The Human Girl Who Tamed Alpha King Chapter 172

JACE - One Year Later

I stood at the edge of the sacred forest, staring at rows of stone markers honoring those who fell. One year ago today, the vampire war ended. One thousand two hundred and seventy-three werewolves dead—including my unborn daughter Eleanor and my childhood friend Hunter.

*Damn it. Still hurts just as much.*

The wind rustled through trees surrounding the burial grounds. Some packs had taken their dead home for traditional burials. Others agreed to let their fallen rest here, in this forest cemetery where they fought their final battle.

My gaze fixed on a small granite headstone in the royal family section. "Eleanor Carter" carved into stone, with just a date beneath. Moonstone pebbles and wolf claw amulets surrounded it, placed by pack members paying respects.

*Should've protected you better. Should've been smarter. Faster.*

My chest tightened so hard I could barely breathe. The first months after losing Eleanor had been hell. Aria tried remaining strong, throwing herself into pack duties and warrior training until she broke down completely. It was the first time I'd seen her truly shattered, and I hated it. God, I preferred her fierce and brave. Seeing her broken nearly destroyed me too.

After her breakdown, she finally accepted grief counseling, learning to process our child's loss. We had both slowly begun healing, though the wound never really closes, does it?

Phantom stirred restlessly within me, impatient and anxious.

*Time to return. Mate waiting. Cubs need protection.*

"Yeah, yeah, I know," I muttered under my breath, turning away. I promised to meet Aria at the Pack House. Together, we would visit Eleanor's grave—acknowledging our loss before moving forward.

As I walked through territory, warriors nodded respectfully.

"My King," they murmured as I passed.

Still feels weird sometimes, being called that. King. Never wanted a crown, just wanted my pack safe.

The Pack House appeared through trees, massive and imposing. Phantom's unease grew stronger, tinged with anticipation. I quickened my pace, unable to shake the feeling something was happening.

The scent of home greeted me as I entered the family kitchen. Aria stood at the counter, golden-red hair cascading down her back. Atlas sat in his high chair, happily munching carrot and apple slices. Aurora perched at the table, waiting patiently.

*My family. Worth every battle, every scar.*

"Hey," I said, stepping into the room, trying to sound casual despite Phantom's increasing agitation.

Aurora's face brightened. "Heey Dad," she called, elongating the word in that way that always made me smile despite everything.

"Daddy," Atlas babbled, waving a half-eaten carrot. Nearly one year old and already trying to talk. Smart kid.

Aria turned, green eyes warming. "Hey, how was patrol?"

"Was good," I answered, crossing to kiss her forehead. I brushed a hand over Atlas's dark hair, then dropped a kiss on Aurora's head. "Nothing unusual."

Aria nodded, handing Aurora a venison sandwich. "Seraphina will be here soon to watch the children."

I frowned. "I thought you had asked Greta?"

Aria smiled mysteriously. "I did. But she has a... visitor."

"Again? I don't understand why they're not just admitting it and going public. Everyone knows anyway."

"I know, I told her that. It has been a year now. I would say they can be sure they are happy together. And she says she knows."

After the war, Alpha Randall found Greta in the destroyed safe room. He nursed her back to health, visiting often under pretense of discussing pack matters. Eventually, pack members spotted him leaving her cottage during early mornings. Not exactly subtle, those two.

"She still worries his Bloodfang clan won't accept her," Aria continued, "because of her mixed blood."

I nodded. Greta's werewolf and nature witch heritage made traditional packs uncomfortable. Stupid prejudice. If they only knew how her magic had saved dozens during the war.

"In a few weeks, his pack will fully merge with ours," I said. "Randall will step down as Alpha. Maybe then they can be open about it."

"They deserve happiness," Aria said softly. "After everything."

Don't we all? After the hell we've been through, everyone deserves some peace.

Seraphina arrived shortly after, gracefully declining food offers and shooing us out.

"Go," she insisted. "The children will be fine. Atlas just ate and Aurora has her books."

I took Aria's hand as we left. We walked silently along the forest path toward the cemetery. Phantom called to Sage through our bond, seeking his mate's wolf. He'd been restless all morning. Probably sensing something I couldn't.

The cemetery appeared before us, sunlight filtering through trees onto stones. I felt Aria's hand tighten as we approached Eleanor's grave. No matter how many times we came here, it never got easier.

ARIA

I placed a bouquet of white moonlight flowers by Eleanor's headstone. The delicate blooms seemed to glow even in daylight, petals soft against cold stone. My throat closed up, making it hard to swallow.

*I'm sorry, baby girl. Mom misses you every single day.*

The past year had been brutal. I knew I hadn't been the best mate to Jace those first months. Grief consumed me, making me withdraw. But Jace never gave up. He remained steady, giving space when needed and holding me close when pain became too much. God, how did I get so lucky with him?

I leaned against his chest, his arms encircling me. We stood in silence, honoring our daughter's memory. Through our bond, Sage and Phantom communicated, offering comfort that transcended words. Sage had been unusually active today, more protective than normal.

Then I felt it—a flutter in my belly, followed by a solid kick that nearly took my breath away. Holy crap, that was strong. My hands moved instinctively to my stomach, feeling the twins move. I was nearly five months pregnant now. It happened after an emotional full moon cycle five months ago. Dr. Maya confirmed weeks later, shocking us with news that I carried twin girls—extraordinarily rare among werewolves.

I took Jace's hand and placed it on my rounded belly. His eyes widened feeling the strong kick against his palm. Phantom rumbled with satisfaction in our mind link. Jace smiled against my neck, eyes flashing with protective instinct.

"They're kicking," he whispered.

"Yes, they have been very active today," I replied softly. "Practically doing gymnastics in there."

His thumb stroked over my stomach. "They're just like their mom, full of energy and fighting spirit."

I gave a soft laugh. "How will you survive with three of us plus Aurora? Poor outnumbered Alpha."

"I will be just fine, little one," Jace chuckled.

We stood together, his hand protectively over our unborn daughters. I took a deep breath, deciding now was the time.