The Human Girl Who Tamed Alpha King Chapter 136

ARIA

Gabriel and I walk down the Healing Center’s hallway, his pace slower than usual. For two days, I've pretended not to notice his slightly trembling hands and tense jaw when walking. The way his fingers sometimes flex against sudden pain. How he stops mid-sentence to catch his breath. But lies are lies, and I can't fool myself anymore.

"You okay?" I ask.

Gabriel forces a smile, the corners of his mouth tight. "Just tired, little deer. Nothing to worry about."

Typical Gabriel answer. Always lying about being fine, just like when I fell as a kid and he told me not to cry even though blood was running down his arm from where he'd caught me.

We sit in the exam room with forest paintings hanging on white walls. The paper crinkles beneath Gabriel as he shifts uncomfortably on the examination table. Dr. Maya pushes through the door and immediately looks concerned seeing Gabriel, her clipboard forgotten at her side.

"Gabriel, you look worse than last time," she says, hugging us both. Her scrubs smell of herbs and medicine.

"Just overdid the training," Gabriel shrugs it off, but I notice how he grips the edge of the table to steady himself.

Dr. Jonathan follows her in with a chart, his stethoscope swinging from his neck. "Long time no see, Silverbrook family."

"Wish we were here for a party," I say dryly, picking at a loose thread on my sleeve.

Dr. Jonathan smiles but his eyes quickly return to Gabriel. "We need to run some tests and bloodwork. I heard about what happened when you saved Aria. Very brave, but probably too much for your body right now."

"Wait," I interrupt, my chair scraping back as I stand, "what pain?" I turn to Gabriel, heat rising to my face. "You didn't tell me you were in pain."

Gabriel sighs, shooting Dr. Jonathan a look that could freeze fire. "It's nothing major."

"Let me be the judge of that," Dr. Jonathan says, pulling on latex gloves with a snap. "I need to check your muscle and nerve responses."

I sit in a chair nearby, watching the doctors test Gabriel's reflexes, muscle strength, and heart rate. The medical equipment beeps steadily. Each time he winces, my heart clenches.

"How's your mental state?" Dr. Maya asks, checking Gabriel's pupils with a small flashlight. "Any mood swings? Rage? Depression?"

Gabriel shakes his head. "I control myself fine. Just sometimes... don't feel quite like myself." His fingers drum against his knee, betraying his anxiety.

"Can you still connect with Fang?" Dr. Jonathan asks bluntly, setting down his clipboard.

Gabriel pauses, the room suddenly silent except for the hum of the ventilation system. "Not like I used to, but yes," he finally admits, shoulders slumping slightly.

The doctor nods, placing his hands on Gabriel's shoulders. I feel a wave of energy ripple through the room, and Gabriel's expression instantly relaxes, the deep lines on his forehead smoothing out. Dr. Maya hands him a bottle of pills that rattle inside their plastic container.

"Twice daily, morning and night," she explains, her voice professional but gentle. "This will help with the pain and slow the... progression."

My stomach drops like a stone.

Leaving the Healing Center, we walk slowly back to home. Gabriel's pace is even slower now, each step measured and careful. I resist the urge to support him, though my hand hovers near his elbow. I know his pride wouldn't allow it.

"Dad?" I finally speak up, kicking a small stone off the path.

"Yes, little deer?" he answers, his voice softer than usual, almost lost in the rustling leaves.

"Why didn't you tell me you were in pain? I could have helped." My words hang in the crisp air between us.

Gabriel stops and turns to me. The sun highlights the silver strands in his hair that weren't there a year ago. "You and Jace have done enough. You have your own responsibilities, your own lives. You don't need to worry about me."

"But I do worry!" My voice rises, startling a nearby bird that takes flight. "You're my dad. You saved me and you taught me how to survive. Now it's my turn to take care of you."

"Aria..." His voice breaks on my name, fingers curling into fists at his sides.

"No, let me finish," I insist, stepping closer until I see the gray flecks in his eyes. "I need to know when you're hurting so I can help. Don't lie to protect me. I'm not that little girl anymore."

Gabriel's eyes show both pride and sadness. A leaf catches in his hair, unnoticed. "No, you're not. You're a warrior now, a Luna, a Queen." He touches my cheek with rough fingertips. "I won't argue. If you want to know, I'll tell you."

"Promise?" I grab his wrist, feeling his pulse beneath my fingers.

"I swear," he smiles, the warmth finally reaching his eyes. "And I'll help you train. While I still can." The unspoken words hang between us: while there's still time.

"I just want to make you proud," I say softly, my throat tight with unshed tears.

Gabriel's expression turns serious, the lines around his mouth deepening. "Little deer, you make me proud every day. From the first time I saw you stumbling toward me, covered in dirt and tears, to now as you've become a powerful Luna."

I'm about to respond when suddenly a voice explodes in my head, making me flinch:

"ROGUES ATTACKING!"

Damn it, not now. My muscles instantly tense, adrenaline flooding my system. I look at Gabriel, who clearly heard the alert too, his back straightening despite his fatigue.

"We need to hurry," I say, already scanning our surroundings for threats. "Need to get you and the kids to the safe room."

We quicken our pace, fallen leaves crunching beneath our boots. The forest thins out as we near the packhouse, its stone walls finally coming into view. The guards at the entrance are already mobilizing, shouting orders and distributing weapons. Gabriel grabs my arm, his grip surprisingly strong.

"Go, little deer. I'll get Eliana and all the children to the safe room. Go help Jace." His voice holds the authority of the Chief Guardian he once was, brooking no argument.

I turn and kiss his cheek, my lips pressing against his stubbled skin, grateful. "Thanks, Dad."

I close my eyes and mindlink with Jace, picturing his face to strengthen the connection:

"I'm on my way. Where?"

Jace's voice immediately responds, warm and urgent in my mind: "Northern boundary. Be careful, baby."

I start running, stripping my jacket as Sage—my wolf spirit—wakes inside me. Heat floods my veins. The change still feels strange: bones cracking, muscles reshaping, senses sharpening until I hear distant heartbeats.

I race north through training grounds, catching sounds of battle—growls, shouts, blood scent on the wind. Young warriors jump aside as I pass. Jace needs me. My Pack needs me. I surrender to Sage completely, silver fur covering me, claws striking ground, strength filling my limbs.