Marked Twice by the Alpha King

I've Found My Luna

Blake's POV

The moment I walked in, I felt it-that prickly sensation at the back of my neck like someone was mapping out my weak spots. Northern Lights delegates clustered around the long table, fussing with documents and adjusting ceremonial objects, but my attention snagged on a flash of silver.

Lyra.

She stood dead center in the room like she'd calculated the exact spot to catch the light, those purple eyes locking onto me with laser focus. Something in her gaze made my wolf bristle.

Alpha King. She dipped into a fluid curtsy, voice treaty signing."

As

honey but twice as sticky. "We were starting to think you'd gotten lost on your way to your own

The hair on my arms stood up. Something was off in her tone-too knowing, too smug.

"Got caught up with border patrols," I lied, keeping my face neutral. My scent probably told another story entirely, still carrying traces of Ava's soap and skin from this morning.

I'd left her sleeping, tangled in sheets that smelled like both of us. That night still hummed in my blood-the way she'd finally relaxed when I promised to make us public, how her smile had broken through all those layers of doubt. No more hiding, I'd told her. No more secrets.

Lyra drifted closer, invading my space with practiced

ease. Her

northern scent-all pine and winter mint-wrapped around me like a cold fog.

"You look... refreshed," she murmured, those purple

eyes

over my face. "The northern climate must agree with you."

My wolf went still, instantly alert. "Silverpeak's north country has always been good for clearing the head."

"Especially that secluded little villa, I imagine." Her smile sharpened at the edges. "I hear the... accommodations there are quite special."

My chest tightened. That villa was Morgan family property, its location deliberately kept off official records. Only family and our closest people knew about it.

"Should we get started?" I nodded toward the treaty table, deliberately changing course. "I've got a full schedule today."

"Of course." Her smile widened, showing perfect teeth. "Everything's ready. James suggested photos in the moonlight garden after. For the historic record."

I nodded, but my attention had already snagged on Sophia hovering When she caught me looking, she immediately turned away.

Another warning bell went off in my head.

near the windows. She looked like hell-red-rimmed eyes, tension lining her mouth.

The signing itself went smoothly enough. Northern Lights' chief envoy James and I exchanged the usual formal words, signed our names in black ink, then sealed the deal with blood drops from both Alphas. Standard practice for treaties meant to last-our mixed blood in the ink would make breaking this agreement physically painful for either side.

But the whole time, I couldn't shake that hunted feeling. Lyra kept watching me from beneath her lashes, something calculating in her gaze. Sophia stayed on the ceremony's edges, fidgeting with her sleeve cuffs, never quite meeting my eyes.

Something was brewing. I just couldn't see the shape of it yet,

When James called for celebratory drinks, servants appeared with trays of crystal glasses filled with something faintly luminescent-Northern Lights' famous moon wine, brewed only under full moons and said to sharpen a werewolf's senses to supernatural levels.

"To prosperity between our territories," James/raised his glass, voice carrying across the hall. "May the moon bless this union of packs."

Everyone raised their glasses. I took a small sip, the wine hitting my tongue with a burst of cold fire, But before anyone could drink deeper, Lyra stepped

forward, placing herself squarely in the center of attention.

Chpater 179; I've Found My Lune

*If I might add another toast,' she said, voire cleat as a bell. The mom Instantly quieted – even in Silverpeak, a Northern, Lhen the vettes

respect

She turned to face me directly, those purple eyes glittering with something that made my skin crawl.

To Alpha King Blake, she raised her glass higher, "not only for his leadership in these negotiations, but for the new chapter of his life that's about to- begin

The room temperature seemed to drop ten degrees. Every eye switched between us, confusion rippling through the crowd.

Lyra's smile deepened as she turned to address everyone. "Northern Lights has always treasured its connection to Silverpeak. But perhaps, she paused delicately, we might soon celebrate an even more... personal alliance?"

Whispers broke out instantly. From the corner of my eye, I caught Sophia's expression-a flash of something that looked uncomfortably like triumph before she schooled her features.

The trap finally showed itself.

An elderly wolf stepped forward-one of the official pack historians, scroll and pen already in hand. Perfect timing. Too perfect.

Alpha King, his voice carried the formal tone of official record-keeping, "for the historical documentation of this momentous day, might I clarify the rumors circulating among the packs? Is there truth to the speculation about a forthcoming union between yourself and the Northern Lights High Priestess?

Dead silence fell. Every ear strained to catch my answ

Lyra drifted to my side, close enough that her arm brushed me like claiming fingers.

mine

in

a gesture of intimacy that wasn't lost on anyone. Her cold, sharp scent wrapped around

I felt the web closing-someone was weaving a false narrative, and I knew exactly who would get hurt in the crossfire.

My mind flashed back to Ava that morning, curled against holding a trace of uncertainty. "About making us public?"

me in the

pre-dawn light. "You really meant what you said?" she'd asked, those green eyes still

I'd kissed her forehead, traced the golden mark on her neck. "I promise. No more hiding. Everyone's going to know you're my Luna."

The relief in her eyes had been like watching someone put down a heavy burden they'd carried too long.

I felt the weight of the moment press down on me. The diplomatic thing would benoveldrama

to laugh off the question, deflect, keep things vague. Politics demanded caution.

But I was done with caution. Done with politics dictating my personal life.

I took a deep breath, feeling the golden mark on my neck warm slightly as if responding to my thoughts of Ava. The connection between us hummed, even with miles separating us.

'Since you're asking officially,” I kept my voice steady, letting it carry to every corner of the room, let me be perfectly clear: No, I am not unattached."

The collective intake of breath was audible. Lyra's smile froze on her face like cracking ice.

"I've found my Luna, my fated mate," I continued, straightening to my full height. "And soon, the entire werewolf world will know her-the future Luna of Silverpeak.