Marked Twice by the Alpha King

Chapter 43: Someone Much Younger

Sophia's Pov

The question seemed to touch something in him. My fathers eyes suddenly became distant, lost in thoughts I couldn't understand. I observed his reaction curiously-why would a simple question about fated mates make him so distracted?

I continued, mostly thinking aloud: "Honestly, I'm not sure why I'm suddenly so concerned about this. Maybe because I want proof that the fated mate bond isn't an irresistible force, lackson and I don't have a mark from the Moon Goddess, but what if one day we each meet our fated mates? Could we still honor our commitment to each other? Or would we be involuntarily pulled toward someone else by the mark?"

The thought made my wolf pace anxiously inside me. If I claimed I'd never worried about Jackson someday finding his true fated mate and abandoning me, I'd be lying to myself.

I looked up at Dad, noticing his distant gaze again, his brow slightly furrowed, as

if caught in thoughts I couldn't comprehend. His reaction puzzled me even more-

why would this topic trigger such an unusual response from him?

"I was just wondering how powerful the fated mate mark really is," I said softly, twirling a strand of golden hair around my finger. "Can anyone truly resist

Dad's gaze suddenly lost focus, as if his thoughts had drifted far away. I noticed the change in his expression but couldn't understand why a simple question would make him so distracted. After a few seconds, he came back to himself, taking a deep breath

"That band is more profound than anyone imagines, se finally spoke, his voice softer than usual. It's like a forest fire under moonlight-seems controllable. but is actually wild and ustamable. The moment the mark forms, your wolf has already determined its belonging. It will pull you, even if your reasm resists, You'll feel an unprecedented longing, as if your soul has been torn in two, only complete when with your mate. Trying to sever this connection is like trying. to stop the tides ultimately torturing both your spirit and body."

He paused, his gaze softening. And she gave me the most precious gifts of my life,"

"Me and Lucas," said softly. It wasn't a question, but Dad nodded in confirmation

I hesitated a moment, unsure whether to mention this, but my curiosity won over caution. "I saw Ava visiting her father at the prison today."

Father's expression suddenly became alert, his body leaning slightly forward. "You followed her?"

"No, of course not," I laughed softly, "pure coincidence. I was heading home after buying wedding supplies at the trading zone when I saw her being denied entry. Those guards were so rude to her, treating her as if her father's alleged crimes had somehow infected her."

Something flashed in father's eyes that I couldn't quite read-

1-a mixture of anger and something protective.

"I helped her get in, I continued, watching his reaction, used Silverpeak authority. Those guards backed down immediately when they saw the Morgan family emblem."

Father's fingers tapped lightly on the armrest, a habit he had when considering something important. "The Rivers case is more complicated than it appears on the surface."

"She's willing to do anything to save her father," I said quietly. "That kind of loyalty is rare. She doesn't care about herself-not her safety, not what others think. Only her family matters."

I looked up at my father and found his gaze had deepened. "Status, bloodlines, family reputation... these things don't really matter in the face of true feelings, do they?"

"Father," I hesitated before gathering my courage, "I know y

"What do you mean? His brow furrowed slightly.

you've been focused on tribal matters, but perhaps... it's time to consider your own happiness too."

"Lucas and I just want you to find true happiness, no matter what kind of partner you choose,” I said carefully, "even if that person doesn't come from a prestigious background, or lacks political status. Even if she is much younger than you. Real feelings are far more important than a suitable alliance."

His eyes narrowed, the wolf light flickering briefly. "Much younger?" His voice suddenly deepened, his gaze sharp as an eagle's as he stared at me.

I pretended to shrug casually, though I was secretly pleased he'd caught my hint. "I've noticed you've been particularly interested in my personal life lately. Is that a coincidence?" He said slowly, looking at me.

Chapter 43 Someone. Much Younger

perceptive than I'd anticipated.

I bit my lip to hold back the smile that threatened to escape, but decided not to pursue this dangerous topic. He was more p

"The moon is setting. I should get back to my room," I stood up, smoothing my dress. "It seems Jackson really wont be linking with me tonight."noveldrama

1 deliberately let disappointment seep into my voice, eliciting a barely audible sigh from my father. He could never remain unmoved by our sadness,

"Goodnight, Father. Thank you for sharing tonight. Much better than your usual orders and rules."

He didn't respond, only watched me with an inquiring gaze until I turned and left the hall, disappearing into the shadows of the corridor.

When I walked through the moonlit hallway, my thoughts were more chaotic than my shadow. Dad's words echoed in my mind-about how the fated mate mark could shake a person's soul, about how choice and destiny intertwined.

1 touched my neck, where there was no mark, only smooth skin. My union with Jackson would be built on choice, not destiny's arrangement. This should have made me proud and secure, but tonight's conversation had planted seeds of unease in my heart.

If the Moon Goddess suddenly decided to assign each of us a fated mate, could we still honor our vows? Worse, was Jackson's absence tonight a sign of deeper problems? My fingertips traced the raised wolf emblem on my ring-once a symbol of his loyalty, now more like an unanswered question.

I needed to figure it all out. About lackson's true feelings, about my own heart, and why, whenever Ava Rivers appeared at Blackwood Manor, my father's eyes held a light I'd never seen before.