The Human Girl Who Tamed Alpha King Chapter 144

ARIA

"Almost there," Jace murmured, his warm breath on my hair.

The world blurred as Jace carried me through the forest back to our home. Honestly, I should probably complain about being carried around, but right now? Not happening. My ribs feel absolutely wrecked. That's what you get for fighting the big bad wolf, I guess.

I nodded against his chest, too exhausted to speak.

Jace pushed open the door to our bedroom with his shoulder, carefully laying me on our bed. I bit back a groan as my ribs protested.

"Stay still," he said, squeezing my hand before crossing to the hidden door in the wall.

When he opened it, I heard the rush of excited whispers. Gabriel appeared first, cradling a sleeping Atlas in his arms. His eyes widened when he saw me.

"Aurora's okay too," called Eliana from inside. "Still asleep through all of this."

Gabriel carefully placed Atlas in the playpen near our bed, then turned as Luna Seraphina emerged with Aurora. She gently placed my little girl on the sofa across the room, tucking a blanket around her.

"How bad is it?" Gabriel asked, approaching the bed.

"I'm fine," I said automatically. "Just sore."

Jace snorted. "She took down the Rogue King single-handedly. But not without cost."

Gabriel's eyes widened. "You what?"

"He's in custody," Jace explained. "Being held in the silver containment facility with wolfsbane to keep him weak. Aria managed to break his nose, crack some ribs, and bring him down before I even got there."

Gabriel looked at me with awe and pride mixing in his expression. He bent down and pressed a kiss to my forehead. "My little deer," he whispered, his voice thick with emotion. "Your mother would be so proud."

The lump in my throat made it hard to speak. I just nodded, squeezing his hand.

The door opened again as Lucas and Dr. Maya entered. Dr. Maya immediately moved to my side, her medical bag already open.

"Let me see," she said, gently moving my shirt to examine my ribs. Her fingers probed carefully, but I couldn't help wincing when she touched the most tender spots.

"Two broken ribs," she announced after her examination. "They'll heal naturally in a few days, but we need to bind them to make sure they heal correctly."

"Is she going to be okay?" Jace asked, hovering anxiously.

Dr. Maya nodded. "She's strong for a human. And stubborn enough to power through just about anything." She gave me a warm smile. "The entire pack is celebrating, you know. They're calling you the Rogue Slayer. Everyone wants to thank you for what you did."

"I just wanted to finish what he started," I mumbled.

Alpha Marcus strode into the room then, looking exhausted but alert. "Many have tried to bring down the Rogue King over the years," he said. "Warriors with decades more experience than you. Most ended up dead."

He turned to Jace. "He's secure. We've doubled the guards and administered enough wolfsbane to keep even an Alpha weakened. Hunter took the first shift so I could check on Seraphina."

"Thank you," Jace said, clasping Marcus's forearm in gratitude.

Dr. Maya finished binding my ribs with a tight wrap. "This will help support the broken bones while they heal," she explained. "Try not to move too suddenly, and definitely no training for at least a week."

I nodded, though the idea of being sidelined for a week already made me antsy.

"Let's get you downstairs for some food," Jace suggested once Dr. Maya finished. "Can you walk?"

"Of course I can walk," I huffed, slowly swinging my legs over the side of the bed. The room spun momentarily, but I pushed through it, determined not to show weakness.

Everyone followed as Jace helped me down the stairs to the hall. The scent of cooking food grew stronger, and my stomach growled despite everything.

In the kitchen, we found Greta Wildflower stirring a large pot. She looked utterly exhausted, dark circles under her eyes, her movements slow and deliberate.

"Greta, sit down before you fall down," Luna Seraphina said, taking the spoon from her hand. "I'll finish this."

"I was almost done anyway," Greta murmured, but allowed herself to be guided to a chair.

Jace settled Atlas in his high chair while Eliana and Lucas arranged their twins at the table. I made my way to Greta, carefully lowering myself into the chair beside her.

"How are you feeling?" I asked.

She gave me a tired smile. "Just magical exhaustion. Nothing that won't recover with rest."

"You saved my life," I said softly. "That witch would have fried me if not for your protection spell."

Greta waved her hand dismissively. "I'd do it again in a heartbeat."

"Is your shield still active?" Jace asked, joining our conversation.

Greta nodded. "The Moonlight Shield remains in place. It will alert us if any strangers cross our territory boundaries."

"Won't that drain you further?" Jace asked, concerned.

"The shield draws energy from the forest itself," Greta explained. "It only pulls from me when it's actively blocking a magical attack."

Jace reached across the table, squeezing her hand. "You're family, Greta. An essential part of our pack."

Tears welled in Greta's eyes. "I haven't been called family in... decades."

Gabriel stepped forward, wrapping his arms around Greta's shoulders. "Well, get used to it." He turned to Jace with an approving nod. "You're young, but wise beyond your years."

Jace smiled, looking slightly embarrassed. "I still have much to learn. But I'm fortunate to have good people around me."

As the food was being served, Gabriel leaned toward Jace. "What happens to the Rogue King now?"

"He'll stand trial," Jace replied. "All his crimes will be laid bare before the assembled packs. Justice should be public and transparent."

Gabriel nodded slowly. "That seems fair."

"And when he's sentenced to death," Jace added quietly, "you'll have the honor of carrying out that sentence, if you wish."

Gabriel was shocked, then he nodded with grim satisfaction. "Thank you."

After dinner, Jace went upstairs to wake Aurora, who had somehow slept through everything. The little girl bounced down the stairs, oblivious to the day's dangers, demanding her favorite bedtime story.

As the evening wound down, Lucas and Eliana gathered their twins and headed home. I noticed Greta swaying slightly from exhaustion.

"You should stay here tonight," I suggested. "We have one last spare room, and you're in no condition to travel."

"I wouldn't want to impose," she began.

"Nonsense," Luna Seraphina interrupted, already rising. "I'll prepare the room for you."

Greta relented with a grateful smile. "Just for tonight, then."

After Luna Seraphina and Marcus departed, Greta and Gabriel headed upstairs. Jace and I put the children to bed, Aurora insisting on extra kisses after missing us all day.

Finally, we collapsed into our own bed, Jace careful not to jostle my injured ribs. He pulled me against him, his warmth comforting.