The Human Girl Who Tamed Alpha King Chapter 39

ARIA

Today was Blood Moon. My eighteenth birthday. And according to everything Jace had told me, possibly the night that would reveal who—or what—I truly was.

Jace stirred beside me, instantly alert as always. His sleepy greeting couldn't mask the concern in his eyes when he noticed my troubled expression. Despite my attempt to dismiss it, he pressed until I admitted my nervousness about the Blood Moon. His reassurance rang false, the tension in his body betraying his own worries.

We stayed in bed longer than usual, talking about pack business, Aurora's school progress—anything but what awaited us tonight. Finally, Jace sat up.

"Come on," he said. "I have something for you."

I followed him to his walk-in closet, watching as he pulled out a large garment bag. He unzipped it carefully.

"Holy shit," I breathed.

Inside was a floor-length gown in deep blood red. The bodice was fitted with delicate lace sleeves and an open lace back. The skirt had two layers: silk that ended mid-thigh with lace overlay that flowed to the floor.

"Jace..." I stood frozen, unable to find words.

"You like it?" He sounded uncertain, so unlike his usual Alpha confidence.

"It's beautiful," I managed, running my fingers over the fabric. "But this must have cost a fortune."

"Don't worry about the price, little hunter." His voice softened. "Consider it an early birthday gift. Tonight's special—you deserve something special to wear."

"Thank you," I whispered.

"Eliana helped pick it out. She's arranged stylists to help you both get ready."

I turned to face him. "This seems excessive. Why go to all this trouble?"

"Because you deserve it, Ria." His hand cupped my cheek. "I want you to be my date tonight, to enter the celebration as the most stunning woman in Moon Shadow territory."

My heart raced. "I'd love to be your date."

After breakfast, we shared a quiet moment in his room. The tension between us was electric, charged with unspoken fears and desires. His fingers traced my jawline, eyes searching mine as if memorizing every detail.

"Whatever happens tonight," he whispered, "remember this moment."

Just after noon, Jace stiffened, head tilting slightly—receiving a mind-link message.

"The elders want to see me about tonight," he explained while dressing. "They're discussing the situation with Phantom."

I couldn't hide my annoyance at the timing. Jace explained their anxiety—this opportunity came once in generations. To succeed, he needed to mark and bond with someone tonight—his true mate.

My heart stuttered at his words. When I asked what would happen if he didn't find this true mate, he took my hands in his, eyes intense and unwavering.

"Aria, there's something I need to tell you—" he began, but duty called.

With a promise that our discussion wasn't over, he reluctantly left to meet the elders.

The door clicked shut behind him, leaving me alone with my thoughts.

I flopped back on the bed, staring at the ceiling. Aurora would arrive soon with Eliana to prepare for the ceremony.

The hours that followed were a blur of preparation. Aurora laughed as she splashed in the bathtub, her small body covered in bubbles, blissfully unaware of the tension hanging over the pack. After helping her, I finally got time to shower, my mind racing with possibilities and fears.

When I emerged from the bathroom wrapped in a towel, Eliana had already changed into her traditional deep blue ceremonial dress, the fabric highlighting her graceful figure.

"Look at you," she said with an appreciative whistle. "Someone's putting in extra effort tonight."

I felt my cheeks warm. "It's a special occasion for the whole pack. I don't want to look out of place."

Eliana gave me a knowing smile as she adjusted her silver moon pendant. "Special for more reasons than one, I think. The way Jace looks at you doesn't escape notice, you know."

"Is it that obvious?" I asked, rummaging through my bag for lotion.

"Only to anyone with eyes," she teased. "Lucas says the pack hasn't seen the Alpha this happy since... well, in years."

The weight of her words settled over me. Tonight marked more than just my birthday or a pack ceremony—it represented a turning point, though for what exactly, I wasn't entirely sure.

The makeup artist's fingers moved skillfully through my hair as I sat in the ceremonial preparation area. The person in the mirror gradually became a stranger to me.

When Freya arranged my hair in a formal updo, I hesitated, feeling it wasn't true to myself. At my suggestion, she adjusted her approach, creating a more natural style with a braid over my left shoulder, cleverly woven with silver decorations. The effect in the mirror brought me relief.

For makeup, I requested something natural yet special for the occasion. Freya nodded and expertly applied traditional moonlight makeup—an elegant style designed to reflect the Blood Moon's glow. Looking at my reflection, I barely recognized the transformed woman staring back.

In the dressing room, I carefully slipped into the blood red gown Jace had gifted me. The fabric felt both soft and strong, clearly woven with werewolf-specific techniques. Turning to the mirror, I stared in shock at my transformation.

Where had that human girl from Black Forest Pack gone? Standing in the mirror seemed to be someone who truly belonged to Moon Shadow Pack. My throat tightened unexpectedly as my eyes watered. I never imagined I could fit into this world so completely.

"Aria? Ready?" Eliana called softly from outside the door.

Taking a deep breath, I wiped away tears and reached for the stiletto heels waiting in the bedroom - another gift from Jace. The crystal-embellished red heels matched the dress perfectly, their four-inch height adding elegance to the ensemble.

"Look at you!" Eliana exclaimed as Freya nodded with satisfaction. "You look born to Moon Shadow Pack."

Heat rose to my cheeks. "Thanks. You look beautiful too."

Eliana's dress appeared elegant and refined, perfectly displaying the mark Lucas had left on her neck. She looked both confident and happy.

"Aria looks like forest goddess!" Aurora jumped excitedly on the bed, wearing her miniature red dress that made her look like a true wolf princess.

"Careful, princess," I lifted her off the bed. "Don't hurt yourself before the ceremony."

I slipped on the designer stilettos, practicing a few steps as I tried to adjust to the unfamiliar height. The red soles flashed with each step, making me feel powerful despite my nervousness.

Eliana went downstairs first, leaving me to help Aurora with her little shoes.

"Will you stay with me all night, Aria?" she asked, her eyes full of hope.

"Not the entire night, sweetheart," I answered honestly. "But Eliana will take care of you, okay?"

She nodded, quickly recovering from her disappointment. As we left the room, I overheard Lucas telling Eliana he loved her, making me smile despite my uncertainty with Jace.

Aurora raced downstairs toward Jace, Gabriel, and Lucas while I carefully descended in my heels, gripping the railing to avoid tripping on my dress. The sudden silence made me look up.

Pride shone in Gabriel's eyes, and Lucas offered an approving smile. Jace handed Aurora to Gabriel and walked toward me, his gaze filled with admiration and desire. In that moment, I realized how much I loved him.

"You're absolutely stunning," he said softly.

I thanked him for the perfect dress and shoes, my cheeks burning under his intense gaze.

Gabriel approached with a contented expression: "You've truly become part of Moon Shadow Pack."

Jace offered his arm to help me navigate in my formal attire. "It's time we headed to the Blood Moon ceremony."

I took a deep breath and nodded.