Marked Twice by the Alpha King

Chapter 46: Don't Twist History

Ava's POV

I said nothing, but my silence told him enough. He stepped closer, and this time I

stood my ground.

"It didn't have to be this way, Ava, If you'd accepted our fated mark from the beginning, everything would be different. But you fought it, wanted your own life, remember"

The memories flooded back-me at eighteen, panicking when the mark first appeared, not wanting to be tied down by destiny. I'd never rejected Jackson or our bond-just wanted a few years to finish my warrior training before settling down. Hell, we were practically inseparable back then. All I'd asked for was time to become the fighter I was meant to be.

"Don't twist history, Jackson, I snapped, anger burning through me. “I never rejected you-l accepted the mark and we were together for three years. All I wanted was to finish my training before making it official. You're the one who couldn't handle me having ambitions beyond being your mate. You're the one who sold us out the second a better political opportunity came along."noveldrama

I hated saying it out loud. The truth stung.

He shook his head, something unreadable crossing his face. I never sold anything. Just made necessary compromises to preserve our shared fature,"

"Those dirty deals, those secret meetings, those threats... all necessary compromises?" My voice shook slightly with anger.

Jackson moved closer until I could smell the herbs clinging to him, with the wild scent of wolf lurking underneath. My mark started to burn, that hateful mix of yearning and pain that made me despise my own weakness.

"I appreciate what you did for Sarah tonight, I managed steadily, "but it changes nothing. You made your choice. I made mine."

His expression hardened. "Did you? What exactly have you chosen,

Awa?

Or should I say, who?"

I pressed my lips together, refusing to answer.

"Your mark is changing," he continued, voice d

dropping low. "That's impossible without another Alpha's influence. I can smell him on you. You expect me to believe you're just teaching his kid?"

'I don't care what you believe," I said coldly. "Now get out of my house."

Jackson didn't move. He just kept staring, tracking me like I was prey. "You think he'll help save William? You think he actually cares about the fate of some insignificant Shadow Creek woll?"

"Blake isn't like that," I said firmly. "He's investigating the truth."

Jackson let out a harsh laugh that was more bitter than amused. "God, Ava, he's really got you fooled, hasn't he? The Alpha King wouldn't risk his ass for an accused traitor unless... he had other motives."

"Stop," I cut him off sharply. "What are you getting at? No word games."

Jackson walked to the fireplace, picking up Dad's photo and studying it for a moment. "William was a damn good Delta, Ava. Ever wonder why he suddenly got labeled a traitor?"

I stared hard at Jackson, saying nothing. Dad's case had always been shrouded in mystery, the specific charges barely made public.

Northern patrol records," Jackson said quietly, his calm tone more unnerving than any shout "Your father found something he wasnt supposed to see. Something about secret deals happening inside Shadow Creek."

"What deals?" I asked, voice low.

"Resource distribution. He set the photo back exactly where it had been. "Pack leaders diverting hunting grounds and resources for themselves. Your father accidentally discovered evidence of these transactions, planned to expose them at the pack meeting. Next day, he's branded a traitor and locked in a silver

I shook my head. "If that's true, why didn't you help him? You had the power." "Because I'm being watched too, Ave," Jackson's voice dropped. "You think becoming an Alpha candidate was easy? I have my own chain."

Chapter 46: Don't Twist History

"So you know who framed my father?" I pressed.

Jackson didn't answer directly. 'Power games are complicated. I'm guessing Blake figured this out too, which is why he's letting you work for him. Maybe he genuinely wants to help, but understand this, Ava-no matter how good his intentions, Silverpeak's interests will always come first."

He moved closer, steps slow and careful. Im just worried you trust him too much. Even if Blake wants to help, he won't put Shadow Creek's internal conflicts above his own pack's interests. Ask yourself why he hasn't given you any concrete information about your father's case yet."

I wanted to argue that Blake was investigating quietly, but I realized I didn't know any specific progress.

"He makes you feel special, doesn't he?" Jackson continued, voice softening "Makes you feel like more than just a warrior with a rejected mark. Someone worthy of the Alpha King's attention."

My lists clenched. "You don't know him. You don't know what's between us." "Between you?" Jackson raised an eyebrow, voice sharpening. "What exactly do you thi

think is between you? He's the Alpha King, his daughter's about your age, and

you re

're just a Shadow Creek warrior hired to teach his son. Do you really think your concerns are his priority?"

I didn't answer immediately. Jackson's words hit something deep-that nagging feeling I'd been trying to ignore: maybe Blake was just helping out of Alpha responsibility, not because he actually cared about me or my father's fate

If what you're saying is true," I finally said, voice controlled, "why tell me? What's in it for you?"

Jackson's eyes softened as be set Dad's photo back on the mantle. "I know this is hard to hear. But I'm still offering you III make sure William walks free."

way out. Be with me secretly, and

"And then what?" My voice came out sharper than I intended. "I hide in the shadows while you and Sophia play happy couple in the sunshine? That's your idea of love?"

"That's how you survive in this world," he replied. "You know better than anyone that we don't live in a fairy tale. It's cruel, dark, full of power games. At least with me, you'll know where you stand."

Just as I was about to order him out again, Jackson's expression suddenly sharpened. He tilted his head slightly, like he was listening to something, and then I felt it-that subtle vibration in the air that meant someone was trying to mindlink him.

This

WH

the third or fourth time tonight. I watched him close his eyes, obviously blocking

the connection. When he looked back at me, I seized the moment.

"It's Sophia, isn't it?" I asked, pieces suddenly clicking together. "She's been trying

to reach you all night, and you've been ignoring her."

Jackson's face slipped for just a second before his mask snapped back into place. "That's none of your business."

"Oh, I think it's very much my business," I shot back, anger reigniting. "You're standing in my house trying to talk me into being your secret side piece while completely ghosting your fiancée? You're a real piece of work, Jackson."

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