The Human Girl Who Tamed Alpha King Chapter 107

JACE

Finally, after what felt like a damn eternity on the road, we made it. Alpha Randall's territory stretched before us, all towering pines and rocky outcrops. Not bad, I guess, but nothing compared to what we left behind. The convoy slowed as Mark led us deeper into Bloodfang Clan territory.

Another hour of driving through winding forest roads, and we reached the center of their settlement. Great. A whole welcoming committee. Just what I needed after three days of travel—a bunch of curious wolves sizing us up.

Alpha Randall stood at the front, tall and imposing with that perfect Alpha posture they teach in "How to Look Important 101." At least twenty pack members flanked him, all watching us with curious eyes.

I parked and got out, stretching my cramped muscles before helping Aria with the kids. Aurora bounced out energetically—how that kid still had energy after our journey amazed me. Atlas was cranky, clinging to Aria and burying his face against her shoulder.

"Alpha Jace," Randall's voice boomed as he approached, arms extended in welcome. "Aria." He nodded respectfully to her. "Welcome to Bloodfang Clan."

"Alpha Randall," I clasped his forearm in the traditional greeting. "Thank you for the escort. The roads have been... unpredictable lately."

He nodded gravely. "Precisely why I sent Mark to find you. We've had increasing reports of rogues in the unclaimed territories." His expression softened as he looked at the kids. "And these must be your little ones."

Aurora, suddenly shy, pressed against my leg. Atlas just glared suspiciously from Aria's arms.

"We've prepared accommodations," Randall continued. "Your immediate family and key members will stay in guest rooms within the packhouse. The rest will be hosted by pack families."

Aria stepped forward. "That's very kind of you, Alpha Randall. We appreciate your hospitality."

I nodded in agreement. "Your generosity won't be forgotten."

Randall crouched to Aurora's level. "And what's your name, little one?"

Aurora, never silent for long, found her voice. "Aurora Carter. I'm five. Almost six."

Randall smiled. "Well, Aurora Carter who's almost six, would you like to meet some of our pups? They're very excited to have visitors."

Her eyes lit up, but she looked to Aria and me for permission. Smart kid.

"Later, sweetheart," I said. "Let's get settled first."

An Omega led us through the packhouse to our rooms. The building was impressive—newer than ours, with high ceilings and stone walls. Our quarters consisted of two adjoining rooms with a shared bathroom between them.

"Alpha Randall made sure to have a crib set up for the little one," The Omega said, showing us the sturdy wooden crib in the corner. "Dinner will be served in two hours in the outdoor common area. Can I get you anything else?"

"No, thank you," Aria replied. "This is perfect."

When the Omega left, I collapsed onto the bed, exhaustion hitting me full force. Three damn days on the road. I'm beat."

Aria sat beside me, Atlas now asleep in her arms. "The rooms are nice. Bigger than I expected."

"Randall's trying to impress us." I ran a hand over my face. "Politics. Always politics."

"Try to rest," she said, laying Atlas in the crib. "I'll wake you before dinner."

I didn't need to be told twice.

ARIA

Something wasn't right. I felt it the moment we stepped into the outdoor clearing for dinner. The tables were arranged beautifully, lanterns hung from tree branches casting a warm glow over everything, but a prickle ran up my spine that had nothing to do with the cool evening air.

Jace noticed my unease immediately, his hand finding the small of my back as we walked to our seats at the head table with Alpha Randall. His touch was reassuring, but it didn't dispel the nagging feeling that we were being watched.

"Magnificent evening," Randall said, gesturing broadly at the gathering. "We don't often host Alphas from distant territories. It's cause for celebration."

I forced a smile while scanning the crowd. Nothing seemed obviously wrong. Pack members chatted, children played, food was served. Yet I couldn't shake the feeling of hidden danger.

"The venison is excellent," Randall said, cutting into his meat. "Hunted just yesterday for this occasion."

I picked at my food, appetite diminished by anxiety. Across the clearing, Aurora tugged at my sleeve. "Mom, can I go play with those kids?" She pointed to a group of children chasing each other near the trees.

Eliana appeared beside us. "I can watch her if you'd like," she offered.

I hesitated, then nodded. "Stay where I can see you, Aurora. Listen to Eliana."

"I will!" She darted off, Eliana following close behind.

I watched them find a spot near the play area, then turned back to the conversation. But my senses remained on high alert—hearing sharpened to catch any unusual sound, muscles tensed and ready to move. Years of training with Gabriel had taught me to trust these instincts.

What's wrong, baby? Jace's voice slipped into my mind through our bond.

I don't know. Something feels off. All my senses are screaming danger.

He subtly scanned the perimeter, his expression casual while his eyes missed nothing. I don't see anything, but Phantom's restless too. Stay close.

Just as I was about to respond, it happened.

A piercing scream cut through the evening. Conversations stopped. Music halted. Then chaos erupted as a massive, blood-covered wolf burst from the tree line, collapsing in the clearing.

"Rogues!" someone shouted, and pandemonium broke loose.

Women grabbed children, men shifted forms in bursts of controlled violence, guards rushed to defensive positions. My heart stopped when I realized Aurora was near the trees where the injured wolf had emerged.

I sprang to my feet, shoving Atlas into Eliana's arms as she rushed to my side. "Take him and go with the other women," I ordered.

"But—" she started to protest.

"Now, Eliana!" I hardened my voice, leaving no room for argument. "Follow the evacuation protocol."

She hesitated, clutching Atlas to her chest. "You need to come too."

"Not without Aurora." I was already moving, scanning frantically for my daughter in the chaos. I spotted her, frozen in fear as children scattered around her.

In three strides I reached her, scooping her up and racing back to Eliana. "Here," I thrust Aurora toward her. "Take both of them. Get to safety."

Eliana's eyes widened. "You can't stay—"

"I can fight," I cut her off. "Take my children. Protect them. I'll find you when this is over."

I turned to an older woman organizing the evacuation. "Please make sure they get to safety."

She nodded firmly. "Of course, Aria. Follow me," she said to Eliana.

I watched them disappear into the packhouse, then spun toward the sounds of fighting. Growls and snarls filled the night air as shifted wolves engaged with attackers emerging from the forest.

*Jace!* I called through our mental connection. *The kids are safe with Eliana. I'm coming to you!*