The Human Girl Who Tamed Alpha King Chapter 162

JACE

Shit, I could feel her sadness, and I hate that I can not be there with her right now, but I know she isn't alone and that Lucas is there with her. I am expecting her to call me, so I have not gone to bed yet, but I am working so I can stay awake while I wait for her.

Before the sadness became stronger and the only feeling for some time I felt, was that she was shocked too, for what reason I do not know.

A sudden jolt of shock pulses through our bond. Aria's emotions spike so violently I nearly drop my pen. Something happened - something big. I reach for her through our connection but get nothing specific.

The phone buzzes with a message.

Aria: [You still awake?]

I don't bother texting back. I hit the call button, needing to hear her voice.

She answers on the first ring. Her breathing sounds ragged, unsteady.

"He's gone," she says, voice barely above a whisper.

My chest tightens. "I'm sorry, baby. Wish I could be there with you."

"Me too." Her voice sounds hollow, distant.

Silence stretches between us. I wait, giving her time.

"The Moon Goddess came," she finally continues. "She brought Gabriel's mate - my foster mother."

Now I understand that shock I felt through our bond.

"Seeing her, talking to her after all these years... must've been intense."

"Yeah." Aria takes a shaky breath. "She said she was proud of us. Then she touched us. The Moon Goddess gave her enough strength to do that."

I grip the phone tighter. "How are you holding up?"

"I'm okay. We're... we're flying back tomorrow morning. Early."

"Good. We all miss you." I try lightening the moment. "Especially the kids. I can't sing worth a damn. They keep telling me to shut up."

A small laugh escapes her. "That's terrible."

"But true." I smile, knowing she can hear it in my voice.

She laughs again, the sound warming me despite everything.

"Get some rest, baby. Let me know when you're heading out."

"I will."

"Sweet dreams, love."

"Goodnight," she whispers before hanging up.

I stare at the phone, understanding her shock now. Seeing her dead foster mother, watching Gabriel go with her - no wonder her emotions exploded through our bond.

I force myself through the remaining paperwork before heading to bed. The sheets feel cold without her. Tomorrow she comes home.

## ARIA

*Sis, you awake?*

Lucas's voice slides into my mind, pulling me from restless sleep. I blink at the unfamiliar ceiling, reality crashing back. Right. Black Forest Pack. Gabriel gone.

*I'm up,* I send back.

*Guards are ready. I contacted the flight crew too. Breakfast will be waiting.*

*Good. I told Dylan last night we'd leave early.*

*He's already up. No problems there.*

*Okay. See you in a few minutes.*

I drag myself out of bed, muscles aching from yesterday's emotional marathon. I pick a deep red dress - almost black - with black boots, and braid my hair quickly. Just because I'm grieving doesn't mean I can look like hell. Queens don't get that luxury.

After packing the last few items, I grab my bag and head for the door. Two guards - Caleb and Conner - stand at attention outside.

"My queen." They bow their heads slightly.

"Morning, guys." I force a smile. "Thanks for everything. Ready to head home?"

"Yes, my queen," they answer in unison.

"Let's go then." I nod, and Conner takes my bag as we head downstairs.

Outside, vehicles wait in precise formation. Guards, Lucas, and Dylan stand ready. I spot an oversized vehicle that looks more like a small bus than a car. I glance questioningly at Lucas, then Dylan.

"My queen." Dylan steps forward, voice formal.

"Morning, Dylan. Are we bringing extra passengers?"

"When you and Chief Guardian Lucas were with Gabriel, I updated Alpha Jace on our situation." He shifts uncomfortably. "We started making travel arrangements for some pack members, but we have four pregnant females close to term. Long travel would be difficult for them." He lowers his eyes. "I mentioned your plane had space. I hope that wasn't presumptuous. Forgive me, my queen."

I almost laugh at his formality. A year ago, we were just packmates. Now he can barely look me in the eye.

"You did the right thing. Of course they can join us. I promise they'll be taken care of when we reach Ancient Moon Shadow."

Relief crosses his face. "Thank you, my queen."

Ethan approaches from the lead car. "We should depart now, my queen."

I nod and walk to Lucas's vehicle. He opens the door for me, but I pause and turn back to Dylan.

"I'll tell Jace your people are coming. And Dylan? Thank you again for letting us bring Gabriel here to say goodbye."

Dylan's expression softens. "This was your home once, my queen. And Gabriel's since he took you in. I would never refuse his wish to rest beside his mate."

"Thank you." The simple words carry the weight of my gratitude.

He nods. I slide into the car, Lucas and Ethan joining me. The doors close with a solid thunk, and we pull away toward the airstrip.

At the airstrip, I watch as guards help pregnant wolves from the larger vehicle. These women look exhausted already - exactly why Dylan was right to send them with us.

I approach them, pushing grief aside to focus on being Luna. "Hello everyone. You all know who I am. I want you to know we're happy to have you traveling with us, and I promise you'll be well cared for."

Their thanks seems genuine, not just obligatory. The guards load our luggage onto the sleek private jet while we board.

I pause at the stairs, glancing back at Black Forest Pack territory one last time. Another chapter closed. We'd found peace for Gabriel here, beside the woman he loved.

Now it was time to go home to mine.