The Human Girl Who Tamed Alpha King Chapter 122

ARIA

Holy crap. It's done. I'm actually a queen now.

The ringing in my ears from Silas's final proclamation barely faded. Me, Queen of all werewolves. Me, an eighteen-year-old human girl with a wolf spirit crammed inside, suddenly expected to lead an entire supernatural race.

I stood frozen on the platform, the crown feeling impossibly heavy on my head. Half of me still thought like a human, while Sage pushed for wolf instincts I barely understood.

Silas stepped back, bowing deeply before walking off the platform. The entire hall remained standing, eyes fixed on us – their new King and Queen. My heart hammered against my ribs. What now?

Jace moved first, taking my hand as he descended the platform steps. I followed, grateful for his lead. He turned toward the center of the banquet hall where the floor had been cleared for dancing.

"Ready?" he asked, that confident half-smile sending warmth through me despite my nerves.

"As I'll ever be," I managed.

The music started – a familiar melody that instantly transported me back to another night. The night everything changed.

"This is the song we danced to at the Blood Moon," I said, sudden emotion clogging my throat.

Jace smiled, his eyes never leaving mine as he pulled me close. "Yes. I had them play it back then and again tonight, because to me, you're perfect."

My face heated. Even after everything we'd been through, he still had that effect on me.

"I guess this is a new beginning," I said, watching couples join us on the dance floor.

Jace shook his head before leaning down to kiss me softly. The crowd cheered, but I barely heard them.

"No, baby. It's not a new beginning. It's the next chapter. A new beginning requires that the old wasn't good. And we have been good, so this, my love, is just a new chapter."

Something about his words settled the storm inside me. "Okay, a new chapter," I agreed as the song ended.

He pulled me closer, giving me another kiss – longer this time. The crowd erupted in applause and cheers. For a second, I forgot about the crown, the responsibility, the impossible task ahead of us. There was just Jace.

-

After our dance, servers guided us back to the platform where an elegant dinner had been arranged. The table held places for our closest family and allies – Gabriel, my adoptive father who'd taught me to fight; Lucas, my brother; the Elders; Alpha Marcus and Luna Seraphina; and Alpha Randall.

I scanned the room, noticing the Moon Goddess had quietly slipped away during our dance. Typical. Drop life-changing responsibility on someone, then disappear.

Conversation flowed around me as I picked at my food. The reality of our new positions kept hitting me in waves. Not just Alpha and Luna anymore, but King and Queen. Rulers of an entire supernatural community.

"You're quiet," Gabriel whispered, concern furrowing his brow.

"Processing," I replied, forcing a smile.

He squeezed my hand. "You've earned this. Both of you. The Goddess chose well."

Coming from Gabriel – the man who'd raised me, trained me, prepared me to survive in a world of wolves – those words meant everything.

The meal concluded with servers bringing glasses of champagne. Jace stood, the conversation instantly dying as everyone waited for him to speak.

"Ladies and gentlemen," he began, his voice strong and confident. "First, I want to thank everyone for being here to witness this day."

I watched him, marveling at how naturally he commanded attention. When we'd first met, I'd been terrified of him – this powerful Alpha whose reputation preceded him. Now, he was my husband. My mate. My King.

"Many years ago, I realized I was different," Jace continued. "Not just a man or a wolf, but also a Primal Wolf. Bigger, stronger, more dangerous. I had to learn to control both sides."

My mind flashed back to the first time I'd seen him transform – not into a regular wolf, but into something ancient and terrifying. Phantom, his Primal Wolf form.

"I thought I had found my mate, but last year I learned I'd been deceived by magic and greed. Her plan failed when she didn't give birth to the next Alpha but to a beautiful baby girl."

Aurora. My heart clenched thinking about her. She was back at the packhouse with Eliana, probably driving everyone crazy asking when we'd return.

"The woman I believed was my mate chose to reject me but also the bond between a mother and her child. I never thought I'd feel anything remotely close to love for another woman."

Jace's gaze found mine, and the intensity there made my stomach flip.

"Until I sensed her. Every fiber of my body woke up. I felt like I was being awakened after a long slumber. I found my true mate. Though I had to wait until she turned eighteen, it was worth every second. Because I'm not only stronger than ever, but the happiest I've ever been."

Tears pricked my eyes. The memory of our first meeting – me, the stubborn human determined to prove myself; him, the powerful Alpha watching me with confusion and interest – felt both distant and immediate.

Jace addressed the crowd again, his tone shifting to something more formal. "As your King, I want to announce several initiatives. First, we will investigate and resolve the increasing rogue attacks. If you have information, please report to Alpha Marcus."

The room nodded in agreement. The attacks had gotten worse in recent months – lone wolves or small groups targeting established packs.

"Second, Queen Aria has already begun creating support groups for wolves who've lost their mates. Currently, two groups exist, and they're showing excellent results."

Pride warmed me at his acknowledgment. The support groups had been my idea – something that came from my human understanding of grief and community.

"Third, this new reign will be built on trust. We will ensure everyone is treated fairly."

Murmurs of approval rippled through the crowd.

"Finally, the Ancient Territory will remain open to visitors, but residential areas and the Pack House will only be accessible to announced visitors and will be guarded by warriors."

Security measures. After everything with Richard Warren, we weren't taking chances.

When Jace finished speaking, I stood and moved to his side. The gesture felt right – symbolic of our partnership. Not just mates, but rulers together.

The response was immediate and overwhelming. Everyone in the room dropped to one knee, heads bowed in respect.

"King Jace, long may he reign!"

"Queen Aria, long may she reign!"

Their voices thundered through the hall, the sound physically shaking me. These people – these wolves – were pledging their loyalty to us. To me. A human girl with a borrowed wolf spirit.

I gripped Jace's hand, suddenly terrified. Could I do this? Lead them? Protect them? Be what they needed?

*You can, and you will,* Sage whispered inside me, her confidence bolstering mine. *We will.*