The Human Girl Who Tamed Alpha King Chapter 154

JACE

"Mom, are you okay?" he asked the woman beside him.

"Don't worry, John, I'm fine." The woman turned to us. "My King and Queen. I'm Samantha, and this is my son, Alpha John. My mate, John's father, died six months ago in a rogue attack. John isn't mated yet, so I remain Luna."

"Pleasure to meet you both," Aria said politely. "Good luck in your matches."

After they left, we returned home, away from the crowds and noise. Aria's muscles were tense; I could sense her exhaustion.

"Come here," I said, patting the couch. "Let me help you relax."

While massaging her, I told her how proud I was, how incredible she'd been. Aria turned to me with tears in her eyes, just saying thanks.

She hesitated, then finally admitted something that really got to me - she was fighting partly to show everyone I hadn't messed up by picking her. It hurt to learn this wasn't just about her own goals. She was also fighting to prove she deserved me.

ARIA

After a short break to eat and rest, I stood at the arena entrance, getting my mind ready. Lucas would soon call Luna Samantha and me out for the final fight. My muscles felt good - warm from earlier matches but not tired. Perfect condition.

Samantha showed up beside me, looking calm and focused. We nodded at each other - warriors who understood each other.

When Lucas called us, we walked out together. The crowd roared - they loved seeing us united like this. Two women about to fight in the first-ever Luna tournament. No matter who won, we'd already made history.

Lucas stood in the center of the ancient arena, his voice carrying across the space as we approached.

"Ladies and gentlemen. The last two fighters are our Queen and Battlehowl Clan's Luna Samantha. Everyone knows the rules, so I will not bore you by repeating them."

He turned to us, gesturing to opposite sides of the fighting area.

"Queen Aria, Luna Samantha. When you're ready, go find your stand."

We separated, each taking our position. The sand beneath my feet felt solid. Grounding. I raised my gaze to meet Samantha's across the arena. She was older, more experienced, but I had my own advantages.

"Let the fight begin!" Lucas's command rang out.

We bowed respectfully, then circled each other. My heart pounded, but I kept my breathing steady. I watched how she moved, looking for patterns.

Samantha attacked first - a quick punch and leg sweep. I dodged the punch and caught her leg, using her momentum to throw her down. The crowd gasped.

She rolled up fast, eyes narrowing as she sized me up again. Good. Never underestimate your opponent.

I attacked with quick punches and kicks. Three hit hard, knocking her back. When she fell, I backed off, letting her get up. This was about skill, not humiliation.

Samantha stood and nodded thanks. Then she charged.

We met in the middle, trading hits. Her fist slammed my stomach, knocking the wind out of me. Pain spread across my belly. I'd be bruised tomorrow for sure.

"That all you got?" I taunted through gritted teeth.

She smirked. "Just warming up, little gril."

The fight intensified. Twenty minutes in, sweat poured down my face, stinging my eyes. My limbs felt heavy. Samantha wasn't faring much better - her movements had slowed, her breathing more labored.

For a moment, I thought I might lose. A well-placed kick nearly took me down. But then I noticed something - the slight tremor in her stance, the extra second she needed to recover between combinations.

She was tiring faster than me.

I pressed forward, increasing my pace when she expected me to slow down. Confusion flashed across her face. Then understanding. Too late.

My foot connected with her knee, throwing her off-balance. As she stumbled, I closed in, executing the move I'd practiced countless times with Gabriel. I grabbed her arm, swept her remaining leg, and drove her to the ground. My body locked around hers in a submission hold, leaving only one arm free.

She struggled, testing my grip, finding no escape. Her free hand tapped the ground three times.

The arena exploded with sound.

Lucas's voice rose above the commotion: "The winner of the Luna competition is... QUEEN ARIA!"

The crowd chanted my name, their voices merging into a thunderous wall of sound. I helped Samantha to her feet, both of us breathing hard. She clasped my forearm in warrior's respect.

"Well fought," she said simply.

Before I could say anything, Jace appeared beside me, his expression torn between admiration and concern as his eyes quickly checked me for injuries. His hands gently examined my sides while nearby, Samantha was getting similar attention from her son, with Dr. Jonathan standing close by.

Dr. Maya came over and Jace reluctantly stepped back to let her examine me. I tried to downplay my injuries despite wincing when she touched a sore spot. After her thorough check, she confirmed I had no serious damage and would be fully healed by morning. I thanked her as she moved on to the other fighters.

Jace immediately pulled me against him, burying his nose in my hair and inhaling deeply. I felt him relax as he took in my scent through our mate bond.

"I'm proud of you," he murmured. "But I hate seeing you all bruised."

The arena gradually emptied as spectators and fighters headed out. Jace refused to let me walk, scooping me into his arms despite my protests.

"Put me down," I muttered. "Everyone's watching."

"Let them," he growled softly.

As we approached our home, I heard voices inside - Gabriel and Lucas were telling Eliana and Greta about my victory. Instead of stopping, Jace carried me straight upstairs to our bedroom.

He set me on the bed, kissed me softly, then disappeared into the bathroom. I heard water running.

When he returned, he lifted me again, bringing me to the bathroom where a steaming tub awaited. He helped me out of my fighting clothes, then stripped down himself and slid into the water behind me.

I leaned back against his chest, letting the hot water soothe my aching muscles. Jace washed me carefully, his touch gentle on my bruised skin. The herbs he'd added to the water - lavender and eucalyptus - filled the room with a calming scent.

After washing my hair, he nuzzled my neck, inhaling deeply again.

"I'm okay," I whispered, understanding how difficult it was for him to see me hurt.

"I know," he said. "And I get it was just a friendly fight. But I hate seeing you get hit. Always will. It's just my instinct to protect you."

We stayed in the bath till the water got cold. Then Jace helped me out and dried me with a fluffy towel. Looking in the mirror, I could see my bruises were already fading. They'd be gone by morning.

For the celebration dinner, I picked a simple but nice deep red long-sleeved dress. Jace wore black pants and a shirt that matched my dress color. Then we headed out for dinner.