The Human Girl Who Tamed Alpha King Chapter 133

ARIA

"Sis, Jace!"

I didn't register the mind link at first. Too damn deep in sleep, my brain refusing to catch up.

"ARIA, JACE!"

Lucas's voice exploded in my head, jerking me awake. Beside me, I felt Jace bolt upright too. Damn it, this was werewolf life—never knowing when a mind link would tear you from sleep. As a human, I never had this problem. Now it's just Tuesday.

"About time." Lucas's voice echoed in our minds, tight with urgency.

Jace immediately asked, "What's going on?"

"That Alpha from earlier escaped. Knocked down two guardians." Lucas replied.

Jace was already out of bed, pulling on clothes with swift, silent movements. Always the Alpha, first to face any crisis without hesitation. I could sense Phantom—his Primal Wolf—stirring inside him, ready for action.

"I'm on my way," Jace said, closing the mind link.

I moved to get up and find something to wear but was stopped by Jace. His hand warm and firm on my shoulder, concern flashing in his eyes.

"Stay here. No reason for both of us to leave." He pressed a kiss to my temple, the gentleness contradicting his Alpha authority.

"Are you sure?" I asked, glancing at the clock. 3:34 AM. God, can't even get a full night's sleep around here.

"Yes. Stay with the kids and your father. Get some more sleep. I'll try to be back soon."

"Okay. Be safe," I said reluctantly. I knew he was powerful enough, but worry still gnawed at my heart. The werewolf world was dangerous, and that Alpha had already proven himself trouble.

Jace smiled. "Always, baby." Then he left the room, silent as a shadow.

I always struggle falling asleep when Jace is away. Even with Sage—my silver wolf spirit—providing security inside me, the emptiness beside me feels wrong. After tossing and turning for a few minutes, I gave up and decided to check on the kids.

Tiptoeing to Aurora's room, I gently pushed open the door. She was sleeping sweetly in her bed, mouth slightly open, clutching her favorite stuffed wolf. Though not biologically mine, I loved her more than my own life. I'd never understand how Vanessa could abandon this perfect little girl. I quietly closed the door, making sure not to make a sound.

Next, I headed to Atlas's room, surprised to find Gabriel sitting in the rocking chair with Atlas in his arms, talking softly to him. He looked up when he heard the door open wider and smiled.

"Hey, little deer." He looked at me, using the nickname he'd called me for years. Seeing his frail body still determined to hold Atlas sent a pang through my chest.

"Hey, Dad. I didn't hear him wake up. I'm sorry if he woke you."

"That's okay, little deer. I was already awake. Thought I'd come in here. Hope that's okay?"

"Of course it is, Dad. I'm just surprised." Something oddly comforting about seeing him holding Atlas. "You're welcome to see them anytime."

Gabriel nodded, gently rocking Atlas. "Seeing him this small reminds me of when I took you in. You were seven, but still such a tiny thing needing protection."

Warmth bloomed in my chest. "You were always the best dad anyone could wish for."

"You were a brave child, little deer. From the day I took you in, you were daddy's girl."

I'd been daddy's girl since I was seven. After Silver Blade Hunters killed my parents, Gabriel adopted me, taught me to fight, to protect myself even as a regular human. He never once made me feel less for being human.

I sat down in the other chair and listened to the story Gabriel was telling Atlas. I recognized it as one he'd told me when I was a kid. About a lone wolf who never found his mate, a rare warrior stronger than any wolf ever existing.

Gabriel's voice was soft and deep, filled with emotion from the story. Atlas had fallen back asleep, but Gabriel continued, lost in memory. My eyelids grew heavy as the familiar words washed over me.

I must have fallen asleep because I was woken by his gentle poke.

"You fell asleep, little deer," he whispered, careful not to wake Atlas again.

"I'm sorry, Dad," I mumbled, rubbing my eyes, feeling slightly embarrassed.

"Little deer, you're fine. You should get some sleep."

I shook my head. "I'm waiting for Jace. There was an issue with one of the Alphas. He was supposed to be contained until tomorrow, but somehow managed to escape."

I didn't say how worried I was. Sam's behavior today had scared me—that controlling attitude toward women, that disdain. I knew I had Sage's power now, but deep down, the scared human girl still existed.

Gabriel seemed to read my thoughts. "I'm sure Jace is fine, little deer. He knows how to take care of himself."

"I know, Dad."

"Good. I'm certain he'll be back very soon." Gabriel carefully placed Atlas back in his crib, his movements gentler than his weakened body should allow. Atlas didn't wake, just rolled over and continued sleeping.

After another hug, Gabriel went back to his room. I stood there a moment, watching my son's peaceful breathing, then quietly closed the door and decided to head downstairs to the kitchen for some hot chocolate.

Walking down the stairs, I stopped halfway, feeling something off. A weird sensation crawled up my spine, making the hairs on my arms stand up.

I tried extending my senses but didn't feel anything unusual. Shaking my head, I told myself it was just nerves from worrying about Jace. Moon Goddess, this warrior alertness never goes away since getting Sage.

I continued downstairs, walked to the kitchen, and made hot chocolate. While heating the milk, I thought about Sam's behavior at the meeting today—the way he forced that girl to kneel, his smug expression. Then the surge of Sage's energy inside me, that feeling of power. I was both terrified and fascinated by this ability.

When the hot chocolate was ready, I turned to leave the kitchen. My hand reached for the light switch when something grabbed my wrist.