The Human Girl Who Tamed Alpha King Chapter 52

ARIR

The full moon came faster than I expected. And with it, another visit from Dr. Maya, checking on my pregnancy progress. I sat nervously on our bed while Jace paced outside.

"You can come in now," Dr. Maya called after finishing her examination.

Jace practically burst through the door, trying to look casual but failing miserably. His concern was sweet.

"Everything good?" he asked, voice tight with worry.

Dr. Maya nodded. "The pregnancy is progressing faster than normal human gestation. Because of your Primal Wolf bloodline, she'll likely deliver in about five months rather than nine."

I wasn't shocked. "I figured something was different. I'm already showing more than I should be at this stage."

"Is that dangerous?" Jace asked, sitting beside me and taking my hand.

"Not at all," Dr. Maya assured us. "The baby is developing perfectly. And the Moon Goddess Acceptance ceremony tonight won't pose any risk. The ritual is completely safe for both mother and child."

"You're sure?" I pressed, needing to hear it again.

"Positive. Your body is adapting remarkably well." Dr. Maya smiled. "I'll see you both at the ceremony."

After she left, Jace pulled me closer. "Phantom agrees with Dr. Maya. He says the moon energy will actually strengthen the bond between you and the baby."

I rested my head against his shoulder. "Five months. That's so fast."

"Too fast?" he asked, worry creeping back into his voice.

I shook my head. "No. Just different. I trust you and Dr. Maya."

"We'll go through this together," he promised. "And after the baby comes, you can decide when you want to get back to training. I know how important that is to you."

"Thank you." I kissed him. "For not trying to keep me in a protective bubble."

He laughed. "I'd try if I thought it would work. But I know better."

Aurora burst into the room, breaking our moment. "Mommy! Daddy! I told Ms. Eliana my brother is coming sooner!"

"We don't know it's a boy yet, princess," Jace reminded her.

Aurora crossed her arms stubbornly. "It is. I asked the Moon Goddess for a brother."

I laughed, pulling her onto the bed with us. "Well, we'll find out soon enough."

"I talk to him every day after school," she informed us proudly. "So he knows who I am when he comes out."

My heart melted watching her excitement. From the first moment, she'd accepted me completely. Now with our baby coming, I finally felt what a real family was supposed to be.

Over the next weeks, Gabriel worked with the warriors, preparing to select four for the Sacred Moonlight Gathering. I noticed Jace making sure I wasn't alone, though he tried to be subtle about it. He arranged for friends to "happen by" whenever he couldn't be with me. It should have annoyed me, but after what happened with Warren, I understood.

The pregnancy brought unexpected side effects. Dr. Maya called it "hormonal fluctuations," but all I knew was I couldn't keep my hands off Jace. It was embarrassing how much I wanted him. We'd barely make it into his office before I was tearing at his clothes. Our bedroom saw more action than a combat arena.

"This is getting ridiculous," I gasped one afternoon, collapsing onto the couch in his office. "I can't focus on anything when you're around."

"Again, not complaining," he said, earning a playful smack on his arm.

"Has this ever happened with other humans?" I asked.

"I don't know. You're the first human mate I've had." He kissed my forehead. "But Phantom seems to think it's normal. Something about the baby strengthening our bond."

I nodded, then sat up suddenly. "The ceremony's tonight. I need to get ready."

---

The day of the Moon Goddess Acceptance ceremony arrived. The pack women insisted I spend the morning relaxing. They prepared a special herb bath that smelled amazing, then gave me a massage that nearly put me to sleep.

Aurora stayed with me all day, twirling around in her new red dress that matched my ceremonial gown.

"Do you think Daddy will think I'm pretty?" she asked.

"He'll think you're the most beautiful girl in the world," I assured her, helping her adjust her dress.

The ceremony was ancient, binding me to the pack beyond my relationship with Jace. As a newcomer, I needed this connection to be accepted as his equal.

Almost time to go, I stood at the mirror fighting with my dress zipper. I couldn't reach it no matter how I tried. The frustration reminded me how different I was from the werewolves with their strength and agility.

Jace entered the room. Without a word, he stepped behind me, sliding the zipper closed before kissing my shoulder. "Need some help, beautiful?"

I relaxed against him. "Thanks."

"Ready?" he asked, watching me in the mirror.

I nodded, then smiled, thinking about his touch on my skin.

"What's funny?" he asked.

"Nothing. Just that you know exactly what your touch does to me."

He grinned, wrapping his arms around my waist. "Sorry, baby. I'll make it up to you later."

"You better," I whispered, turning to face him.

He picked up Aurora, who had been watching us from the doorway, and took my hand. "Let's go make it official."

---

The ancient arena took my breath away. Torches lined the walkways, casting warm light across stone structures that had stood for generations. A central platform waited for us.

"Wow," I breathed. "It's incredible."

"All for you," Jace told me. "The pack hasn't had a leader's mate for five years. They've missed having a female influence."

He guided us through the assembled crowd. Everyone went silent as we approached. Jace lifted me onto the platform first, then Aurora, before climbing up himself.

"Good evening, everyone," he called out.

"Good evening, Alpha," they responded in unison.

Jace began speaking about how Vanessa had rejected her role and left the pack five years ago. He mentioned the darkness they'd endured, especially Aurora. Then his tone changed as he talked about me.

"The Moon Goddess brought Aria into our lives," he said. "She is strong-willed and brave, a trained fighter who will help protect our pack. But she also has a heart big enough to love a man with a complicated past and a daughter who wasn't hers by birth."

Emotion welled up inside me at his words. Then he turned to the crowd with his next announcement.

"And now, I have the honor to announce that Aria is carrying our child. The next generation of Moon Shadow leadership grows within her."

The crowd erupted in cheers. When they quieted, Jace picked up a silver cup and ceremonial dagger from the altar.

"Aria Silverbrook," he said formally, taking my hand. "Do you accept the responsibility and honor of becoming the mate of the Moon Shadow Pack Alpha, to protect and help maintain our traditions, together with me?"

My voice came out clear and steady. "I accept."

"I, Jace Carter, Alpha of the Moon Shadow Pack, accept you as my mate. Together we will lead and keep our pack safe and strong."

He cut his palm, letting blood drip into the cup. I did the same without hesitation. When our blood mingled, something incredible happened. Warmth spread through me, more powerful than when I first joined the pack. It felt like energy flowing from the cup into my veins, connecting me to something ancient and powerful.

Jace bandaged my hand gently, kissed it, then turned to address the crowd.

"Moon Shadow Pack," he announced, "I give you your Alpha's mate."

The full moon broke through the clouds, bathing us in silver light. As one, the pack knelt, voices rising:

"Alpha Jace, Alpha-Mate Aria!"