The Human Girl Who Tamed Alpha King Chapter 20

"I'd be happy to look after her," I offered, standing up. "If that would help."

Relief crossed his face. "I'd appreciate that. I have pack business all day."

"We can watch Beauty and the Beast!" Aurora clapped excitedly.

"Oh, and Aria?" Jace added. "I could show you some training techniques later. After Aurora's bedtime."

Training with an Alpha was a rare honor, especially for a human. "I'd like that," I said.

"Good. This room is yours whenever you need it."

The way he said "yours" lingered between us. Then he left with Aurora, leaving me alone with a racing heart and confused thoughts.

After washing up, I headed downstairs. The pack house buzzed with morning activity, werewolves moving purposefully through common areas.

Gabriel met me at the main staircase, carrying a small duffel bag.

"Morning, little deer," he said, using my old nickname. "Brought you clean clothes and training gear."

"Thanks," I said. "Sorry I didn't come home last night. I fell asleep watching Aurora—"

"Jace explained everything," Gabriel cut in. "It's good to build connections here."

He lowered his voice. "Just be careful around some females. Not everyone likes a human having special access to the Alpha's quarters."

With that warning, he squeezed my shoulder and left.

I got my answer about an hour later.

After changing and having breakfast with Aurora, I headed back up to the Alpha's floor. Halfway up, a tall figure blocked my path.

Scarlett Ravencroft stood on the step above me, arms crossed, her hair falling over one shoulder. Her eyes narrowed.

"Where do you think you're going, human?" she demanded.

I kept my face neutral. "Alpha Jace asked me to look after Aurora today."

"On his private floor?" She raised an eyebrow. "That level is for important pack members. Not charity cases."

"I was invited by the Alpha himself."

Her sneered. "Listen, stray. Just because Gabriel picked you up doesn't make you special. You're just a weak human playing house with wolves."

Her hand shot out, grabbing my wrist with bruising force, nails digging into my skin.

"Know your place," she hissed, yanking me down a step. "You'll never belong here."

"Let. Her. Go."

The command vibrated through the air with Alpha power. Scarlett instantly released my wrist as Jace appeared at the top of the stairs.

There he stood, all six-foot-something of intimidation. Dark hair, sharp jawline, those intense eyes that seemed to see right through you. I couldn't help but stare. Caught between admiring how gorgeous he was and rolling my eyes at Scarlett's behavior. Still, watching Scarlett? Totally worth it

His face was thunderous, eyes flashing with rage. When he spoke again, his voice was deceptively soft.

"Scarlett, you're needed at the training grounds. Now."

She plastered on a smile. "Alpha, I was just explaining pack protocol to Aria. She was heading to your private floor—"

"I'm the one who invited her," he cut her off.

"Of course. I just thought Aurora might prefer someone more like family. I'd be happy to watch her."

"Aurora has made her preference clear," Jace replied flatly. "She's chosen Aria."

A small thrill ran through me at his words.

Scarlett's eyes flashed before she composed herself. "As you wish, Alpha." She brushed past me, shoulder deliberately knocking into mine.

Jace descended to stand above me. "I apologize for that," he said, noticing the red marks on my wrist. "May I?"

He took my hand before I could answer, examining the marks. His touch sent tingles up my arm.

"It's fine," I managed. "I've handled worse."

His mouth tightened. "That doesn't make it acceptable." He released my wrist. "Scarlett has... expectations. She believes she might be my second chance mate."

"Oh."

"She's wrong," he stated simply, holding my gaze for a beat too long. "Aurora's waiting for you upstairs."

"I'll head up now," I said, eager to escape his intensity.

"Aria?" he called after me. "If you take Aurora outside, stay within the garden unless you let me know through the phone."

At the top of the stairs, I glanced back. Jace stood watching me, his powerful stance and broad shoulders creating an image of raw masculine strength that made my mouth go dry. I quickly looked away, cheeks burning.

Oh, gosh! Aurora wanted to watch Beauty and the Beast again, for the fourth time today! I had no choice but to suggest a walk first, with the movie after. She agreed.

We walked through the pack compound in the crisp mountain air. Aurora talked the whole time, showing me her favorite spots and the training field where her father worked. She asked if I would teach her to fight someday. I said yes, if her father allowed it.

When we reached the edge of the compound, Aurora wanted to visit the Whitmans. I called Jace for permission. He agreed quickly and said he'd send Hunter to meet us later, adding that normal experiences were good for Aurora.

With his approval, Aurora led the way to my grandparents' home.

We reached the Whitmans' cottage in a clearing about a mile away. Mrs. Whitman greeted us warmly at the door.

"Aurora! Aria! What a lovely surprise," she said, ushering us inside the cozy home.

Mr. Whitman sat by the fire carving a wooden wolf. He set it aside to lift Aurora into a bear hug.

"There's my favorite girl! Have you been good for Aria?"

"The best," I confirmed, accepting tea from Mrs. Whitman.

"We watched Beauty and Beast three times," Aurora announced proudly.

Mrs. Whitman laughed. "Bree loved that movie too, when she was little."

The mention of Bree created a brief, poignant silence. Aurora, too young to understand, filled it with excited chatter about her favorite movie scenes.

We stayed for lunch, enjoying wild berry pie and special herbal tea. Throughout our visit, they treated me like family despite my human status.

When Hunter arrived to escort us back, Aurora was growing tired. Mr. Whitman placed a small wooden wolf carving in her hand.

"For your collection," he said with a wink.

Back at the pack house, Aurora showed me her room. Forest murals covered the walls, and shelves held books and toys. On a small table sat a collection of wooden wolf figurines.

"This is where I keep all my wolf friends," she said, pointing to the carvings like the one Mr. Whitman had given her.

Aurora sat on her bed. "Daddy says when I'm bigger, I'll be a wolf too."

"I'm sure you will. A beautiful, strong one," I replied.

"Why don't you change into a wolf?" she asked suddenly.

"Because I'm human. Gabriel took me in when my parents died, but that doesn't change what I am."

She nodded. "Daddy says family isn't about blood."

"Your daddy is wise," I said, feeling a tightness in my throat.

"My birthday is coming," she announced, holding up five fingers. When I asked what she wanted, her eyes brightened.

"A wolf crown! Berry cake. And..." she hesitated. "A new mommy."

My heart skipped. Aurora explained that her mother had left when she was a baby. Hearing about Vanessa's abandonment from Aurora herself made my chest ache.

"Would you be my new mommy?" she asked directly.

The question hit me hard. I explained that's not how it works, that her father would need to find someone he loves.

"He looks at you the way Prince looks at Belle," she insisted. "All soft and mushy."

Heat rushed to my face as she climbed into my lap. "Will you think about it? Being my mommy?"

Before I could answer, Hunter knocked, announcing dinner was ready. I felt relieved by the interruption.