The Human Girl Who Tamed Alpha King Chapter 125

ARIA

It's been a week since the coronation ceremony, and I'm still getting used to people calling me "Queen." Jace finally selected the full council, and today marks our first official meeting together. The weight of responsibility feels heavier each day.

I've been overseeing preparations—arranging overnight accommodations for council members traveling from distant territories, organizing meals, and making sure everything runs smoothly. The pack omegas have been incredibly helpful, taking direction without question. Another thing I'm still adjusting to.

We haven't resolved the situation with Vanessa yet. Jace insists that keeping her in the dungeon will "teach her not to try to kill her queen." His protective instincts are sweet, but we'll need a permanent solution soon.

As I approach the conference room, my stomach tightens with nervous energy. I've faced rogues and survived kidnapping, but politics? That's a different kind of battlefield. One where my human background feels like both a strength and a weakness.

The council room door feels heavy under my hand. I take a breath before knocking. When I enter, every council member except Jace rises and bows. Still weird, no matter how many times it happens.

"Please, everyone, sit down," I say, waving away the formality.

Jace smiles from his chair, eyes warming at the sight of me. "Hey, we were just about to start."

He motions for me to join him, and I sit beside him rather than on his lap like he probably wanted. Too many eyes watching us.

"I wanted to ask when you'd all like lunch served," I say, getting straight to business.

Jace checks the time. "It's 10 AM now, so let's say 1 PM."

The council members nod in agreement.

"Perfect. Thank you," I reply, standing to leave. "Have a good meeting."

At the door, Jace calls out, "Aria, we'll deal with Vanessa while everyone's here. So no one can say we're abusing our power."

Smart move. Public judgment removes any doubt about our motives.

"Okay, let me know when," I answer, and slip out.

I spend the next hour making arrangements with the kitchen staff, ensuring rooms are prepared for council members who traveled far. Despite having help, I prefer overseeing these things myself.

Walking from the Pack Headquarters, something feels off. A hollow sensation in my gut that I can't shake. I push it aside and head toward the training grounds. The morning air is cool against my skin, a welcome relief after being inside all morning.

When I reach the field, I'm surprised to see Lucas leading the training session instead of Gabriel. My adoptive brother nods when he spots me, pausing to give me a quick hug.

"Hey," he says simply.

The guardians immediately drop to one knee in respect. I gesture for them to stand.

"Where's Gabriel?" I ask Lucas, the uneasy feeling growing stronger.

"Said he wasn't feeling well. Asked if I could handle training today."

Not feeling well? Wolves rarely get sick. Unless...

A sense of dread washes over me. Gabriel lost his mate years ago. Wolves who lose their mates sometimes get sick before they... No. I won't even think it.

"I need to check on him," I say, already turning to leave.

Lucas catches my arm. "He's been different lately. Quieter." His voice drops so only I can hear. "His scent has changed too."

That confirms my fears. A changing scent often signals a wolf's connection to their inner beast is weakening. I squeeze Lucas's hand and hurry away, heart pounding.

Gabriel's house is too quiet. The silence feels heavy, wrong somehow.

"Gabriel?" I call out, my voice sounding too loud in the emptiness.

"In here, little deer." His voice comes from the living room, weak but steady.

I find him sitting on the couch, looking paler than usual. He's always been the strongest man I know - the one who taught me to fight, to survive. Seeing him like this twists something painful in my chest.

"Lucas said you weren't feeling well. Have you seen Dr. Maya?"

He pats the space beside him. "Sit with me."

I sit, heart pounding. He looks tired, worn down in a way that has nothing to do with physical training.

"You know what happens to wolves who lose their mates," he says quietly. "I've been lucky. Had something worth fighting for. You and Lucas. But you're both grown now. Have mates, children. Don't need me anymore."

"That's not true," I protest, voice cracking. "We do need you."

He shakes his head. "My wolf isn't responding anymore. I can feel him fading. Dr. Maya's been helping with treatment, but we both know there's only so much that can be done."

The realization slams into me. I've known this day might come, but facing it now leaves a heavy weight in my core.

"How long?" I whisper.

"Don't know exactly. But I hope I'll meet the twins before..." He doesn't finish the sentence. Doesn't need to.

I swallow hard. "We'll help you. Whatever you need."

"Just need my family," he says simply.

I grab his hand, squeezing it tight. "Move in with us. You shouldn't be alone, and Aurora and Atlas would love having you there."

"Don't want to intrude on your privacy," he says, though I can see the relief in his eyes at not being alone.

"You won't be—" I start, but a familiar voice interrupts.

"You could never intrude, Gabriel. You're family." Jace stands in the doorway, his expression serious but kind. "I've already asked someone to prepare a room for you."

I blink in surprise. "How did you know?"

"Lucas mindlinked me, told me you'd probably come here," Jace explains, coming to sit with us. "Marcus and Randall are handling the meeting. I'll go back soon, but this is more important. This is family."

Two pack members arrive to help pack Gabriel's essential belongings. I watch them work efficiently, filling bags with his clothes, books, and the few mementos he's kept over the years. A carved wooden wolf he made himself. The faded photo of his mate. His old training journal.

Jace supports Gabriel as we walk back to our home, though my father seems steady enough today. The fresh air appears to revitalize him somewhat, bringing a hint of color back to his face.

When we arrive, Gabriel grows quiet, almost uncertain, standing in the middle of our living room like he doesn't know where to place himself.

I smile at him, taking his hand. "Welcome home, Dad."