ke''s POV


    Though ke knew ending this rtionship would break Sophia''s heart, letting her marry a man who saw her as a pawn would cause deeper wounds. As a father, he''d rather see his daughter suffer briefly than be betrayed for a lifetime.


    "I really do love her, Alpha King," Jackson lowered his head, but ke could hear the rhythm of lies in his heartbeat, "I would never hurt Sophia."


    "He''s lying through his teeth," Steven practically spat the words, "Last night at Moon Lake, every time Ava walked by, his eyes stuck to her like mas. That''s not old love-that''s possession."


    Steven''s words sent a jolt through ke, though his face remained


    expressionless. He hadn''t expected Steven to openly discuss his date with Ava, especially after ke''s clear warning.


    "I believe I warned you to stay away from her," ke''s voice was like deep water covered with thin ice-calm on the surface, dangerous currents beneath.


    Steven met ke''s eyes directly, a challenge that both surprised and impressed ke. His nephew had guts, refusing to back down even facing the Alpha


    King.


    "I know, Uncle," Steven''s voice was soft but firm, "but some things go beyond orders. She reminds me of the shadow warriors from the legends-tough, loyal, stubborn to the point of bravery. There''s a... resonance between us. I think she feels it too."


    Hearing him describe Ava this way nearly brought ke''s wolf to the surface. Each word stabbed like a de into his chest. But reason told him he had no right to interfere. Ava wasn''t his property; she had the right to choose her own path, her own mate.


    "We''re nning to check out the ancient boundary marks tonight," Steven continued, his gaze steady, "I''m not hiding this from you. Those marks might contain Shadow Creek pack secrets that could help prove her father''s innocence."


    ke''s mind was a battleground. Part of him wanted to forbid this adventure, but that would expose his feelings. Another part reminded him that as Alpha King, he should respect others'' right to choose.


    "You''ve got some nerve," Jackson sneered, crossing his arms, "but don''t act so high and mighty. I saw how the servers at Moon Lake were throwing themselves at you. You barely did anything to discourage the attention."


    Steven frowned. "That''s my private business, nothing to do with you. Ava and I have been honest with each other; she understands where I stand," his tone was confident and firm.


    Jackson rolled his eyes, shaking his head with jealousy shing in his gaze. "Ava isn''t easily fooled. She''ll see through your act, just like she eventually sees


    through everyone."


    "Enough!" ke''s voice wasn''t loud but it shook the room like thunder, his Alpha presence forming visible ripples that made both men instinctively lower their heads, "You''re bringing your personal grudges into my territory, disrupting my household peace. This isn''t about Ava or yourpetition. Jackson, this is about Sophia-my daughter, your fiancée. I swear by the Moon Goddess, if you hurt her, I''ll make sure you never mark another wolf again."


    ke knew his Alpha energy was creating an oppressive field, and seeing Jackson tremble slightly gave him a cruel satisfaction.


    ''I would never hurt her," Jackson promised again, but his heartbeat and scent betrayed the lie.


    "You don''t seem surprised about Jackson and Ava being fated mates?" Steven suddenly asked, sharp intelligence shing in his eyes.


    "Because I already knew," ke''s gaze remained locked on Jackson, his voice terrifyingly calm, "Ava and I signed a Blood Oath that included an understanding that her past with Jackson wouldn''t affect Lucas''s training or interfere with Sophia''s wedding. I expect Jackson to understand this as well."


    ''Ava knows you''re aware of all this?" Jackson frowned, unease clear in his tone, "She never mentioned..."


    "That wasn''t her responsibility," ke replied coldly, "nor is it your concern. Your only concern should be how you treat my daughter."


    Jackson swallowed hard, his gaze flicking between ke and Steven. His posture shifted from defiant to submissive, instinctively responding to the Alpha presence. "Yes, Alpha King. My loyalty belongs only to Sophia."


    "Good, ke nodded, the threat still lingering in his eyes, "you may leave now." Yes, sir," Jackson replied, almost relieved.


    "Perhaps you should get back to my cousin," Steven suggested, obvious contempt in his voice, "exin why you''re stalking her trainer behind her back.


    Jackson gave them both onest look before turning and hurrying away. When the door closed behind him, the tension in the room remained thick.


    "I know you don''t want me near Ava, Steven broke the silence, his voice calm and determined, “but some things are beyond the reach ofmands. Some connections can''t be severed by an Alpha''s order."


    "Why are you so concerned with her fated mate situation?" ke asked, dangerous calm in his voice, "What does this have to do with your family history collection work?"


    Steven looked at ke, his eyes sharp as if seeing through ke''s facade. "I hate seeing the Moon Goddess''s blessing treated so carelessly. Fated mates are our most sacred tradition, and Jackson tossed Ava aside like worn-out clothes." He paused, then added, "And I believe she deserves better. Someone who truly respects her warrior spirit."


    "And you think you''re that better option?" ke''s voice was tight with suppressed emotion.


    "I didn''t say that," Steven responded, his gaze equally firm, "but I know I would never betray a moon connection for political gain like Jackson did."


    ke stepped forward, his Alpha presence intensifying: "Nephew or not, Steven. If you hurt her in any way, I won''t show mercy."


    Steven met ke''s eyes directly, a challenge that surprised ke. "If I truly care for her, why would I hurt her?" Steven countered, his voice low and sincere, then added without waiting for ke''s answer, "Uncle, your belief that you have the right to interfere in her personal life-does that mean your feelings for her have crossed the employer-warrior boundary?"


    ke felt an internal shock, as if Steven''s question had pierced through his carefully constructed mask. His wolf howled, demanding he acknowledge the truth-he did have feelings for Ava beyond their professional rtionship. But outwardly, he only said coldly: I''m only concerned that she remains effective for Lucas''s training. Don''tplicate things."


    "As you wish, Alpha King," Steven gave a slightly mocking bow, superficially respectful but with challenging sparks in his eyes, "but tonight''s excursion will proceed. Those ancient marks might be the key to saving her father."


    ke wanted to stop him but realized doing so would only further expose his true feelings. Finally, he simply said: "Keep her safe."


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