Chapter 5: Alpha Aura and Secrets Exposed

Ava's POV

I grabbed the empty tray and smoothed down my Shadow Creek formal wear, the deep blue fabric catching the light under Moonlight Lodge's chandeliers. The plan was simple—play waitress, get close to the Northern territory delegates, and dig up dirt about the border clash that supposedly implicated my father.

Before I could reach my targets, a group of Jackson's warrior buddies spotted me. Their eyes tracked me like I was the last steak at a barbecue as I approached with my fake server smile plastered on.

"Look what the cat dragged in," one warrior chuckled, eyeing me up and down. "Fancy clothes can't hide what she really is."

I kept my poker face, refusing to give these jerks the satisfaction of seeing me rattled.

"Hey, unmarked," another called out, the slur hitting me like a slap. "Got any drinks, or are you just gonna stand there looking like roadkill?"

Unmarked. The word made my skin crawl. It's what they called wolves whose mates had rejected them—damaged goods in pack hierarchy. I bit back a growl and stepped forward.

"Mind your manners. This is neutral ground," I said, keeping my voice steady while pouring drinks for each smirking warrior.

As I leaned over to serve the last glass, a hand grabbed my waist. I froze, every muscle in my body going tight as a bowstring.

"That dress is doing you favors," he murmured, his breath hot on my ear. "But I'd rather see it on my floor."

My wolf nearly broke free, teeth aching to rip out his throat. I stepped back, shaking off his hand like it was something gross I'd found in my food.

"Touch me again and lose the hand," I warned, my voice dropping to that dangerous place that made smarter wolves back up.

Another warrior leaned in, eyes gleaming like he'd found a new toy. "C'mon, Ava. Since Jackson tossed you back in the pond, why not have some fun? Have a drink with real wolves."

I clenched my jaw so tight I heard teeth crack, feeling that telltale heat in my eyes that meant my wolf was surfacing.

"I'm here for information, not to entertain frat boys with badges," I snapped.

The first warrior snorted. "Cut the crap. Nobody buys you're here to 'investigate.' You knew Jackson would parade his new trophy tonight. You're just trying to catch his eye."

His words hit a nerve. I glanced across the hall where Jackson had just walked in, Sophia hanging off his arm like designer jewelry. His eyes found mine through the crowd, a dangerous glint in them as he watched this mess unfold. Once upon a time, he'd have torn apart any wolf who even looked at me sideways. Now he was enjoying the show.

"Come here, leftover," the warrior raised his glass, eyebrows doing a sleazy dance. "We'll help you forget that mark."

I stared, speechless. These were supposed to be elite pack warriors—honor-bound protectors—acting like drunk college boys on spring break.

"If you ditch this stuffy party and come with us down to Moonlight Lake," one said, leaning so close I could smell the whiskey on his breath, "I'll spill everything about the border clash."

My heart skipped. This was exactly what I needed.

"What did you say?" I asked, not bothering to hide my surprise.

"You heard me. Come with us, get the info you want."

Another wolf smirked. "And if you make it worth our while, we might even tell you what really went down that day and who actually stabbed your Alpha in the back."

I weighed my options, then glanced back at Jackson and Sophia. My eyes locked with his; he raised an eyebrow, watching everything with that smug little half-smile that used to make my heart race but now just made my stomach turn.

If suffering through these wolves' bullshit meant saving Dad, I'd pay the price.

"Fine. We can talk on the terrace. It's quieter there," I said, setting down the tray.

The warriors exchanged looks that screamed "jackpot" as they followed me. Passing the bar, I caught Ella's eye, giving her our old signal for "backup plan ready."

The moment we stepped onto the terrace, moonlight washed over us, making the deep blue of my dress shimmer like water. One warrior immediately blocked my path, his gaze crawling over me like hands.

"Now that we've got some privacy," he said, stepping closer, "let's see that rejected mark. We're all dying to know what Jackson's stamp looks like."

Before I could tell him where to shove his curiosity, they started closing in, one reaching for my high collar. Rage exploded inside me like a grenade, my wolf howling for blood. I felt my eyes shifting, the silver-gray of my wolf form taking over.

Just as my claws began extending, a strong hand yanked the warrior back. I looked up to see Jackson standing there, amber fury blazing in his eyes.

"Back the fuck off before I rip out your spines," he growled, voice deadly quiet.

The warriors scattered like cockroaches under a light. Jackson grabbed my wrist, dragging me to a corner of the terrace.

"You always did love making a scene," Jackson's voice was Arctic cold, his face harsh in the moonlight. "The traitor's daughter, center of attention again."

I straightened up, meeting his glare. "My father is innocent. I'm here to prove that, not listen to your garbage."

"Prove it?" he snorted. "By letting Northern wolves drool all over you? That's your master plan?"

"At least I'm doing something," I shot back. "While you stand there smirking as my father gets framed."

Jackson moved closer, his breath hot on my face, eyes flashing amber. "Wake up, Ava. William betrayed Alpha Carter. He was passing information to enemies across the border. The evidence is rock solid."

My eyes widened. "What evidence?"

A twisted smile curled his lips. "I could tell you... if you take my offer."

My gaze hardened. "I'd rather watch my mark rot off than warm your bed behind your wife's back."

"That mark," he growled, crushing my wrist in his grip, "is my claim. Hate me all you want, but you're mine."

"Let go," I hissed, fighting his hold. "That mark is as meaningless as your promises."

He slammed me against the wall, one hand at my throat, the other ripping down my dress collar.

"What the hell...?" His eyes bulged with shock.

He stared at my neck, where the silver-white imprint now had threads of gold weaving through it.

"This is... an Alpha mark," he whispered, voice cracking. "Who touched my mark? WHO?"

"Someone who's twice the wolf you'll ever be," I taunted, despite the pressure on my windpipe.

His eyes fully shifted to wolf now, rage swirling in their amber depths. "WHO? Tell me who dared touch my fated mate!"

I met his gaze directly. "Blake. Your future father-in-law's fingers traced every inch of my skin."