The Human Girl Who Tamed Alpha King Chapter 44

Anger rose within me. "You pushed me to soul bind with my mate without telling us this? Without giving us a choice?"

Elder Kemp shrugged. "Moon Shadow Pack still needs an heir."

My control snapped. "Get out. Now. Stop hiding things from us. Prepare to be removed from your positions."

"Elder Thorn stays," I added. His decades of loyal service had earned him that right.

The others scrambled out while Elder Thorn remained, admitting he'd urged the council to inform us properly but was overruled. I dismissed him with instructions to begin selecting new council members.

Once alone, I dropped to my knees before Aria, taking her hands in mine. "I'm sorry, Ria. I never wanted to take away your choices. If you're not ready, I won't force you to continue this pregnancy. Whatever you decide, I'll support you."

Aria was quiet for so long that panic began to set in. Then she squeezed my hands.

"Jace, I love you, and I'll love this baby just as much as I love Aurora. I didn't expect this so soon, but we'll face it together."

Relief washed through me. "You're certain?"

She nodded. "Yes, Alpha. I want this because it's with you."

My throat tightened with emotion. "I promise, I won't stop you from training. I'll always support you."

Aria led me back to the chair and settled onto my lap again. She took my hand and placed it gently on her stomach. "Our baby might already be in here."

The thought hit me hard. Our child. Growing inside her.

ARIA

Three days blur together after the revelation. The pack buzzes with whispers about the elders' sudden removal, but no one dares ask Jace directly. He stands firm in his decision, announcing it publicly the morning after our conversation.

"Their judgment and loyalty to this pack have been compromised," he tells the gathered members, his voice carrying across the hall. "They've withheld critical information and attempted to manipulate pack affairs for their own agenda."

He pauses, his gaze sweeping over the crowd. "Elder Thorn will remain on the council. His wisdom and loyalty have never wavered, and we will need his guidance as we rebuild our leadership."

Elder Thorn stands beside Jace, his weathered face solemn but resolute. The old wolf has always been respected, but now he seems to stand taller, carrying the responsibility of being the sole remaining elder.

No one questions Jace's decision—not when his voice carries that unmistakable Alpha authority. Not when Phantom lurks so close to the surface, turning his eyes that eerie shade that signals his wolf's presence.

Gabriel arrives at our cabin that same evening, his face thunderous. At first, I think he's angry about the pregnancy, but I quickly realize his rage is directed entirely at the former elders.

"Those manipulative bastards," he growls, pacing our living room while Jace and I sit on the couch. "To withhold something so important—to try forcing this on you both without consent—" He can't even finish the sentence, his anger choking off his words.

When he finally calms enough to speak properly, he takes my hands in his.

"Are you okay with this, little deer?" he asks, his eyes searching mine. "This is your choice to make. No one else's."

I nod, squeezing his hands. "I am, Gabriel. Really."

He studies me for a long moment before nodding. "Then I'm happy for you both."

Now Jace is working with Elder Thorn to select new council members. Elder Thorn's experience proves invaluable; he knows every pack member's history, strengths, and character. Jace spends hours in meetings with him, Hunter, and other trusted advisors about potential candidates.

"Elder Thorn has been a godsend during this transition," Jace tells me one night as we lie in bed. "He knows where all the skeletons are buried—figuratively speaking. He's helping me avoid the same mistakes with the new council."

Today we're going to see Dr. Maya to confirm the pregnancy. We've decided not to tell Aurora or anyone else in the pack until we're 100% certain, but deep down, I already know. I can feel it—something deep inside me has changed. A new awareness, a subtle shift in my energy that I can't explain but somehow understand.

I knock on Jace's office door, waiting for his response before entering. He's on the phone, but when he sees me, he motions for me to come in. I walk over and sit on his lap without hesitation.

"Yes, that sounds like the best way to approach this," Jace says to whoever is on the other end of the call. "Okay, sounds good. But Alpha Marcus, it would be best if you had me excused for now. My mate and I have an appointment with our pack doctor."

He listens for a moment longer. "Thank you, Alpha. We will..." He ends the call and turns to me. "Sorry about that, baby. The phone meeting took longer than planned."

"It's fine. Everything okay?" I ask, playing with his fingers.

"Yes, it is. He just wanted to talk about this year's Sacred Moonlight Gathering. They're being held on his lands this year. He wanted confirmation on if we will attend this year."

"What exactly is the Sacred Moonlight Gathering?" I ask. Gabriel mentioned it a few times during my training, but never in detail.

"It's an event where packs come together to establish connections. There are tracking challenges through unfamiliar territory, combat demonstrations to showcase warrior skills, and hunting trials to prove prowess." His hand rests comfortably on my thigh as he explains. "At the end, there's a huge party for all unmated wolves. Many find their mates there."

I nod, thinking about how different my life would be if Jace and I hadn't already found each other. "When is it?"

"In two months."

"Are we attending?"

"Yes, Moon Shadow Pack does every year."

I think about how I might have met Jace there if things had gone differently. "I was planning to attend after my eighteenth birthday."

"And you would have kicked ass," he says with absolute certainty. "I know you can't compete this year. But if you still want to next year, I'm good with it."

I kiss him, overwhelmed by his understanding. "That's one of the reasons why I love you, Jace. You always let me be me and not try to make me into something else."

"You will still attend this year. But as my mate and Luna," he says, unmistakable pride in his voice.

I glance at the clock on the wall. "We should get going, or we'll be late."

Without warning, Jace stands, lifting me in his arms. I yelp in surprise, my hands automatically grabbing his shoulders for balance.

"Jace! Put me down!"

"No way. I love carrying you."

We leave the pack headquarters, heading toward the healing center. Pack members we pass bow their heads and smile. Some look surprised to see their Alpha carrying his mate through the compound, but no one dares comment.

"Seriously, Jace. Put me down. I can walk."

"Fine." He sets me down reluctantly, taking my hand instead. "But I'm not letting go."

"I wouldn't want you to."

Hand in hand, we walk toward the healing center. Our future—uncertain but full of promise—awaits us inside.