Marked Twice by the Alpha King

Chapter 58: Gold Against the Silver

finishing up in the training yard, sweaty and satisfied after a solid session with Lucas, when Tyler appeared in the doorway, his usual stone face rarrying something different.

Tyler appeared in the doorway, his usual stone faced expression softened around the edges. Something was different.

"Got news," he said, holding out a folded piece of parchment, "Alpha King wanted me to hand this to you personally."

My fingers trembled slightly as I took it, recognizing the official seal before I even unfolded it-the intricate silver wolf head and moon symbol that only

"This is...?" I couldrat [

finish the question, heart suddenly racing-

"Official modification of William Rivers sentence, Tyler answered, watching my face carefully. “Death penalty's been revoked, replaced with indefinite imprisonment pending further investigation "

I had to take several deep breaths just to keep standing. "This is real? He's not going to be executed?

Tyler nodded, his eyes showing a rare glimpse of warmth. "Alpha King showed up at Shadow Creek himself. The Elders didn't have much choice but to comply. Your father stays locked up, but the conditions will improve drastically. Regular visitation rights included."

I clutched the document tightly, the parchment crinkling under my grip. This paper–this simple piece of paper meant my father would live.

"How did Blake-I mean, the Alpha King-manage this?" I asked, still processing the sudden shift in my w

world.

"He has his ways," Tyler's mouth curved in a small smile. "Authority, evidence, and a certain... persuasiveness that even the most stubborn Elders can't Ignore."

"I need to thank him," I said, feeling overwhelmed by gratitude and shock.

Hes back at the manor," Tyler replied. "But I'd suggest you share this news with your mother first. After all, we both know what this means for her."

I nodded, eager to get home. "Lucas's training

"Alpha King says pick it up tomorrow, Tyler cut in "Tonight is for family."

I nearly sprinted all the way home, document clutched against my chest like a lifeline. When I pushed open our front door, Sarah was sitting by the window, staring vacantly at the moonlight outside. The same position I'd found her in countless times since Dad's arrest.

"Mom!" I called out, my voice vibrating with barely contained excitement,

She turned, her fare still etched with the weariness and worry that had become her constant companions. "Awa? What's happened?"

I thrust the document toward her, barely able to control my voice. "Dad's not going to be executed! The Alpha King intervened personally. The sentence has been changed to indefinite imprisonment!"

Sarah's hands shook as she took the parchment, her eyes rapidly scanning its contents. With each line she read, her expression transformed-from disbelief to tentative hope, then to joy. By the time she finished, tears were streaming down her hollow cheeks.

"Is this real?" she whispered, her voice trembling. "William is really... not going to die?"

ey had no choice but to accept it. Dad

It's real," I confirmed, kneeling beside her and taking her hands. The Alpha King went to Shadow Creek himself. They till has to stay in prison, but things will get better, and we can visit him regularly."

Sarah gripped my hands tightly, her tears flowing freely now. But these were different from the tears of despair I'd grown accustomed to seeing. These were Thank

k the A

Moon Goddess, the murmured. "And thank that Alpha King"

silence for a few moments, sharing this sliver of showing a spark of life I hadn't seen in forever.

of hope that had broken through months of darkness. Then, suddenly,

nly, Sarah lifted her head, her eyes

Chapter 511 Gold Against the

"I need to prepare some things," she said, her vice carrying a determination Tal almost forgotten she pourised. 'If we con visit your father, him some moonlight herb tea. Ta help hisa teavet

I watched in antarement as she rose to her feet and moved to the kitchen, beginning to examina

things. Now, bet movements were tentative but purposeful

"Twant to see him tomattow," she decided, looking up at more. "Will yang coman with me?!

Of course, I promised, feeling a warmth spreading through my chest. 'Illarrange H Later that ingli, after Sarah had me to bed,

months, shed barely touched these

im ama potchi steps, gazing he distant momen. Blake Morgan, an Alpha who was practically a stranger

months ago, had risked angeting an eistite pack to sate may lathion s life. Why? Was it his sense of justice? Appreciation for my work with laicas? Üc., something else enthiely?

Whatever his motivation, I found myself feeling a trust and gratitude I'd never expected. In a world of wolf politics and power plays, his ar beyond any formal contract or obligation.

Il be asked for anything in retum, I'd give

of in wolf society.noveldrama

This kind of new conditional help was almost unheard

The mounlight fell warm and bright no my skin. Two training Lucas, but Tal alsin find a mat Thank Make personally. Not at an employee to an employer, but as one wolf to another who had shown the dignity and conitage.

Jackson's POV

Jackson paced the length of his study, fury aming though him like wildfire. The execution under the cur he'd carefully achestrated officially canceled. William Rivers would live, which meant the truth could still come suit.

"That infrifeung bastard," he muttered, slammung bis list against the

Make Morgan. The almighty Alpha King, sticking his nose where it didn t belong. Everything had been perfectly arranged-Williams taking the tall, his eventual execution erasing ane loose ends, and Ava, devastated and vulnerable, would have had ina chuiler but to turn to Jackson for comfort,

He forced himself to take a deep breath. No, this wasn't the end. Just a setback, Rushing things had been his mistake. Ava wasn't some conquest to be claimed overnight.

She was a mate his mate. Their connection was written in silver mark upon her skin. No Alpha King could erase that, no matter how much power he

Jackson moved to the window, staring at the moon, Perhaps this idevelopusent could work in his Livor, William's continued existence would keep Ava engaged with Shadow Creek politics. She wouldn't be able to fully commit to whatever was brewing between her and Blake.

ies still mine,” he whispered to the night. "Every part of her belongs to me, whether the accepts it or not.

The bond between true mates couldn't be severed only redirected, temporarily. She could play trainer to Blake's spoiled brat, maybe even warm his bed if things went that far. But in the end, she'd return to where she belonged.

A cruel smile spread across Jackson's face. Blake Morgan could enjoy his little songbird for now, that the cage was

s still his to close whenever he chose.

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