The Human Girl Who Tamed Alpha King Chapter 40

JACE

When we entered the hall, all conversation immediately ceased. Pack members bowed their heads in unison, showing respect to their Alpha. More surprising was how many faces lit up with genuine smiles seeing Aria enter with me. She had earned their respect.

I led Aria through the crowd to the main table prepared for high-ranking warriors and myself. Gabriel, Lucas, and Eliana were already seated, waiting for us to join.

After we took our seats, I stood to address the pack. The hall instantly quieted.

"Hey everyone, thanks for coming to our Blood Moon celebration tonight. This moon is really important to us - it's when our ancestors first started Moon Shadow Pack."

I looked around, ensuring everyone was listening.

"Tonight we celebrate not only the Blood Moon, but also a special birthday," I glanced at Aria, "Let's make this night unforgettable."

Pack members began to cheer, many shouting birthday wishes to Aria. Her cheeks flushed slightly, but I could tell she was pleased.

Dinner began, with young pack members serving the main table. Aria conversed naturally with everyone at the table, keeping the atmosphere relaxed. I noticed how she always offered warm smiles to the young wolves serving us, thanking them sincerely, even thoughtfully reminding them to enjoy the food themselves when they could.

Phantom rumbled with satisfaction inside me. *She will make a perfect Luna,* he stated firmly.

After dessert, warriors quickly moved the tables to the sides of the hall, expanding the central dance floor. Traditional music played as several young werewolf couples began dancing.

I turned to Aria, extending my hand. "Dance with me, little hunter?"

She smiled, accepting my invitation and following me to the center of the dance floor. Through mind-link, I signaled the musicians to play a traditional Moon Shadow ballad—an ancient love song about werewolves and the moon.

As the music began, I pulled Aria close, and we started to turn slowly on the dance floor. I noticed Scarlett and several unmated she-wolves standing nearby, whispering among themselves, but I chose to ignore them. Tonight belonged only to Aria and me.

I lowered my head, softly humming the ancient love song in Aria's ear. She leaned against my chest, our bodies moving perfectly together with the music.

When the song ended, I didn't immediately let her go. "I feel this song was made for you," I said softly, "Tonight you're so radiant, every time I look at you, I can feel Phantom stirring excitedly within me."

She smiled, her eyes reflecting a depth of feeling I'd never seen before.

As the night deepened, I noticed the time approaching eleven o'clock. Only about an hour until midnight and the Blood Moon's zenith. I needed to be alone with Aria, to be by her side when she turned eighteen and whatever changes might come.

I walked over to Eliana, who was holding the sleeping Aurora. "Eliana, I need some time alone with Aria," I said quietly, "Can you look after Aurora?"

"Of course, Alpha," she nodded in understanding.

I then found Gabriel and briefly explained the situation. He nodded with a smile, patting my shoulder. "Good luck, Alpha."

Returning to Aria, I took her hand. "Come with me, I want to show you something."

She looked at me curiously but didn't question, just gripped my hand, letting me lead.

We left the noisy hall, the cool night air immediately surrounding us. The moon hung high, emitting an unusual red glow. The Blood Moon had begun.

"You might want to take off your heels," I suggested, "We'll be crossing through some forest."

She nodded, quickly removing her stilettos. Hand in hand, we walked through the Montana mountain pines toward the lakeside clearing I had specially prepared. Along the way, I could feel her curiosity and anticipation.

Finally, we reached our destination. The lake was mirror-calm, reflecting the red glow of the Blood Moon. On the clearing by the lake, I had placed several handcrafted lanterns and a bench covered with soft furs.

"Wow," Aria gasped softly, "This is beautiful."

"I wanted tonight to be about more than just the Blood Moon ceremony," Jace said, guiding me toward the furs. "Something special, just for us."

We sat quietly, gazing at the Blood Moon's reflection on the lake surface. I felt an unprecedented nervousness. It was time to tell her the truth.

ARIA

"I have something to tell you," Jace said, his voice gentle. "You're my true mate."

I was shocked. Everything suddenly made sense — the instant connection when we first met, the way my body responded to his presence, the constant pull toward him despite all logic.

My breath caught as he leaned in, claiming my lips with his. The kiss was different from our others — more significant, binding. I could almost feel threads of destiny weaving around us, tying us together.

When we finally broke apart, I stared at him. "You knew all along, didn't you?"

Jace nodded, keeping me close. "Since you first crossed into Moon Shadow territory. But I wanted you to discover it yourself, to feel the connection form naturally. Please don't be angry."

"I'm not angry, Jace." I pressed my palm against his chest, feeling his heartbeat. "That day at the border, I felt this weird sense of safety. Now I know why."

"Even without the mate bond, these weeks with you..." He tucked a strand of hair behind my ear. " I was already falling for you. You're the first person who made me want to believe in love again."

I smiled, thinking of how far we'd come. "I used to worry about being alone forever, the human among wolves. Turns out fate had other plans."

We sat on the furs, facing the blood moon's reflection on the water. His arm wrapped around me, protective but not possessive.

"There's a ritual," Jace said softly. "To formalize the mate bond. If you're ready."

I nodded, my heart racing. This was it — my choice, my future.

Jace stood, pulling me to my feet. His expression turned solemn, almost reverent.

"I, Jace Carter, Alpha of the Moon Shadow Pack, descendant of the Primal Wolves, accept you, Aria Silverbrook, as my destined mate, my Luna, mother to my daughter, other half of my soul."

The ancient words carried power. I felt it wash over me as I spoke my response.

"I, Aria Silverbrook, accept you, Alpha Jace Carter, as my destined mate, my protector. I will stand beside you as your Luna, your support, Aurora's mother."

Something shifted in the air between us. A warm energy flowed between our bodies. I gasped at the sensation.

"Ria, you're everything to me."

"I love you too, my Alpha."

Jace's lips found my neck, sucking hard, marking me. "You're so damn sexy," he groaned, voice thick with hunger. His mouth moved to my breast, tongue flicking my nipple, making it harden. I moaned, loud and unashamed. My back arched, pushing closer, and he didn't stop, switching between them until I was a mess.

His hand slipped between my thighs, fingers brushing my panties. I was dripping, and he knew it. "God, you're so wet," he said, voice filthy, pushing the fabric aside. His fingers found my clit, stroking slow, making me gasp, hips jerking.

"Jace, please," I begged. He slid two fingers inside me, curling them perfectly. I moaned as he kissed down my body, his mouth finding my clit. I grabbed his hair while he pleasured me.