The Human Girl Who Tamed Alpha King Chapter 169

ARIA

 

I settled in our bedroom, reports scattered around me as I worked. Since confirmation of my pregnancy, I'd thrown myself into the work I could still do. If I couldn't fight alongside our warriors, I would make damn sure they had the best possible support.

 

My fingers traced over the numbers I'd compiled. Thirty-six thousand, six hundred and forty-eight combat-ready warriors. Nearly two thousand non-combatants in or near the Pack House. Approximately eighteen thousand regular members and families in their homes. These weren't just statistics—they were lives I was responsible for as Luna. As Queen.

 

Beyond our walls, the Pack House hummed with activity. Built like a fortress—stronger walls, double guards at every entrance, enhanced protection spells—it sheltered our most vulnerable. Most residents were elderly wolves and pregnant females whose mates were fighting. Warriors patrolled constantly, their footsteps creating a rhythm that my wolf senses picked up easily even from our private quarters.

 

Sometimes I still startled at how differently I perceived the world now. Sage, my wolf, detected nuances my human senses never could. Being former human with a wolf spirit was strange; part of me analyzed everything logically while another part operated on pure instinct.

 

Just yesterday, I'd caught myself growling—actually growling—at a warrior who'd approached me too quickly in the hallway. I was totally embarrassed, but Sage? She was proud of it. Ugh. We're still working on this whole sharing-a-body thing.

 

I glanced at the training schedule I'd drafted. Three packs training together would prevent overcrowding while ensuring everyone received proper instruction. Some of the more traditional Alphas had balked at the idea of mixing their warriors with others. Old prejudices died hard, even with a common enemy threatening us all. But practicality had eventually won out.

 

*Hey, little one,* Jace's voice touched my mind.

 

My heart quickened at the contact. *Hey, baby.*

 

*How do the numbers look?*

 

*We have 36,648 combat-ready warriors, with nearly 2,000 non-combatants in or around the Pack House. About 18,000 regular members and dependents are in their homes.*

 

*Good, thank you.*

 

I hesitated before adding, *I was thinking if you grouped three to four packs together for training, everyone could get training time and rest time.*

 

Jace didn't respond immediately, and I continued organizing my papers. My wolf wanted to push, to demand an answer—Sage was impatient that way—but my human side understood leadership required consideration. The balance between these instincts was still awkward for me.

 

Later, his voice returned. *I told Lucas, Hunter, Marcus, and Alpha Randall. They said it's a good plan. Thank you, little one.*

 

Pride bloomed in my chest at his approval. *You're welcome. I also arranged for the burial of that female wolf we thought had no family. They're doing it today. And I had an idea.*

 

*Tell me,* his mental voice carried a hint of amusement.

 

*I was thinking about having a small team from the Healing Center here at the Pack House. All this is putting stress on the mothers. So having healers nearby might be a good idea.*

 

*You're right. Coordinate with Dr. Maya. Maybe two healers, say four nurses, perhaps six—ask Dr. Maya what she thinks.*

 

*I will.*

 

*You're amazing. With everything you're doing, I can focus on the war.*

 

*I'm helping however I can.* I bit my lip, wishing I could do more. The human part of me hated feeling sidelined, while Sage was content knowing I was protecting our pup.

 

*You're doing great. I'll try my best to be back tonight to sleep.*

 

*That would be wonderful. We miss you. You need sleep too.*

 

*I know. Miss you too. Love you.*

 

*Love you too.*

 

After our mind link ended, I contacted Dr. Maya and Dr. Jonathan about stationing healers at the Pack House. Both agreed enthusiastically.

 

"Dr. Maya can be one of them," Dr. Jonathan suggested. "She can find another, and they can choose which nurses they want. I think four would be enough. We can always add two more if needed."

 

"Yes, I agree. Good idea," Dr. Maya confirmed.

 

"I'll arrange accommodations in a quieter area and dedicate the large room in the elder section—formerly a library—as a medical station. You can set it up however works best for you," I told Dr. Maya. "Use dividers if needed."

 

"Perfect. I'll get right on it," she said before ending the call.

 

Left alone, exhaustion washed over me. I missed Jace fiercely, and the war terrified me. What were the vampires planning beyond killing? How many were there? The Moon Goddess hadn't provided more information, and the uncertainty gnawed at me.

 

I pressed my palm to my stomach, thinking of the tiny life growing inside me. Terrible timing, but I couldn't regret it. Two years ago, I'd been a human girl just a burning desire to prove myself. Now I was Queen, Luna to the King, mother to Aurora and Atlas, and carrying Jace's child again. Sometimes the transformation of my life seemed more dramatic than my physical transformation.

 

I gathered my papers, organizing them by importance. The information needed to be accessible if Jace required it during my absence. Sage growled in my mind at the thought of others touching my work, but I quieted her. This was bigger than territorial instincts.

 

After checking my documents once more, I left our bedroom and headed to the entertainment room. Eliana and Aurora were there, along with Luna Seraphina, who'd arrived earlier in the day. I'd prepared a room for her in the Alpha wing, knowing she'd want to be close to her son and his family during these dangerous times.

 

"The healers from the Healing Center will be moving into the Pack House," I told them, settling onto the couch beside Aurora, who immediately climbed into my lap.

 

"That's a wonderful idea," Eliana said, her medical training making her appreciate the arrangement. "Let me know if I can help."

 

"Same here," Luna Seraphina offered. "I'd be happy to assist."

 

We spent the next hour discussing arrangements, with Aurora occasionally interrupting to show us her drawings.

 

After dinner with Aurora and tucking her into bed, I checked on Atlas in his crib. Our boy was sleeping peacefully, his tiny chest rising and falling steadily. I returned to our room, bone-tired and wondering when Jace would return. The empty bed looked enormous and uninviting. Sage whined in our mind, missing Phantom's presence as much as I missed Jace's.

 

I opened the door and froze in surprise.

 

Jace stood there, waiting. He must have slipped away from his duties early, somehow making time for us despite everything.

Chapter 184 Chapter184

JACE

I leaned against the fence, eating lunch while watching warriors train. After two weeks of intense preparation, I was exhausted. My muscles hurt, I wasn't sleeping, and I barely saw Aria or Aurora anymore. This war preparation was taking everything out of me.

The training area was busy. Warriors practiced defensive moves against vampire attacks in pairs. I watched for weaknesses in their technique. Marcus had done a good job with the new training program, but I wondered if it would be enough in actual combat. I really hoped so.

Movement at the edge of the woods caught my attention. My senses sharpened instantly. Something wasn't right. I set down my plate and moved toward the treeline, body tensing with each step. Phantom growled within me, sensing danger.

Three figures emerged from the shadows. Two warriors supported a third between them. The scent of blood hit me before I could make out their faces. Not my pack members.

Lucas noticed them too, and we both sprinted forward.

"What happened?" Lucas demanded as we reached them.

One warrior, breathing heavily, answered, "We were patrolling the northern border when black smoke and thick fog surrounded us. I tried establishing a mind link, but something blocked it completely."

The second warrior nodded frantically. "That fog was unnaturally dense. Then some force pushed us away. That's when we heard his screams." His hands trembled as he supported his injured comrade.

I gestured for them to set the injured warrior down. He was unconscious, breathing shallow and labored. Two distinct bite marks marred his neck—not from any wolf in my pack. The wound edges blackened, with dark veins spreading outward. Vampire bites? No, these looked different.

"Whose pack are you from?" Lucas asked while I examined the bites.

"Little Fang Pack," the first warrior replied. "Alpha Neil sent us to patrol the shared border."

I closed my eyes, establishing a mind link with Alpha Neil. *Alpha Neil, this is King Jace. Three of your warriors were attacked near our northern border. One is severely injured with bite marks. Come immediately.*

His response came quickly. *On my way, my King. Ten minutes.*

The injured warrior suddenly convulsed, his body trembling violently. The other warriors backed away. I held him down firmly, preventing further injury as dark fluid leaked from his mouth.

"What the hell is this?" Lucas muttered, kneeling beside me. "Never seen bite marks like these."

"Neither have I," I admitted. "But it's spreading fast. Whatever attacked them isn't something we've faced before."

Within minutes, a black SUV pulled up, and Alpha Neil jumped out, rushing toward us. He dropped to his knees beside his fallen warrior, face paling at the sight.

"My King," he acknowledged me with a quick nod.

"Alpha Neil, I'm sorry this happened. Your man was attacked and bitten twice," I said firmly. "You understand what this means."

Neil's face grew somber as he examined the wounds, black veins now reaching the warrior's jaw. "How long?" he asked quietly.

"Not long. The venom spreads quickly." I didn't sugarcoat it. We both knew death was coming.

Alpha Neil closed his eyes briefly. "He has family. Parents, a mate, two teenage pups. Can they say goodbye?"

I nodded. "Of course. We'll move him to the Healing Center, give him pain medication and sedate him for safety."

"Thank you, my King. I'll leave immediately to bring his family."

Lucas had already mind-linked several warriors who arrived with a stretcher. We carefully lifted the dying man. The black veins had spread further up his neck and down his chest. His breathing came in ragged gasps that tore at me inside. This could've been one of my own men.

We transported him to the Healing Center, where Dr. Maya took charge, administering medication.

"The venom spreads rapidly," she whispered. "A few hours at most. Never seen anything like this."

I nodded grimly. "His family's coming to say goodbye. Make him comfortable."

After ensuring everything was arranged, Lucas and I left. Hunter and Marcus approached us outside.

"You two should get some rest," Marcus said. "We've got things covered tonight."

I started to protest, but fatigue dragged at my limbs. Two weeks of minimal sleep had taken its toll. "Fine. Mind link me if anything changes."

Lucas and I walked silently back to the Pack House. The implications hung between us. A new type of attack. Black fog. Blocked mind links. This terrified me more than I wanted to admit.

"This changes our defense plans," Lucas finally said.

"Yes. No warrior patrols alone anymore. And we need to figure out what this black fog is." My mind raced with possibilities, none good.

As we entered the Pack House, warm light spilled from the common room. Aria sat with Aurora on her lap. Atlas crawled on a blanket. Luna Seraphina and Greta chatted on the couch. The sight hit me hard—everything I was fighting to protect.

"Looks cozy in here," I said from the doorway.

Aria's head snapped up. "Jace!" Her face brightened instantly. Aurora scrambled off her lap and ran toward me.

"Daddy! You're back!" she squealed.

Atlas abandoned his toys and crawled rapidly toward me, making happy sounds.

I scooped Aurora up, kissing her cheek, then swept Atlas into my other arm. I crossed to Aria, kissed her softly, breathing in her scent. Home. Safety. Everything worth dying for.

"Are you all right?" Aria asked, her eyes searching mine. "What happened?"

I nodded, not wanting to worry her. "A warrior was attacked. We just came from the Healing Center. His family's coming to say goodbye."

Aria's smile faded, sadness crossing her features. "I'm sorry to hear that." She stood on tiptoes to kiss me again.

"He's from one of the smaller packs," I added. "But that doesn't make it easier."

"Of course not," she agreed softly.

"Hunter and Marcus are handling things tonight so Lucas and I can rest."

Luna Seraphina stood. "We'll take the pups so you can have time together."

"Thank you," I said as Aurora protested.

"Just one more story, Daddy!" she begged.

"Tomorrow, princess. Daddy needs sleep," I promised, kissing her forehead.

Once alone in our bedroom, I pulled Aria tightly against me. The tension in my shoulders eased slightly, though my mind raced with worries.

"What have you been doing?" I asked as we lay in bed.

Aria told me about setting up a temporary medical area in the Pack House. She handed me an ultrasound picture from the nightstand.

"Dr. Maya did this yesterday," she said.

I studied the image—a small blob that would become our child. Another life to protect in this dangerous world. "Looks perfect, either way, my love."

"Maya thinks the baby grows quickly," she said, touching her stomach.

"Is it a girl?" I asked.

Aria shrugged. "Maybe. Maya said she thinks we'll know in another week or two."

"Sounds good." I kissed her forehead. "Sorry I haven't been around much lately."

"No, don't say that," she replied firmly. "We both know you have to do this; it'll be all right."

"Thank you, baby," I whispered, holding her close as sleep claimed me.

Chapter 185 Chapter185

ARIA

I woke up alone again, my hand automatically reaching across the cold, empty sheets where Jace should be. He'd been gone for a week now, dealing with the vampire threat. God, I missed him. I'd gotten used to his presence, his warmth, the way he'd curl protectively around me at night. Now the bed felt too big, too empty.

"Get it together, Aria," I muttered to myself, sitting up and pressing my palm against my growing belly. The firmness there still surprised me.

Seven days without Jace. One week of handling pack business alone while trying not to worry myself sick. He'd spent one night here before leaving – playing with Aurora, cradling Atlas in his arms. Those moments now seemed like they happened months ago rather than days.

Two more warriors had been injured this week. One was recovering well, but the other... the venom was taking over. During his lucid moments, he'd told Dr. Jonathan he wanted a dignified end if recovery wasn't possible. Those words had haunted me for days.

I'd offered to use my soul healing abilities to help him. Both Jace and Dr. Jonathan shut that down immediately.

"We don't know how channeling that much energy might affect the baby," Dr. Jonathan had said, his firm tone leaving no room for argument. "It's not a risk worth taking."

I hated feeling useless, but they were right. This baby had to come first now.

I got dressed quickly, choosing a loose tunic that fit over my bump. Today was my ultrasound appointment with Dr. Maya. We might find out the gender. The thought made my heart race despite everything else going on.

Last night, Jace had reached out through our mind link.

*I'll try to make it back for your appointment tomorrow,* he'd said, exhaustion evident even in his mental voice. *I can't guarantee it, but I'll do my best.*

*I understand,* I'd replied, swallowing my disappointment. *The pack needs you more right now.*

But damn, I wanted him here. This should be our moment together.

Walking to the Healing Center, I nodded to passing pack members who bowed or lowered their heads.

"Good morning, Luna," a young female warrior said.

"My Queen," another greeted reverently.

I still wasn't used to that. Queen. Me. The human girl who'd spent most of her life just trying to fit in with wolves. Now they bowed to me. Weird how life turns out.

---

Dr. Maya was waiting when I arrived at the Healing Center.

"My Queen," she greeted with a respectful nod.

"Maya, please," I said, forcing a smile. The formality still made me squirm.

"Come lay down, Aria. And we will see how everything looks," she gestured toward the examination table.

I settled down and lifted my tunic, exposing my growing belly. No hiding this bump anymore.

"Have you felt anything?" Maya asked as she prepared the machine.

"Some movement but nothing crazy, and I feel tired," I admitted. "Is that normal?"

"The movement is a good sign," Maya assured me. "The fatigue is expected with pregnancy, but also likely compounded by your restricted activities and our current situation with the vampires."

The gel was cold on my skin. I flinched slightly, then focused on the screen as images appeared. My heart clenched at the sight of the tiny form – my baby. Our second baby together.

"It is a healthy baby. Developing just the way she should," Maya said.

Wait. She?

"Is it a girl?" I asked, hardly daring to hope.

Maya nodded. "Yes, it is, a healthy, strong little girl."

A daughter. My first daughter. Emotions crashed over me in waves – joy, fear, wonder. I stared at the screen, unable to tear my eyes away.

"Thank you, she looks so beautiful, she is perfect. Just so beautifully perfect," I whispered, tears threatening. A little sister for Atlas and Aurora. The baby girl I never thought I'd have. Born in wartime, but she would be fierce. She had to be.

"Would you like me to print some pictures for you?" Maya asked.

"Please, yes, if you can. Jace will want to see this." My throat tightened thinking of him missing this moment.

"I can also record a short video clip," Maya offered. "So King Jace can see the baby moving."

I nodded gratefully. At least he could see something of this milestone, even if he couldn't be here.

Maya recorded the footage, then commented, "Your baby appears to be developing slightly faster than average for werewolf pregnancies. But everything looks healthy and normal."

An assistant helped clean the gel off while Maya prepared the photos and video. I couldn't stop thinking about my daughter growing inside me. Would she have my stubbornness? Jace's strength? Would Atlas be protective of her? Would Aurora—

"Thank you, Maya, you are amazing," I said when she returned with an envelope of pictures.

"Make sure you continue taking the herbal supplements," she instructed. "And rest whenever you feel tired. Contact me immediately if anything unusual happens."

"I will, thank you." I tucked the envelope carefully into my pocket, treasuring its contents.

Walking back to the Pack House, my mind raced with thoughts of this daughter. How would Aurora react? She'd been so good with Atlas, but a little sister might be different. Someone who might compete for her dad's attention more than a brother would.

I smiled, remembering how Aurora had fussed over Atlas when he was born. She'd be excited, I decided. She'd been asking for a sister anyway.

My hand drifted to my stomach. "Your big sister's going to be so excited about you," I whispered. "Your dad too, when he finds out."

I just wished Jace had been there. Another moment stolen by this damn conflict. Another memory we couldn't share together.

But that's what being Queen meant, right? Sacrifice. Understanding. Patience.

I straightened my shoulders and picked up my pace. I had photos to show Aurora and a mind link message to send to Jace as soon as I got back. Life doesn't pause for war. And this baby girl – this perfect, beautiful girl – was proof of that.

She would arrive in a few months, and I was determined she'd be born into a peaceful world. Somehow, we'd make that happen. We had to.

Chapter 186 Chapter186

JACE

I stood watching Dr. Jonathan and his team working over Cole's body. Damn it. I should be with Aria right now. Her ultrasound appointment—seeing our baby on the screen. Instead, I'm here, about to end a loyal warrior's life. The burden of being King never feels heavier than in moments like these.

Dr. Jonathan approached me, exhaustion written all over his face. "My King, the venom has progressed too far. We've done everything possible to slow it, but he's losing his ability to shift. His body temperature is dropping."

I nodded, keeping my expression neutral even as guilt clawed at my insides. "Does he know?"

"Yes. He's asked for a warrior's death if we can't stop the venom."

Phantom growled inside my head. *Another one lost. Another failure.*

*Not now,* I shot back mentally.

"Has his family been notified?" I asked.

"They're with him now."

I watched as Cole's mother and sisters said their goodbyes. Their grief pressed down on me like a physical weight. This is on me. My pack, my responsibility.

When his mother approached, I took her hands in mine. "If there's anything the pack can do for your family, please let me know through the mind link. I am so sorry."

She broke down against my chest. "First my husband in that rogue attack three years ago, and now my son. I have only my daughters and their mates now."

God, I hated this part of being Alpha. Comforting those I've failed to protect.

Cole was conscious when I entered, silver chains binding him to the bed. Black veins spread from the bite wound on his neck. Shit. It was worse than I'd thought.

"My King, forgive me for not standing to bow. These silver chains are..." he trailed off, his voice rough.

"Don't apologize," I replied, moving closer. "If anyone should apologize, it's me."

Cole's face registered surprise. "No, my King. I knew the risks. I chose to protect the pack."

My throat tightened. "Thank you for your loyalty and service as a Moon Shadow warrior."

"It has been my honor to serve a King as strong and just as you. A descendant of Phantom deserves my life."

I leaned closer. "Dr. Jonathan will give you an injection. It won't cure you, but it will ease your pain. Once you're unconscious, I'll complete the ritual myself."

Determination replaced the fear on his face. "One last time, like a true warrior?"

"Like a true warrior," I confirmed, placing my hand on his shoulder.

As the drugs took effect, his breathing slowed. "May the Moon Goddess guide your spirit," I whispered.

When Dr. Jonathan nodded, I plunged my hand into Cole's chest, grasping his heart and removing it. Quick. Painless. Honorable. Everything a Moon Shadow warrior deserved.

But it didn't ease the hollow feeling in my chest.

It's been nearly a month since the Moon Goddess warned us about the impending vampire attack. I stood watching my warriors practice defensive maneuvers. Though it was March, the forest had grown increasingly cold—danger was approaching.

"Again! Faster!" I shouted, ignoring the ache in my body. I hadn't properly slept in so long I'd lost count of the days. Phantom was restless, pacing inside my mind.

*We need rest,* he growled.

*Soon,* I promised. *After they get this right.*

Marcus approached from behind. "My King, may I have a word?"

I turned toward my Beta. "What is it?"

"You haven't truly rested in so long," he said quietly. "You need to restore your strength before the battle comes."

"The vampires could attack any day," I countered, irritation flaring. "We need to be ready."

"And we need our King at full strength." Marcus lowered his voice. "Go to your mate. Your wolf needs it too. I can see Phantom is restless."

The mention of Aria made Phantom surge forward in my mind. Damn it. He was right.

"Your wolf will calm when you're with Aria," Marcus added. "We need you at your best when they come."

After a moment, I nodded. "Fine. I'll go see her and Aurora."

Relief crossed Marcus's face. "Thank you for listening, my King."

"You'll oversee the training field?"

"Of course. Go, please."

As I walked away, I knew he was right. The connection with Phantom had been growing strained. Seeing Aria would center me, would balance my wolf.

The moment I entered our home, tension began draining from my shoulders. Halfway down the corridor, Aria emerged from Aurora's room. When she spotted me, her entire face lit up.

"Jace!" she called out, rushing toward me.

I reached her in three strides, lifting her into my arms. Our lips met hungrily, bodies pressing together. Phantom howled with satisfaction in my mind. Finally, something felt right after weeks of everything feeling wrong.

I pressed Aria against the wall, deepening the kiss. Her fingers pulled at my hair, drawing me closer. A growl escaped my throat as my hands tightened on her hips.

"I've missed you," I murmured against her lips.

A throat cleared nearby. Luna Seraphina stood there, smiling knowingly.

"It's good to see you back, my King," she said. "Aria has been worried about you these past days."

I smiled, still holding Aria close. "I can feel that. Thank you for looking after them."

"Aurora is napping," Seraphina informed us. "I'll watch her when she wakes. You two should..." she gestured vaguely, "catch up."

As soon as she walked away, I scooped Aria into my arms and carried her to our room. She wrapped her arms around my neck, pressing kisses along my jaw.

Once inside, I kicked the door shut and pressed her against it. My hands slid under her top, feeling her warm skin. God, I'd missed this—missed her.

Aria moaned softly as my lips found my mark on her neck. Her fingers worked at my belt while I pulled her top over her head.

I tore the delicate fabric of her undergarment, needing to feel more of her. For a moment, I paused, struck by the need in her expression that matched my own. Phantom rumbled with satisfaction.

Our remaining clothes fell away quickly. I lifted her, her legs wrapping around my waist as our bodies joined. The connection sent electricity through me, washing away weeks of tension and worry.