Marked Twice by the Alpha King

My woman, My choice, My everything

Blake's POV

My voice got heavy. "Tyler and I've been going through every possible lead, trying to find more evidence for your dad. But we keep hitting walls Exery witness who might help suddenly changes their story or claims they remembered wrong."

*Blake...*

"No, let me finish." Anger crept into my voice-not at her, at myself. "I wanted to wait till everything was solved before coming to you. Give you perfect results. But that was just me making excuses for being useless."

Tears started forming in her eyes. “But I just..."

'You just what?' I cut her off. "You just make my whole world make sense? You're the only person who makes me feel actually happy?"

"Blake..." Her voice shook.

"Hear me out." I cupped her face in my hands. "These past few days without you, I finally got how stupid I've been. Let politics and duty blind me, almost lost the most important thing in my life."

She closed her eyes, tears spilling over. "Thought you were gonna choose her. Thought...

"Never." I wiped her tears with my thumbs. "Ava, I want you to know something. Soon I'm gonna make our relationship public. No more hiding, no more letting anyone question where you stand with me."

Her eyes flew open, staring at me in shock. "Blake, your political position..."

"Screw my political position." My voice came out firm and fierce. "I want the whole werewolf world to know you're my woman, my choice, my everything."

The alcohol made her emotions raw and visible. I could see surprise, fear, and hope all mixing together in her eyes.

"You sure about this?" Her voice got small. "Lyra, she..."

I'll make things clear with her." I said. "Can't let her keep thinking there's something that isn't there. As for Northern Lights, if they won't accept a straight trade relationship, we'll figure something else out."

'But..."

"No buts." I said firmly. "Ava, I love you. Love your courage, your stubbornness, how gentle you are with Lucas, the way you challenge me. I love all of you."

First time I'd said those three words completely sober and sure. Her reaction told me exactly how much they meant. Her breathing got fast, tears streaming.

down her face.

I love you too." Her voice cracked but rang true. "Blake, I love you so much it's driving me crazy."

Our golden bond suddenly pulsed strong between us. I could feel everything she was feeling-love, relief, need, and the dizzy haze from the wine.

"You need rest now." I said gently. "Come on, let me get you to bed."

I helped her stand, her body swaying as she leaned/into me naturally, Her weight

and warmth reminded me of all the good times we'd share.

'I can walk by myself." She tried acting tough, but her steps were obviously unsteady.

"I know you can." I smiled. "But I wanna take care of you."

In the bedroom, I sat her on the edge of the bed, then knelt to take off her shoes.

Her feet were small and cold. I couldn't help warming them with my

hands.

Blake... Her voice caught.

"Yeah?"

*These past few days, I kept thinking about what I'd do if you really picked her. Her fingers ran through my hair. "Thought about leaving Silverpeak st disappearing completely."

I looked up at her, heart aching. 'Don't ever think like that. Whatever happens, you can't leave me."

"But if..."

'No ifs." I stood up, touched her cheek. "Ava, I'm your fated mate. Not Jackson- me. Our connection, our golden mark, none of it's an accident.

She nodded, hope lighting up her eyes again.

"Now lie down, I gently pushed her shoulder. "You need sleep."

She lay back obediently, and I pulled the covers over her. Moonlight through the window hit her face, making her look fragile and beautiful at the same time.

"Stay." She grabbed my hand. "Please don't go."

"I'm not going anywhere." I sat on the bed's edge. "Not leaving."

We stayed like that quietly, her hand holding mine, our golden connection steady and warm again. The alcohol was making her eyelids heavy, but she kept fighting to stay awake.

"Blake?" Her voice was getting drowsy.

"Mmm?"

"You really gonna make our relationship public?"

"Soon." I said with certainty. "Everyone's gonna know you're my woman, future Luna."

She smiled-first real smile I'd seen from her in days. "What'll Sophia think?"

'Sophia'll learn to deal." I said. "And I think once she knows the whole truth, she'll understand."

"You gonna tell her everything?" Her voice got quieter. "Even about Jackson?"

“I'll find the right moment." I said carefully. "She needs to know the truth, but it has to be done right."

"I trust you." Her eyes finally closed. "Don't wanna come between you and your family.

"You're not coming between anything. You're the answer." I kissed her forehead softly. "You're the answer I've been looking for.

Her breathing evened out, but her hand still gripped mine tight. I sat there watching her peaceful face, feeling our connection rebuild itself.

An hour later, she called my name in her sleep, body trembling slightly. I stroked

her hair, whispered, "I'm here. Not going anywhere."

She quieted down, curling up relaxed under the blanket. Moonlight cast soft shadows across her face, and I suddenly realized this was the future I wanted- protecting her sleep every night, seeing her wake up smiling every morning. Early hours of the morning, she woke up. Her eyes were way clearer than before.

eyes

"You're still here." She said quietly, relief obvious in her voice.

"Told you I wouldn't leave." I squeezed her hand. "How you feeling?"

"Much better." She sat up. “Blake, what you said earlier..."

"Every word was true." I interrupted. I'm gonna make our relationship public soon

as I can, then start our real life together."

She looked at me with this softness and trust I'd never seen before. "What about now?"noveldrama

"Now..." I stood up, held out my hand. 'Now I wanna hold you, show you how much you mean to me."

She didn't hesitate, put her hand in mine. I lifted her easily-her weight in my arms felt perfect, like she belonged there.

"Blake... Her voice was soft, but her eyes burned with the same fire as mine.

I love you, Ava Rivers." I looked into her eyes. “Let me prove it to you."