The Human Girl Who Tamed Alpha King Chapter 36

JACE

Morning sunlight streamed through my office windows as I reviewed the border patrol reports.

A knock at the door pulled me from my dark thoughts.

"Enter," I called, not bothering to rise from my desk.

The wives of Elder Thorn and Elder Kemp entered, both looking appropriately contrite. Mrs. Thorn wore a formal navy dress, while Mrs. Kemp had chosen a conservative gray ensemble—traditional attire for official pack business.

"Alpha Jace," Mrs. Thorn began, her hands clasped tightly before her. "We've come to offer our sincere apologies for our husbands' actions yesterday. They had absolutely no right to attempt arranging a mate for you without your knowledge or consent."

Mrs. Kemp nodded vigorously. "Yes, Alpha. It was presumptuous and disrespectful to your position. We want you to know we had no part in their scheme."

I studied them carefully, noting the genuine regret in their expressions. Unlike their husbands, these women had always shown good judgment in pack matters.

"Your husbands overstepped," I said finally, my voice controlled but cold. "They endangered a potential alliance with Silver Lake Pack and created a situation that could have resulted in serious diplomatic consequences."

"We understand completely," Mrs. Thorn replied, her eyes downcast. "They acted foolishly, thinking only of the pack's future without considering your wishes."

I leaned back in my chair, fingers steepled before me. "Why would they take such a risk? They know I have Aurora. The pack has an heir."

The women exchanged meaningful glances before Mrs. Thorn spoke again, her voice dropping to a near whisper despite us being alone.

"Alpha, we wanted to help you realize your full potential. The council has been researching the ancient texts about your bloodline." She paused, seeming to gather courage. "For centuries, the Carter family has maintained the Primal Wolf lineage, but no Alpha since your great-great-grandfather has been able to fully access the primal form like your earliest ancestors."

My interest piqued despite my lingering anger. "Go on."

Mrs. Kemp stepped forward slightly. "The oldest scrolls in our archives speak of a prophecy. When an Alpha of your bloodline who carries the royal markings finds and bonds with their true mate, it breaks the limitations that have held back your family's power for generations."

"You mean I would fully awaken Phantom's potential?" I asked, suddenly understanding their misguided actions.

"Yes, Alpha," Mrs. Kemp confirmed, her eyes bright with excitement. "According to the texts, you would unleash the full power of the Primal Wolves—strength beyond any modern Alpha, the ability to command all werewolves regardless of pack allegiance, enhanced healing capabilities, and other gifts mentioned only in legends."

I rose from my chair, moving to the window to gaze out at the mountains.

"The elders believed finding you a strong, pure-blooded mate would trigger this awakening," Mrs. Thorn explained. "They thought they were helping fulfill your destiny."

I turned back to face them, my decision already made. "I appreciate your explanation, but I already know who my true mate is. I've known since the moment she stepped into our territory."

Their eyes widened in synchronized surprise.

"Aria Silverbrook is my true mate," I stated firmly, the words feeling right as they left my lips. "I haven't told anyone because I wanted her to experience finding her mate naturally, without pressure or expectation. She deserves that chance."

"Gabriel's adopted human daughter?" Mrs. Kemp asked, unable to hide her shock. "The one who saved Aurora during the attack?"

I nodded, a smile tugging at my lips despite the serious conversation. "Yes. And I have no doubt I will accept her and our bond when the time is right."

The women exchanged glances again, but this time their expressions held something like wonder.

"A human true mate for a Primal Wolf Alpha," Mrs. Thorn murmured. "It's unprecedented, but... perhaps that's exactly what the prophecy meant. Something unexpected, breaking centuries of tradition."

"Congratulations, Alpha," Mrs. Kemp said warmly. "And again, we apologize for our husbands' meddling. They meant well, but their methods were inexcusable."

"They understand my position better now," I replied, dismissing them with a nod. "Make sure they remember it."

After they left, I returned to Aria's room, checking on her still-sleeping form. Three days had passed since the rogue attack at Aurora's birthday party, and she remained unconscious. The claw marks had faded to faint red lines.

I reached for my phone and called Eliana.

"The wounds are almost completely healed," I said when she answered. "Should I remove the bandages?"

"How does she feel?" Eliana asked.

"Still unconscious," I replied, studying Aria's peaceful face.

"I'll come check on her soon," Eliana promised.

An hour later, Eliana arrived with her mentor. Gabriel joined us, his face etched with concern for his daughter.

"The wounds have healed remarkably fast," Eliana said, examining Aria carefully. "No trace of medications in her system."

"What's causing this?" I asked.

Eliana shook her head. "There seems to be some energy in her body that's aiding the healing process. I can't explain it."

"This isn't normal for humans, Eliana," I said, frustration edging my voice.

"It's the only explanation we have. We'll have to wait until she wakes naturally."

"Check on her daily," I ordered.

"Of course, Alpha. We'll ensure she stays hydrated."

After they left, Gabriel prepared to join the border patrol. "If she wakes up—"

"I'll tell you immediately," I promised.

Once alone with Aria, I went to my office to grab some work materials. I'd been managing pack business from her bedside for the past three days, unwilling to leave her side for long.

When the IV bag emptied, I carefully removed the needle Eliana had placed in Aria's arm.

Night fell, and I stretched out beside Aria's bed, watching her peaceful face. My mind kept returning to what the elders' wives had said about awakening my full potential.

The Blood Moon was approaching. Eight more days until Aria turned eighteen. Perfect timing for marking a mate.

Would she be shocked to learn she was my true mate? Would a human even accept the mark and bond with a werewolf? The thought troubled me.

I'd have to tell her about my bloodline. She'd already mentioned sensing my power was different from other wolves she'd known. I couldn't keep secrets from her. She deserved to know who I truly was.

Phantom stirred inside me, unusually calm in Aria's presence. The powerful wolf spirit that normally demanded action seemed content just being near her.

I leaned forward and gently pressed my lips to her forehead.

"Please wake up, little one," I whispered against her skin. "I miss you."

I settled beside her, letting sleep finally claim me. Just before consciousness faded, I felt something unexpected – the lightest touch of fingers against mine, and Aria's voice, barely audible.