The Human Girl Who Tamed Alpha King Chapter 143

ARIA

Without hesitation, I launch forward, putting all my strength into the first strike. My fist connects with his jaw, sending him flying backward at least ten feet. He crashes into the dirt, looking stunned.

His followers gasp. They actually fucking gasp, like they've never seen their precious leader get hit before. I see the confusion in their eyes - he was supposed to be protected by his witch's magic.

The Rogue King touches his bleeding lip, then tries to reach out with his mind. I see the exact moment he realizes something's wrong. His eyes widen with panic.

"Your witch is dead," I tell him, unable to keep the satisfaction from my voice. "You really thought I'd let you use ritual magic on me again? I told you before - I will never leave my mate."

He stands, brushing dirt from his clothes. "I admit, I underestimated you." His voice sounds too calm, which sets me on edge. "But that doesn't mean anything. I have far more experience than you. Today, you will come with me."

We circle each other, neither willing to back down. Every muscle in my body stays tense, ready to react. I keep one eye on Greta Wildflower in my peripheral vision, making sure she's safe while focusing on my opponent.

The Rogue King strikes first - fast, but not fast enough. I block his punch and counter with one of my own. We trade blows, each looking for an opening. He's good, I'll give him that. Decades of experience show in his movements.

He manages to sweep my legs, and I hit the ground hard. Pain radiates through my back, but I roll immediately and spring back to my feet.

His eyebrows shoot up. "Impressive."

"When you took my foster mother, I was just a little girl," I say, blocking another strike. "Gabriel had trained me since I was ten. From that day on, I trained harder and longer than any wolf my age."

The Rogue King smirks. "If I killed your foster mother as you claim, there was certainly a reason. Perhaps she had the same soul healing abilities as you but also refused to follow me. If that's not a warning to you, I don't know what is."

His words only fuel my rage. I feel Jace's presence nearby, watching but not interfering. He knows I need this fight - need to face the monster who's haunted our lives. The fact that he trusts me enough to let me fight my own battle makes me love him even more.

We continue exchanging blows. I land several good hits, but so does he. I'm tiring and I know it. I need to end this.

I don't see the kick coming until it's too late. His boot slams into my stomach with crushing force. I drop to my knees, the pain radiating through my body. At least one rib is broken - I can feel it.

Before I can recover, his hand wraps around my throat. He lifts me slightly, squeezing just enough to make breathing difficult, but not enough to completely cut off my air.

"Reject your mate now and come with me," he demands. "Or I'll kill you right here and make him feel what it's like to lose a mate. Trust me, nothing is worse than that."

Don't move, I tell Jace through our mind link. He thinks I'm helpless now.

I look the Rogue King straight in the eyes. "I will never go with you. Not in any way."

"Darling, I hold all the cards right now. Why make me angrier?"

"Because," I say, my voice raspy from his grip, "you made two mistakes."

His grip loosens slightly. "Oh? And what might those be?"

I don't answer with words. Instead, I drive my knee up hard between his legs. As he doubles over, I slam my fist into his ribs, then grab his hair and bring his face down onto my rising knee. The crunch of his nose breaking is sickeningly satisfying.

He drops to the ground, howling in pain. Blood pours from his shattered nose as I stand over him.

"One, you underestimated me," I say, gesturing for several guardians to grab him. "You thought just because you had me by the throat I'd give in."

The guardians surround him, weapons ready. I lean down, making sure he can see the cold hatred in my eyes.

"Two, you thought I was some weak, defenseless girl. When I said you'd die slowly and painfully, you didn't believe me. But don't worry, not today. You'll meet the man who trained me - the man whose mate you killed. He'll enjoy taking his time with you, making you beg for death."

The fight's over. I feel Jace's arms wrap around me from behind, strong and secure. Lucas, Alpha Marcus, and Hunter move forward to help the guardians secure the Rogue King.

"We'll make sure he's secured," Marcus says. "One of us will always guard the silver containment facility."

"Weaken him with wolfsbane," Jace orders. "Keep him in the silver cell."

The guardians nod in unison. "Yes, my King."

Jace then addresses the remaining guardians and the rogues who haven't fled.

"We know many of you came from small packs that were destroyed. You probably felt you had no choice but to join him. If you leave peacefully, I'll allow you to seek new packs. Or you can remain rogues if you choose. But first, I need to know where he lived."

One rogue steps forward hesitantly. "He lives in an old vampire village in the northern mountains. Our families are there - we can't just leave them."

Jace nods. "I understand your concern. Those who want to return can wait. Tomorrow, you'll go with my guardians. No unnecessary fighting."

He informs them that guardians will remain to ensure everyone's safety. "We got lucky - only four deaths. But that still means four families will grieve and be angry." Everyone nods in understanding.

I wince as I touch my side, pain shooting through my ribs. Jace notices immediately.

"You need to see Dr. Maya or Dr. Jonathan," he says, concern evident in his voice.

"I know, but can they come to our house instead?"

"Of course, whatever makes you comfortable. As long as you let them help you." He pauses. "One more thing."

"What?"

"I'm so fucking proud of you," he says, burying his face in my neck. "Proud you're my mate and my queen."

I lean into his embrace. "I wasn't going to let him take me."

"I know." He lifts me gently into his arms and starts walking home.