The Human Girl Who Tamed Alpha King Chapter 31

ARIA

Aurora's birthday had arrived, and we had final preparations to complete. But the memory of yesterday's conversation clawed at my chest, a physical wound.

-FLASHBACK -

Alpha Warren's messengers had arrived unexpectedly. I'd been heading to Jace's office when I heard unfamiliar voices through the door.

"Whatever price you name, we can pay it," one messenger had said. "Alpha Warren wants the human back."

My blood had turned to ice. They were talking about me like... like merchandise.

"Her price?" Jace's voice had been cold, calculating. "You're right. It would be high. Very high indeed..."

I hadn't stayed to hear more. I couldn't. The betrayal had hit me as a physical blow—was he actually considering it? Negotiating my worth as if I were some commodity to be traded?

Little did I know that their visit would leave me facing a terrible threat in the future. They would eventually conspire with members of our own pack, plotting to end my life.

-FLASHBACK END -

"You frown in your sleep," Jace said from the doorway, holding out a coffee mug. "Bad dreams again?"

I nodded, pushing the thoughts away, though the ache in my chest remained. How could I tell him I'd overheard? How could I ask if he was planning to send me away? "Doesn't matter. Today is Aurora's big day."

The garden buzzed with activity. Under my supervision, pack members set up inflatable castles, pink ribbons, and silver star decorations. I threw myself into the work, desperate to forget yesterday's crushing revelation.

"We'll need extra patrols here," I told Hunter. "Lots of pups and families will be in one place."

Hunter raised an eyebrow. "Who's giving orders now? Little Miss Luna?"

I blushed, shoving him. "Shut up. I'm just trying to help." While I still can, I added silently, the thought twisting like a knife.

Food preparation was underway too. The children's table held mini burgers and fries. The adult section featured grilled meats and Moon Shadow specialties. The dessert table showcased a blueberry cake – Aurora's favorite.

"Eliana says you sing?" Betty asked, arranging the cake.

"Oh, I just promised Aurora..." My voice caught. Would this be the last promise I'd ever make to her?

"Wonderful!" she exclaimed. "We haven't had music at celebrations since Vanessa left."

Like Vanessa left. Like I might leave. The parallel wasn't lost on me.

"Aria!" Aurora's shriek came from upstairs. "My hair won't work!"

I rushed to her room, finding her struggling to braid her own hair. "Hey, princess," I said softly, taking the brush, my hands trembling slightly.

I gently worked through her brown curls, weaving them into an intricate braid adorned with gold moon clips. Each movement felt precious, possibly final. "Perfect," I said, kissing her forehead and fighting back tears.

"Do I look like a real princess now?" she asked, turning to me with hopeful eyes.

"Better than any princess," I answered honestly, my voice thick with emotion. "You're a moonlight princess."

I handed her a small wrapped package. "Happy birthday, Aurora."

She tore off the paper and gasped. Inside was the wolf crown I'd found at the market, inlaid with turquoise that gleamed with moonlight.

"This is the prettiest crown ever!" she squealed, immediately placing it on her head. "How does it look?"

"Just like an Alpha's daughter should," I said, my throat suddenly tight. "Your dad will love it."

"Will you stay?" she asked suddenly, her voice small. "Like... forever?"

The innocent question shattered what remained of my composure. I didn't know how to answer—not when her father might be negotiating my departure. "I'll stay with you as long as I can, little one. That's my promise."

By afternoon, the entire pack gathered in the garden. Pups jumped on the bouncy castle while adult wolves clustered together, occasionally glancing at Jace and me, whispering.

"Ignore them," Jace murmured, his arm around my waist. "Let them talk."

His touch, once comforting, now felt like a lie. "But an Alpha with a human?" I whispered back, the words bitter. "That's big news. Especially one who might not stay."

He turned to face me, his fingers brushing my cheek. "You're my news. The only news that matters."

Then why were you discussing my price? I wanted to scream, but Aurora's laughter nearby held me back. Today was about her, not my breaking heart.

Gabriel arrived with Lucas and Eliana—their hands tightly clasped together. "The decorations look amazing!" Eliana exclaimed.

"All Aria's doing," Jace said proudly. "She arranged everything perfectly."

*For what might be the last time,* I thought, forcing a smile as the weight of yesterday's overheard conversation pressed down on me like a stone.

Scarlett lurked at the entrance, hatred in her gaze. I pretended not to notice, focusing instead on Aurora, wondering desperately if Jace's words about my worth had been the beginning of goodbye.

JACE

I hate surprises. Especially the kind that walk through my door without warning. Twenty-eight years old, Alpha of the most powerful pack in three states, and somehow the elders still think they can arrange my life behind my back.

The knock on my office door came just as I finished reviewing the border patrol reports. I should've known something was off when both Elder Thorn and Elder Kemp showed up together.

"Alpha Jace," Elder Thorn greeted, his tone too formal. "We have visitors."

Behind them stood a tall man with the unmistakable bearing of another Alpha. Beside him, a young woman with glod hair, staring at me with obvious interest.

I frowned. "And you didn't think to inform me beforehand because...?"

Elder Kemp cleared his throat. "We assumed you were notified. Alpha Samuel and his daughter Laura from Silver Lake pack."

"Come in," I said, stepping aside.

The woman—Laura—brushed past me, deliberately close. Her gaze traveled from my face down to my chest. I ignored her, gesturing toward the chairs.

Once seated, I looked directly at Samuel. "Welcome to Moon Shadow territory. Though I would have appreciated advance notice of your arrival."

Samuel appeared equally confused. "I was under the impression you were expecting us." We both turned to the elders.

Elder Thorn straightened. "We took initiative, Alpha. It's been five years since Vanessa left. The pack needs stability, an heir."

"I have a daughter," I reminded them sharply.

Laura's lip curled slightly. The elders exchanged glances.

"Aurora is a delightful child," Elder Kemp said carefully, "but not a suitable heir. Alpha Samuel's daughter recently lost her intended mate. She's willing to consider a union with you."

"You discussed this with her before even mentioning it to me?"

"We thought—"

"You thought wrong." My voice dropped dangerously low. "My personal life is not committee business."

"Alpha, please," Elder Kemp pleaded. "At least give her a chance. The pack needs—"

"What the pack needs is an Alpha whose authority isn't undermined by his own council." I stood, making it clear the discussion was over.

Laura stepped forward. "I would make an excellent Luna, Alpha Jace. I was raised—"

I cut her off without even looking at her. "I'm not interested. Alpha Samuel, my apologies for this misunderstanding. If you wish to discuss territory agreements, we can arrange a proper meeting. Today is my daughter's birthday."

Elder Thorn stood. "Alpha, we've already promised them accommodations for the night."

I exhaled slowly. "Fine. We'll arrange rooms. You're welcome to join the celebration if you wish."

Without waiting for a response, I headed for the door.

-

I spotted Aria and Aurora in the main hall. My daughter bounced excitedly, showing off a wolf-claw pendant. My entire mood shifted seeing them together.

"Daddy, look what Aria gave me!"

I smiled, genuinely this time. "It's beautiful, princess. You look perfect." I turned to Aria. "Thank you for helping her get ready."

Hearing footsteps behind me, I stepped closer to Aria. "You look amazing, Ria," I said softly, wishing I could kiss her right there.

Elder Kemp approached. "The guests will join the celebration, if that's acceptable."

Before I could answer, Laura pushed forward.