The Human Girl Who Tamed Alpha King Chapter 27

"Aria, I can explain about Scarlett. There's nothing between us. She just..."

I clenched my fists. "Alpha," I said, "who you spend time with isn't my business. You're the Alpha. No one judges you. Be with any werewolf female you want. But I won't be just another girl in your collection. I'll come tomorrow to see if you still need help planning Aurora's birthday."

"You're not just another girl, Aria. Will you at least let me explain?"

I swallowed hard. "Do you still want my help with the party planning?"

The silence stretched for several heartbeats before he answered.

"Yes. I want you there."

"Fine. See you tomorrow."

I hung up the phone. Fresh tears stung my eyes. I was just an outsider who happened to get along with his daughter.

My phone rang. Eliana called to invite me to town for Aurora's birthday shopping. Jaspar would join us while Eliana met village friends. We'd leave in thirty minutes.

I hung up, feeling marginally better. A trip away from the pack compound was exactly what I needed. Distance from Jace and his confusing signals. Space to breathe without sensing his presence around every corner.

I chose dark skinny jeans and a soft pink cashmere sweater, paired with brown leather ankle boots. I left my hair down in loose waves and slipped on the gold necklace Gabriel gave me. I tucked his protection charm into my leather crossbody bag along with what little cash I had saved.

The mountain air felt crisp when I stepped outside. I walked the path to the main compound, rehearsing what I would say if I ran into Jace.

Eliana and Jaspar waited by a black SUV, talking quietly. They looked up as I approached, both smiling in welcome.

"Perfect timing!" Eliana called, waving enthusiastically.

Jaspar nodded respectfully. "Glad you could join us. I need to pick up some herbs in town."

"I should let Gabriel know I'm going," I said, glancing toward the pack house.

As if summoned by my thoughts, the massive wooden doors swung open. Gabriel emerged, deep in conversation with Jace.

I forced my feet to move forward. "Hi Alpha, hi Gabriel. I'm heading to town with Eliana and Jaspar. Need to pick up a few things. Do you need anything while I'm there?"

Gabriel shook his head. "We have everything we need here. Be careful in human territory."

I kept my gaze fixed on Gabriel, refusing to look at Jace though I could feel the weight of his stare.

Scarlett approached, placing her hand possessively on Jace's arm while smiling up at him. "Jace, do you have a minute? I wanted to discuss that pack matter we talked about."

A low growl rumbled from Jace's chest, but Scarlett didn't remove her hand.

"We should go," I said quickly, backing toward the SUV. "We probably won't be back for dinner. Eliana's meeting friends from the village, so Jaspar and I will wait for her."

Gabriel nodded. "If you get back before dark, come find me at the pack house. The mountain roads are dangerous after sunset."

I turned and walked away, ignoring the burning sensation in my chest. Jaspar held the car door open for me, and I slid into the backseat.

I glimpsed Jace in the side mirror as Eliana started the engine. His clenched jaw and rigid posture revealed something raw and desperate in his expression as he watched us leave. Then Scarlett distracted him, and the SUV rounded the bend, taking him out of view.

"You okay?" Jaspar asked quietly from the front seat.

I stared out the window at the passing trees. "Just tired."

In my head, a single thought circled endlessly: What did I ever think could happen between an Alpha werewolf and a human girl? Some fairy tales weren't meant for people like me.

JACE

Just my freaking luck. Of all the moments for Scarlett to pull this stunt.

One second I'm supervising training, the next she's stumbling toward me with this fake twisted ankle act. What was I supposed to do? Let her face-plant? So I caught her. Big mistake.

The universe has perfect timing, doesn't it? Right as my hands grabbed Scarlett's waist, I looked up to see Aria staring directly at us from across the field. The warmth in her expression vanished instantly.

Goddammit. Of all the things that could go wrong today. Could this look any worse?

I tried approaching Aria after training, but she disappeared quickly. When I called, she hung up immediately. At least she promised to help with Aurora's birthday party tomorrow. I'd get my chance to explain then.

After lunch, I met with Gabriel and Lucas. Both seemed aware that Aria was my true mate. I explained our developing connection and asked for their support in protecting her from pack gossip. Lucas left when the meeting concluded, leaving me alone with Gabriel.

"I want to know more about her," I told him. "What makes her feel safe, what makes her retreat."

Gabriel nodded thoughtfully. "Aria has always been guarded. She's grown up knowing she's different - a human among wolves."

Our conversation ended abruptly outside where Aria stood by a black SUV with Eliana and Jaspar. She greeted Gabriel warmly but completely ignored me, announcing her shopping trip to town. While Eliana would meet friends, she'd be alone with Jaspar.

Phantom surged within me at this thought. A growl escaped as I watched her, her outfit bringing back vivid memories of last night's shower encounter. My breathing quickened.

Scarlett appeared beside me, implying we had plans together. I watched helplessly as Aria drove away, then stormed back inside, frustration boiling over.

"Alpha? Need some company?" Scarlett's irritating voice followed me.

Something snapped. Phantom nearly took control.

"No, I don't need your damn company. This is the last time I'm telling you, Scarlett - I'm not interested. Stay away unless it concerns pack business. Understand? Cross that line again and I'll banish you from Moon Shadow territory."

I didn't care who heard my outburst. Scarlett whimpered and hurried away, humiliated.

"Get back to your duties," I ordered everyone watching before heading upstairs to my private training room. I needed to release this rage before Phantom did something worse.

Later, calmer, I stared at my phone screen. I'd sent Aria a third message: "Just let me explain. Please give me that chance." Still no response.