Web Novel
The Human Girl Who Tamed Alpha King Chapter 101
ARIA
My body deliciously sore from our early morning activities. Damn, that man knows exactly how to wreck me in the best possible way. The memory of his hands on my body, rough and demanding, sends a shiver through me even now.
The bed feels too empty without him. He left hours ago to "handle the intruders" - Pack speak for executing traitors. Stomach aches thinking about what he's facing right now. Not that I doubt him - Jace doesn't hesitate when it comes to protecting what's his. But I know the weight of those decisions sits heavy on his shoulders, no matter how unflinching he appears.
I get up, shower fast, and check on Aurora. She's playing with her toys, Eliana keeping a close eye.
"I'll be in Jace's office if you need me," I tell Eliana. She nods, understanding.
In his office, I sink into the leather chair behind his desk. His scent fills the room—a commanding presence that gets my heart going. Focus, Aria. I'm not here to pine over him.
An idea's been nagging at me. Since learning what happens to wolves who lose their mates—that devastating void that often leads to ruin—I've been thinking of Gabriel, of Jace before me, of all those shattered souls with no one to lean on.
Before I can talk myself out of it, I grab Jace's phone and dial Alpha Marcus's number. My heart pounds as I wait through three rings.
"Alpha Marcus." His voice carries that unmistakable authority all Alphas seem to possess.
"Hello, Alpha Marcus. This is Aria, Alpha Jace's mate." My voice comes out steadier than I feel.
"Ah, Aria. I hope all is well. What can I do for you?" Despite the formality, there's warmth in his tone.
"Everything's fine. I was hoping I could get Luna Seraphina's number. I have an idea I'd like to discuss with her."
His chuckle surprises me. "Seraphina was just speaking of you yesterday. She's quite impressed with what she's heard. I'll text you her number right away."
"Thank you, Alpha Marcus."
"Please, just Marcus when we're speaking privately."
The call ends, and seconds later, his text arrives with Seraphina's number. No backing out now.
I dial immediately, my fingers drumming nervously on the desk.
"Luna Seraphina speaking." Her voice is cultured and warm.
"Luna Seraphina, this is Aria from Moon Shadow Pack."
"Aria, dear! How wonderful to hear from you. How are you?" The genuine pleasure in her voice eases my nervousness.
"I'm well, thank you. I hope I'm not interrupting anything important."
"Not at all. What's on your mind?"
I take a deep breath. "I've been thinking about wolves who've lost their mates. I know the devastation it causes. I'd like to start a support group, beginning small in this region, where they can talk with others who understand their pain."
The silence stretches long enough that I wonder if the connection dropped.
"Aria, that's a brilliant idea! I've been wondering what more we could do for them." Her enthusiasm floods through the phone. "Most simply waste away or become shadows of themselves."
"Exactly. Gabriel—our Chief Guardian—lost his mate years ago. He functions, but there's always this... emptiness in his eyes. And I've seen it in others too."
"Tell me more about your vision for this," she encourages.
For the next hour, we exchange ideas, the plan expanding with each minute. Seraphina's enthusiasm matches my own, her experience filling gaps in my planning.
"We should start small," I suggest. "A test group with maybe five to ten wolves."
"Yes, and if successful, we can expand nationally through all allied packs."
"Do you think other Alphas would support this? I know some are more... traditional."
Seraphina laughs. "My dear, you underestimate the power of a determined Luna. Let me handle the announcements. I'll frame it as a joint initiative between our packs."
"You'd do that?"
"Aria, this idea could save lives. Of course I would."
We discuss locations, frequency of meetings, potential members. My initial nervousness has long since melted into excitement. This could work. This could really help.
"We'll need counselors trained specifically for wolves," Seraphina notes. "The bond-break trauma differs from human grief."
"Dr. Maya might help with that. She's mentioned wanting to focus more on mental health."
"Perfect! I know several others who would be interested too."
By the time we finally wind down, my hand aches from taking notes. We've outlined a six-month pilot program with clear milestones and expansion goals.
"Aria, you have a natural talent for this. Your heart and mind work in beautiful harmony."
The compliment warms me. "Thank you for taking me seriously. I wasn't sure—"
"Because you're human?" she interrupts gently. "Darling, sometimes it takes an outsider's perspective to see solutions the rest of us have overlooked. Besides, you're not just human anymore. You're Luna to one of our strongest Alphas."
I'm so engrossed in our conversation that I don't notice the office door opening. It's only when I feel that familiar prickle at the back of my neck—the awareness that comes with Jace's presence—that I look up.
He leans against the doorframe, arms crossed, watching me with intense eyes. No blood visible. Thank god.
"You were so focused on your call, I didn't want to interrupt," he says as I end the conversation with Seraphina.
I smile at him. "Sorry, I got carried away talking with her."
"Don't apologize." He crosses to me in three long strides, pulling me up from the chair and into his arms. "I love watching you come alive when you're passionate about something."
His kiss is gentle, a stark contrast to the violence I know his hands carried out earlier today. When he pulls back, there's something new in his expression.
"Tell me about your call," he says against my hair.
I explain the support group idea, speaking faster as my excitement builds again. When I finish, he stops our movement, tilting my chin up.
"You continue to amaze me," he says, "Most wolves born into this life stick to tradition. You've been here just months and already see how to make us better. I fully support your decisions."
SERAPHINA
I hang up the phone, my mind racing with possibilities. Aria's idea isn't just good—it's revolutionary for our kind. I hurry to Marcus's office, finding him deep in conversation with our son, Nicholas. Both men look up as I enter.
"You look inspired," Marcus observes.
"That was Aria. She has an extraordinary proposal for supporting wolves who've lost their mates. A formal support network, starting regionally and potentially expanding nationwide."
I explain the details as Marcus's expression grows increasingly impressed.
"It's a sound idea. She's right that it could help many wolves," he agrees, nodding thoughtfully.
"I was just discussing something with Nicholas that might tie into this," Marcus says. "I've asked if he's ready to take on the Alpha position earlier than planned. We could relocate to Moon Shadow territory, offer Jace and Aria whatever support they need."
My heart leaps at the suggestion. "You know I've been concerned about Aria. She's never had a proper mother figure. A young queen needs guidance, especially one facing her unique challenges."
Nicholas smiles. "I'm ready whenever you are, Alpha. The pack respects me—the transition should be smooth."
Marcus takes my hand, his expression serious. "Then it's decided. We'll help forge this new path, together."