Marked by the Alpha King

ChapterThree

The Mark Awakens

Kim woke with a sharp gasp.

Her body felt warm, almost burning, and her heart raced as if she had been running. She sat up in bed, pressing a hand to her chest, trying to calm her breathing.

Something was wrong.

She looked down at her wrist.

A faint symbol shimmered on her skin, glowing softly before fading again. Kim stared at it in shock, her hands trembling.

“This can’t be real,” she whispered.

A knock sounded at the door, and before she could respond, Eden stepped inside. His eyes went straight to her wrist.

He had felt it.

“You saw it,” Kim said, her voice shaky. “Didn’t you?”

Eden nodded slowly. “Yes.”

Fear and anger rushed through her at once. “Then explain. Now.”

Eden took a deep breath and moved closer, stopping a few steps away to give her space. “You are my mate,” he said quietly. “Marked by fate and by my wolf.”

Kim shook her head. “I’m not a wolf. I’m just… me.”

“You are more than that,” Eden replied. “You just don’t know it yet.”

She stood up, backing away. “You brought me here knowing this would happen.”

“I brought you here to protect you,” Eden said firmly. “The mark would have awakened no matter where you were.”

Kim’s emotions overwhelmed her. The room felt smaller, the air heavier. “So what happens now?”

Eden’s voice softened. “Now, you learn the truth. About the wolves. About the bond. About yourself.”

Just then, Maya entered, her expression serious. “Alpha, we have a problem.”

Eden turned sharply. “What is it?”

“Rogues were seen near the eastern border,” Maya said. “They know about her.”

Kim’s blood ran cold. “They know about me?”

Maya nodded. “And they want the power tied to the mark.”

Eden stepped in front of Kim without thinking, his body shielding hers. “No one touches her.”

Kim watched him, torn between fear and an unfamiliar sense of safety.

The mark on her wrist pulsed faintly again.

Whatever she was becoming, danger was already closing in.

And this time, running would not save her.

The pack was on edge.

Wolves moved quickly through the territory, guards taking positions along the borders. Kim could feel the tension everywhere she went. Even without understanding everything, she knew it was because of her.

She stood on the balcony outside her room, staring into the forest. The mark on her wrist was faint now, but she could still feel it, like a quiet heartbeat beneath her skin.

“You shouldn’t be out here alone.”

Eden’s voice came from behind her. She turned to see him standing in the doorway, his expression serious.

“I needed air,” Kim said. “Everyone keeps watching me like I’m a problem.”

Eden stepped closer. “They’re watching because they’re afraid. Not of you—but for you.”

She laughed softly, without humor. “That doesn’t make me feel better.”

Eden leaned against the railing beside her. “Rogues don’t care about pack laws. If they believe the mark gives you power, they’ll keep coming.”

Kim’s chest tightened. “Then I’ll leave.”

Eden turned sharply. “No.”

She faced him. “People are in danger because of me.”

Eden’s eyes burned with certainty. “You are under my protection. I won’t let you walk into danger alone.”

Before Kim could respond, a loud howl cut through the air. It wasn’t a warning—it was an attack.

Chaos erupted below.

Maya’s voice echoed through the pack house. “Alpha! The eastern border has been breached!”

Eden’s wolf surged forward. He grabbed Kim’s hand instinctively. “Stay with Maya. Do not leave this building.”

“I’m not helpless,” Kim protested.

Eden met her eyes. “I know. But I need you safe.”

He turned and ran, shifting mid-stride, his powerful wolf disappearing into the forest.

Kim watched, her heart pounding. Fear clawed at her chest, but beneath it was something else—strength.

The mark on her wrist flared brightly, sending a wave of heat through her body. Kim gasped as energy rushed through her veins.

Something inside her was waking up.

And for the first time, Kim realized the truth.

She wasn’t just marked by the Alpha.

She was meant for the fight ahead.