The Human Girl Who Tamed Alpha King Chapter 126

Chapter132

JACE

After learning that Gabriel is sick and that his wolf Fang is slowly dying, I realized how lucky I really am. Despite Vanessa walking out on me and Aurora five years ago, life has moved forward. Better, even. I found Aria - a human with a wolf spirit the Moon Goddess gifted her. The contradiction seems to tear at her sometimes, but it's part of what makes her perfect for me.

I drummed my fingers on the wooden table in the Elder Council Hall, waiting for Lucas to arrive. Hunter caught my eye, raising an eyebrow at my impatience. Marcus looked equally amused. The other elders sat in stoic silence, their expressions giving nothing away.

"He'll be here," Hunter murmured. "Stop fidgeting."

I wanted to point out that Kings don't fidget, but that would be admitting I was. A knock interrupted my thoughts.

"Enter," I called out.

The double doors opened, and Lucas walked in. He bowed deeply to everyone assembled, showing proper respect despite being my brother-in-law.

"Lucas, thanks for coming so quickly," I said.

"My King, it's no problem at all. How can I help?" His formal tone surprised some of the elders. I noticed a few exchanging approving glances.

"Please, sit down," I gestured to the empty chair.

Lucas took his seat, his posture straight, hands resting on the table.

"Lucas, as you know, your father is ill. We need a new Chief Guardian and trainer," I began, getting straight to the point. "After discussing this with the council and considering all factors - especially that you've trained with your father your entire life - I'd like to offer you the position. This would be your opportunity to build honor for your family that could continue through your bloodline."

Lucas stared at me, shock evident on his face. "Alpha, this is an enormous honor. Even though I've been running training sessions for my father lately, I never expected this. I know there are wolves with more experience. I know very little about planning for potential conflict with rogues. I would suffer if I made a mistake."

"We understand that," I assured him. "I've watched you train and instruct others, and I know you helped your father back in Black Forest Pack. But you do lack experience in other areas, which is why Beta Marcus will assist you, teaching you what you need to learn. We'll also assign warriors to help when you need it. So, as you can hear, you won't be alone in this."

Lucas considered my words carefully. Then, in a move that impressed even me, he got down on one knee, bowing his head in the highest form of respect.

"If that's the case, my King, it would be my honor to serve as your Chief Guardian, friend, and family to protect and serve our pack. I'm grateful that someone as exceptional as Marcus would take time from his busy schedule to advise and help me until he feels it's no longer necessary."

The elders nodded their approval. Lucas's show of respect had won them over.

"Rise, Lucas. Take your seat," I said, gesturing to the chair again. "We have other matters to discuss."

For the next hour, we went through various topics. The council agreed to send out more scouts and spies to learn about the rogue situation. During the tactical discussion, Lucas surprised everyone - including himself - with the depth of knowledge Gabriel had instilled in him.

Finally, we reached the most difficult topic on our agenda.

Marcus cleared his throat. "Last item: we need to address an issue. As we all know, our King once had a mate who abandoned him and their daughter Aurora shortly after her birth. This woman appeared at the coronation ceremony and was allowed to help with something under supervision so she wouldn't cause trouble. Our Queen Aria went to speak with this wolf, and Ms. Wintercrest attempted to stab our Queen in the back. She's been held in the silver containment facility since then."

One of the elders, a gray-haired woman with a stern face, spoke up. "Attempting to harm our Queen is punishable by death. Even if she was fortunate enough to fail."

Marcus nodded. "Yes, we're all aware of that. But our Queen has made a request regarding her punishment. She said that because Vanessa is Aurora's birth mother, she doesn't want us to execute her. She hopes Aurora will have the chance to decide whether to meet her when she's older."

Another elder turned to me. "Has our Queen suggested how to handle this woman?"

"Yes," I replied, feeling proud of Aria's compassion. "She suggested we banish Vanessa from the entire Moon Shadow territory until Aurora is old enough to decide whether to meet her. I've already spoken with Alpha Anthony in Europe. He said she can go there to work as an Omega until I notify him otherwise."

The council fell silent, considering this proposal. After a few moments, one of the Alpha elders spoke.

"I believe we have a very wise and kind Queen. I support this proposal, not only for little Aurora's sake but also for our Queen's peace of mind."

The others murmured their agreement.

Marcus straightened in his chair. "Our King will have me contact the necessary people to arrange everything. Vanessa will not be allowed back into Moon Shadow territory until Aurora turns seventeen and is old enough to understand and make choices that might impact her life. Of course, with the support of her parents, our King and Queen."

I nodded, relieved that the council had accepted Aria's suggestion. It wasn't the bloodthirsty justice some might have wanted, but it showed the mercy and wisdom that would define our rule.

"If there's nothing else, this meeting is adjourned," I announced, standing from my chair.

-

The hall buzzed with conversation as we gathered for dinner. Aria sat beside me, Aurora on her other side. The little girl was chattering excitedly about something she'd learned at training that day.

Lucas sat across from us, looking more relaxed now that the formalities were over. He caught my eye and smiled, a silent thank you passing between us.

Looking around the table at my family and pack, I felt a sense of contentment wash over me. Gabriel's illness had reminded me just how fragile life could be, even for werewolves. But it had also shown me the strength of the bonds I'd built.

In Vanessa's absence, I hadn't just survived. I'd thrived. Found true love with Aria. Built a stronger pack. And now, with Lucas taking on his father's mantle and his two babies on the way, the future of the pack looked brighter than ever.