The Human Girl Who Tamed Alpha King Chapter 119

ARIA

Watching those warriors drag Vanessa out of the packhouse gave me way more satisfaction than it probably should. Five years she abandons her daughter, and now she just waltzes back in? Hell no. Not happening on my watch.

I caught Jace looking at me, worry all over his face. He probably thought I'd flip out. Maybe the old human Aria would have – insecure, desperate to prove herself among wolves. Now with Sage inside me, I feel both stronger and more conflicted

I walked toward Jace and wrapped my arms around his waist. His body relaxed instantly against mine.

"I'm sorry, baby," he murmured, his voice rough. "Should've warned you she was coming."

"Don't apologize. I'm not mad at you." I pressed closer. "Just at her. The nerve of that woman, showing up after abandoning Aurora."

Jace grinned, his hands framing my face. "That's my little wildcat." He pressed his lips to mine, hard enough to make me gasp. "Human-born but fiercer than most wolves I know."

"You're not so bad yourself." I stepped back, admiring the formal black suit he wore. My body responded immediately, and I felt Sage stirring inside me, a warm pulse of desire. The wolf part of me wanted to claim him, mark him, remind everyone he belonged to me.

"See something you like?" His voice dropped lower, eyes darkening.

"Maybe." I tilted my head. "Didn't know you cleaned up so well, Alpha."

His hands tightened on my waist. "Keep looking at me like that, and we won't make it to the ceremony."

"Later," I promised, stepping away before we got carried away. "I need to make sure everything's ready."

"Counting on it." He smacked my ass as I walked out.

-

Outside the packhouse, I reached out through the mind link to one of the warriors escorting Vanessa.

*Hey, Conner, everything okay with her?*

*Yes, Luna. We're letting her gather her things first.*

*Make sure she doesn't take anything that isn't hers.*

*Of course. By the way, I've got guard duty during the coronation. Sorry I'll miss it.*

That sucked. Conner was one of the good ones, always respectful despite my human origins.

*Don't worry about it. I'll make sure the kitchen sends food to everyone on duty.*

*Thank you, Luna. That's really thoughtful.*

I ended the connection, already planning my next move. Vanessa needed to understand her place – which was nowhere near my family.

I reached out to Gabriel next, our mind link strengthening with practice.

*Dad, need a favor.*

*Anything, little deer.* His voice in my head always sounded gruff but warm.

*I want Vanessa confined to her room until tonight. Two guards at her door.*

*Planning to speak with her?* He didn't sound surprised.

*Yes. Need to make sure she understands she can't hurt Jace or Aurora. Ever.*

*Good. That woman needs to hear it straight. Pride colored his thoughts. I'll arrange it immediately. See you at the packhouse later?*

*Absolutely. Thanks, Dad.*

The connection faded.

An hour later, I headed toward the packhouse with Luna Seraphina, Eliana, and my grandmother Nina. Atlas squirmed in Eliana's arms.

My stomach twisted with nerves. How did I end up here? Just a human orphan raised by wolves, about to become Luna – the mate of the Alpha, the soon-to-be King. The responsibility crushed down on me.

"You're fidgeting, my queen," Seraphina said gently. "Everything will be perfect."

"Please don't call me that yet," I muttered. "The coronation hasn't even happened."

She smiled. "Just practicing. You'll have to get used to it."

"Not sure I ever will."

Inside me, Sage sent waves of confidence, her wolf strength bolstering my human doubts. This dual existence – part wolf, part human – would always define me.

The banquet hall came into view, magnificent in the afternoon sun. Jace stood outside its entrance, powerful and commanding in his formal attire.

Aurora spotted him immediately. "Daddy!" She broke free from Nina's grip and ran toward him, her dark curls bouncing.

Jace scooped her up, spinning her around before kissing her cheek. "There's my princess." He set her down before moving to Eliana and kissing Atlas's forehead. "And my future warrior."

Then his eyes found mine, and everything else disappeared. He pulled me close, his mouth claiming mine with a possessiveness that made my knees weak.

Eliana cleared her throat. "There are children present, Alpha."

Jace reluctantly pulled away, eyes still burning into mine. "Can't help myself."

Seraphina chuckled. "We'll take the children inside, find our seats."

As the women disappeared into the hall with the kids, Jace held me back.

"Heard what you did," he said, his voice low. "Having Vanessa confined."

I tensed. "Problem?"

"Not at all." His thumbs caressed my wrists. "Want to tell me why?"

"I need to speak with her." I met his gaze steadily. "Make sure she understands she's not welcome here. That she can't hurt you or Aurora."

"And if she tries?"

"Then she deals with me." My voice hardened, human determination mixing with wolf protectiveness. "She cannot see Aurora, contact her, or go near her unless Aurora wants it when she's older."

Jace stared at me for a moment before a broad smile spread across his face. He grabbed me, kissing me deeply.

"God, I love you," he whispered against my lips. "My fierce wildcat, my Luna, my mate, my true love."

The massive doors to the banquet hall swung open, interrupting us. Music drifted out, signaling the ceremony would begin soon.

Jace took my hand, squeezing it tight. "Ready to become my Queen?"

I took a deep breath, steadying myself. "Ready."

Both the human woman and the wolf inside me were in perfect agreement for once.