Chapter 3: Not the Only Reason

Ava's POV

"Your father?" Ella's smile vanished instantly, concern flooding her eyes. "What happened? Anything I can do?"

I took a deep breath, gripping my tactical manual tightly. "Shadow Creek guards arrested my dad last night. They're calling him a traitor, saying he caused Alpha Carter's death."

Ella gasped. "What? William? No way! That's impossible! He's the most loyal person in the entire pack!"

"I know. But if I can't prove he's innocent, he'll be executed at the next full moon." My voice cracked.

"Have you seen him? What did he say?"

I shook my head with a bitter laugh. "Treason is the worst offense. They won't even allow family visits. Mom's falling apart."

Ella squeezed my hand, giving me space to collect myself. When she spoke, her voice was gentle but firm. "So that's why you want to see Blake again? You think the Alpha King can help?"

"He's the only one with the power to step in on another pack's treason execution." I sighed. "Jackson showed up last night. Said he could use the Blood Protection Right to save my dad."

"Really? That's great! What's he want in return?" Ella asked, but seeing my face, immediately caught on. "That jerk."

"He wants me to be his secret lover," I hissed, my eyes flashing. "After he marries Sophia, I get to be his underground mistress."

"That dirty, scheming son of a—" Ella unleashed a string of curses that would make a sailor blush. "How dare he? He dumps you, rejects the fated mate bond, and now wants to turn you into his side piece?"

We fell quiet for a moment. Suddenly, Ella perked up. "Wait, back to Blake. You said he gave you calming herbs and then kissed you?"

I nodded, cheeks warming.

"Ava, Blake Morgan doesn't give a damn about strangers. He must be into you." Ella said excitedly. "If Jackson can use that Blood Protection thing, then the Alpha King can definitely do more."

"I can't use that kiss as leverage," I said firmly. "I need to ask for his help straight up."

Ella's expression softened. "It's not leveraging, Ava. It's giving him another shot to get to know you. For both of you."

The Shadow Creek prison stood at the edge of the territory, its gray stone walls embedded with silver to weaken werewolf strength. I stood before the heavy iron doors, stomach in knots.

"I'm here to see William Rivers," I told the guard.

The guards exchanged looks. "Not happening, Rivers. He's charged with treason. No visitors allowed."

"I'm his daughter," I insisted, stepping forward. "I have a right to know what's going on."

An older guard shook his head. "Pack law is clear. Treason cases mean no contact before trial, even family."

"Can you at least tell me if he's okay?" I pleaded.

The guard glanced at the faded mark on my neck, eyes flashing with a hint of sympathy. "He's hanging in there. But find someone with pull to help, girl. Clock's ticking."

As I left, I found my mother Sarah waiting in the parking lot, eyes swollen.

"They turned me away too," she said softly. "Won't even let me bring him clean clothes."

I hugged her tight. "Mom, Jackson offered to help Dad, but his conditions are awful."

Sarah nodded wearily. "Your father wouldn't want that, either." She paused. "Any other options?"

I thought of Blake's kiss and the storm in his eyes. "Maybe. But it's a long shot."

"Are you sure this is a good idea?" Ella asked nervously, watching me adjust my Shadow Creek warrior uniform.

"No, but it's the only card we've got," I replied, braiding my hair tightly.

The bulletin board at Warrior Academy had posted a surprise announcement: Alpha King Blake Morgan would visit today to observe a warrior skills exhibition. The best performer would earn the honor of presenting their pack's gift to the Alpha King.

The training grounds swarmed with eager students. Serena Evans and her followers had already claimed the prime spots, her golden curls catching the morning light.

"Heard he's looking for a combat teacher for his son," someone whispered nearby. "Apparently Lucas is a handful."

My wolf stirred with excitement. This was my chance. When the competition rules were announced, my heart sank—we'd need to solve tactical challenges within a time limit, including complex written instructions.

My dyslexia would kill my chances.

"You've got this, Ava," Ella squeezed my shoulder. "Play to your strengths."

When Blake Morgan entered, everyone went silent. He seemed even taller than I remembered, his gray eyes sharp as daggers. He spotted me immediately, his pupils widening slightly before his expression went neutral.

The exhibition began, and I struggled with the tactical instructions. Watching Serena breeze through them, I felt desperation creeping in. But in the combat portion, my instincts took over. My movements were precise and powerful, showing off years of training.

For the final challenge—staying human while facing emotional triggers—I used my father's meditation techniques. Blake's gaze never left me; I could feel his assessment and... interest?

When it ended, the judges huddled together. My heart hammered in my chest, Serena's hateful glare burning into my back.

"The student earning today's honor presentation is..." the Dean paused, "Ava Rivers."

The Honor Hall stood empty except for me and the soon-to-arrive Alpha King. I regulated my breathing, trying to calm my racing heart, clutching a small leather pouch—the symbolic gift I'd prepared.

Heavy footsteps approached, and Blake Morgan walked in alone, his gaze locking onto me.

"Miss Rivers," his voice was deep and powerful, "congratulations on your performance."

I bowed. "Thank you, Alpha Morgan."

"You struggled with the tactical questions," he stated directly, "but your combat skills were flawless. Interesting mix."

I met his gaze. "I have dyslexia, Alpha. But I never let it stop me from becoming an excellent warrior."

His expression softened slightly, and he nodded. "Courage and honesty. Good traits."

Silence stretched between us. This was my only shot.

"Alpha Morgan, I'm not here to present a gift," I said, looking directly into his eyes. "I'm here to ask for your help. My adoptive father, William Rivers, has been falsely accused of treason. He's innocent."

Blake's expression became unreadable. "I recall you mentioned being marked and abandoned. Now a traitor father." He stepped closer. "Your life seems full of drama, Miss Rivers."

"Not drama I asked for, Alpha," my voice remained steady.

He studied me for a moment, then gently touched the mark on my neck. That electric feeling shot through my body again.

"You came to me just for your father?" he asked quietly.

I hesitated.

His finger brushed my mark, sending heat through my veins.

"Is that the only reason, Miss Rivers?" His voice dropped lower, almost intimate.

When I didn't answer, his lips curved into the barest hint of a smile.

"Some prices," he murmured, "are higher than others. Are you certain you want to know mine?"