The Human Girl Who Tamed Alpha King Chapter 46

ARIA

We walked outside and were surprised to see my adoptive father Gabriel, my adoptive brother Lucas with his mate Eliana, and my adoptive grandparents Michael and Nina. All waiting anxiously, their expressions caught between worry and anticipation.

Holy crap. Everyone's here? Seriously? This was supposed to be private—just Jace and me finding out about the baby. Now we've got a whole damn welcome committee. Dad must have told them where we were going. Typical Gabriel move.

"Hey guys," I said, trying to act casual while my heart hammered against my ribs. The sonogram picture felt like it was burning a hole in my pocket.

Dad stepped forward, arms crossed over his chest. His eyes darted between Jace and me, searching for confirmation.

"Well?" he asked, voice gruff but eyes soft. "What did the doctor say?"

I glanced at Jace, who gave me a small nod. This was my news to share if I wanted to. I reached into my pocket and pulled out the ultrasound picture, holding it up for everyone to see.

"Meet the newest member of our family," I said, unable to keep the smile from my face. "Due in about six months."

Grandma Whitman's hands flew to her mouth, tears instantly forming in her eyes. "Oh, dear. This is precious."

Dad stepped forward, taking the picture from my hands with more gentleness than I'd ever seen from him. He stared at it for a long moment, his expression unreadable.

"Dad?" I said softly. "You okay?"

He looked up, and to my surprise, his eyes were misty. "My little deer," he whispered, using the nickname I pretended to hate but secretly loved. "This is..."

When he couldn't finish, I moved forward and wrapped my arms around him. "I know, Dad."

Behind me, I heard Jace clear his throat. "Gabriel," he said, his voice firm but respectful. "I promise you I'll protect her. Both of them."

Dad pulled back from our embrace and looked at Jace over my shoulder. "I know you will, Alpha. Having Aurora already feels like a grandchild, but knowing my little girl is pregnant... it's special."

"I promise," Jace repeated, the weight of his words hanging in the air between them.

The small restaurant in Moon Shadow territory buzzed with energy as our family occupied the largest table. Plates of grilled meat and vegetables covered the surface as we celebrated the news.

"So, have you heard of the Sacred Moonlight Gathering?" I asked, reaching for my glass of water.

Lucas, mouth full of steak, pointed his fork at me. "Four warriors from each pack compete in different challenges," he explained after swallowing. "Tracking, combat, hunting..."

"And I'm guessing I can't participate this year," I said, my hand unconsciously moving to my still-flat stomach.

"No," Jace said firmly, then softened when he saw my expression. "But next year, if you want to, absolutely."

"Really?" I asked, surprised. Most Alphas wouldn't let their mates participate in anything dangerous.

Jace nodded. "Yes. If that's what you want."

Dad frowned slightly. "Remember, little deer, Black Forest Pack will be there." His voice lowered. "Warren too."

My stomach twisted at the name. Warren. The Alpha who had tried to force me to be his mate. The reason we'd fled to Moon Shadow territory in the first place.

"I know, Dad," I said, keeping my voice steady. "But I'll be with all of you. Besides, he'll see I'm Jace's mate now."

"Be prepared, little deer," Dad warned. "Because he's going to be furious."

"Don't worry, Gabriel," Jace said, his hand finding mine under the table. "He won't get near her. If I can't be by her side, I'll make sure Hunter is."

Despite the tension, I squeezed Jace's hand, grateful for his protection but still determined to stand my own ground. I wasn't the same scared girl who had fled Black Forest months ago.

The conversation shifted when Jace cleared his throat, addressing my grandparents directly.

"Mr. and Mrs. Whitman," he began formally, "would you do our pack the honor of becoming one of our elder couples?"

Grandma gasped, her fork clattering against her plate. "Alpha, we... I'm afraid I might not be up to it. We're getting old."

"But you are part of Moon Shadow's history," Jace countered. "Your daughter was a beloved warrior. Your foster granddaughter is my Luna. Your knowledge and wisdom would be invaluable to us."

My grandparents exchanged a look—one of those silent conversations that only people who've been together for decades can have.

Grandpa nodded slowly. "It would be our honor to serve you and our pack."

Jace smiled. "I'm also considering Hunter's grandfather Silas as our second elder. To balance the responsibilities."

"He would certainly be an asset," Grandma agreed, her eyes bright with pride.

That evening, Jace and I sat on Aurora's bed, the little girl between us as we prepared to share our news.

"Princess," Jace said, pulling the ultrasound picture from his pocket. "This is a picture of your brother or sister in Mommy's tummy."

Aurora's eyes widened as she stared at the grainy image. She looked up at me, her gaze dropping to my stomach. "The baby is in there?"

I nodded, taking her small hand and placing it gently on my belly. "The baby will stay in here for about six months. Until he or she is big enough to come out and meet us."

"Then we need to take care of him," Aurora said decisively.

"It might be a girl," Jace pointed out.

Aurora shook her head stubbornly. "No, it's a boy. I asked the Moon Goddess for a brother."

I tried not to laugh at her certainty. "What should we name him then?"

Aurora's face scrunched up in concentration. "Moon Shadow Prince!"

This time I did laugh. "Maybe something a little shorter for everyday use?"

"Can I help make the room ready?" Aurora asked, her eyes bright with excitement.

"Of course," I assured her, pulling her into a hug. "And I'll need your help telling stories and singing to the baby too. You're going to be the best big sister ever."

Jace watched us with such open love that it made my chest ache. This was my family now. All of it—the gruff warrior who'd raised me, my grandparents who'd always believed in me, and this beautiful little girl who'd accepted me without question.

Later that night, after reading Aurora her bedtime story and tucking her in, Jace and I finally collapsed into our own bed.

His strong arms wrapped around me, pulling me against his chest. "I love you, Ria," he murmured against my hair. "Thank you for not running away."

I turned in his arms to face him. "I love you, Jace. We'll face everything together. I promise."

His expression darkened slightly. "I won't let him near you, Ria."

I knew who he meant without him saying the name. Warren.

"I know you won't," I said, running my fingers along his jaw. "I trust you."

"You're mine," he growled, his eyes flashing with possessiveness.

I smiled, pressing a kiss to his lips. "I'm yours, and you're mine. Now and for the rest of our lives."

His mouth captured mine again, harder this time, hands sliding under my shirt as we gave in to the need that always simmered between us.

JACE

I am really going to be a dad again. I am grateful for having Aria and Aurora in my life. But having my mate carry my baby, it's an amazing feeling. I still can't wrap my head around it. The Blood Moon ritual worked, and now Aria's pregnant. Our child. The thought keeps hitting me over and over, sending waves of pride and fear through me.

A knock at my door pulled me back to reality.