The Human Girl Who Tamed Alpha King Chapter 196

JACE

I still remember when Aurora first mentioned Lawrence. I immediately ran a background check on him. Call it overprotective, but I'm both a father and a King. My investigation revealed something interesting - Lawrence's "supposed mother" had connections to Alpha Anthony Westbrook with zero medical records of her giving birth. Red flag.

I'd heard rumors about Alpha Anthony's son disappearing when his family was murdered. No body ever found. After speaking with Leonard, he gave me a report with a photograph. He'd suspected Lawrence's identity but never pursued it since Lawrence preferred solitude.

The pieces fit together too perfectly to ignore. Lawrence had Anthony's jawline and his mother's eyes. I remember meeting Anthony years ago—strong, principled, and fair. His death had been a tragedy that shook many packs. If Lawrence truly was his son, he carried a powerful bloodline. But unlike many Alphas' sons, he seemed to have no interest in power. Unusual and refreshing.

Looking at this young man sitting beside my daughter now, I had confirmation. Aurora's mate was the son of Anthony Westbrook, an Alpha who once helped me years ago. I made a silent promise to myself that I would make Lawrence feel at home here. He deserved that much.

When Alpha Alexander called after they'd met Vanessa, Lawrence answered and requested help. He put Vanessa's situation above his own pride. That impressed me - a good man, a respectable man.

Marcus later informed me that Aurora and Lawrence had completed the mate bond. I felt relieved my daughter had been accepted by her mate. During Dr. Jonathan's treatment of Aurora, I noticed Lawrence's Alpha-level build and strength when I had to restrain him. Yet I appreciated that despite his power, he didn't continue fighting me.

Now at the dinner table, I felt somewhat guilty about forcing Lawrence to reveal his secret earlier. But it had to be done. I watched Aria sitting beside Lawrence, asking him questions that he answered patiently. He looked right here, like he belonged. The Moon Goddess had made the correct match.

*Are you alright?* Aria's voice entered my mind through our bond.

*Yes, I'm fine. Our daughter is home, safe and happy, so I'm good.* I responded, my eyes never leaving our guest.

*I think this is good. This might be our chance to repay Anthony for helping us. And he seems like a good boy. More importantly, Aurora is happy.*

*Yes, I'll find something for him that he'll be content with. So he feels useful too.* I felt Aria's happiness warm my mind.

*Look how happy she is.* Her words made me glance at Aurora, who was indeed glowing.

*I know. I see it.* I replied, feeling satisfied.

I watched as Aurora smiled at something Lawrence whispered to her. That smile—I hadn't seen it in years. Not since she was a child, before she understood what Vanessa's abandonment meant. Before she failed to shift at eighteen. Before her first mate rejected her. My chest tightened. This man had given my daughter back her smile in mere days. For that alone, I would welcome him.

Lucas suddenly spoke, interrupting my thoughts. "I need people in the warrior team now. Marcus wants to retire and enjoy his life."

Lawrence looked between me and Lucas. "That would be a great honor. I think that should be Jace King's choice."

I smiled. "If you keep calling me King, I'm going to refuse." Everyone laughed, including Aurora.

Getting serious, I added, "No, really, I want to see what you're capable of first, then we'll talk."

"Dad, please be nice to him," Aurora pleaded, making my heart soften though I couldn't show it.

"No, beautiful, your father is right. Testing me is fair," Lawrence replied, earning my respect.

Aurora worried, "Testing you means fighting him."

Lawrence smiled. "I figured. I'll be fine. I trust your father won't hurt me too badly." I couldn't help but chuckle. This kid had guts.

"He'll be fine, princess," I reassured Aurora using her childhood nickname. She rolled her eyes, reminding me of when she was little.

"Fine. But I'm watching," Aurora said, her protective tone making everyone laugh lightly. Only known him days and already so protective.

"You can watch, but no interference," I warned with a smile. Aurora rolled her eyes again.

"Fine," she reluctantly agreed.

Phantom stirred in my mind. *He's strong. Anthony's blood runs in him.*

*Yes, I know. But he doesn't seek power.*

*That makes him more worthy of it,* my wolf responded, surprising me with his wisdom.

Aria skillfully changed the subject. "Have you shifted into your wolf form yet?" she asked Aurora.

"Not yet. I want to do it within pack territory," Aurora answered.

"Well, don't wait too long, Aurora. The stronger your bond with your wolf gets, the more painful the shift will be," I cautioned. She nodded understanding.

"I'll do it in a few days," she promised.

"We want to watch," the twins said in unison.

"No... only those she wants present can be there. Except her mate," Aria stated firmly. Aurora looked grateful.

"Thank you, mom. I was only thinking of Lawrence at the time. Sorry," Aurora said softly, not looking at anyone.

"No apologies needed. People have different preferences, and you have choices, unlike your brother who's the future King, the real King, where everyone will expect his first shift of either form to be public," I explained, feeling a twinge of regret for Atlas. As the future King, his life would never truly be his own.

"Assuming I have both forms," Atlas half-joked.

"You absolutely have both forms... the Moon Goddess has told us you do. And you'll need them," I corrected him sternly, allowing no self-doubt.

"Sorry, but what do you mean?" Lawrence asked, and Aurora looked to me for confirmation.

"I'll tell you when we get back to our room. It's a long story," Aurora told Lawrence, who nodded.

"Okay. Thank you," he said quietly, kissing Aurora's temple. That simple gesture showed his respect and love for her.

I watched this young man—no, this man—and felt oddly satisfied. He was good, would protect Aurora, be the best mate for her, and support her however he could. The Moon Goddess had proven her wisdom once again. For the rest of the evening, I sat back and observed my family, feeling nothing but gratitude.