The Human Girl Who Tamed Alpha King Chapter 33

JACE

"Blood. Her blood."

The scent slammed into me-copper and iron, thick and suffocating, drowning out everything else. My arms tightened around Aria's limp body, her warmth seeping into my skin, her life leaking between my fingers.

"Get the healers," I barked at Hunter, who was already in motion. "And someone secure the perimeter. Make sure there aren't more rogues."

Gabriel pushed through the crowd, his face ashen when he saw his daughter's condition. "How bad?"

"Three deep claw marks across her back," I answered, already moving toward the pack house. "She needs Eliana now."

Aurora appeared at my side, tears streaming down her face. "Is Aria going to die, Daddy?"

"No, princess," I assured her, though my chest tightened at the sight of Aria's blood staining my shirt. "Aria's strong. She'll be okay."

The pack parted as I strode through, carrying her to the healing rooms. Eliana was already there, preparing herbs and bandages.

"Put her here," she instructed, gesturing to the examination table. "On her stomach."

I set Aria down gently, helping Eliana cut away the blood-soaked shirt. The sight of her torn flesh made Phantom howl with rage inside me. Three deep gashes ran diagonally across her back, from shoulder blade to hip.

"She needs the wolfsbane and mountain ash mixture," Eliana said, working quickly. "It will put her into a deep sleep so her body can heal."

"She's human," I reminded her. "Will it work the same?"

"It should," Eliana replied, mixing herbs in a small mortar. "Gabriel has been giving her small doses of various pack remedies since she was young. Her body has adapted remarkably."

Gabriel and Lucas arrived, their expressions grim. Elder Thorn followed close behind, his ancient eyes assessing the situation.

"Alpha," Gabriel said formally, "I give permission for my daughter to be treated in your private quarters, if that's where you want her."

The acknowledgment in his eyes told me he understood what Aria meant to me. I nodded gratefully.

"It would be best," I replied. "I can protect her there."

"The pups?" Gabriel asked.

"Safe," I assured him. "Aria got to them before the wolf could."

Eliana approached with the herbal mixture. "This will make her sleep for at least a day. Her body needs time to heal."

Gabriel nodded. "Do it."

While Eliana administered the medicine, Elder Thorn moved closer to me. "The human girl risked her life for our pups, Alpha," he observed quietly. "She has earned the pack's respect."

"She earned mine long ago," I replied, not bothering to hide the emotion in my voice.

"Indeed." His knowing smile irritated me. "One might think you have special feelings for her."

I didn't respond. Now wasn't the time for pack politics or explaining myself to the elders.

Once Eliana finished applying healing salves to Aria's wounds and bandaging her back, I carefully lifted her into my arms again. "I'm taking her upstairs."

"I'll check on her in a few hours," Eliana promised.

The security meeting was brief but tense. Hunter reported through our mind link while I remained in the guest room with Aria.

*No sign of how the rogue got through our defenses, Alpha,* he communicated. *The patrols found no scent trail until it was already inside our territory.*

*Increase border patrols,* I instructed. *Double the warriors on the south and east boundaries. That's twice now rogues have appeared from nowhere.*

*Already done,* Hunter confirmed. *The warriors are on high alert.*

Gabriel sat across from me, his eyes fixed on his daughter's pale face. "This isn't the first time she's sensed danger before anyone else," he said quietly. "Even as a child, she had instincts sharper than some wolves."

"She saved Aurora," I said, my voice rough with emotion. "Without hesitation."

"That's my girl," Gabriel smiled sadly. "Always putting others first."

Aurora had refused to leave Aria's side, curling up next to her on the bed. She'd eventually fallen asleep, her small body tucked against Aria's side, careful to avoid the bandaged wounds.

"She loves your daughter," Gabriel observed. "And Aurora clearly adores her."

I nodded, watching them sleep. "They bonded instantly. Aurora never took to anyone like this before."

"Perhaps there's a reason for that," Gabriel suggested carefully.

Before I could respond, Lucas and Eliana arrived to check on Aria. After examining the bandages, Eliana smiled reassuringly.

"She's healing better than expected," she reported. "The wolfsbane mixture is working."

Gabriel stood. "We should let her rest. Lucas, Eliana—let's give them some space."

I shot him a grateful look as they left, leaving me alone with Aurora and Aria. I settled into the chair beside the bed, prepared to stand guard through the night.

"You're going to be okay," I whispered to Aria, though she couldn't hear me. "I've got you now."

I must have fallen asleep in the chair because the next thing I knew, Hunter's voice was in my head, urgent and concerned.

*Alpha, we have a situation. Alpha Samuel can't find his daughter Laura.*

I blinked awake, immediately alert.