The Human Girl Who Tamed Alpha King Chapter 159

ARIA

We collapse fully onto the nearby sofa, limbs entwined, too spent to move far. Moonlight spills through the window, casting soft shadows across the room. Jace holds me tight, his breathing still ragged, mirroring my own. I'm catching my breath, feeling reality creep back in despite my resistance. Damn, that was intense, a desperate grasp at solace, but it doesn't fix the mess waiting for me.

His arms tighten around me, like he's afraid to let go. I sense his unease, a quiet storm brewing beneath the surface. I nestle closer, not ready to face what's next, clinging to this fleeting peace.

We stay silent, wrapped in each other, for what feels like forever. His fingers trace slow circles on my back, and I'm holding onto this moment, knowing it's temporary. I know he's dreading me leaving, and hell, I'm not thrilled either. But Gabriel needs this trip, and I can't fail him now, no matter how much it hurts to walk away.

I shift, looking up at him. "I'm gonna miss this," I admit, my voice small, barely above a whisper. His grip tightens, saying everything without words, the weight of his feelings pressing against mine.

An hour later, we're cleaned up, sharing a quick bath in the tribal house. The hot water soothes my frayed nerves, but my mind's still racing, replaying the inevitable. Jace towels off beside me, quiet, watchful, his presence a steady anchor. I'm stalling, not ready to face Gabriel with the news. This is gonna suck, and I know it.

I slip into a fresh shirt, taking a deep breath to steady myself. "Time to tell him," I mutter, more to myself than Jace, the words heavy with dread.

Gabriel's room smells of old wood and memories. He's sitting by the window, looking frailer every day. My chest tightens as I step in, forcing a smile that feels brittle. "Hey, Dad, got some news. We're heading to Black Forest tomorrow to stay for three days and see Mom's grave."

His face softens, a flicker of peace crossing his tired features. "Thank you, Aria," he rasps, his voice weak but sincere. I nod, swallowing hard against the lump in my throat.

I start packing his things—shirts, socks, the little stuff. Each item feels heavier, like I'm packing away time itself. He watches, quiet, and I'm fighting the tears threatening to spill. "We'll make it a good trip, okay?" I say, voice shaky. Hell, I'm not sure who I'm convincing here, him or myself.

He just nods, trusting me completely. That trust cuts deeper than I expected, a weight I'm not sure I can carry.

Later, we're outside the tribal house, the air heavy with goodbye. The car's ready, Lucas at the wheel. Jace helps Gabriel settle in, while Aurora, Atlas, Seraphina, and Eliana hover nearby. My heart's in knots, looking at my kids. I can't mess this up, not for them, not for anyone.

I kneel by Aurora, forcing steadiness into my voice. "Be good, help with your brother. I'll be back soon."

"I'll be good, Mommy, I promise," Aurora says, her voice small but firm. My throat burns as I kiss her forehead. "I know you will," I manage, barely holding it together. Atlas is next, tiny in Seraphina's arms. I stroke his cheek, aching already at the distance.

"Keep ‘em safe, alright?" I tell Seraphina and Eliana, my voice tight with emotion.

"We got this, don't worry," Seraphina replies, steady as ever, her confidence a small comfort.

"We'll make sure Jace eats and rests," Eliana adds, glancing at him with a reassuring nod. I nod back, grateful. "Thanks, y'all." I pull them into a quick hug, needing that warmth to ground me. My eyes find Jace, standing by the car, tension in every line of his body. Damn, this is harder than I thought.

"Stay safe, come back quick," he says, kissing me softly, his lips lingering with unspoken worry.

"I will. Don't worry, I'll be fine," I promise, though I'm not sure I believe it myself. His hand lingers on mine, reluctant to let go. I feel the weight of his concern, mirroring my own. I'm torn—Gabriel needs me, but leaving Jace and the kids feels like a betrayal I can't shake.

I force myself to step back, nodding to Lucas. "Let's roll."

Inside the car, I settle beside Gabriel, the leather seat cold under me. Lucas starts the engine, and the tribal house shrinks in the rearview. My insides twist as we pull away from Moon Shadow, the familiar mountains fading. I'm leaving my heart behind, and it's killing me.

Gabriel's hand rests on the armrest, trembling slightly. I cover it with mine, squeezing gently, needing the connection.

"You okay, Dad?" I ask, keeping my tone light despite the ache. He turns, a faint smile there. "I'm glad it's with you," he says, voice rough but warm. My chest tightens—damn, don't cry now. I'm supposed to be the strong one, but his words hit like a punch.

I nod, looking out the window. "Yeah, me too," I mutter, barely audible, fighting the wave of emotion.

The road stretches ahead, winding through the rugged terrain. Every mile feels like a cut, pulling me further from Jace and the kids. I'm stuck in my head, replaying Aurora's promise, Jace's kiss. What if I'm not back soon? What if something happens here? Ugh, stop overthinking, Aria.

I glance at Gabriel, his eyes closed now. I've gotta focus on him, on making this right for him.

Lucas keeps the car steady, silent in the driver's seat. I'm grateful for that—no small talk, just space to feel this mess. My fingers tap restlessly on my knee, nerves buzzing. I'm responsible for Gabriel now, for making this trip mean something. But the weight of leaving everyone else is crushing me.

I sigh, muttering under my breath, "This better be worth it."

Gabriel shifts, eyes opening slowly. "It will be," he says, reading my doubt without me speaking it. I blink, caught off guard. His faith in me, even now, stings in a strange way. I'm not sure I deserve it, but I'll damn well try to. I force a small smile, nodding.

"Yeah, Dad. It will be," I echo, hoping I'm right, clinging to his certainty.

The car hums along, the landscape growing unfamiliar. I'm hyper-aware of every bump, every turn, as though they're counting down to something I can't predict. My mind drifts to Black Forest, to Mom's grave, to what this goodbye truly means. I'm scared, okay? Scared of losing him, of not being enough.