The Human Girl Who Tamed Alpha King Chapter 198

AURORA

I headed downstairs with Lawrence after waking up. The kitchen was mostly empty except for my mom Aria, Eliana, and Seraphina. They all looked up when we walked in.

"Good morning, lovebirds," Mom said with that knowing smile that always made me want to roll my eyes. Eliana and Seraphina grinned.

"Morning," we both responded. I could feel Lawrence's warmth beside me, his arm barely brushing mine.

Mom turned to Lawrence. "Lawrence, Jace asked me to tell you he wants to see you in his office."

*Crap. What does Dad want now?* My stomach did a nervous flip.

Lawrence nodded. "Of course. Where is his office? I'll go right away."

Mom gave him directions, then glanced at me. "Aurora, you stay here."

*Seriously? Why can't I go?* I was about to protest when Lawrence squeezed my hand gently, silencing me.

"I'll be back soon," he said, pressing a kiss to my forehead before leaving.

I sat at the table, absently stirring the coffee Mom had handed me. *What does Dad want with Lawrence alone? More interrogation? Some kind of challenge?*

"Don't worry," Mom said, clearly reading my thoughts. "Your father just needs to settle some matters."

"What matters?" I asked, anxiety creeping into my voice.

Mom just smiled. "Patience, dear."

*God, I hate when adults get all mysterious.*

LAWRENCE

I followed Aria's directions to Jace's office, my heart pounding harder with each step. When I reached the door, I took a deep breath and knocked.

"Enter," came Jace's powerful voice.

I stepped inside, finding him seated behind a massive desk carved from a single tree trunk. The office walls displayed ancient wolf carvings and pack history.

"Ah, Lawrence. Good morning," he said.

"Good morning," I replied, giving a respectful nod. Old habits die hard.

"I have three matters to discuss," Jace stated, getting straight to business. "First, I want you to stop being so formal with Aria and me. You're family now, not a visiting diplomat."

I shifted my weight. "I'll try. It's just been a long time since I've had real family."

Jace's expression softened slightly. "I understand. But you're Aurora's mate now. Your mark proves it. That makes you family." He stood and clapped my shoulder. "Your father was a great man. Having you join our family is an honor."

"I'm the fortunate one," I said, meaning it.

"Second," Jace continued, "since you're staying here, you need to formally become a member of Ancient Moon Shadow. Otherwise, you'll face complications. I've already spoken with Alpha Leonard, who gave his blessing."

"I expected this," I replied. "I'm more than willing. This is where I live now, where my future lies."

Jace nodded, then surprised me by slicing his palm with a ceremonial knife. He let several drops of blood fall into a small stone cup, then added spring water.

"My blood is different," he explained. "More powerful, from the Primal Wolf lineage. The water dilutes it slightly."

He held my gaze. "I, Alpha King Jace of Ancient Moon Shadow, invite you, Lawrence, to join my pack. Do you accept our laws and customs?"

"I do," I answered without hesitation.

"Drink," he commanded, offering the cup.

The moment the mixture touched my lips, power surged through me. I dropped to one knee as immense primal energy flooded my system. When it subsided, I felt different—connected to this land, to this pack. This was home now.

"Thank you, Jace," I said, rising. "You and your family have welcomed me in ways I never expected. I want you to know I will always support Aurora and this family."

"I believe you," he replied. "And I appreciate everything you've done so far."

"Third," he said, "I need to test you. Soon."

"No," I interrupted. "Let's do it today. I'm ready."

Jace studied me, then nodded. "Today it is. Now, let's join the others."

AURORA

When Dad and Lawrence finally returned to the kitchen, they were both smiling. The tension in my shoulders immediately dissolved.

"Lawrence is now officially a member of Ancient Moon Shadow," Dad announced. My heart skipped with excitement.

"Really? That's awesome!" I jumped up and gave Lawrence a hug and kiss.

Lawrence smiled down at me. "Your father will be testing me today." Dad chuckled behind me.

*Already? So soon?* "I want to watch," I said, and Lawrence laughed.

"You just want to see your father beat me," he teased. I couldn't help but laugh.

"Well, I think you're right," I admitted. "But maybe you'll surprise us." I kissed him again.

For the next hour, we ate and talked together. Then Lawrence and I went back to our room to change into traditional leather training gear. When we arrived at the training grounds, Dad, Atlas, Uncle Lucas, and Marcus were already waiting.

Several young warriors were training, but they stopped immediately when they saw Dad. He introduced Lawrence to them, and I noticed several female wolves staring at him with obvious interest.

*I'll claw their eyes out!* Kaila growled in my head.

*Calm down, Kaila,* I replied. *He's ours. They don't stand a chance.*

Dad nodded to Lawrence, and they both walked to the center of the arena, taking traditional wolf fighting stances. Marcus joined them, looking between the two, and when he was satisfied they were ready, he raised his hand and dropped it.

"Begin!" Marcus called.

I held my breath as Dad lunged forward with blinding speed. My heart hammered against my ribs as I watched Lawrence narrowly sidestep the attack. The crowd around me gasped. No one had ever seen someone avoid Dad's opening strike so cleanly.

"He moves fast," Atlas whispered beside me, his voice tinged with surprise.

I couldn't speak, my throat tight with anxiety. Dad was the strongest fighter in our pack—probably in all packs. Even experienced warriors didn't last two minutes against him. What chance did Lawrence have?

Dad spun around, his face showing momentary surprise before settling into a focused calm. The two men circled each other, eyes locked, muscles tense. I gripped the railing so hard my knuckles turned white.

*Please don't hurt him too badly, Dad,* I thought, biting my lip as they closed in for another exchange of blows.