The Human Girl Who Tamed Alpha King Chapter 168

JACE

I am exhausted. My muscles ache like I've run for days. This was nothing like when Vanessa was in heat. With Aria, everything was more intense. But I'm not complaining. Each pain reminds me of our time together, and Phantom, my wolf, feels satisfied.

"You're staring," Aria says across the breakfast table. The morning light hits her hair. Despite everything, she looks strong.

"Just checking if you're okay," I reply, grabbing my coffee. "Now that things are calming down."

*Not that anything is truly calm. Reports from the borders show increased vampire activity. Three packs reporting missing wolves in the last month alone. They're getting bolder, and I don't have enough information to stop them.*

She nods efficiently - a wolf gesture, not wasting movement. "I'm sore, but fine. Don't worry so much."

"Can't help it," I admit. "We need to talk about what happens next. Until Dr. Maya confirms if you're pregnant, you can't do warrior training or border patrols."

*The thought of her pregnant makes my chest tight. A child. Our child. In the middle of this brewing war. Terrible timing, but Phantom howls with pride at the possibility.*

I expect her to fight me on this. Aria hates being left out. But she just nods, her hand briefly touching her stomach.

The thought of her carrying my child hits me hard. Excitement. Fear. The need to protect. Phantom wants to howl with pride. And the timing couldn't be worse with the vampire threat growing every day.

*If she's pregnant, she becomes an even bigger target. The vampires took that female wolf specifically because she was carrying. What the hell are they planning?*

"I figured as much," she says quietly. "I won't take risks. I'll keep Aurora and myself safe and keep our mind link open."

Her easy agreement surprises me. "Thanks for understanding."

"I'm not always stubborn," she says with a small smile.

"Just most of the time," I tease, relieved we're not fighting. I reach for her hand, feeling our mating bond pulse between us.

"We need to decide where you'll stay when the enemy arrives," I continue. "Here or the secure area in the Pack House?"

"Eliana already moved to the Pack House since Lucas is busy with warrior duties," I explain. "It's safer there. Double guards. Stronger buildings. I've told all single mothers they can move there."

*I don't tell her about the nightmares keeping me awake. Images of vampires breaching our defenses. Of finding Aria like we found that marked female - broken, violated, marked. I'd burn the world down if anyone touched her.*

"The Pack House makes sense," she decides. "More people around, and Aurora can play with other pups. That's better."

She doesn't say "safer," but I hear it anyway.

"Good. We'll move some of your things this morning." My mind races ahead - I'll need to put her near my meeting room, increase patrols, ask Greta to strengthen the spells around the nursery.

*Not enough. Never enough protection for what matters most. We need better intelligence, better defenses. I can't lose them.*

After showering, I find Aria has already packed bags for herself and Aurora. Even tired, she's efficient, folding clothes perfectly and setting aside Aurora's favorite toys. I've always admired how she handles chaos.

"Everything will be fine, little one," I say, using the nickname that calms her wolf. I wrap my arms around her from behind and press my face to her neck where my mark sits. Our scents mix there. Mine. Ours.

"I contacted Dr. Maya through mind link," she says, leaning against me. "She's coming tomorrow at 10:30 to check on me."

"I'll be there," I promise immediately. No way I'd miss that. The thought of hearing about our child makes my throat tight.

As we walk toward the safety area, I notice pack members watching us. News of a mating spreads fast, especially when it involves their Alpha. I keep my face neutral, but pride fills my chest. Look at her. My mate. Strong enough to survive what would kill most humans.

Hunter approaches us, his face grim. I've known him since we were pups. That look means trouble.

"Alpha," he calls, walking faster. His hand rests on his knife.

I step in front of Aria instantly. "What is it?"

"We've identified the marked female," Hunter says quietly, glancing briefly at Aria. "She belonged to Stone Claw Pack. She and her mate disappeared over a year ago. When her Alpha felt her mate's pack link break, and through him, her link too, they assumed they'd gone rogue."

My jaw clenches. "Damn. They must have killed him first and forced her to break her pack link." The cruelty makes Phantom snarl inside me.

Hunter nods, his face hard. "The marks match other cases we've heard about."

"Does she have family?" I ask, anger mixing with guilt for not protecting another wolf, even from a different pack.

"Her mate's father is still alive, but not well. He identified her as his daughter-in-law." Hunter's voice drops. "The old man broke down. Said even with the marks and damage, he knew her face. Called her 'my Lily' before he collapsed."

Each word feels like a stone in my gut. Another family destroyed because I couldn't stop these monsters. Phantom rages for blood. I feel my eyes shifting to wolf gold.

"Arrange proper burial and memorial stone as promised," I order, fighting to keep my voice steady. The old ways matter - we respect our dead. "And Hunter, emergency meeting in the Alpha's Chamber in two hours. I have new information about the vampire war."

As Hunter walks away, I can't hold back a growl. "Damn vampires." The words don't match the hatred burning in me, but I won't say worse with Aria here.

We walk in silence until Aria speaks. "You said Dr. Maya found the dead wolf had been pregnant recently?"

I nod, remembering the report that made me want to destroy everything around me. A pregnant wolf in vampire hands - it's beyond horrible.

"Given how long she was missing..." Aria pauses, showing both human compassion and wolf protectiveness. "I don't think it was her mate's child."

"I don't either," I admit bitterly.

"So either the baby died or..."

"Or there's a wolf/vampire hybrid pup somewhere." I finish. The thought makes me sick and furious.

We fall silent, thinking about what that poor wolf endured. If I ever find who did this, they'll die slowly. I'll tear them apart piece by piece.

My thoughts scatter when I hear excited squealing. Aurora runs toward us, legs pumping, while Atlas crawls rapidly behind her, both racing to reach us.

"Daddy! Mommy!" Aurora calls, her face bright with joy.

Eliana follows with a smile, watching Atlas crawl. For a moment, seeing those innocent faces, hope cuts through my darkness. This is what we fight for. This is why we'll win, no matter what the vampires do.

Because wolves protect their own. Always.

The path ahead won't be easy. The vampires grow bolder. The marked female is just the beginning. I can feel it in my bones - a war is coming. But looking at Aria, at our daughter, I know what I'm fighting for.

Chapter 182 Chapter182

# ARIA

I glanced at the clock on the bedside table. Almost 9:45. My appointment with Dr. Maya was in forty-five minutes. Running my hand over my stomach—a habit I'd developed recently—I knew what the test would confirm before any doctor told me. My body felt different. With Sage now part of me, my senses had sharpened enough to detect the subtle changes happening inside.

Jace wouldn't be coming with me. He hadn't said it outright, but I knew. The Alpha of the victim's pack, along with several other Alphas, was due to arrive that morning. As King, it was his duty to welcome them.

*Story of my life. Facing the big moments alone.*

He'd barely slept these past three days since we moved to the Pack House—too busy coordinating defenses and integrating the arriving packs. Dark circles had formed under his eyes, and his shoulders carried the weight of protecting nearly forty thousand wolves. My doctor's appointment seemed minor compared to his responsibilities.

I understood. Really, I did. Disappointed? Maybe a little. But that was selfish thinking, and I pushed it away. We were preparing for war. Personal moments would have to wait.

*But damn it, I wanted him there.*

The morning air felt crisp against my skin as I walked to the Healing Center alone. Pack members nodded respectfully as I passed. Some even bowed slightly, murmuring "Luna" or "Queen."

*Still weird. Being royalty wasn't exactly on my plan.*

The Healing Center buzzed with activity. Warriors getting wounds treated. Pregnant she-wolves receiving care. Medical staff hurrying between rooms. A young nurse spotted me immediately and rushed over.

"Queen Aria," she said with a quick bow. "Dr. Maya is expecting you. Please follow me."

She led me to a private room at the back, opened the door, and gestured for me to enter. I stepped inside and froze.

Jace sat in a chair by the window.

"Jace," I said, my voice catching with surprise.

*Holy shit, he came! My heart's doing that stupid fluttery thing.*

He stood, the hint of a smile softening his usually stern face. "I told you I'd be here."

My heart squeezed. He'd rearranged his entire morning for this. For me. For us.

*And this is why I love him, even when he drives me crazy.*

Before I could respond, Dr. Maya entered. She smiled warmly at seeing us together.

"Good morning," she said. "We'll start with a pregnancy test, and if it's positive, we'll try beginning ultrasound monitoring. With at least half werewolf genetics, the development will be accelerated, so we'll want to keep a close watch."

I squeezed Jace's hand. "Let's do this."

*My palms are sweaty. Why am I nervous about something I already know?*

While we waited for results, Dr. Maya showed us a tracking schedule she'd prepared, anticipating weekly check-ups initially.

"The test is positive," Dr. Maya announced when she returned. "You're pregnant."

A rush of emotions hit me—joy, fear, wonder—but no surprise. "I knew it. I could feel it."

*My body has been screaming it at me for days.*

Dr. Maya performed the ultrasound, pointing to what looked like a tiny pea on the screen. "Everything looks normal at this stage," she assured us. "I'd like to see you again next week, Aria."

As she continued talking about pregnancy dos and don'ts, a realization crashed over me like a wave. I couldn't fight. When the battle came—and it was coming—I'd be sidelined. The warrior in me rebelled against the thought.

*I should be protecting my family, my pack. Instead, I'll be what? Hiding? Waiting?*

"You can still shift to your normal wolf form for now," Dr. Maya continued, "but if you feel any discomfort, don't shift anymore. Your body and Sage will know when it's no longer safe."

"I'll be careful," I promised, accepting the vitamins she offered.

*Great. One more limitation. One more reason to be careful.*

When we were alone, Jace pulled me into his arms. "You okay? You got quiet."

I buried my face in his chest. "I'm happy about the baby. I am. But I hate that I can't fight with you when the time comes. I hate feeling... useless."

"You are carrying our child," he said firmly. "That's the opposite of useless."

"I know. But—"

"No buts. Your job right now is protecting our baby. My job is protecting everything else."

*Easy for him to say. He gets to actually DO something.*

Still, when his hand rested on my stomach, a different emotion swelled within me. Pride. Wonder. Love. This was our baby. A miracle in the midst of chaos.

*Maybe it's not such bad timing after all. Something beautiful in all this ugliness.*

"We're having a baby," I whispered, suddenly giddy with the reality of it.

His smile was radiant. "Yes, we are."

When we returned to the Pack House, we found Eliana and Aurora playing in the game room. Lucas lounged nearby, watching them with tired eyes.

"Lucas, are you actually resting?" I asked. The guy looked like death warmed over.

"Lucas has been working for two straight days," Jace explained. "I told him to spend some time with Eliana and Aurora and get some sleep."

I nodded approvingly. "Perfect timing, because now I can tell you both at once. I'm pregnant."

*God, saying it out loud feels surreal. I'M. PREGNANT. Again!*

Eliana squealed, "I knew it!" She jumped up to hug me tightly. "You've had that glow!"

Lucas smiled, his exhaustion momentarily forgotten as he offered congratulations.

I knelt to Aurora's level, my heart pounding. "Daddy and I went to see Dr. Maya today. She told us that Mommy has a little brother or sister in her tummy."

Aurora's eyes widened. "You have a baby in your tummy?"

"Yes. Is that okay?" I asked, suddenly nervous.

*My heart's in my throat. What if she's upset?*

Aurora jumped with excitement. "Yes! I'm going to be a big sister again! I promise I'll be a good big sister!"

Relief washed over me. I hugged her close. "You're going to be the best big sister ever."

I felt Jace's arms wrap around us both. He kissed the top of my head, and when I looked up, we shared a smile.

"We're having a baby," he said, his voice low and intimate.

I nodded, savoring this perfect moment with my family. "Yes, we're having a baby."

*In this moment, I'm completely, perfectly happy. Despite everything.*

Atlas still looked completely bewildered, his innocent face showing no understanding of what was happening. He glanced between us with wide, curious eyes, clutching his stuffed wolf toy tightly.

After sharing our news, everyone erupted in celebration. Warm hugs, tearful congratulations, and excited chatter filled the room.

*This joy, this celebration—it's what I'm fighting for. What WE'RE fighting for. Even if I can't be on the frontlines, I'll find a way to protect all of this.*

But even as happiness bubbled through me, a nagging worry remained. When the battle came—and it was coming—I wouldn't be standing with Jace. I'd be the pregnant Queen, hidden away for safety. The warrior in me hated that thought.

*I want to fight. I NEED to fight. But I can't risk this baby.*