep me from falling apart.noveldrama

"Still awake?"

e?" Dad's voice came from the doorway.

He wore simple casual clothes, without his Alpha insignia. A rare sight I almost never saw my father without his formal tribal attire. He was always properly. dressed, even just moving around the palace, and he rarely had time to lounge at home.

"Waiting for Jackson to link," I lifted my hand, letting the wolf ring catch the moonlight. 'But he seems to have forgotten our plans tonight."

A dismissive snort escaped from my father's throat, quiet but unmistakable. He never hid his skepticism about my fiancé, even though he'd officially accepted

our match.

My mind drifted back to when I first met Jackson. It was on a night when the moon shone especially bright, with representatives from all packs gathered at Silver Lake for a memorial service for the deceased Alpha Carter.

I stood at the edge of the crowd, observing the delegates from various tribes. Dad, as Alpha King, was engaged in conversation with several elders. That's when a young wolf in deep blue tribal formal wear approached me, his posture straight and confident. His gaze held a warmth and focus different from others, making my heart race.

The princess of Silverpeak all alone?" He bowed politely before offering me a glass of moonlight spring water. "Jackson Hayes, next Alpha candidate for Shadow Creek."

His introduction was direct and confident, completely lacking the deliberate flattery and pretense others displayed around me. Throughout the ceremony, we stood by the lake talking, discussing our views on the future of our packs, how to balance tradition with innovation. His ideas were so unique and visionary that I found myself deeply drawn to him.

As the ceremony ended, he boldly asked, "Would you mind linking minds with me tonight? I'd love to continue our conversation." This was an intimate gesture in our culture, usually only done between close family or lovers. To my own surprise, I agreed.

That night, when his voice first resonated in my mind-gentle yet firm-our mindlink lasted until the moon set in the west. The depth and complexity of his thoughts fascinated me, as if I'd found someone whose soul resonated with mine.

When I revealed my feelings for Jackson to my father, he immediately objected. He warned me that Jackson might have ulterior motives, especially since he Chapter 42: What matters more

was seeking Dad's approval to become Shadow Creek's new Alpha. We argued for weeks until I finally declared that if he wouldn't accept my choice, I'd rather give up everything in Silverpeak.

Faced with my determination, Dad finally relented. Soon after, on a full moon night, Jackson knelt on one knee and proposed, and I accepted his proposal without hesitation.

I looked up at my father, his profile outlined by moonlight, strong and unyielding. Silence stretched between u

"When you met Mom, I suddenly asked, "did you know immediately she was your fated mate? What did it feel like?"

Surprise flashed in his eyes, as if he hadn't expected such a question.

"It was an inesistible pull, he said slowly, his voice carrying a softness I rarely heard. “Like the moon calling to the tides, needing no reason, allowing no

resistance."

"So fated mates are souls destined for each other? No choice in the matter?" I pressed.

Dad thought for a moment, his gaze turning to the moonlight outside. The mark has its significance. But how love develops after that, still involves our own choices."

"But after the mark bound you together, did love come naturally, or were you already drawn to

n to her? Wh

What matters more-destiny or choice?"

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