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Bad Husband 186

Where Is Alpha King

Third Person POV

Something had changed in Sophia, and Jackson couldn't quite put his finger on what it was. Despite his carefully crafted explanations about his past with Ava-all designed to make himself look like the victim-Sophia's behavior remained off- kilter in ways that worried him.

She seemed constantly on edge lately, like prey sensing a predator nearby. Her movements through Blackwood Manor had become calculated, as if she were avoiding certain people and places. She steered clear of Lucas more than usual, making flimsy excuses to be elsewhere when the boy appeared. And whenever Ava came anywhere near, Sophia practically disappeared like smoke.

The confrontation about his and Ava's past had created unexpected ripples. While Sophia publicly stood by him, privately their relationship had cooled to a chill. The passionate nights, the intimate moments they once shared-all had dwindled to formal kisses and distant embraces. She played the role of devoted fiancée perfectly when others were watching, but behind closed doors, she maintained a careful physical and emotional distance that jackson couldn't seem to bridge.

Blackwood Manor buzzed with activity these days. Northern Lights delegates in their flowing silver-blue robes wandered the hallways, examining artifacts and engaging in endless trade discussions. Jackson had taken to watching from shadowed corners, cataloging connections, measuring influence.

What caught his attention most was Sophia's strange fixation on Lyra Starlight. The silver-haired priestess couldn't sneeze without Sophia appearing at her elbow with a handkerchief. She shadowed the woman constantly, finding excuses to insert herself into conversations, offering tours of gardens Sophia herself rarely visited.

"Have you tried the honey wine from our southern vineyards, Priestess?" Sophia would ask, somehow producing a bottle from thin air. "I'd love to hear how it compares to Northern moonberry spirits."

Or: "I heard you're interested in werewolf histories-our library has texts dating back twelve generations."

Anyone else might've seen innocent admiration. Jackson saw calculation. Sophia was actively pushing Lyra toward Blake, creating opportunities for them to be alone, singing the priestess's praises whenever her father was in earshot.

Strangest of all was Blake's increasing absence from the manor. While delegates lingered in sitting rooms waiting for meetings, the Alpha King himself rarely appeared outside of formal obligations.

Where exactly was the most powerful werewolf in existence disappearing to?

The restaurant Jackson chose was deliberately intimate-dim lighting, secluded booths, servers who knew when to vanish. He watched Sophia pick at her salmon, fork pushing pink flakes around without actually eating.

"Your dad's been ghost mode lately," he said casually, sipping his wine. "Pulled another disappearing act today."

Sophia's head snapped up. "What?"

'Blake, Jackson clarified. "He's barely at the manor. Only shows his face when Lyra or the other silver-robes absolutely need him." He tilted his head. "Got any idea where he's hiding out?"

She shrugged, gaze dropping back to her mangled fish. "Council stuff, probably. Alpha King business."

Jackson nodded slowly. That answer might've satisfied anyone else, but something didn't add up. He'd stopped by Blake's office earlier that day, hoping

to discuss Shadow Creek matters. Tyler had informed him that Blake hadn't been in the council hall for days.

So if he wasn't at the office, and he wasn't at the manor...

"Nowhere else he might be?” Jackson pressed, watching her face carefully. "Somewhere specific?"

Sophia frowned, then understanding dawned in her eyes. "Oh! He mentioned something about the northern territory. We have this villa up there-hardly ever use it, but he crashes there sometimes when handling business in that area."

Jackson nodded thoughtfully, filing that information away for later. Maybe a little reconnaissance trip was in order. If Blake was working on something important enough to disappear for days, Jackson wanted to know about it.

Chapter 177: Where is Alpha King

After all, his plan for Shadow Creek depended on maintaining a good relationship with the Alpha King

Try the chocolate thing," he said, smoothly changing subjects, 'Chef said it's got those berries Lyra brought as a gift.

Sophiax face brightened at the priestess's name. Lyra's been amazing with cultural exchanges. Did you know she's thinking about extending her stay in Silverpeak? Maybe permanently."

"Oh?" Jackson raised an eyebrow. "What kind of arrangement are we talking about?"

A secretive smile played across Sophia's lips. “The kind that benefits everyone.”

After dinner, he drove her back to Blackwood, promising to see her tomorrow. She nodded, leaning

over to brush a kiss against his cheek.

"Thanks for dinner,' she said, voice oddly distant..

Jackson caught her wrist before she could pull away. He saw the sadness

lingering in her eyes, the worry creasing her forehead. He pulled her closer, kissing her deeply. She hesitated, then melted into him-just for a moment-before drawing back.

"I love you, Sophia," he said quietly. "Don't forget that."

She searched his face, then nodded, offering a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes. One more quick kiss, and then she was gone, heading into the manor without looking back.

Jackson watched her disappear, mind already shifting gears. Tomorrow morning, he'd take a little drive north.

Dawn barely colored the sky when Jackson started his car. The drive took him deep into Silverpeak territory, winding through forests that grew denser with each passing mile. The road narrowed, pavement giving way to gravel, then finally to dirt.

After navigating what felt like an endless maze of trees, he spotted it-a secluded villa nestled against mountain backdrop.

Jackson parked at the forest's edge and approached on foot, instincts heightened. Just as he reached the tree line, the front door opened. He froze, pressing himself against rough bark.

Blake stepped onto the porch.

But he wasn't alone.

Ava followed him out, hair mussed, wearing simple clothes. Blake stood close-too close for this to be anything professional. His hand kept finding reasons to touch her-brushing hair from her face, tracing her arm, lingering at her waist.

Jackson's breath caught in his throat.

Then it happened.

Blake pulled Ava against him, kissing her with an intensity that left zero doubt about their relationship. The way he held her, the way she responded-this was passion, connection, intimacy.

Jackson couldn't move, couldn't breathe. Blake finally released her, saying something that made her smile, then walked toward the trees. Within moments, his body began to change-bones shifting, fur sprouting-until a massive black wolf stood where the man had been. The wolf looked back at Ava once before disappearing into the forest,

She stayed in the doorway, watching him go with an expression Jackson recognized all too well-a woman completely, utterly in love.

Something inside him cracked. His fists clenched so tight his nails cut into his palms, drawing blood.

If Blake and Ava were seriously involved, his carefully constructed narrative would crumble. Sophia would realize he'd lied. His chances at Shadow Creek leadership could evaporate.

He retreated to his car, mind racing. He needed to act quickly-get Ava away

from that villa, away from Blake, before he lost everything.

Chapter

177:1

177: Where Is Alpha King.

Then it hit him. Sophia.

Sophia

discovered Ava

living was

in thisnoveldrama

villa. playing the role

of het father's